Today's Date: Monday, December 01, 2008

Question, carrying under LEOSA

8/27/2008 4:09 AM

dogman

Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 17

Question, carrying under LEOSA


Does a LE retiree carrying under H.R 218/LEOSA have to inform a LEO that he/she is armed if stopped for a traffic violation? I know some states require you do so if you have a permit to carry a handgun. I can't find anything on it and was wondering what others may think.


REPLY  1 - 8 of 8
8/27/2008 1:19 PM #1

john ploch

Join Date: August 2008
Posts: 1

Yes speak up


I carry my permit with my license. If I am carrying and I am stopped I give both,along with details as to where it is on my person. I keep both hands on the wheel and follow the Officers instructions. I feel I owe it to the officer to give out right away as a form of respect and understanding the officers need to size up the stop and me and know I am safe and am not a threat.

8/27/2008 4:00 PM #2

wolfva

Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 112

RE: Question, carrying under LEOSA


I dunno if you HAVE to, but I think it's a good idea. Put yourself in the officer's place. You pull a guy over, eventually ask him to step out of the car and that's when you notice the tell tail bulge of a firearm you weren't expecting. No reason to increase his stress level if you don't have to.

8/27/2008 6:43 PM #3

Steve Rothstein

Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 275

RE: Question, carrying under LEOSA


I do not think it is required, any more than an active officer would have to tell another officer. I do think it is good advice. In addition to being courteous that way, it is a good way to let the other officer know you are a retired or off duty LEO.

8/28/2008 12:11 PM #4

jfriday240

Join Date: November 2007
Posts: 5

Absolutely


Like others, I do not know if it is required, but professional courtesy remains a two way street. If I stop someone, I like to know if they are armed, and if they are a LEO, it usually tends to shorten the duration of the stop... On the same note, if I get stopped and am armed, I immediately identify myself to the officer and advise him I am armed... This should all but eliminate the possibility of friendly fire...

8/28/2008 12:57 PM #5

exfed2002

Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 19

Question, carrying under LEOSA


Just common courtesy, IMO..................

9/1/2008 6:30 AM #6

dogman

Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 17

RE: Question, carrying under LEOSA


Thanks everyone. I would for the reasons given, I was just wondering.

9/18/2008 9:26 PM #7

ddgala

Join Date: September 2008
Posts: 2

RE: Question, carrying under LEOSA


Most of these replies are applicable. There is no law that makes this necessary, but keeping one's hands on the steering wheel and informing the Police Officer that may stop you is a courtesy that keeps everyone safer. LEOs tend to get nervous otherwise, and nervous LEOs are more dangerous than those who are not.

I had a shield designed to wear when I am armed, mainly on account that I want the Officer to ask first, and not just shoot. Getting shot is no fun, believe me..., been there, done that.

So use common sense and keep everyone safe and feeling less apprehensive.

Last edited @ 9/18/2008 9:27 PM

9/19/2008 12:58 AM #8

Thor Odinson

Join Date: October 2007
Posts: 4

RE: Question, carrying under LEOSA


This is one of those questions that depends on how reasonable the LEO is making the stop. I've had LEO's whip out ID as a "get out of jail free card". If they practically demand that they be given a pass after doing 10 over then I cite 'em. I've been stopped, armed, and said nothing. Granted it was just a guy observing me search for a gunshop for the first time and he just offerred to help. In Colorado we have two laws of interest to LEO's. One is a shall issue concealed carry permit procedure. Open carry remains OK. The other is what is commonly called the "make my day law". Any intruder into a dwelling (could be a motel room for one night) can be shot. Includes civil immunity. If some hot dog LEO pushes the envelope and aggressively demands entry (typical TV representation) w/o warrant they also fall under the law. Its been to the court of appeals. No permit for weapon in ones home or for open carry in a car--some counties want a merchant guard license for armed rent a cops but it hasn't been appealed yet. I usually want to let a LEO know if I'm going to be reaching for a DL in a wallet and that movement puts my hand in easy reach of my .45 (which makes no bulge). I usually pull the DL when pulled over before being asked for it. DL cannot be required of passengers, maybe some other ID. Just stopping any old driver without PC has been tossed by the high court as has the opinion that a driver is required to sit behind the wheel even when the LEO demands it. Not a lawful order. Of course I don't know how many times I've done all of the above. Thor

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