Is there a "right" was to tell a LEO that you're armed?

Your minding your own business in a public space, and a LEO saunters up to you. You have a concealed carry, it's totally legitimate for you to have it. You've filled in all of the forms, done your civic duty, and you're in an area where concealed carry is permissable.

Something has gone down in the area and they are randomly stoping people who may have witnessed it, or who might be involved.

Whenhow do you tell the LEO?

Do you wait for them to ask you if you are armed, do you tell them up front (in a non-threatening way), do you tell them if the want to search you, or do you just wait for them to find it?

a reply to: AaarghZombies

This shouldn't even be a question you should have to ask. There should be very clear protocols known to both LEOs and citizens carrying as to how this should be handled. If both parties know the proper protocol and procedure, each can act accordingly, thus allowing the officer to know the citizen is armed, and the citizen knows what to do (and NOT to do!) in order for both to feel safe and non-threatened.

I know that here in AZ (open carry), officers ask immediately upon pulling someone over if they have a firearm. I've never been armed when pulled over, so I don't know where it goes from there if someone is armed.

But I also know that it isn't so cut and dried in many (most?) jurisdictions. And that's shameful. Especially when people are losing their lives to LEOs "fearing for their lives" when they do realize the citizen is armed. Even if the citizen posed no threat whatsoever.

It's not rocket science. Just common sense. And respect.

a reply to: AaarghZombies

Never volunteer information to anyone about anything.

a reply to: AaarghZombies

If you get pulled over, I would hand the officer your concealed carry card along with your driver licence and insurance.

a reply to: Boadicea

Not all states require you tell the LEO.

Personally as soon as you realize it is more than a hello and they have questions you should say "Just to inform you officer I am legally carrying a firearm".

originally posted by: OccamsRazor04
...you should say "Just to inform you officer I am legally carrying a firearm ghost gun with the 100 round clipazine".

Better.

a reply to: AaarghZombies

aliengearholsters.com...

Depending on the state, you have a duty to inform.

"Good evening, officer. I just want to inform you that I am carrying a concealed pistol, it's located (wherever it is) and I have a permit for it. How would you like me to proceed?"

originally posted by: OccamsRazor04
a reply to: Boadicea

Not all states require you tell the LEO.

Personally as soon as you realize it is more than a hello and they have questions you should say "Just to inform you officer I am legally carrying a firearm".

That's probably what I would do -- just for both our peace of mind (and safety). But it really shouldn't even be a question, much less a multiple choice question!

My son carries. I'm going to ask him if he's ever had to deal with this and how it went. I'm curious now.

a reply to: AaarghZombies

Umm...I say nothing, hand the permit 1st, the I.D. next, and tell them I'm carrying at 2:00 rt etc...and of course...keep my hands in sight*

*I'm in the LEO complex and it has happened

a reply to: AaarghZombies

Police officers can just stop you on the street and ask to search you?

Ive been pulled over while armed a couple times and when they ask for license and registration i hand them my carry permit with my drivers License.
They asked both times , why are you giving me this?
I told them "to avoid any unpleasantness later"
They asked where the weapon was. I pointed to where without taking hands off the wheel.

Gave me my well earned speeding tickets and i was on my way.

Otherwise never tell a cop anything he doesnt need to know

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
a reply to: AaarghZombies

Never volunteer information to anyone about anything.

^^^^^this.

You have the right to remain silent (or answer short and sweet). This is one of your most important rights when dealing with preliminary (possible) legal matters. It should also be your most expressed right in these matters more than freedom of speech.

No matter how intimidating a situation may seem... A night in jail and having a lawyer help navigate is always better.

Cops can lie, fish, and create problems where they didn't exist.

As grey580 pointed out, some states are a duty to inform. As long as you are legal in the situation, it is never a bad idea to inform for their own peace of mind. An unexpected reveal or profile can have unintended results if the officer is caught by surprise.

If you are calm you can further deescalate by suggesting grabbing a coffee sometime as small talk. 99.9% will refuse or politely blow you off with a yeah sometime sounds good. But it humanizes you as a friendly person and therefore not a threat despite being armed.

Do not unless asked for it attempt to remove and hand to the officer. You may ask if he would like to have possession for the duration of the stop.

a reply to: Ahabstar

As grey580 pointed out, some states are a duty to inform. As long as you are legal in the situation, it is never a bad idea to inform for their own peace of mind. An unexpected reveal or profile can have unintended results if the officer is caught by surprise.

This is where every firearm owner needs to start. You shouldn't have one unless you know your state's laws. While it's a wonderful right, it's also a great responsibility. Not knowing the laws can turn you into a felon pretty quick, and there is no defense for ignorance.

When it comes to dealing with LEO, I've found the best route is to answer the questions they ask in a polite and concise way. Don't volunteer anything you don't need to, and get through the transaction as quick and professionally as possible.

a reply to: AaarghZombies

If you’re carrying concealed, knowing the state law regarding concealed carry is a) generally helpful in knowing when to disclose and b) makes you a more responsible gun owner.

In Arkansas, our licenses are marked if we have a concealed carry endorsement and since officers ask for your driver's license, they know you're likely armed. I've been pulled over once and decided to let the officer know I had my CC weapon mounted to the front of my seat (hidden by my legs) because I did not have my wallet out before he reached my window. He had no issue whatsoever it whatsoever. If I were to be pulled over now, I'd have my wallet and ID at the ready.

An officer should know that someone legally carrying a firearm is not a threat. It is the ones who illegally carry that are the problem.

Too bad the world is balls deep in reactionary stupidity.

originally posted by: Kimjongskill
a reply to: AaarghZombies

If you get pulled over, I would hand the officer your concealed carry card along with your driver licence and insurance.

That’s what I do, they usually ask where it is, I then inform them where it is. Sometimes they will say something like “ ok jus don’t reach for it” or if it’s in a case they have asked me to place the case on the back seat and then don’t reach for it again. Usually it’s on my hip so they just ask that I don’t brandish it.
As usual with cops, if your calm, strait forward, and honest, they will be too.

a reply to: Quantumgamer1776

I hear being White really helps in that situation.