I occasionally have contact with law enforcement and I typically have a concealed firearm on my person. Here in Minnesota, I’m not legally required to declare that, unless I’m specifically asked. So is it better to just keep quiet or should I politely hand over my permit along with my drivers’ license?
~~~~~~Happened last week~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One evening I was out for a stole to get some exercise and a cop pulled over. (apparently I was a ‘suspicious looking person,’ wearing a reflective traffic vest and walking on a bike path). I gave him my DL and said “oh, and here’s my carry permit, if you need to see that.” . . . “are you carrying right now??” . . . “I sure am.”
After that exchange, he seemed kind of startled; then quickly handed back my cards, jumped back in his car, and floored it. Did I do alright, or should I have hoped he didn’t notice the 1911 sized budge under my vest?
Yeesh, this is a totally legit “story.” I go walking (not jogging) just about every evening with a hip holster and a full size 1911. And no, it’s not obvious that I’m ‘packing’; in the twilight, all people see is the reflective strips on my clothing. As to “why,” I do it because I’m a well educated, hard working, law abiding citizen and I’m not going to get killed or maimed by some dirt-bag. In this society, I should be able to get some exercise and be safe at the same time. Unfortunately, I’ve heard way too many cases of people getting mugged; and then wallet in hand, the bad guy shoots the victim just to prove he’s “hard.”
Hunting, shooting and target practise are some of the most popular pastimes in the USA, but make that you learn all about the rules and regulations regarding firearms and their safe use.
There are many questions being asked about concealed firearms license, find some of the best answers on this site, so be sure to checkout the other posts about concealed firearms license
Related posts:
- in florida if you have a concealed weapon license?
- if someone is from another country and most likely is illegal, can they carry a concealed weapon?
- Why SHOULD a law abiding citizen with a licensed firearm have to have a permit to carry their weapon concealed?
- i have a georgia firearms licence for a concealed weapon what states can i go with my firearm?
- I am applying for my concealed weapon license in Colorado. Who are the best firearm instructors in Denver?
- Carrying concealed firearms; legal issues?
- Punishment in Ontario for carrying a concealed firearm?
- With Concealed Firearm Permit holders now carrying concealed firearms in Nat'l parks, does that include D.C.?
- If I have a concealed weapon permit from NC can I take my personal firearm to Germany?
- If i receive felony probation for carrying a concealed firearm can I still get a permit or purchase a gun?
As a cop, I have no problem with someone who is legally carring a concealed weapon, I do ask that you give me a heads up though. It just helps to make things safer for the both of us. I think what you did was the right thing, it showed the officer that you are a responsible gun owner.
If you are legally carrying it, it’s not necessary unless you are asked.
My dad carries a concealed weapon and does not volunteer it to other cops when he is off duty. it’s up to you and what ever makes you more comfortable. I however feel that it is safer to disclose the fact you are carrying.
Couldn’t hurt to mention it. Most officers will appreciate it. But if you are not required and don’t, that won’t matter either.
Though I don’t exactly buy your story, or at least your interpretation of the events. In Missouri I run into probably one concealed carry permit every few weeks or so. Certainly not cause to jump in my and "floor it". Either he got a call for something else, saw something he needed to take action on or you are embellishing the story. But I guess stranger things have happened, so maybe the officer is just an idiot.
BTW…having a bulge sort of defeats the purpose of carrying a concealed weapon. If I was a bad guy about to do evil deeds, I’d take out the guy with the bulge first.
You encountered what you described as a possible fake officer. Some "clever" people can easily disguise themselves as police officers and just as easily get an edge to move into a vulnerable area and commit a violent crime. You did exactly the right thing. You should file a report with the local police about your encounter and see if the "officer" was legit.
Cops get awfully jumpy if they see a weapon on you, even if you are cooperating.
I would just mention to him that I am licensed to carry a pistol and am at the moment. If a cop sees your gun without prior knowledge, who knows what he might do.
If you are driving & pulled over, you are required to show your drivers license & CCW.
Don’t say anything unless they ask.
If you are not legally required to then why should you? Any cop that is afraid of a CCW holder is probably better off not knowing anyway.
A CCW holder by definition has gone through a background check. So why was he so scared?
if you lived in the UK you would be slapped with the 5 year minimum custodial sentence for possessing a firearm. Why do you need to carry a firearm with you? Sounds messed up to me.
why are you walking around with a gun,legally or not
I’m thinking you made this story up. You carry a firearm when you jog? And in a shoulder holster? If I stop someone, they better tell me if they’re armed. If they don’t, and I notice the weapon, there’s about a 100% chance that they’re going to get drawn down on.
i wouldnt mention it. it only invites them to and give them the opportunity to violate your rights, discriminate against you, who knows. just dont tell them your strapped. the cop you encountered got all nervous and ran off because for some cops, thier gun is thier protection, thier power over people. when they know that a citizen also has a gun, it takes away that power, making you more equal. they feel vulnerable. especially when your gun is way bigger than thiers. they know you could draw and they could get killed. its in the back of thier mind. if they could they would take everybody’s gun away but thier own.
JJ – Your the reason why we have misunderstandings. Your advice is way off base and sounds like you have had many run in’s with the law. All bad for reasons of your choosing. The police is not here to mess with your rights unless you dont deserve your rights. What a moron.