Alaska - Tell a cop that you have a gun?

[jgcoastie]

I've had several encounters with AST in the past few years. All have been due to AST checking my licenses/harvest tickets/duck stamps/etc while hunting/fishing. On most occasions, I've just calmly held my jacket open so the Trooper can plainly see my handgun on my hip as he walks up. All responses have been "Yep, I see it, just don't reach for it."

I figure they're more worried about the loaded .45/70, 12ga, .308, .260, or .30/06 in my hand than the handgun I'd have to draw from concealment.

I was pulled over by MILPOL once though. He saw me re-entering my lane after being in his momentarily to avoid killing a doe and her baby. The deer ran off and he never saw them, so he was pretty curious why I was in his lane... As soon as I was stopped, I put the truck in park and put my hands on the wheel at 10 & 2 with my palms open, facing me (and him). First words out of my mouth were

"I am carrying a concealed handgun on my left hip, left hip. What would you like me to do?" (Yes, I said left hip twice. My wallet is in my right back pocket and I want to make sure he don't forget where the gun is.) He answered with "Ok, no problem, just don't reach for it and we'll be okay."

It ended with a verbal warning.

I know that many people are scared of "big brother" knowing any little shred of info about you, your daily actions, what your favorite color is, and what-not... But let's be realistic here folks. It is not unreasonable for an officer's safety for them to know if you have a deadly weapon on or about your person. Offer that information freely, clearly, and without reservation at the beginning of your encounter with a LEO and set their minds at ease. If they know that you have a weapon and you freely offered that information to them, you're likely not a threat and they can probably treat you as such.

FWIW, I ask the master of the vessel as soon as I'm on-board if there are any weapons on-board. There always are and they always tell me the exact location. We secure the weapon(s) until the boarding is concluded and then return them, no harm, no foul. Officer safety: It's important to me, regardless of which of us is wearing the badge that day.

Originally Posted by KSFreeman

My safety trumps officer safety all day long.

Despite your arrogance, I am compelled to inform you that any and all LEOs believe that the exact opposite is true. Unfortunately for others that share your opinion on the matter; the law of the land tends to favor the LEO in this debate.

[Dust Monkey]

Despite your arrogance, I am compelled to inform you that any and all LEOs believe that the exact opposite is true. Unfortunately for others that share your opinion on the matter; the law of the land tends to favor the LEO in this debate.

Laws can be changed.

My safety trumps the safety of a citizen with a badge. Trust me. I've have been pulled over, officer inept taking possession of my 1911. Looking like a monkey doing a math problem to take the msg out and clear the chamber, while pointing the gun at me and across several lanes of traffic.

If I an legally carrying my weapon, and stopped for any infraction, I should not have to tell the popo I have a legally carried firearm. Officer safety is BS. It's the same excuse of "it's for the children".

[Wildalaska]

My safety trumps the safety of a citizen with a badge.

Hes a citizen too, is held to the same or higher standards than you, he poops and has a family just like you and he wants to go home to his wife and kids just like you.

I've have been pulled over, officer inept taking possession of my 1911. Looking like a monkey doing a math problem to take the msg out and clear the chamber, while pointing the gun at me and across several lanes of traffic.

Same response as to KS Freeman above.

Here let me be blunt again: I question whether folks who DELIBERATELY put themselves in a scenario where tensions can escalate should be carrying guns.

Especially in light of the fact that Officer Jerry Jackboot is far more likely to be killed in a traffic stop by Mr. Bad Boy Civilian Guncarrier,than you are by him. And he doesnt know if you are bad brother, Bad Boy, instead of good brother Good Boy, until he evaluates his hinkeymeter by your affect, demeanor and veracity. And then your ID.

Take off the tricorns boys and join the real world of 21st century reality.


WildlookslikeweargoingroundandroundagainonthisAlaska ™©2002-2010

[SwampYankee]

WildAlaska lives in Alaska. By law he must inform the officer. We know his story and his legal obligation. For the rest of us, where there is no responsibility to declare your weapon upon an unrelated traffic stop, each stop if going to be different.

