Good LEO encounter

[ptmmatssc]

Was on my way home from work the other day and passed one of the local LEOs . Looked back and saw him turn around . Checked my speed (yup fine) , seatbelt? Check. Inspection sticker? Yup , good .

He finally catches up with me and I pull over . Had my wallet out already and all papers in order . He came up and asked if I knew why he pulled me over . I honestly didn't know and told him so .
he said " your missing your front plate " (need both in this state)
"can I see your license , registration , and proof of insurance ? "
"Sure " I said , and handed over all of it as well as my concealed permit .
He said " I don't need that" referring to permit.
"are you carrying right now?"
I said yes and the next thing he said threw me off guard . He said , while laughing a little " Are you planning on using it?"
I almost didn't know what to say but ended up saying , while laughing myself " No , "
He proceeded to tell me that he's been seeing a lot of people with concealed permits lately .
We talked for a few minutes and he said he didn't have any problems with people having permits or guns for that matter , as long as they were "lawful" with them .

He ended up just giving me a warning for the plate and sent me on my way . In all , it was a great "non incident" .

People keep talking about the "bad " incidences with LEOs , but need to get out the good ones to .

 

[Heavy Metal Hero]

" Are you planning on using it?"

You should have told him you plan on using the high powered assault weapon in your trunk first.

 

[MrPeter]

I've had a similar but not so positive experience with an LEO. I was pulled over, even though my speed and all that was fine. When he asked me if I knew why I was pulled over, I said, "No." He told me that about 3 miles ago I didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign (this is in the middle of the woods at night where there is no other traffic, and I swear I did stop at that stop sign, like I always do). I told him I always stop at that stop sign and if I didn't then I will make sure I do it next time.
AAAAnyway, during my expression of regret and apology the LEO was shining his light all over the place inside my (at the time) 1993 buick skylark, a very spacious car. I had gone shooting earlier that day with my CZ75B .40, and had a box of wolf in the passenger seat.
The LEO interrupted me, "Sir are there any weapons in the vehicle?"
"No officer."
"What are those bullets doing there?"
"Oh those? I must have not put them in my trunk. I went shooting earlier today."
"Are you sure there are no weapons in the car sir?"
"Yes, I'm sure"
LEO walks away, does whatever it is he does on his laptop in his squad car, and walks back.
"Sir are you sure there no weapons in the car?"
"Yes officer, if there were I would have no problem telling you about them. You can have a look if you like" (I had nothing to hide, and I wanted this guy to get off of my back).
Then he says to me, "I have a family I want to go home to tonight. Us police officers have to be cautious."

This was a campus police officer pulling over an obvious college student, well dressed, in a crappy old car, clearly going home for the holidays (clothes in back seat, I didn't use the trunk because it didn't close right) in the lowest-crime statistic area of the STATE, and he was lecturing me about how dangerous his job is, and how I had that GLEAM in my eye like I wanted to shoot him? A family to go home to? You've got to be kidding me?!

He let me go with a warning. I felt violated.
...Sorry, didn't mean to threadjack. Please reply to OP's post.

 

[35Rem]

Had a similar good experience a few years back. This was a traffic stop, though, for DUI's. Handed officer license and Reg., he saw my CCW from FL (This is in AL, current residence), he asked about it and asked if there were any in the car (yes, in glove box), did I have a AL permit? (No, FL's is reciprocal) OK, but get an AL permit to be covered in the future. Didn't want to see it, nothing. have a good evening, be careful, etc.... Thanks...

 

[Gunbabe]

I'm surprised you didn't mention it right away. It was stressed so much in our course that you put both hands on the steering wheel and tell them immediately that you have a ccw permit and whether you are carrying or not.

 

[CountGlockula]

That cop sounded pretty friendly. Looks like you have a friend in the PD! That's REALLY good to have.

 

[romma]

he said he didn't have any problems with people having permits or guns for that matter , as long as they were "lawful" with them .

I don't have a problem with police having authority to carry as long as they are lawful with them either.

I don't want to sound too negative, and the cop sounds nice and all, but it almost sounds as though if he personally did have a problem with law abiding citizens carrying, that it would matter or something.

Over all, there are worse elements wearing uniforms out there.

 

[Cougfan2]

Had a good experience here in Oregon with an LEO. I did California a stop. I was creeping, but technically did not come to a full stop. The worst think is I did it right in front of the LEO that I knew was there.:banghead:

He pulled me over, very polite. I handed him my license and CCW. He asked if I was carrying and I said yes. I told him my Glock was in the Bianchi bag on the passenger seat. He asked if he could set it on the tool box of my truck while he went back to start writing the ticket. I said no problem.

