Incredible Traffic Stop

[papercut]

This conversation reminds me of the one time I was pulled over when I had a gun with me. (That is, I was only pulled over once, not that I only had a gun with me one time when I was driving. In case anyone was confused.)

Unlike Wyo, I've generally only had positive encounters with police in an official way. (Unofficially, some Cobb County police officers are suspicious of anyone who tries to be polite to them. But you didn't hear that from me.) And I've never had experience with cops in a guns-are-bad state.

Anyway, my experience was with a Fulton County P.O. who pulled me over for speeding. (I was only going a _little_ over the limit, I promise! Less than double.) When he got to the question about whether or not I had any guns with me, I (legally) had to answer yes. I'm still not sure how his eyeballs landed back in their sockets after bouncing off the inside of my car.... But anyway, in his shock and surprise, he gave me the choice of giving him the gun for the duration of the stop or keeping my hands on top of the steering wheel.

Now it was _my_ turn for strange biological gymnastics. I opted for the jaw-bouncing-off-the-floor variety. And for keeping my hands on the wheel.

And so I got my ticket and went on my way.

 

[wyocarp]

he gave me the choice of giving him the gun for the duration of the stop or keeping my hands on top of the steering wheel.

Well that makes about as much sense as the patrolmen that emptied the magazines that were in the guns in my vehicle during a stop but left ALL of the spare magazines full that were right beside the guns.

 

[RustyShackelford]

weapons, LEOs and traffic stops...

IMO,
I feel that many sworn LEOs that pull "road duty" or do uniformed traffic stops are mostly concerned with officer safety. That's why they ask if you have any weapons in the car or if you are carrying any loaded firearms. Now some cops are more mature and professional then others when it comes to weapons and concealed carry permits/licenses. I have seen a few sworn LEOs that get uptight and a few are laid back. This is also based on how or if they run an NCIC(national crime information center) check too, . More law enforcement FTOs(training officers) should have better training for new/young officers in dealing with CC license/permit holders or sworn LEOs who are off duty. I worked with a black LEO(deputy sheriff) who drove with his family from FL to CA and had four seperate traffic stops, . He had his S&W 9mm pistol with him and did not have any problems, AFTER he showed his badge and creds, .
More police chiefs, DAs and or county sheriffs should explain to the local public EXACTLY what they should do in traffic stops or when they have a field interview/contact with a sworn LEO. This would be a great way to prevent any future problems too, .
Rusty

 

[Battlespace]

Wyoming Native

My contacts with LEO in Wyoming were 40+ years ago. My second cousin gave me a speeding ticket which was deserved as he could have written me for reckless/careless operation but opted for the cheaper "driving too fast for conditions" instead. Our county sheriff was a great guy, he and his "undersheriff" would raid a party, make us pour the beer out and then promise to have a designated driver drive home. What a great place Wyoming was to grow up in!

 

[Poper]

I was stopped on a Wy state highway NE of Wheatland by a County Sheriff last fall for going 20+ over the limit after dark. He and I were the only vehicles on the road during the entire encounter. I received a warning ticket and advice regarding the movements of deer in the area after dark. Very professional, very courteous, very comfortable.

IMHO, there appears to be a large majority of excellent LEO's serving Wy.

Poper

 

[wyocarp]

Poper, you were stopped by a sheriff you said. I have had some interactions with sheriffs that were far superior than any other types of enforcement. They seem to be more down to earth and not wound as tight.

 

[Thernlund]

Poper, you were stopped by a sheriff you said. I have had some interactions with sheriffs that were far superior than any other types of enforcement. They seem to be more down to earth and not wound as tight.

I know you guys are talking about Wyoming, but I'll chime in that this is my experience as well (here in AZ at least). City cops are pretty high strung (on average). Highway Patrol and Sheriffs Dept. are alot more easy going.


-T.

 

[Poper]

WYOCARP,
That is correct. However, I was driving a car with an out-of-state plate. I expected to be issued a ticket by a stern, formal LEO. The interaction I experienced was rather surprising, I must say.
Poper