I was once pulled over by a RI State Trooper because I had no muffler. He asked me if I knew that my muffler was gone. I said yes (as if I did not notice the loud noise coming from under the car), it fell off last week and I had an appointment next week to have the whole exhaust system replaced. I was totally lying. The muffler fell off six months ago and I was waiting to see how long I could go before a cop stopped me and gave me a ticker or warning.

This cop told me to get it fixed and let me go- no paperwork involved. I was not carrying at the time but should I have told this guy (in the rain), "Oh, and by the way, want to play with my gun?". It does not seem prudent.

[pythagorean]

Depends on the trooper. If he doesn't want a complicated traffic stop I relieve him from the complication.
If he is looking for a gun then I tell him.
What am I missing here? You think a patrolman is stupid or something?
Why did he pull you into a traffic stop?
That is the question.

[BILLtheDJguy]

When a cop doesn't look at every stop as potentially life threatening, it's time to get a desk....

When I have to give a LEO my driver's license, I automatically include my CWP, if I'm carrying. IT'S A COURTESY...'nuff said...
If he can't appreciate that, and flips out, then perhaps he should rethink his career choice...

[Uncle Malice]

Here in AZ it is not a requirement to disclose possession of the firearm unless asked.

With that said, in the 2 years that I have lived in this great state, I have been pulled over 4 times(black camaro - cop magnet). Each and every time, I immediately told the officer that I have a CCW and I have my sidearm with me.

Each time the officer 'talked guns' with me for 10 minutes before letting me off with a warning. I was treated as an equal, with respect. This is not something I was accustomed to in IL(without carrying a gun).

First incident was speeding - Let go.

Second Incident was expired tags - let go.

Third Incident was expired tags - let go. (these were about a month apart and I just hadn't bothered to go get my emissions test done yet)

4th Incident was speeding - let go.

Thus far, in my 2 years as an Arizona resident... I have found that being upfront and honest, along with having that CCW card - really shows the officer that you are not a criminal, you are a stand-up citizen.. and they are, obviously, much more willing to cut you a break if the view you as a 'friend'.

[Wildalaska]

He asked me if I knew that my muffler was gone. I said yes (as if I did not notice the loud noise coming from under the car), it fell off last week and I had an appointment next week to have the whole exhaust system replaced. I was totally lying. The muffler fell off six months ago and I was waiting to see how long I could go before a cop stopped me and gave me a ticker or warning.

I rest my case.


WildlookingfortroubleAlaska ™©2002-2010

[pythagorean]

Here in AZ it is not a requirement to disclose possession of the firearm unless asked.

Exactly. The trooper pulled you over for a speeding ticket or light out or some other.
So follow through.

If he asks you about a weapon you tell him. Why not?

Why is this such a problem?

Oh. I figured it out. Some state troopers expect you'll be armed for good reason and this won't be a problem.

I guess NY and other states are real problems.
I ain't a Yankee from New York City!
Sorry that chaps hides.

If you live in NY or NY City you are a peon.

[egor20]

That sounds familiar, the one time I was pulled over (broken taillight) I gave the deputy my DL and CCW, I don't have to in Virginia. He thanked me asked where it was, I told him on my belt right hand side, he told me to keep my hands on the steering wheel. When he ran my info he told me what it was about and after 20 minutes talking guns thanked me for informing him and bid me a nice day.

I was talking to a trooper who boards his horse with me and he asked why I CC, I simply told him...

"I've never found 'cup a cop' in the store"
He looked at me funny and I told him
"Its like 'cup a noodles' but when you add water you get a cop

He laughed

[pythagorean]

That sounds familiar, the one time I was pulled over (broken taillight) I gave the deputy my DV and CCW, I don't have to in Virginia. He thanked me asked where it was, I told him on my belt right hand side, he told me to keep my hands on the steering wheel. When he ran my info he told me what it was about and after 20 minutes talking guns thanked me for informing him and bid me a nice day.

They only have to ask in any state.
So when they do you just tell them.
About NY I am not so sure.
But I don't live or travel to NYC.
The posing problem is limited to the poor NYC dwellers.
Not me.

[SwampYankee]

I rest my case.