At the end he thanked me for immediately showing him my CCW. He says that even though he knew I had a CCW when he ran my plate, he appreciated the gesture.

 

[damien]

This was one of the types of threads that I miss from PDO.

 

[nbkky71]

The last time I was stopped the NC State Trooper was more interested in my outdated registration sticker than the S&W 637 on my hip.

 

[ptmmatssc]

don't want to sound too negative, and the cop sounds nice and all, but it almost sounds as though if he personally did have a problem with law abiding citizens carrying, that it would matter or something.

He didn't say as "as long as law abiding citizens are lawful with them" . He said he didn't have a problem with PEOPLE having them as long as they WERE lawful with them . In other words , not committing crimes with them .

I have met another officer and the chief and both of them are polite as well as professional . The chief was at our club gun show and was asked if he had any problems signing off for silencers or full autos and he said "no, why would I have a problem with it . If they don't have a criminal background , then they can have what they want " .

As a side note . The old chief as well as his officers were thrown out and replaced by the ones we have now . Basically , the citizens and town council removed "bad apples" and replaced them because of their lack of professionalism .

 

[MT GUNNY]

I was pulled over for speeding one morning in company vehical,
He ask for lic. and reg. inc. he then went to his car and did his thing ,
When he came back he asked if I had any firearms, I said no, then went on to say Im supposed to Inform the officer of CCL , I said ok and I was on my way.

I later looked up the law and discoverd that I dont have to Inform the officer!
If this happens again I will not Inform cuz they allready know when they run the plates or DL

 

[Werewolf]

The last good experience I had with a cop was way back in 1976. I was in the Navy and going back to Charleston Naval Base after a Christmas leave.

I was traveling at my normal 80 MPH on a state highway in AL when I saw a state trooper parked on the side of the highway. I knew right then that I was busted so I slowed down and just pulled over about a 1/4 mile down the highway. The trooper drove up and not knowing any better (HEY! It was 1976) I got out of my car about the time he did and reached for my wallet!

Bad Move - really, really BAD! move.

Within the blink of an eye (yes it was that fast) the trooper had drawn his big ole revolver pointed it at me and yelled freeze! I did - freeze that is - within the blink of an eye. I then explained all I was doin' was getting my wallet out so I could show him my DL.

He allowed that that was OK - just do it really, really slow - which I did. I always kept my military ID next to my DL. One thing led to another, we discussed this that and the other thing and he let me off with a verbal warning and an admonishment not to drive on AL highways at 80 anymore.

He actually seemed a bit embarassed about pulling his weapon on me. Apologized even - to which I responded with some inane comment about how he was just doin' his job.

And that was the last time I ever had a good experience with a cop. Since then I've been stopped for nothing more than a traffic violation 4 times and 3 of those were for an expired inspection sticker. In every case the cops acted like I was some kind of low life scum that needed to be closely watched and treated with suspicion and god help me if I talked back to them. Control freaks each and every one.

I was raised to believe that the police were our friend. I stopped believing that a long time ago.

 

[Torchman]

LOL...I got caught in a speed trap while hunting one day...while moving to a new spot. I saw the cop running radar...and was pulling over before he even hit lights..(KNOWN speed trap...dont think BUCK behind the wheel...FOCUS!!!) I had a .308, bolt open on rear seat. On my right hip IWB was a Firestar .45. Of course I am in tacticool realtree also. He asked for Lisence of course..."Officer, I have a .45 next to my wallet" Him.."OK, just grab the wallet and not the .45...your permit in the wallet also?" End of story...I was cool, he was cool...and the county got me for 76.00!!!

 

[Red Dragon]

It's refreshing to see positive experiences with LEOs mentioned. I've been getting really tired of reading constant cop bashing on this site. Cops are like every other large group of people, most are relatively good and some are major asses. People need to stop letting the asses represent the entire LEO community.

If we were going by the same view in regards to gun owners, those few morons who break every safety rule and use their weapons inappropriately would have to be the representatives for all of us.

 

[The Unknown User]

It's nice to hear some positive LEO stories. People never hesitate to complain, but never even consider complimenting.

 

[FieroCDSP]

I'm surprised you didn't mention it right away. It was stressed so much in our course that you put both hands on the steering wheel and tell them immediately that you have a ccw permit and whether you are carrying or not

Gunbabe, in our state, it's jail time if you don't. Other states have luxuries we can dream of for now and work to get later.

