Tips for Dealing with a Police Officer If You Have a Concealed Firearm
Even during something as routine as a traffic stop, a police officer is on high alert as he or she approaches your vehicle. If you're licensed to carry a concealed firearm, you have a responsibility to divulge this information to the officer so that he or she doesn't discover the weapon on you—which is something that could potentially turn the traffic stop into a lethal exchange. Here are some tips for dealing with a police officer when you have a firearm on your person or in your vehicle.
Set Him or Her at Ease
During a traffic stop, there are a number of ways that you can help to set the police officer's mind at ease to a degree. Always pull over quickly upon the officer getting behind you with the lights on. The longer you drive around, the more the officer may think that you're hiding something. Shut your car off, roll down your window, and, at night, turn the interior light on. Sit still as the officer approaches and keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Share That You Have a Firearm
Although the officer will likely start the exchange with you by asking you for your driver's license and registration, or discussing the reason for the traffic stop, divulge that you have a firearm as quickly as possible. Don't make a movement that indicates you're going to grab the firearm. Instead, in a calm voice, state something such as, "I'm a CCW holder and I have a pistol in an ankle holster."
Follow the Officer's Instructions
Once you've identified that you have a firearm, this will likely be the subject of conversation over your traffic violation. Be sure to carefully follow the officer's instructions. In some cases, he or she will tell you to keep your hands away from the weapon while he or she takes it off your body. Don't try to help—instead, comply fully as the officer pulls your weapon out of its holster to look at it.
Reveal Your License
Once the officer has secured the firearm, if necessary, he or she may ask you if you're carrying any additional weapons or ammunition. If so, explain where the other weapons are located in the vehicle. If not, ask if you can get out your CCW license, which you should always have in an easily accessible location such as in your wallet. The officer may still be slightly on edge, so retrieve the license calmly and without making furtive movements.
For more information about concealed carry permits or to take a concealed carry class, contact a business like Concealed AZ.