Public and Law Enforcement Attitudes on Concealed Carry in Fairfax County, Virginia

[Anthony]

Hello Everyone,

I am planning a trip to Fairfax County, Virginia in 2003. As I have a valid Texas concealed handgun license (CHL) I can legally carry in this state under reciprocity. Having confirmed these details I started wondering what the general sentiment toward civilian concealed carry was in Fairfax County Virginia.

As I have only carried concealed here in Texas I have enjoyed a rather long and positive experience as many carry around here and many others don't particularly care. Also, law enforcement has historically been very positive about it. In the several traffic stops I have had since getting my CHL I have never been disarmed by the law enforcement officer. Most simply asked where the gun was located and asked me to just keep my hands on the steering wheel. Once when three of us were packing multiple guns each the officer just rolled his eyes and said, "Ok ok...just keep the hands where I can see them while I process this. We laughed while he was gone. Another even asked me for carry tips!! No kidding!!

Can anyone shed some light on how the public and local law enforcement view civilian concealed carry in Fairfax County, Virginia?

Thanks for the help.

- Anthony

 

[coati]

My opinion only, obtained from some who live there and from news and VCDL accounts, is that Fairfax County government would prefer to not be a party to Virginia's concealed carry laws. It's a very urbanized area and many ways different from the thinking of much of Virginia.

I've never heard any bad experiences from law enforcement. Your carry status, if you're a resident, is part of your driver's license record and it's optional to tell the officer whether you're carrying.

Open carry is legal in many places but will still probably get you some unwanted adventure.

 

[coati]

Many more opinions here about Virginia in general.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=146837