Not at all. You know how much an exhaust system costs? I was waiting for the car to die and hoping it would happen before I had to dump another 300-400 bucks into it. Not looking for trouble at all. Have you ever lived anywhere but Alaska, or travelled there recently?

If I have to pull out my wallet to give the officer my license, I'm going to have to expose my weapon and he's likely to see my CCW. Consequently, I'm going to tell the officer. But if he doesn't require me to get out of the car or start doing gymnastics in my seat, it just does not seem prudent. Should I repeat it in 5 more posts?

[Wildalaska]

The posing problem is limited to the poor NYC dwellers.

Actually the OP asked about the great and free state of Alaska, where the herb is essentially legal, we dont pay any taxes, anyone can concealed carry a gun, the only progressive radio station went under and everybody votes republican.


And us normal folks tell our fellow Alaskans with badges that we got guns. And when that law was passed there was no opposition to it except from militia fruitcakes, and there still isnt, except for militia fruitcakes.

I feel like such a serf up here


WilditsagreatlawenforecementtooltooAlaska ™©2002-2010

[Wildalaska]

Not at all. You know how much an exhaust system costs? I was waiting for the car to die and hoping it would happen before I had to dump another 300-400 bucks into it. Not looking for trouble at all.

Sorry, lying to a cop during a traffic stop inst the type of behavior I would like to see from folks with guns

Have you ever lived anywhere but Alaska, or travelled there recently?

Dude I grew up around NYC before the Knapp Commission, and have a criminal law background....I have forgotten more about scumbag cops than half of you will ever know and if I am ever stopped by a cop while lawfully carrying, the first words out of my mouth after Good Evening of Good Afternoon will be to tell him I have a gun.

Whether required to or not.

Always have and always will. You handle it the way you will. Your life, your hassle.

WildandwiththatoroborousAlaska ™©2002-2010

[pythagorean]

And us normal folks tell our fellow Alaskans with badges that we got guns. And when that law was passed there was no opposition to it except from militia fruitcakes, and there still isnt, except for militia fruitcakes.

I feel like such a serf up here

I always thought Alaska was God's Country.

I confess. I want to move to Alaska.

[jgcoastie]

When I'm on a boarding, enforcing laws at sea, I would like to know if and where people have weapons. By law, those who do not have a badge are required to tell me.

When I'm not wearing a badge, I am required to tell those in possession of one if and where I am carrying a weapon.

This has led to peaceable and professional interactions with LEOs and civilians. I think I'll continue the practice for both my and their peace of mind.

Much of the opposition to notifying LEOs of CC status is from those who are not in Alaska. Those of us from Alaska know this law and think of it somewhere between indifference or full support. The OP asked about Alaska, so here's the scoop;

Everybody (essentially) up here has at least one gun. Most have more than one. A lot of people have what could be viewed as a "stockpile" or some other stupid progressive term. Most of the liberals in Alaska are imported, courtesy of the military, and there ain't a whole lot of them. LEOs in Alaska are more accustomed to firearms than any other state. It is perfectly reasonable and acceptable to carry just about any firearm openly or concealed. The vast majority of LEOs in Alaska will not even remove your wepon from your person, they'll just tell you not to touch it during the course of the stop. Those that do secure your weapon are well-versed in the manual of arms for most weapons. So you don't have to worry about them shooting you...

Basically, I said all of that to say this: During the course of a traffic stop, telling an Alaskan LEO that you have a weapon in a calm, professional voice is about like telling them that you have a driver's license. They expect it. So everyone can remove their tinfoil hats and paranoia.

[Yankee Doodle]

jgcoastie
Firstly, Thank you for your service.
Second. WELL SAID
It would be an honor to work with you.

[roy reali]

When you are issued a CCW here in Nevada, LEO's get a heads-up on their computer when you get pulled over. They don't know weather you happen to have a gun on you, but they know you legally could.

[SwampYankee]

Sorry, lying to a cop during a traffic stop inst the type of behavior I would like to see from folks with guns.

