I was reluctant to have my name entered into the system of CCW holders, as Ohio always had an affirmative defense long before it issued permits. I eventually came to the realization that the fact that I was a gun owner was probably no secret to the state anyways, and unless you've never been employed, never ysed a credit card, never had a bank account, or a birth certificate, there is no way to be off the government grid. There are also more gun owners than those who don't in Ohio, so I reasoned it was easier to maintain a low profile in the larger group. In Ohio, your hunting license is tied to your drivers license as well as your CCL, which is also tied to your vehicle registration. The license is for the individual to carry, and is not tied to firearms ownership, or specific guns owned or carried. No guns are registered. The police know if you are a CCL holder before they ever get out of their car. In Ohio you must inform them if you are carrying. To me, its a good idea anyways so as not to "surprise" them, and for the same reason I keep my hands in plain sight on the wheel when I get pulled over. If I were a cop, what would I want to see? It's also a good idea to inform them if you are NOT carrying since they already know you have a CCL, and it makes them feel more at ease. I advised my son to do the same since his vehicle is registered to me.
In general I have found that most cops here are generally supportive, and I was surprised that some of the local sheriff departments were actually promoting CCLs. After i got my training certificate, I went to the sherriff who issues permits here, and was expecting an interrogation, and instead was warmly congratulated. In my small town, it common to be pulled over for really dumb stuff when they are fishing. I have not been pulled over since I got my CCL almost two years ago, and I believe it is because I have it.
The one thing the officer in our CC class said that made sense to me was "Once I determine the identity of the driver is also the CCL holder, I can breath a lot easier."
Another importnat thing to keep in mind is that I've always believed a license to carry was unconstitutional, but at the same time, the sheer number of CCLs out there is the stepping stone to the restoration of Constitutional carry. We lost our rights incrementally, and we can only get them back in the same way. When you obtain a CCL, you are casting your vote for Constitutional carry.
