First Time Pulled Over w/CCW

[ibesarcasm]

Good job. Does anybody take their keys out of the ignition and put them on the dash? I had a LEO tell me once that is another thing that helps put them at ease. When they see the keys they know you are less likely to start the car up and .

Never take the keys out...but I do shut the car off.........

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[sleepyhead]

Looks like the encounter went well.

I would also get my license, registration, and proof of insurance ready so I don't have to reach or dig for it.

I also wouldn't offer any information, avoid any chit-chat, and wouldn't discuss where I was, where I'm going, etc.

Of course, I also wouldn't speed

[hogdaddy]

GOOD JOB PLOP & Sleepyhead WELCOME TO THE FORUM ; )

[Bm7b5]

LEO: Good evening. Do you know why I pulled you over tonight?
ME: Yes, I was speeding.
LEO: Do you know what the speed limit is on this road?
ME: 65MPH? [I knew it was either 65MPH or 60MPH, I thought for sure it was 65MPH. No, I don’t travel on this road very often.]
LEO: It’s actually 60MPH. I clocked you going 73 in a 60MPH zone. I’m going to need to see your license and registration.

To each his own, but I consider an immediate admission to breaking the law an unsuccessful way for a civilian to start his converstation with a police officer during a traffic stop.

LEO: I was wondering what you were doing with your hands-on-the-steering-wheel thing.

I know some people recommend doing the hands-on-the-steering-wheel thing, but I think it makes you look like some kind of habitual offender who is very used to being stopped by the police.

[av8er]

I also wouldn't offer any information, avoid any chit-chat, and wouldn't discuss where I was, where I'm going, etc.

Agreed.

[Sticks]

Great write-up, thanks!

The only part I didn't like was this line:



[sarcasm on] Actually officer, I'm a huge crack-head and the trunk has a dead body, a portable meth lab and a suitcase nuke. I just went through all the trouble of getting my CCW to mess with ya! [sarcasm off]

Shouldn't the fact of a CCW hint towards the driver being a law-abiding citizen?

Beat me to it.

I take exception to the LEO statement as well.

[Sporty79]

Great experience hope they all go that well.

[64zebra]

Originally Posted by PastorPack View Post
Great write-up, thanks!

The only part I didn't like was this line:

[sarcasm on] Actually officer, I'm a huge crack-head and the trunk has a dead body, a portable meth lab and a suitcase nuke. I just went through all the trouble of getting my CCW to mess with ya! [sarcasm off]

Shouldn't the fact of a CCW hint towards the driver being a law-abiding citizen?

Beat me to it.

I take exception to the LEO statement as well.

now don't anyone flame me, I am a LEO, I had my CHL for 4 years before that, I'm a strong supporter of the 2A.....
The question asked by the LEO is to be looked at in the same manner as Sixto said, thats all, nothing insulting, nothing insinuating.

As for the CHL/CCW being a hint that the driver is a law-abiding citizen....yes....it does. I've always had that mindset too. When I got my CHL I always thought that a LEO would think of me differently than a non-CHL if ever encountered, and most of my encounters this was the story.

I can't go into details, but this week I had to arrest a CHL for aggravated assault w/deadly weapon. It was not even close to a self-defense situation. NRA Life member. I had to fight real hard to keep from saying what I wanted to say but I had a job to do. For me it was a shock and a bad experience with him being a CHL.
Like Sixto said, we ask questions for different reasons that most people don't understand or take the wrong way.

[REVMAN]

I know some people recommend doing the hands-on-the-steering-wheel thing, but I think it makes you look like some kind of habitual offender who is very used to being stopped by the police.

In SC we are told in our CWP class to put your hands on the steering wheel if you are pulled over so I really think this only lets the LEO know that I have been trained properly and want to make this stop as easy as possible.

[EvilMonk]

Good stop, though I am not a fan of Voluntary Information.

64zebra, good point. I don't suppose it's fair to judge motives when it comes to superior experience...

[Majorlk]

I know some people recommend doing the hands-on-the-steering-wheel thing, but I think it makes you look like some kind of habitual offender who is very used to being stopped by the police.

Nope, but interlocking the fingers with your hands behind or on top of your head surely will.

[Sandykb]

That is great. My instructor in Gun Safety Class is a LEO and he advised me to do exactly what you did. He said it shows the officer respect and definitely brings the stress level down for them. AND he said when he is treated with that kind of respect he returns it. Awesome.

[rsb319]

Glad you had a good experiance and a warning too.

[billpocz]

Plop,

Great write up! How long did it take for your heart rate to return to normal??

64zebra, your perspective is greatly appreciated!!

Bill