Informal contact with LEO while carrying

[Treb5]

OK! I have to ask this question.. There has been lots of discussion on this board regarding how to inform a LEO your carrying during an official interaction.

What about an unofficial interaction with on duty LEO. It seems like of late I have had several instances of informal contacts with on duty LEO.

Last week I had finished shooting at my favorite range and was talking with one of the range/gun shop employees when I noticed the Chief of Police standing next to me. We began discussing his carry gun and during the conversation I mentioned I had a CCW. What a pleasure this Chief was to talk with. He shared his view on CCW (which was very favorable) and some helpful information on 1911's. I was soon on my way. I was not asked for my CCW permit even though I had told him I was carrying. I was very impressed with this Chief.

Today I was having lunch in a restaurant with my grandson when a Lieutenant from that jurisdiction came in and sat at the bench directly behind me facing my back. I was carrying my EMP in a MS Versa Max II. As good as that carry rig is when facing my back from 4-5 feet away there is going to be some point where I well may print. It was a pleasant day weather wise and I was wearing a Hawaiian style shirt.

Once again because he was directly behind me I decided to casually let him know I was carrying rather than have him see me possible print while leaning forward to assist my grandson who was across the table.

Again, a very professional LEO. He thanked me for informing him and then jokingly said he wasn't worried because I was in front of him and not behind him. I stated he didn't need to worry because I was one of the good guys. He replied he could see that and we all proceeded to enjoy our lunch.

What about you folks? Have you/Do you feel a need to inform LEO in an informal contact?

[TaxMan]

Actually, I've never even thought about it. I've found myself many times, "in the presence" of LEOs, in an "informal" setting. I haven't even considered that it would be important to inform them, under those circumstances. Even when I've been standing and talking with a Chief or the Sheriff, since our conversations were on a particular, unrelated topic, I didn't imagine I should have said anything. Right or wrong, that's how I've "handled" it. YMMV

[SierraNevadaCCW]

I'd say....for me it's rare. I did tell a deputy at a faire as my kids were climbing all over the sheriff's patrol boat...but he was the one who delivered my ccw to my house...and I mentioned it. Other than that....probably never.

[Treb5]

What about those of you who are LEO's? If you were on duty and in uniform would you feel a need to be informed in the examples quoted above? Or in any other example where a citizen may be legally carrying concealed in your presence while you are on duty?

I felt more comfortable casually mentioning I had a CCW especially in the restaurant scenario with my grandson. As I mentioned the lieutenant thanked me for informing him.

Thanks for your comments

[CCWInstructor]

I would thank you for informing me too. It lets me know you are a good guy, and if I were to spot the print, I WOULD ASK YOU TO STEP OUTSIDE. Walking in front of me of course.

[GBROKE]

ok... but how did you let them know? Dont' say "GUN" right...

[Treb5]

Originally Posted by GMONEY

ok... but how did you let them know? Dont' say "GUN" right...

Right, never say gun. I broke the ice by asking the lieutenant about his sidearm. He was carrying a 1911 i didn't identify. While he was describing his pistol and showing his hi cap mags was when I mentioned i was CCW.

[SierraNevadaCCW]

From my perspective as having been a LEO, and now a civilian Ccw holder long term:

(And this carries into other topics...as well as this one)
Keep it concealed. No printing when seated from behind or in front or whatever (check yourself PRIOR to going out)...no talking about it, when asked if armed by anyone other than a cop..the answer is no or silence. You don't announce that you are armed to a cop unless asked in a formal contact. You are careful, responsible and aware at all times. If it was concealed, you don't have to worry about cops or anyone seeing it to begin with.

While armed in public, you must exhibit a mature demeanor, be as low key as possible, stay out of any drama, fray or trouble of any kind unless it directly comes to visit you or your family....then deal with it quickly and with your weapon's retention and option in mind. Never let anything fester or someone get the drop on you...never let anyone follow you, or try to push you into improper behavior to reveal your concealed status for any agenda or reason.

Remember you have rights and you have power if you have knowledge. Knowledge comes from reading the actual law text, or case studies or learning from a qualified instructor like Greg.

You also have the advantage of inconspicuous-joe-public-in-the-crowd-nobody... and that is valuable because no one with negative intentions notices you. No one who is suspicious is noticing either....like cops.

[45 ACP]

For what it's worth, I assume everyone is armed until I prove to myself otherwise.

Then again I'm probably more cautious/paranoid because I'm a beat cop in a large and dangerous city. Wherever you live may be different, I don't know.

Informal contact? SierraNevadaCCW has it right on the money in my opinion.

If you're being DETAINED (a traffic stop is a form of detention), then it's up to your own common sense and/or any regulations imposed upon you by the issuing agency.

[rickr96]

Under normal circumstances during an unofficial contact LEO I would not announce.

Concealed means concealed and if my carry rig was leaving me exposed to casual observation I would have to seriously rethink my set up and/or how and where I position the weapon and the type or style of clothes I wear while carrying. That being said, I know poop happens and if I thought I had unintentionally exposed my weapon, I would inform any LEO present.

Using Murphy's Law as my guide however, I have told my wife if we are ever approached by LEO's, say while dinning or walking through the mall, they may be responding to a "man with gun" call because someone HAS noticed my weapon and called it in. I told her should that ever happen just remain calm, keep hands in view, and do everything LEO asks until everyone is satisfied there is no threat.

[Spicy McHaggis]

For those of us in Orange County, we are required to tell a LEO we are CCW when contacted by them for any reason. That's number 2 in the terms of our license.

2) If contacted by a police officer for any reason, license holder shall immediately announce that they are carrying a concealed weapon and has a license to do so.

CCW Permit

There is no definition/differentiation of formal or informal for Orange County. It says "for any reason". I think there would be very few exceptions to this, based on common sense (i.e., social gatherings with a lot of LEOs present, that would become really tedious telling all of them you speak with.).

[OCRancher]

So, if YOU make the contact first, such as the encounter at the range, I would say there is no need to inform the officer unless you really feel the need to volunteer the info.

[CCWInstructor]

"contacted by a police officer for any reason"

[DRSFEFA]

I have to jump ito the fire.

In Kern County it is a requirement to notify upon contact. If it is informal I will do it very casually. If it is formal (i.e., a traffic stop, etc.) I would notify immediately. The rehearsed sentence is this: Deputy (officer) I have a CCW and I am carrying. I am not inclined to move until you tell me what will make you comfortable. This wil be said with hands on the wheel, seatbelt on, and keys on the dash.

[OCRancher]

Originally Posted by CCWInstructor

"contacted by a police officer for any reason"

Greg, I am going to disagree, if I am reading your post correctly.