That's just ridiculous. Telling the cop, "Oh yeah, its been that way for months and I've just been waiting for the car to die because I hate to put another $400 into it and then have it die," is a sure way to get yourself a ticket. I would say that we are all liars (as every good cop already knows or assumes) and there is a definite difference between a white lie, a stupid lie and a felonious lie, but clearly you've never lied to anyone ever so I guess my point would be lost. Since my traffic stop thousands of miles away from the OP while not carrying a weapon is far off topic, I'll drop it in the interest of keep us all from being banned or biting our own tails.

[kraigwy]

I retired from the Anchorage PD and left the state prior to the issuing of CC permits/later "anyone to carry" laws were passed. Regardless, I was mostly a street cop and assumed everyone carried and as an FTO I told my trainees everyone had a gun unless proved otherwise.

I wasn't a very good cop, if someone told me they had a gun, or even if I discovered they had a gun, I didn't care, I wasn't much for enforcing gun laws unless there was other illegal activity involving the gun. In my 20 years I never made a "gun related" arrest UNLESS there was another crime involved.

Nothing wrong with a little courtesy on either side. Based on my knowledge of other police officers, I think you'd have less hassle if you advised the cop a head of time.

What bothers me about the "informing requirements" is personal, my feelings on the subject. APD is a honest police department, like they would fire you if you took so much as a free cup of coffee (unless the coffee was provided free to everyone as in Auto Parts Stores or other places that didn't sell coffee). I like to think I was an honest cop and refused to accept any favorable treatment because I was a cop, or now, ex-cop.

So this brings me to my personal problem with informing an officer I was carrying. I screw up like everyone else, its hard to be a perfect driver. I carry per LEOSA or HR 218, which means my permit is my retired LE ID card. If I screw up and get stopped, I want to be treated like everyone else. I'll take the ticket because I deserve it. Twice in the 17 years I've been retired I was stopped and when the cop found out I was carrying, asked for a permit, I had to show them my Retired ID. I'm sure being a retired cop got me out of the ticket which in my opinion is wrong.

I no longer inform the stopping officer I carry at traffic stops. Some times I got a ticket, sometimes I didn't but being a retired cop had nothing to do with it.

Before you jump down my throat, I'm not that bad, I've only gotten two tickets since I retired,one of those was a seat belt ticket in TX, one was speeding 10 over), I deserved both, and was given a warning on three occasions (without informing them I'm a retired cop).

Wyoming doesn't have such a requirement, I guess I should research other states to see which have the requirement.

What do other LE or Retired LE officers do in such situations?????

[KSFreeman]

But shouldnt everyone else worry about you based on the way you worry about him?

No, because I was not commiting any crime, infraction or ordinance violation. However, the officer pointed a loaded gun at me and the rest of the world.

Hes a citizen too, is held to the same or higher standards than you, he poops and has a family just like you and he wants to go home to his wife and kids just like you

Ummm, no, the law exempts law enforcement from many laws that I must follow. He is a higher class citizen, but I am still not going to tell him that I am carrying guns as I want not to get shot.

Despite your arrogance, I am compelled to inform you that any and all LEOs believe that the exact opposite is true. Unfortunately for others that share your opinion on the matter; the law of the land tends to favor the LEO in this debate.

If you call concern for safety arrogance, then I am arrogant, but I have only Nature-issued holes in me. Any and all LEOs will have to agree to disagree as I will not suffer another pistol pointed at me.

I do not know about tends as I have not taken a survey, but the law of my land favors me. I will take advantage of it and not endanger myself or my fellow citizens by the officer's actions as I would have to in Alaska or some other place.

[spacemanspiff]

Since I don't pose a threat to a police officer, why do I need to inform him/her that I have a gun? So I can be hassled by the officer if he/she isn't knowledgeable in the law or doesn't like the fact that citizens have the right to be armed?

Up here, the vast majority of our police force are very knowledgable about gun laws. We don't really worry about being hassled. I have been pulled over several times, and when I carry the first thing I say as I hold out my DL (and registration and proof of insurance just to save a step) is "Hello, how are you? State law requires I hand this to you and advise you that I am carrying today."