 

[ptmmatssc]

My state doesn't require informing the officer unless they ask . I personally do it as a courtesy . Our permits are not tied to the state database , so I COULD just stay mum .

 

[308win]

I'm surprised you didn't mention it right away. It was stressed so much in our course that you put both hands on the steering wheel and tell them immediately that you have a ccw permit and whether you are carrying or not.

Ohio has "must advise if carrying language" when you have any encounter with an LEO and the statute isn't specific to autos.

 

[davinci]

when I was a teenager we had a 40 cal taurus that a friend of mine (we were both under 21 but over 18) had borrowed from his cousin who had purchased the pistol. He kept it in a locking cashbox in the trunk of my car. Sure enough, we were going 52 in a 45 when we got pulled over. My friend was starting to freak out. I told him not to worry about it, i'd take the fall since he worked at the prison as an LEO and I would be in trouble for it being in my car anyway.

Young policeman came up to the passenger side window and shined his light like they always do... "what you fellas doing tonight?" "dropped his cousin off, I'm the taxi tonight." "ok, licenses and registration." then he says the best possible thing he could have said... "what are you boys smoking in here?"
my friend and I just look at each other and I actually laughed. "I smoke marlboro's, he's a non-smoker." "smells like pot." takes our licenses back to his car, the conversation in my car was something like "uh, we've got a gun in the trunk and he asks about weed? great, he thinks we're stoners!"

sure enough comes back with our licenses. and says "it smells like burnt trash from out here. you know how fast you were going?" "about 50, I don't like to speed when there might be deer around." "it's 45 back there, you were at 52." "I understand, I guess I didn't see the sign. I saw you were back there a while back, so I was purposefully going 5 under just because of that." he didn't say anything, went back to his car, came back with a warning. told me to watch the signs...then leaned in the car to get a good sniff, and then I asked him... "actually, I'm kinda glad you pulled me over. I was thinking about getting into the highway patrol program upstate next spring." (i actually was, but didn't need any info from him) and he says "ya?" I say "well, I'm not in great shape and I'm a smoker. I've heard that they make boot camp look weak."

He started off into some kinda power-trip "oh ya it's tough as hell. I didn't get into the army because I've got health problems but I know that the Highway patrol program is much tougher and you've got to be in tip top shape to do it, but I always scored very well on my physical fitness tests." blah blah blah. I'm surprised he didn't lean over and ask me to 'feel his muscle'

Anyhow, he sent us on our way, gun and all... that's another LEO feelgood story I think you folks would enjoy.

 

[The Unknown User]

I see no problem with informing a LEO if I'm carrying. (I don't carry, so I never have to, but would if I did carry.)

Think about it: every given day they work, they have the potential to be shot at. Criminals carry guns the same way CHL holders carry. The only real differences are that (1) CHL holders don't intend to use their gun maliciously, and (2) CHL holders don't pose a threat to LEO's.

So, why not just inform them of that fact? Officer safety is of big concern during a traffic stop. We've all seen an officer pull someone over only to get shot in the vest.

So, if you're going to get pulled over, signal, pull over, stop, park, and turn on your interior light. Keep your hands visible at all times, and calmly inform them that you are carrying legally, and have your license.

Just how I see it.

I've had a similar but not so positive experience with an LEO. I was pulled over, even though my speed and all that was fine. When he asked me if I knew why I was pulled over, I said, "No." He told me that about 3 miles ago I didn't come to a complete stop at a stop sign (this is in the middle of the woods at night where there is no other traffic, and I swear I did stop at that stop sign, like I always do). I told him I always stop at that stop sign and if I didn't then I will make sure I do it next time.
AAAAnyway, during my expression of regret and apology the LEO was shining his light all over the place inside my (at the time) 1993 buick skylark, a very spacious car. I had gone shooting earlier that day with my CZ75B .40, and had a box of wolf in the passenger seat.
The LEO interrupted me, "Sir are there any weapons in the vehicle?"
"No officer."
"What are those bullets doing there?"
"Oh those? I must have not put them in my trunk. I went shooting earlier today."
"Are you sure there are no weapons in the car sir?"
"Yes, I'm sure"
LEO walks away, does whatever it is he does on his laptop in his squad car, and walks back.
"Sir are you sure there no weapons in the car?"
"Yes officer, if there were I would have no problem telling you about them. You can have a look if you like" (I had nothing to hide, and I wanted this guy to get off of my back).
Then he says to me, "I have a family I want to go home to tonight. Us police officers have to be cautious."

