Someone else can answer the LEO notification question, as I don't know.
However in any traffic stop it is a good idea to keep your hands visible on the wheel until the officer gets to the window. Don't rummage around looking for your documents. At night turn on your dome light.
DO NOT exit the vehicle or hang your hands out of any windows. Just put them on the steering wheel and wait. Roll the window down when he asks. Passengers should sit still with their hand visible in their laps. Follow instructions and be polite.
Some LEOs will and some won't have a problem with CCW holders. Some know we are good guys for the most part, some don't like guns or people who carry them. For every story about someone being hassled about their gun, there is one or more about a LEO not writing the ticket or being professional during the stop.
As for handling the stop I notify the officer if I am going to access a part of the vehicle where my gun may be. When I drive long distance I typically take it off my person. Around town and such I wear it on me. If the gun will be exposed or my hand near it I let the officer decide how they wish to proceed. My state doesn't require notification, so if the gun won't be exposed I do not notify.
#2 - I've never heard of an off-duty LEO stopping someone for CCW. I suppose it could happen. They should immediately identify themselves and show their credentials. If they don't you should ask to see them. Show them your permit, not your gun.
However in any traffic stop it is a good idea to keep your hands visible on the wheel until the officer gets to the window. Don't rummage around looking for your documents. At night turn on your dome light.
DO NOT exit the vehicle or hang your hands out of any windows. Just put them on the steering wheel and wait. Roll the window down when he asks. Passengers should sit still with their hand visible in their laps. Follow instructions and be polite.
Some LEOs will and some won't have a problem with CCW holders. Some know we are good guys for the most part, some don't like guns or people who carry them. For every story about someone being hassled about their gun, there is one or more about a LEO not writing the ticket or being professional during the stop.
As for handling the stop I notify the officer if I am going to access a part of the vehicle where my gun may be. When I drive long distance I typically take it off my person. Around town and such I wear it on me. If the gun will be exposed or my hand near it I let the officer decide how they wish to proceed. My state doesn't require notification, so if the gun won't be exposed I do not notify.
#2 - I've never heard of an off-duty LEO stopping someone for CCW. I suppose it could happen. They should immediately identify themselves and show their credentials. If they don't you should ask to see them. Show them your permit, not your gun.