Interaction with CHP today

[G36 Steve]

Originally Posted by ChrisG

I pull my wallet out of my pocket and place it in my center console when I get in my car. My DL and CCW are out of the wallet before he makes it to my window and I do not have to make any "odd" movements to get them.

Great advise.
It's never a good idea to carry your wallet/ID anywhere near your gun while driving. In fact, even on your person it's good to carry your wallet on the opposite side of your gun.

The reason the CHP was so persistent about your employment was probably because he assumed you were in law enforcement. Most California cops these days seem to believe that only cops CCW.

[derringer]

Originally Posted by ChrisG

My response has and will be "Because my issuing agency determined that I had valid good cause".

That would be a good, reasonable response. If he then asks what your good cause is, would you claim confidentiality, or tell him, or ..?

[ChrisG]

Originally Posted by derringer

That would be a good, reasonable response. If he then asks what your good cause is, would you claim confidentiality, or tell him, or ..?

The one time I interacted with a LEO while carrying he did not ask beyond that. If he had persisted I would have probably told him. I wouldn't want to appear uncooperative nor show any disrespect. They are just out there doing their job and the curiosity would probably be based on the novelty of encountering a CCW holder. You get respect by showing respect.

[True Brit]

Be a good citizen like me and don't speed. Then you don't have to explain to the CHP why you have a CCW.

[Gronk Bronson]

Thanks for sharing your experience Fjold. I do have a question if you don't mind. What part of LA County where you in? I have heard before, and I don't know if it's still true, that the Antelope Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale was/is a training location for CHP. Back in the early 80's I drove there daily and know for a fact that anything over 5 mph from the posted speed limit would land you a citation. I think you did a great job. It's hard to say what someone would do until your in that situation.

[Microstencil]

So my question is is it a question we have to answer? I do not want to seem like an A** h**e but we have gone through a tuff approval process especialy in San Diego. As long as I have a valid permit and I am with in my restrictions what does it matter to the LEO?

[THE Gimper]

Originally Posted by Microstencil

So my question is is it a question we have to answer? I do not want to seem like an A** h**e but we have gone through a tuff approval process especialy in San Diego. As long as I have a valid permit and I am with in my restrictions what does it matter to the LEO?

Legally, I don't think there's any requirement to answer the question. But, as you are aware, we always advise what is the best course of action as well as what is legal. You don't want to fail the attitude test, or you're just asking to be inconvenienced more than you already have been. As others have suggested, you can say something like, "Because the Sheriff has determined that I have good cause," but be polite.

[sealbeach]

The more I read this question/answer, the more I am convinced the LEO is just fishing, wants to know if you got your CCW because of cronyism, or because you really need it...and wants to see what your attitude is on the subject. If you come off as Mr. BigShot, and is a "pal" of some big wheel, I suspect you will not do as well as somebody who really needed a CCW, applied fair and square, and is not trying to throw their weight around.

Basically an enhanced attitude test.

Just my theory, not worth the paper it is printed on...oops, not even worth that much, no paper here!

[Norseman]

I think that in CA at least, and especially in SO CAL, for an LEO to actually see a CA CCW permit is rather unusal. In 30 years of working primarily traffic, I saw two, from 1977 to 2007. He's probably intrigued. This is a chance to be an ambassador to our cause. Please don't go on the immediate defensive. He's just curious, and has never seen one before. He's unfamiliar with the process, GC requirements, etc. Unfortunately PORAC does not have any block of CCW instruction required for LE academies in CA. I think I got about 5 minutes, but was never shown one. He's probably new to the concept. Be patient. He's still getting his education as you are your's.

[Spicy McHaggis]

[quote=Fjold;153769]I leaned over and opened my glove box and got them out and he took them and then asked me "Why are you carrying a weapon?"[quote]

The correct response would be "Because I can."

Hooray for Kern County and it's elected Sheriff.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by ChrisG

The one time I interacted with a LEO while carrying he did not ask beyond that. If he had persisted I would have probably told him. I wouldn't want to appear uncooperative nor show any disrespect. They are just out there doing their job and the curiosity would probably be based on the novelty of encountering a CCW holder. You get respect by showing respect.

I know a CCW holder who was pulled over in Newport Beach. By the time the stop was over there was I think 8 cars pulled up behind him. According to his story they all showed up to see what a CCW looks like. They let him go with a fix it ticket.

[ChrisG]

Originally Posted by BonoVox

I know a CCW holder who was pulled over in Newport Beach. By the time the stop was over there was I think 8 cars pulled up behind him. According to his story they all showed up to see what a CCW looks like. They let him go with a fix it ticket.

LOLOL. I know that guy.

[Justaguy]

Originally Posted by Gronk Bronson

I have heard before, and I don't know if it's still true, that the Antelope Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale was/is a training location for CHP.

As a long term Lancaster resident with some ties to the local CHP, I assure you the AV CHP office is not a "training station". Yes, sometimes it is the first office an officer gets assigned to but no more so than any other office.

More importantly, be aware the locals are using laser as well as radar.

[CCWInstructor]

Sir, please do not announce you have a CCW. You were very lucky he believed you.

Next time hand over your CDL with you CCW and ask him to look at the second sheet. He will believe what reads, NOT what he hears.

[Hogxtz]

Originally Posted by CCWInstructor

Sir, please do not announce you have a CCW. You were very lucky he believed you.

Next time hand over your CDL with you CCW and ask him to look at the second sheet. He will believe what reads, NOT what he hears.

Best advise ever!! I have worked with cops for 23 years and I can tell you that they hear all kinds of excuse's from meth heads and other criminals. Telling a cop you have a ccw could appear to him/her that you do have a firearm but not legally and you are stalling or creating a diversion and may wind up face down in the payment, it all depends on the totality of the situation too. If you are driving your duece mobile instead of your Mercedes ect..

Handing them your CDL and CCW, along with POI and REG shows you are eager to cooperate and puts the Officer a little more at ease.