This was a campus police officer pulling over an obvious college student, well dressed, in a crappy old car, clearly going home for the holidays (clothes in back seat, I didn't use the trunk because it didn't close right) in the lowest-crime statistic area of the STATE, and he was lecturing me about how dangerous his job is, and how I had that GLEAM in my eye like I wanted to shoot him? A family to go home to? You've got to be kidding me?!

I'm not attacking you, or saying you're wrong, but I disagree that he was "lecturing you" and "violating" you.

Having a box of ammunition in plain view implies you have a firearm in the car, so he asked. He didn't believe you, so he asked you again. If anything, he was being nice asking you again to give you the opportunity to own up to it.

Now, if he said that part about him wanting to go home to his family exactly the way you quoted him, then yeah, that comes off a little self-righteous, but it's the truth.

Saying he "must be kidding" for wanting to go home to see his wife and kids isn't really fair. I'm pretty sure most officers don't want to get shot.

If anything, I commend that officer for being safe, despite the fact that you gave no indication you were a threat. If officers start to let their guard down, it'll eventually catch up with them.

I also commend you for not being a jerk, being polite, honest, and even offering the officer the right to search your vehicle.

Again, not attacking you, just sharing my input.

 

[cnorman18]

Another good one

When I was in college (Michigan State, class of '73), I got pulled over one night for having a headlight out. I knew it was out, but was just trying to avoid driving at night till I could get it fixed. But I stayed late at a friend's apartment, and sure enough, there was the cop in my rearview mirror, lights flashing.

He asks for my license and registration, and then asks, "Mr. Norman, did you know you have a broken headlight?"

I answer innocently, "Gosh, no, Officer. Did you know that YOU do, too?"

He looked back at his patrol car. "Well, I'll be damned." then he grinned at me. "Guess I can't give you a ticket for somethin' I'm doin' myself, can I?"

I grinned back and said, "I hope not!"

He gave back my papers and said, "Let's get 'em fixed, OK?" And that was it.

A lucky break if there ever was one--and I somehow managed to avoid being a wise guy, which probably helped..

 

[BigBlock]

I was pulled over a few days ago because I forgot to turn on my headlights for about 100 yards after I left a parking lot. (the area was brightly lit) It was late and I was tired so my eyes looked kind of suspicious, and he made me get out and do the drunk test. We ended up having a nice conversation about my truck ('77 chevy) and the one like it he was restoring. I opened the hood and let him look at the big monster I hide in there.

I wish very much all cops could be like that, but the unfortunate truth is I could sit here and type all night about bad incidents I've had with the cops, they far outweigh the good ones. That doesn't mean all cops are bad, but it does mean I have to instantly react as though they are, until they prove otherwise.

 

[Red Dragon]

That doesn't mean all cops are bad, but it does mean I have to instantly react as though they are, until they prove otherwise.

I found that to be an interesting statement.

One of the things most cops learn is how to read people. If he is reading that someone is reacting negatively towards, it will effect his approach. I'm not necessarily saying that your approach is like a self-fulfilling prophecy, ("I think this guy is gonna be a raging a-hole so I'm going to treat him like a raging a-hole thereby making the guy act like a raging a-hole") but it probably doesn't help things.

 

[wideym]

I've had good and bad experinces with the PD since getting my CCW.

I was pulled over in Oklahoma for doing 60 in a 55mph road. When the officer asked for my licence and registration, I also handed over my CCW permit. The next thing I knew his hand was on his pistol. He asked if I had any weapons in my car. I told him I had my 45 in the glove box. He then said Don't Move!, went around my car and opened the glove box and removed my Colt. He had it pointing towards me the whole time he tried to clear it. Then he goes to his cruiser for about 15 minutes. When he comes back and I ask him whats the problem, he replied he was checking to see if it was stolen. Why would a CCW permit holder carry a stolen gun? Oh yea, he gave me a 105 dollar speeding ticket which I would have been fine with except for the stolen gun crap.

The other time I was pulled over it was by a Arkansas State Trooper. Once again for speeding. (I have a lead foot) When I handed him my license,registration,and permit he asked if I was carrying. I told him yes and and we proceeded to has a 20 minute conversation on firearms and concealed carry! He told me he liked my Colt, but prefered his Sig. I left with a verbal warning and some tips on IWB holsters. Maybe thats the differnce in small town/speedtrap PD and State Highway Patol.