CAPTAIN MIKE
Member
..Couple of Hints
# 1: When carrying and driving, it's my habit to keep my license, registration, CCW permit and military ID all in a small pocket above my head in the driver's side upper visor. That way, if stopped, I don't have to reach into a back pocket to retrieve the ID, CCW permit, etc. Makes the officer less nervous.
# 2: When stopped, I calmly keep my hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock position and lower both windows when coming to a stop, presuming that the officer will be coming up on the right side (to avoid traffic danger). Since my sidearm is fairly visible on my right hip in a Yacqui holster, by keeping my hands up and only moving when the officer indicates it's okay, I lower his worry about officer safety and I'm not making any unseen or sudden moves that will make either him or his partner 'nervous'.
# 3: I never refer to my firearms as a 'GUN'. I start by stating that I am a CCW permit holder and that my "sidearm" (less threatening term) is on my right hip and then I ask the officer -- "How do you want me to proceed?" That way, the officer gets to have what he needs -- control of the situation -- and he knows that I am being compliant, and that I'm cooperating with him (or her).
My experiences this way have been positive, every time so far. Twice I have ended up in a friendly conversation comparing my Kimber CDP II 1911 to the officer's duty weapon, etc. In both of those cases I gave the officer my card and said that if he had any friends or family members who needed to renew their CCW, I'd be glad to help them. In the third instance, the officer was polite, professional and told me to look after my right rear tail light. I thanked him for stopping me and letting me know and said I appreciate him "being out here". He told me to have a nice day and sent me on my way without a ticket.
Two of these three instances took place in the People's Socialist Republic of California and one took place in Nevada.
Lessons learned: Cops have a right to be concerned about officer safety and we should do what we can to put them at ease in dealing with us. Also, if a CCW permit holder is polite, professional etc. about things and shows courtesy to the officer, it is more than likely going to be reciprocated.
I realize that not all officers are this way, but my 3 experiences have been good -- and I attribute that as much to my own behavior and attitude as to anything else. I hope these comments are helpful to someone else, and that if so, you can pass them along in a positive way to yet another.
# 1: When carrying and driving, it's my habit to keep my license, registration, CCW permit and military ID all in a small pocket above my head in the driver's side upper visor. That way, if stopped, I don't have to reach into a back pocket to retrieve the ID, CCW permit, etc. Makes the officer less nervous.
# 2: When stopped, I calmly keep my hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock position and lower both windows when coming to a stop, presuming that the officer will be coming up on the right side (to avoid traffic danger). Since my sidearm is fairly visible on my right hip in a Yacqui holster, by keeping my hands up and only moving when the officer indicates it's okay, I lower his worry about officer safety and I'm not making any unseen or sudden moves that will make either him or his partner 'nervous'.
# 3: I never refer to my firearms as a 'GUN'. I start by stating that I am a CCW permit holder and that my "sidearm" (less threatening term) is on my right hip and then I ask the officer -- "How do you want me to proceed?" That way, the officer gets to have what he needs -- control of the situation -- and he knows that I am being compliant, and that I'm cooperating with him (or her).
My experiences this way have been positive, every time so far. Twice I have ended up in a friendly conversation comparing my Kimber CDP II 1911 to the officer's duty weapon, etc. In both of those cases I gave the officer my card and said that if he had any friends or family members who needed to renew their CCW, I'd be glad to help them. In the third instance, the officer was polite, professional and told me to look after my right rear tail light. I thanked him for stopping me and letting me know and said I appreciate him "being out here". He told me to have a nice day and sent me on my way without a ticket.
Two of these three instances took place in the People's Socialist Republic of California and one took place in Nevada.
Lessons learned: Cops have a right to be concerned about officer safety and we should do what we can to put them at ease in dealing with us. Also, if a CCW permit holder is polite, professional etc. about things and shows courtesy to the officer, it is more than likely going to be reciprocated.
I realize that not all officers are this way, but my 3 experiences have been good -- and I attribute that as much to my own behavior and attitude as to anything else. I hope these comments are helpful to someone else, and that if so, you can pass them along in a positive way to yet another.