Interaction with CHP today

[Fjold]

I got pulled over by a CHP today in LA County and when he came up to the passenger window and asked for my DL , Reg and Proof of Insurance.

I said "In accordance with my permit conditions I have to inform you that I have a Concealed Weapons Permit and I am armed"

He then asked "Is this for work?"

I said "No, I just have a CCW permit"

He asked me "Where is the weapon?"

I said "On my left hip and my wallet is in my right pocket"

He said, "OK, hand me your DL"

I gave him my DL and my CCW and he said "Your registration and proof of Insurance?"

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?"

I said "Because I have a CCW."

He then said "No, why are you carrying a weapon?" (I got the distinct impression that he did not like the fact that I was armed)

I was just baffled and didn't know what to say for a second. Then I finally said "it's for my personal protection."

He handed me back my CCW Permit and took my other paperwork back to his car and called it in/checked his computer. When he came back he said "You have a clean record so you can do traffic school online to keep this ticket off your record. Be careful up ahead because there are two more units working up the road."

He seemed to be a lot more friendly after he ran my information and almost acted like he was sorry for giving me the ticket.

I just found it unusual that the CHP would ask me why I was carrying.

[BonoVox]

From most accounts it is pretty common to be asked why you are carrying or why you have a CCW. They are a novelty to them. They do not run into them very often if at all.

[ChrisG]

It sounds like you came through the encounter just fine. The only thing I might recommend is that rather than waiting for the officer to ask for your ID, etc. have it ready to hand to him when he approaches the window. That way your hand does not need to go anywhere near your weapon.

[ChrisG]

Originally Posted by BonoVox

From most accounts it is pretty common to be asked why you are carrying or why you have a CCW. They are a novelty to them. They do not run into them very often if at all.

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

[El Gato]

Nicely done... sorry about the ticket

[KimberDude]

Originally Posted by ChrisG

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

+1! That's what I would have said also. Good job though. Glad to see it went okay.

[1buba]

Originally Posted by ChrisG

It sounds like you came through the encounter just fine. The only thing I might recommend is that rather than waiting for the officer to ask for your ID, etc. have it ready to hand to him when he approaches the window. That way your hand does not need to go anywhere near your weapon.

No offense CG, but I wonder if the SME could weigh in here?

Trying to see this from the officers point of view: the light goes on, you start to pull over, but are making motions reaching for your wallet, maybe moving something (soda, lunch) off your lap, etc... I'm wondering if the officer is more comfortable with that or with you reaching while he can watch you.

I NORMALLY carry my id's in a holder in my shirt pocket, but again, that is only IF i have a pocket on the shirt...

Just curious.

[Fjold]

Originally Posted by ChrisG

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

That's a better answer, I wish that I had thought of it at the time.


As far as not getting the DL out until after I was asked,I've been told by my cop friends that they prefer that when you pull over that you turn the over head light on (f it's dark)and place both hands on top of the steering wheel until they greet you.

[EM2]

I usually try to have my wallet laying next to me on the center console so I don't have to reach or open things to get to it. I put my registratioon & insurance in the garage door opener compartment above. If I get pulled over this should limit my movements.
So far since getting my CCW permit I have not been pulled and hope to keep it that way.

[Quietpi]

Not claiming the title of SME, but I've done enough vehicle stops to have a good sense of how things go.

A person moving around such as to retrieve a wallet from his/her pants is normal. Such movement is noted along with the totality of circumstances, but doesn't in itself cause great concern.

Reaching for the glove box isn't unusual. It is definitely noted, and causes me to start paying more attention to everything. Still, it happens a lot.

Movement toward the floorboard, ducking down, appearing to be putting or taking something from under the seat, however, will garner plenty of attention.

The question re: why one is carrying, is almost always based on curiosity, and not aggression. I never did encounter anybody in a LE context who was CCW'ing, or at least who let me know (I don't know of anybody in this area who requires notification). I'll have to ask my other LE friends.

While there's nothing technically wrong with "...because I have a permit," as LE I would read such a response as sort of a circular attempt not to answer -- an effort to hide something. Were I standing beside a car I'd just stopped, I would be more inclined to recognize something like, "...My sheriff believes that I have a good reason," as the equivalent of saying that there are good reasons, but I would rather not discuss them. Much more friendly, less confrontational. I would be more likely to respond, "I understand." But I would still be wondering what led you to carry.

[BonoVox]

Yeah better to have your wallet out of your back pockets ahead of time. Like when you first get in the car.

Also don't hand them your ID etc, until they ask for it. (which typically is right away regardless) If you are so eager to hand it over to them with out them even asking for it, I think their attitude radar starts to go off.

Again the practice of including your CCW with you driver license, registration, and proof of insurance is a good one.

[X-ffdo]

I keep my DL and CCW permit together.
I have not had to do this. In future if it happens, I plan to hand over both forms together. Let the LEO take the lead. I plan to keep my verbal communication to a minimum until questioned. This is to avoid the possibility of "foot in mouth decease", until the tone is set, you don't know the ambiance of this exchange. Thinks could continue to be formal or friendly as per his discretion. He/She does not know anything about what kind of person you are.
Hopefully, things will de-escalate into a more standard condition and you'll drive away with just a warning.....hopefully! If you get written up, remember it is his/her job and you done broke some law!

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

I keep my DL and CCW permit together.
I have not had to do this. In future if it happens, I plan to hand over both forms together. Let the LEO take the lead. I plan to keep my verbal communication to a minimum until questioned. This is to avoid the possibility of "foot in mouth decease", until the tone is set, you don't know the ambiance of this exchange. Thinks could continue to be formal or friendly as per his discretion. He/She does not know anything about what kind of person you are.
Hopefully, things will de-escalate into a more standard condition and you'll drive away with just a warning.....hopefully! If you get written up, remember it is his/her job and you done broke some law!

Allegedly!!! But probable!

[El Gato]

Originally Posted by Fjold

That's a better answer, I wish that I had thought of it at the time.


As far as not getting the DL out until after I was asked,I've been told by my cop friends that they prefer that when you pull over that you turn the over head light on (f it's dark)and place both hands on top of the steering wheel until they greet you.

that's generally what we suggest when we teach ccw classes....again...nicely done...

30 yrs ago when pulled over by the chp in Orange Co.... said chippie had never seen a permit and was more interested in the permit than the ticket... gave me the ticket anyway... which I promptly forgot and it went to warrant... ... suggestion here... take care of ticket... going in front of judge was not pleasant and no I didn't get arrested, I remembered and went to court on my own... thankfully...

[ChrisG]

Originally Posted by 1buba

No offense CG, but I wonder if the SME could weigh in here?

Trying to see this from the officers point of view: the light goes on, you start to pull over, but are making motions reaching for your wallet, maybe moving something (soda, lunch) off your lap, etc... I'm wondering if the officer is more comfortable with that or with you reaching while he can watch you.

I NORMALLY carry my id's in a holder in my shirt pocket, but again, that is only IF i have a pocket on the shirt...

Just curious.

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.