A few years back, I had only had my CCW for about 3 months. I was late for work one morning and in my hurry, committed a minor traffic infraction. When the officer came to my window and asked for the usual documentation, I felt compelled to immediately inform him that I had a CCW & and that I had a loaded firearm in my possession. Understand that in Colorado, there is no law requiring one to disclose that info as I know there is in some states.
After returning from his vehicle, he handed me back my documentation, told me to slow down, and gave me no citation. As he turned to walk away he said "thanks for the heads up!"
This was my first interaction with a LEO while legally carrying. Although I had no legal obligation to tell him I was armed, my reasoning was simply I don't like surprises...and figured he didn't either. I know that in some states, information on permit holders have been known to find it's way to the same database used to check for BG's, and not knowing if that information was available to him or not, thought it better to be upfront. I wanted to be sure there were no mistakes made if some computer error (and it happens) caused an already unpleasant situation to turn into a really unpleasant situation.
What would/will/have you do/done in a similar situation. I'm especially interested in getting any LEO's point of view on this....what say you?
After returning from his vehicle, he handed me back my documentation, told me to slow down, and gave me no citation. As he turned to walk away he said "thanks for the heads up!"
This was my first interaction with a LEO while legally carrying. Although I had no legal obligation to tell him I was armed, my reasoning was simply I don't like surprises...and figured he didn't either. I know that in some states, information on permit holders have been known to find it's way to the same database used to check for BG's, and not knowing if that information was available to him or not, thought it better to be upfront. I wanted to be sure there were no mistakes made if some computer error (and it happens) caused an already unpleasant situation to turn into a really unpleasant situation.
What would/will/have you do/done in a similar situation. I'm especially interested in getting any LEO's point of view on this....what say you?