What to do when pulled over by LEO

[CalCCW03]

A number of threads have been posted asking the same question in different ways. “What should I do if I get pulled over?” “Do I have to notify the officer of my CCW?”

Every county is different. Every law enforcement officer is different. The following are suggestions to keep everyone’s stress to a minimum and comply with notification requirements. Modify as you see fit to suit your county’s requirements and your comfort level.

What should I do when the lights go on behind me?

Pull over as quickly and safely as conditions allow. Roll your windows down, turn the radio off, hang up the cell phone and turn on the interior lights at night. Keep your seat belt on. Shut off the engine. Don’t reach for anything. Keep your hands in plain sight – 10 & 2 on the wheel is probably a safe place.

Where to keep your CCW permit, CDL and registration?

Some people routinely keep their CDL and CCW out and handy so there’s no need to reach for anything during a traffic stop. Others keep the CCW with their CDL in their wallet and when asked for their ID, they produce both. In doing so, make absolutely sure your gun is concealed and don’t make any furtive movements. If you can't get to your documents without flashing your gun, you really should rethink how you're carrying.

Do I notify the officer I’m legally carrying a gun?

Some counties (Orange County in particular) require that during any contact with law enforcement, you must “immediately announce” you are carrying a concealed weapon and have a license to do so. Other counties do not have the same mandatory disclosure requirement. If you’re in one of those counties, you have to make the decision whether or not to notify the officer. Law enforcement officers that frequent this forum overwhelmingly would want to be notified. Wouldn’t you if you were them?

I am either required to or choose to notify the officer I’m carrying a gun. How should I do it?

There are several knowledgeable people that advocate for notification in the form of handing over your CCW permit with the CDL and not saying anything about a gun, CCW, “permit” or “carrying.” Others suggest mentioning the CCW permit in a non-threatening way (i.e. “I am required to show you this too” or “You should take a look at this as well as my license.”). Others suggest verbally notifying the officer while keeping both hands in plain sight (i.e. “I have a concealed weapon permit and am carrying now. What would you like me to do?”). DO NOT say “I have a gun” or similar phrases. “Gun” is a four-letter word and may lead to a result you don’t want – being taken down at gunpoint and having a lot of explaining to do.

You’ve notified the officer. Now what?

Wait for his/her instructions. Clarify what they want you to do if necessary. Move slowly and verbally tell them what you’re doing.

The officer asked me to hand him my gun. Should I?

While most officers, should they decide to disarm you during their contact, would be the one to take the gun, some may ask you to hand it to them. A strong suggestion is to tell the officer where you’re carrying your weapon and ask them to remove it themselves. It lessens any possibility of misperception by the officer or anyone else who is observing but not overhearing the conversation.

Above all else – remain calm.

Courtesy of JD65... Thank you!