What to do when approached by LEO?

[Miguel]

Can y'all help us DACs?
I've heard a lot of hearsay about what to do when approched by cops, either routinely (traffic stop), or after having to draw and use your CCW.

With the intention to make things as easy and smooth for a cop, so he is the least likely to shoot me, or miss interpet my actions, what is the best thing to do if :

1] One is pulled over by a traffic cop with or without concealed gun?

2] Stopped by a cop while walking?

3] Cops arrive after pulling out gun and using it, with threat still active?

4] Cops arrive after pulling out gun, and threat is neutralized?

5] Cops arrive, gun is holsetered, and threat is still active?

6] Scenarios 3] to 5] inside CHL holder's residense?


In CHL class they only told us about #1, saying shut engine off, put keys on dashboard, take out liscences and insurance cards, lower window, and put hands on the steering wheel.

TIA


PS I'm only intrested in answers from LEOs only, not wannabee cops, and wannabee lawyers, so unless y'all have additional questions I would appriciate silence form my fellow members of the LEO Talk peanut gallery.

[BBunin]

I had to hold a prowler at gunpoint once.
When the cops arrived, They stayed outside and ordered me to put the gun down. I told them ,VERY CALMLY, that I'd be happy to, just as soon as they controlled the BG. They sent one guy around the side of the house to where the BG was on my rear porch. As soon as he was there, I SLOWLY placed the pistol on the end table and took three steps back.
Everyone was OK with this.

The important things are Three:
Make SURE they understand that you're not the bad guy.
Understand that they are STILL not going to take a chance on you with a gun in your hand.
Remain 100% calm. NOTHING is worse than yelling and shouting when guns are involved. The Cops will shout for you to drop the gun, but they WILL listen if you speak calmly.

[sharpstick]

Run!

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by sharpstick

Run!

Gee, I didn't know you cared.

[PilgrimChapter33]

I too am genuinely interested in the input of our resident LEO's, if the wisecracks could be kept to a minimum. Miguel, kudos on a really good break down of sticky situations we don't usually think about. Usually all that gets thrown around is, "What do I do after I shoot the badguy?"

[deputymeaux]

I'll try to answer your questions sir. If i pull you over on a traffic stop or I come up to you AND you have a concealed weapon, by all means keep it that way. In Texas, if I need to identify you, you are required to show me your CCL. More than likely I will ask you where the weapon is located and tell you to leave it there.
If I am responding to a call where you either had to use a weapon or are in the process of holding someone at bay with it, when I show up ALL of you will be held at gunpoint until I get matters under MY control. Then we will sort it out.
It would certainly help when you or whoever calls 911 to give the dispatcher a description of you and what you are wearing.
PLEASE follow all directions given to you....remember, we don't know you or the situation yet upon arrival.
Does this help? If not PM me and I'll try to answer any questions that you might have. BTW, I'm a Sheriff's Deputy currently assigned to patrol.

[deputymeaux]

Oh and one more thing...EVERYBODY but LEO will be disarmed. If shots have been fired then the firearm goes into evidence. If no shots have been fired and you have not committed an offense, then you will get the firearm back. if it's a firearm that I happen to like...I'll probably want to talk "guns" for a bit!
Actually it is a great stress relief for the both of us to talk a bit after the incident.

[Miguel]

Originally Posted by deputymeaux

I'll try to answer your questions sir. If i pull you over on a traffic stop or I come up to you AND you have a concealed weapon, by all means keep it that way. In Texas, if I need to identify you, you are required to show me your CCL. More than likely I will ask you where the weapon is located and tell you to leave it there.
If I am responding to a call where you either had to use a weapon or are in the process of holding someone at bay with it, when I show up ALL of you will be held at gunpoint until I get matters under MY control. Then we will sort it out.
It would certainly help when you or whoever calls 911 to give the dispatcher a description of you and what you are wearing.
PLEASE follow all directions given to you....remember, we don't know you or the situation yet upon arrival.
Does this help? If not PM me and I'll try to answer any questions that you might have. BTW, I'm a Sheriff's Deputy currently assigned to patrol.

If you make it to a TXDPSA meet/match I'd sure ask more questions, but this goes a long way in helping.

[Russell B]

Very useful post. Thanks M.

[danp]

Originally Posted by Miguel

Can y'all help us DACs?
I've heard a lot of hearsay about what to do when approched by cops, either routinely (traffic stop), or after having to draw and use your CCW.

With the intention to make things as easy and smooth for a cop, so he is the least likely to shoot me, or miss interpet my actions, what is the best thing to do if :

1] One is pulled over by a traffic cop with or without concealed gun?

2] Stopped by a cop while walking?

3] Cops arrive after pulling out gun and using it, with threat still active?

4] Cops arrive after pulling out gun, and threat is neutralized?

5] Cops arrive, gun is holsetered, and threat is still active?

6] Scenarios 3] to 5] inside CHL holder's residense?


In CHL class they only told us about #1, saying shut engine off, put keys on dashboard, take out liscences and insurance cards, lower window, and put hands on the steering wheel.

TIA


PS I'm only intrested in answers from LEOs only, not wannabee cops, and wannabee lawyers, so unless y'all have additional questions I would appriciate silence form my fellow members of the LEO Talk peanut gallery.

1) If I pull you over and I am going to see your piece print when you reach for your wallet, tell me you are legally carrying before you move. Otherwise, keep it concealed.

2) If you are stopped while out walking and have done nothing wrong, be cordial and listen to what I am saying. There may have just been a crime committed and you kinda fit the description, so I just want to talk to you and maybe ID you real quick. Remember, if you look like a dirtbag you are going to get stopped a lot more frequently.

3) When the cops start arriving, assuming the threat is something like North Hollywood BofA, throw your gun away from you and get your hands up or you are probably going to get shot. Its a sad fact, but its true. If you mean the BG is just still in the area, put your gun on the ground and take a couple steps away with your hands up. You will get cuffed and then things will get sorted out.

4) "Officer, I was in fear for my life, my gun is right there (indicate where by pointing slowly) and I would like to speak to my attorney before giving any further statement."

5) Tell the officer that you were the victim of a crime, you used a firearm to stop the crime and the BG went that way. If you fired a shot, see #4.

6) While on 911, remember that the line is recorded. If you fired a shot, see #4. If you are holding someone at gunpoint, tell the dispatcher so. Advise her (or him) what you are wearing and give a description of the BG. Advise where in the house you are. Stay on the line until officers arrive at you house. That way if the BG goes sideways, you will be recorded saying, "Drop the knife!" right before the BANG.

I hope this helps, and remember, what you are required to do/say per you CHL varies by state. I am a CA cop, and this is my personal perspective as to what I would want to see happen if I was responding to th call.