Inform LEO of CCW?

[louie]

Folks,

Plain and simple...

IF, while walking or driving in my vehicle, I should be approached by a PA or Philly LEO, must I inform them that I am carrying a concealed weapon? I typically carry a SIG or my SP-101, throughout Philly and the surrounding counties.

More specifically, IF I should be involved in an auto accident or stopped for a moving violation, or vehicle code infraction, must I, BY LAW, inform the LEO(s) that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

[marinakorp]

No... not required.

[knighted4]

No there is no duty to inform.

Also this is a topic that have alot of people on both sides of the issue.

And just to be first it is a LTCF and not a CCW...lol

knighted4

ARTICAL l SECTION 21
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.
What part of this DON'T you understand?

[1861]

No and I don't .

[Robert Kayland]

Less is more... the less you give the LEO to concern himself with, the more better things will probably turn out.

Personally, I think the odds of the LEO making a big deal about it (e.g., disarming you for "his safety") are greater than the odds of him letting you out of the ticket because he appreciates the "professional courtesy".

[JCWohlschlag]

No there is no duty to inform.

Also this is a topic that have alot of people on both sides of the issue.

Nah, the topic that gets debated is whether one should choose to inform. There being no duty (or requirement) to inform is a fact.

[tlgpa]

As noted above, no legal requirement for you to inform him.

Personally, I think the odds of the LEO making a big deal about it (e.g., disarming you for "his safety") are greater than the odds of him letting you out of the ticket because he appreciates the "professional courtesy".

Right.

The question you need to ask yourself is, "What do I have to gain by telling Mr. Officer I have a gun?".
The list should be pretty short.

Then ask yourself "What do I have to lose by telling Mr. Officer I have a gun?".
WARNING: Allow yourself plenty of time to mull this over as it will be very long and time consuming.

[jcabin]

wow must have seen this question a dozen times over the weekend on various forums.

[mythaeus]

I don't think there is a "good" answer to this question...just a few points to make so you can make your own decision/choice:

1. Legally, PA has no requirement to inform LEO of your carrying.

2. When picking up your LTCF, Philadelphia made you sign a piece of paper and one of the first "musts" is to inform LEO of your CCW when interacting with them. PA state law, given preemption, negates this "requirement". However, it could very easily be seen that IF they really want to, they can revoke your LTCF and you will have to go to court to get it back.

3. Cops don't like sights of people carrying, especially when they stop you for one thing or another. The less they know, the better, but when situations may get to the point where your CCW has a high probability of being revealed through the process, it may serve you better to inform them. I've always kept it in the back of my head to divulge that I have a license to carry firearms first before saying I have my firearm on me. I did exactly that during a DUI checkpoint when I was asked to step out of the car. If you choose to inform, keep in mind to stay calm, no sudden movements, keep your hands visible at all time, be polite.

Al

[knighted4]

Nah, the topic that gets debated is whether one should choose to inform. There being no duty (or requirement) to inform is a fact.

That was answered with There is no duty to inform.

The other was just saying many people go over the topic of whether or not to inform alot, in this and other forums. Sorry for the confusion.

knighted4

ARTICAL l SECTION 21
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.
What part of this DON'T you understand?