When stopped by a law enforcement officer

[Cobra Medic]

Hi handog. Check out Range Master if you're going to be in Memphis for a while.

[The Annoyed Man]

1. I hit the "all the way down" setting on the power window. It requires much less movement, and the window is already down when LEO gets there.
2. If it is night time, I reach up to the ceiling mounted button to turn on an overhead light. This will be A) clearly visible to the officer, and B) doesn't look remotely like reaching down for something.
3. I keep hands on wheel until asked for ID.
4. I keep my ID in my left breast shirt pocket. TDL and CHL are both in a small leather flip-open ID holder.
5. I answer all questions and obey all commands.
6. I smile and thank the nice officer for the ticket/warning - whichever it is.
7. I get to go home and live another day. So does the officer.

[A-R]

Instead of "I have a gun" or some other variation, try "Officer, before I reach for my wallet, I wanted to let you know that I am licensed to carry. How would you like me to proceed?" Then do exactly what the officer tells you to do. No more, no less.

[WildBill]

Instead of "I have a gun" or some other variation, try "Officer, before I reach for my wallet, I wanted to let you know that I am licensed to carry. How would you like me to proceed?" Then do exactly what the officer tells you to do. No more, no less.

By the time the LEO gets to my car I have my DL and CHL out of my wallet and in my hand. I prefer to give the LEO my DL and CHL and have him/her ask the questions.

[Excaliber]

1. I hit the "all the way down" setting on the power window. It requires much less movement, and the window is already down when LEO gets there.
2. If it is night time, I reach up to the ceiling mounted button to turn on an overhead light. This will be A) clearly visible to the officer, and B) doesn't look remotely like reaching down for something.
3. I keep hands on wheel until asked for ID.
4. I keep my ID in my left breast shirt pocket. TDL and CHL are both in a small leather flip-open ID holder.
5. I answer all questions and obey all commands.
6. I smile and thank the nice officer for the ticket/warning - whichever it is.
7. I get to go home and live another day. So does the officer.

TAM's approach is solid. I add just a couple refinements:

1. I activate the hazard flashers. It serves as additional warning to other motorists and subtly indicates to the officer that I intend to stay put instead of waiting til he gets out of his car to floor the accelerator.

2. I turn off the engine and put my keys on the dash behind the steering wheel. Reason: See #1

3. When he asks for my ID, I tell him that, out of respect for his safety, I'd like him to know that I'm licensed to carry and that I'm doing so lawfully. I tell him where the weapon is located and where my ID is and ask him how he'd like me to proceed. I keep my hands on the wheel until he tells me what he wants me to do.

Officers almost always give responses like those cited here. Over the years I have occasionally had them even thank me for my courtesy.

[WildBill]

1. I activate the hazard flashers. It serves as additional warning to other motorists and subtly indicates to the officer that I intend to stay put instead of waiting til he gets out of his car to floor the accelerator.

2. I turn off the engine and put my keys on the dash behind the steering wheel. Reason: See #1

Good ideas.

[gigag04]

Most of these posts are right in line with most LEOs preference.

Since I work 6p-6a, most of my contact with people is at night. Here is a run down of where I'm at mentally at different stages:


-As I light you up I'm looking for indicators that you're going to bail out of the car.

-As you stop I'm looking to see that you aren't bailing out of the car, and I'm setting up my lights to flood your car with lights. I'm making sure my camera is capturing your vehicle and its curtiledge.

-As I approach I'm looking for ANY movement inside the vehicle - who's in it, what they're doing, etc.

-Depending on if I do a driver's side or passenger's side approach, I slowly approach the window taking in everything and assessing possible threats.


Without getting into specific tactics just realize that a good officer is taking in EVERYTHING you are doing and determining if you are trying to kill him or run from him. Everyone stopped at night is a potential threat and will be treated as such. It is, however, possible to be extremely polite and friendly, AND safe. I don't like LEOs that are jerks...

I know some CPAs allow citizens to role play through traffic stops to see what its like.

[Kythas]

The only time I've been pulled over since I've had my CHL, I handed the officer my DL and CHL. He then asked me if I had my weapon on me. I replied "Yes, sir" and he just said "Ok" and handed me back my CHL.

After he gave me my well-earned ticket (80 in a 55) he thanked me for my courtesy.

Maybe the Big Red One unit emblem and my anti-Obama bumper sticker on the back of my vehicle told him I wasn't a threat.

[ScottDLS]

Hi handog. Check out Range Master if you're going to be in Memphis for a while.

By the way Handog, is this Memphis, TX in the Panhandle? Or Memphis, Tennessee? Makes a difference.

[handog]

Hi handog. Check out Range Master if you're going to be in Memphis for a while.

By the way Handog, is this Memphis, TX in the Panhandle? Or Memphis, Tennessee? Makes a difference.

Memphis,Tennessee. I took a job that requires travel to all 50 states so I am learning about each states laws and airline travel with a firearm. I sometimes work late at night and in some high crime areas.

[Pawpaw]

Memphis,Tennessee. I took a job that requires travel to all 50 states so I am learning about each states laws and airline travel with a firearm. I sometimes work late at night and in some high crime areas.

I did that for the better part of 15 years. It is sometimes amazing (and sometimes scary) what you see.

A year ago, the company agreed to let me have a nice, sedate 8-to-5 job without travel. I ain't goin' back!

[KFP]

Hi handog. Check out Range Master if you're going to be in Memphis for a while.

By the way Handog, is this Memphis, TX in the Panhandle? Or Memphis, Tennessee? Makes a difference.

Memphis,Tennessee. I took a job that requires travel to all 50 states so I am learning about each states laws and airline travel with a firearm. I sometimes work late at night and in some high crime areas.

Some states (OH) require LEO notification immediately upon contacting an officer for any law enforcement purposes - I'd be sure of what state you're in and what they require.

[RSJ]

1. I hit the "all the way down" setting on the power window. It requires much less movement, and the window is already down when LEO gets there.
2. If it is night time, I reach up to the ceiling mounted button to turn on an overhead light. This will be A) clearly visible to the officer, and B) doesn't look remotely like reaching down for something.
3. I keep hands on wheel until asked for ID.
4. I keep my ID in my left breast shirt pocket. TDL and CHL are both in a small leather flip-open ID holder.
5. I answer all questions and obey all commands.
6. I smile and thank the nice officer for the ticket/warning - whichever it is.
7. I get to go home and live another day. So does the officer.

This looks about right for what I do.

However I also hit 'record' on my personal recorder near my interior light switch. This is to protect myself and the officer, and I believe I am fully allowed to do this because Texas is a one-party state.

[The Annoyed Man]

You must have a pretty nice car. My 2002 Pathfinder has no such device.

[RSJ]

Sorry for the confusion, I have a hand-held recorder that I clipped in a inconspicuous spot in my car.