Questions about police encounters.

**FireintheWhole** · March 24th, 2008, 10:28 PM

I have my license to carry, and am looking at subcompacts now.

I've always wondered what the procedure is if confronted by a police officer. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding, do you have to tell the officer you are carrying and show your license, or just not say anything?

**HiredGoon** · March 24th, 2008, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by FireintheWhole

I have my license to carry, and am looking at subcompacts now.

I've always wondered what the procedure is if confronted by a police officer. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding, do you have to tell the officer you are carrying and show your license, or just not say anything?

In PA, you are NOT required to inform police that you are carrying a gun. In some states you are required to.

There are many different opinions on weather you should volunteer that information or not. Some say yes, others say no. It depends on the situation to some extent. If you do not inform them and you think there's a chance they might see your gun when you are reaching for registration & insurance info, then you should probably tell them immediately.

Others say it is best to tell them as soon as possible to avoid any possible hassle.

It is really up to you and the circumstances at the time.

**FireintheWhole** · March 24th, 2008, 10:39 PM

Yeah, I feel like I might tell them. I think I would probably want to know if I was the cop just to avoid a surprise. Plus, I would not want a gun drawn on me if reaching for registration made the gun visible. YIKES!

**HiredGoon** · March 24th, 2008, 10:41 PM

Read thru this post http://www.pafoa.org/forum/general-2...un-permit.html
for more info on this...and...welcome to the forum

**FireintheWhole** · March 24th, 2008, 11:20 PM

Thanks! Good link.

**bradjc72** · March 24th, 2008, 11:47 PM

fireinthewhole

you can find alot of already started links to different discussions by searching them before putting up a new thread. Its fine that you started this one, but for your reference in the future, just search what you are looking for, and you will probably find it.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.

By the way, I wouldnt inform them

**pitt45GAP** · March 25th, 2008, 12:53 AM

Immediately run out of the car yelling "I have a gun!!!!!"

But seriously as courtesy, I place my hands out the window and when they come to the window I advise I have a LTCF and where my gun is.... I have been pulled over once and i am sure it put him at ease vs him staring at my Glock in a holster on the seat next to me...

**Steve in PA** · March 25th, 2008, 01:16 AM

Some officers look at being informed you are carrying as a sign that, "I'm one of the good guys".

As noted, its not a requirement. If you do not inform the officer, but during the course of the stop are asked to get out of the vehicle I would inform him then.

I was stopped by PSP last year, and when the trooper came up to my window asking for my stuff (driver's license, registration and insurance), my first words were;

Trooper, I'm an off-duty officer and I'm carrying. He then asked for my ID.

I will plead the 5th as to whether or not I got a citation

But, most officers are more inclined to give someone a break when they inform the officer they are carrying. It is not a get out of jail card, and you may still get a citation.

In my opinion, its your choice during the traffic stop if you want to inform him. If you are asked to get out of the vehicle, I would definitely inform the officer then.