I prefer a different approach to the Driver/Vehicle.
Translated into copspeak, that card says "my window is broken and will not roll down so please open it with your baton."
Why are we so awkward about guns? Obviously you can kill someone with a gun but as a people even the *gun community* we act like they are taboo or naughty. I often think many who like guns would be less interested if there was no stigma that goes with them.
I know now there are a few degrees of separation from the original topic but I think this a major factor as to why this topic exists. When I put my pants on every morning and clip om my holster to my belt, I know that it’s a gun but it affects my demeanor no different than my knife or keys. Obviously I have to actively treat it differently in certain environments, but it’s just an inanimate object why the awkwardness?
Now, he did drop my brand new Sig mag on the concrete and scratched it, but what can you do?
They do not have to explain about anything they may have in the car as an extension of their home.
This^ is NOT by accident.
Those people in the "Anti" gun crowd are actively trying to intimidate those folks that are ambivalent about private gun ownership through media sensationalism and misinformation. It is hard for me to give most so-called journalists credit for being smart enough to actually gather factual information, but in this case they don't even try. Their handlers do not want to bore potentially interested people with factual details about gun related incidents. Mischaracterizing the weapon, or overstating how they perform, is almost always the rule when it comes to portraying guns.
Unfortunately, many gun people are falling for it too.
As for the OP's inquiry; how about being polite and nice when interacting with a cop to start with? A nice demeanor is always more settling and assuring than having a scowl on your face because you feel you're being wronged. I drive everyday, all the time, all over the place. I haven't been pulled over by LE in at least 8 years; and the last time I was, I was speeding. And rightfully got a ticket for it. But the interaction and the gun handling went smoothly. Now, he did drop my brand new Sig mag on the concrete and scratched it, but what can you do?
True story there. An acquaintance of mine was with me recently and was telling me how she has never seen a gun in person besides one on a police officer's belt and asked if people in LA/TX really have guns as commonly as the media says. I was like oh, absolutely, it's an entirely different culture down here and people grow up with them. She then went on to tell me how she would be scared to even be in a room with a gun for blah blah blah reasons because guns are tools of death and blah blah blah.
I get that everyone is raised differently and in different cultures, but I think the media really has done a terrible disservice to making guns look evil.
As for the OPs question: I'm relatively younger than most here and occasionally push the limits of traffic laws (as many young people do). I don't do anything excessive, but I'll absolutely drive 7-9 MPH over the speed limit when it is safe. I have been pulled over a few times and I treat the cops like a decent human who is doing his job. As I see the lights, I grab my wallet, pull out my license and weapon permit, and have my hands visible on my steering wheel before they even get out of their car.
To this day, I've never been given a ticket and the cops always thank me for being decent to them and understanding that they're doing their job. If I get a ticket, I earned it and accept it. But smiling, being pleasant, and showing that you are a decent person goes a long way in almost every situation in life. Oh, and every single cop has said something along the lines of "you don't grab your gun, and I won't grab mine." It always seems to work out where they smile, laugh, and don't taze me.
The other night at dinner with friends the topic of a traffic stop came up.
You get pulled over for a minor traffic infraction or like one of my instances, a brake tag check. Whether you have a permit or just legally carrying in your vehicle you're pulled over and the police officer approaches your window, do you tell them you have a weapon in your car/truck? One guy said he was cuffed at the scene while the officer conducted the situation of the traffic stop after finding out he was carrying. Another guy said he was told in a CHP/CCW class by the instructor to not say anything about the weapon.
Me, I have been stopped either for minor traffic infraction or brake tag stops by NOPD, JP and LA State Police and I always informed them that I had a weapon in my car or truck. Once the pistol was taken from me until the stop was completed and two other times was told to just remain calm and make no sudden moves toward the weapon. The last two didn't even ask to see it.
What would or do you do and what if you have taken a class were you told as to how to handle this type of situation?
I say cooperation is important in this type of interaction with law enforcement without being a complete idiot over the stop.
^^This. I've had a one instance of being pulled over (brake light--or that was the justification) in which the officer said nearly the same thing upon being informed I was carrying. "How's about you don't pull your gun and I won't pull mine." I laughed. He made sure everything was in order, handed me my phone/DL and I was on my way. The key takeway from Austin's post is that he/she is just a person doing their job--becoming irrate at him/her is completely misplaced. The legislature (or unelected bureacrats) crafts laws--direct your ire at them. Additionally, I like the concept of 'give respect, get respect'. I was polite and he was professional. That's all you can ask for in those situations.
Wait, What's this about your phone? You surrendered your phone?
He probably had his DL on his phone.
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