Pulled Over While Carrying...

[Petrolero]

BACKGROUND: In Colorado we're not required to declare either our CCW nor our carry when we're pulled over by a cop unless we're asked specifically about it. The law aside, many of us still say it's a good idea to declare if we're carrying and maybe even if we're not. Others are of the opinion that you should just leave the whole subject alone unless you're asked to exit your vehicle. You can probably imagine the arguments for and against.

The other day I got pulled over while I was carrying my XD. Here's how it went down...

I pulled over onto a side street and took the keys out of the ignition, put them on the dash, rolled down the window, fished out my wallet and put both hands on the wheel before he ever approached my vehicle. I kept my hands as visible as possible - mostly on the wheel.

The Deputy came to my door and very politely explained where he lasered me and what the gun said. He brought the laser gun with him and showed that it said 50 (35 zone), but I had no dispute. He explained that it is their dept. policy to issue a citation any time they stop someone for speed. I said "No worries. It was my fault. I wasn't paying attention and I deserve it." Smiling

He asked for my license and registration. I produced them along with my Douglas Co. CCW permit (they're issued by county in CO) and said "As a courtesy, I want you to know I have this." Now Douglas County, CO does NOT report CCWs to the state criminal (yup!) information database as most counties do, so if I hadn't said anything, he really would not have known. He asked if I was currently carrying and I said "Yes. On my right hip." (Hands on the wheel) He said "OK, no problem. It will just take me a few minutes to run this. I'll be right back."

So he went back to his vehicle and ran all my stuff. When he came back, he handed me my license and CCW permit and then took a few minutes to explain the ticket to me. Not a bad deal, really.

When he was done, he added this (paraphrased, but close):

I just want to thank you for presenting your carry permit to me. I really appreciate that and I know a lot of other guys do too. I know you have to pass a background check to get one so it tells me that you are a law-abiding person who carries a firearm responsibly. Thank you.

Kudos to this Arapahoe County Sheriff's Deputy.

[lhcfireman]

Very well done.

[jnclement]

I'm surprised you didn't get a warning. My wife has gotten 9 warnings, and not tickets since she got her CHL. I've only gotten two. I don't know why....but it's paid for our class, and liscense.

[nasnickerz]

in ohio when they run your plates if you have a ccw permit it pops up with all your information and its a felony not to mention it.......so everytime i get pulled over whether or not im carrying with my hands on the wheel or the window sill the first thing said is officer i would like you to know that i have a ccw permit and whether or not i am carrying.

every single time i have been thanked for volunteering that information, and out of the 7 or 8 times ive been pulled over in the last year and a half ive had my permit i have never been asked to show my permit and have only had to unholster and give my weapon to the officer once

for the most part the officers are happy that i am a law abiding(except speeding) citizen and a legal and responsible gun owner

[kairo]

Originally Posted by jnclement

I'm surprised you didn't get a warning. My wife has gotten 9 warnings, and not tickets since she got her CHL. I've only gotten two. I don't know why....but it's paid for our class, and liscense.

9 warnings? Your wife needs to learn how to drive. . .

[BoomerBSG]

Originally Posted by kairo

9 warnings? Your wife needs to learn how to drive. . .

LOL +1 was just about to post the same reply!

cheers

[slugger6]

Thanks for posting your story, Petrolero. I'm glad it worked out for you as well as it did. It sounds like you were the model citizen. I know most LEOs appreciate that type of behavior.

[SpringfieldXD.40]

Originally Posted by slugger6

Thanks for posting your story, Petrolero. I'm glad it worked out for you as well as it did. It sounds like you were the model citizen. I know most LEOs appreciate that type of behavior.

+1 Thanks for making gun owners look good

[Paul]

Thanks for posting. I'm taking the class next month.

[Broadside]

Originally Posted by Paul

Thanks for posting. I'm taking the class next month.

Paul,

I thought you had yours already.....

Petro,
Did you trim your CCW permit? Mine is also issued from Douglas County and I trimmed it to fit in the wallet but it's really tight. I'm afraid if I trim it any more it won't be water proof.