The only time that resulted in anything fun went something like this:
Spiff: "Good morning, state law says I must show you my license and inform you I am carrying today".
Officer 1: "Okay, thank you. Where is the gun at?"
Spiff: "Holstered and under my right leg."
Officer 1: "You mean under the seat?"
Officer 2 is at the passenger window and in my peripheral I can see him trying to get the other officers attention. Since my holstered pistol is wedged between my thunder thigh and the seat, I know he must have seen the butt of it sticking out. I choose to ignore him, and focus only on Officer 1.
Spiff: "No its right under my leg."
Officer 1: "Okay, I am going to ask you to exit the vehicle and my partner will secure your weapon."
Spiff: "Sure, I need to unbuckle my belt first." After unbuckling I kept both hands on the door frame, opened the door with the outside handle and stepped out. Officer 1 walked me a few feet away, and started to frisk me. Oh yeah, its 4 in the morning, I was getting off work at the bar, still had on my two pairs of cuffs, bottle of pepper spray, knife, and vest with trauma plate. (it was a rough bar)
Officer 1: "You wear this vest for work?" (starts taking my cuffs, knife, misses the pepper spray though)
Spiff: "Yes, I work at the Gaslight."
Officer 2 (is a FTO): "Your weapon here, is this a decocker?" (has just manipulated the safety to the off position of my 1911 and the muzzle is pointed at my feet)
Spiff: "Nooo, thats the safety, and you should know there is one in the chamber".
Officer 1 is not sure if she should put me in cuffs for their safety, she takes hold of my thumbs as if shes about to, then changes her mind. She then tells me she pulled me over for not making a turn into the closest possible lane, which was bogus, it was more a fishing expedition for drunk drivers, which of course I had not had anything to drink.
After they ran my info, they let me go. Officer 1 thanked me for following the law and letting them know I was armed. Officer 2 returned my weapon to me unloaded.

I found it odd that a FTO would seem to be so unfamiliar with a 1911.
My point being, advising a law enforcement officer is in my opinion, a good idea. Nearly every time, the officer is unconcerned with it, not a big deal. That could be due to the reasons they pulled me over in the first place, they were all minor traffic infractions.
A few times the officer has recognized me from my work at the bar, having been the officer who responded to an arrest or disturbance that we had reported.

[Skadoosh]

That's just ridiculous. Telling the cop, "Oh yeah, its been that way for months and I've just been waiting for the car to die because I hate to put another $400 into it and then have it die," is a sure way to get yourself a ticket.

The fact is that a muffler system is required by law for both emissions standards as well as noise pollution requirements. Your car was not in good operating order. You are responsible for maintaining your vehicle in good operating order and should have been ticketed on the spot. The LEO showed you that he was willing to cut you a break by issuing a warning only. You should have extended the LEO the same level of courtesy that he/she showed you.

[woodguru]

...is what it is.

Officers here almost always give you the opportunity to announce by asking is there anything you have that I should know about? I'm sorry if I happen to think that not announcing that you have a gun is asking for a notched up situation in which there may be an unfortunate shooting incident. I want an officer to know if I have a gun and be relaxed about it because I am. Funny how that works, if you are relaxed and matter of fact so will the officer most likely be.

The police and sheriff departments in El Dorado County went through a very rough one year period where they lost a lot of officers, two and more wounded in one standoff situation where the guy had tunnels all over his property and kept popping up and shooting officers. This was a jumpy bunch and not a good period of time to make an officer nervous. Open carry could have easily gotten out of hand.

There's a lot to be said for if you are relaxed so will an officer be. In the case of having a concealed permit you have the law on your side so you should be comfortable with it. If you have an attitude or aren't comfortable with it you shouldn't even have a gun on you. Nervous people make a cop very nervous, that's survival skills, a nervous cop is going to be very close to drawing and using a gun.

It seems like there is a lot of discomfort exibited by a lot of people with concealed permits.

[NJgunowner]

This really just comes down to safety and common sense. If you tell the officer your armed, there aren't any surprises for you or the officer. In the minds of most police if you come out tell them you have a weapon of some sort at onset of the conversation you become less threatening. Someone doing something illegal or planning to get violent won't usually volunteer that type of information.

In my experience the more open you are with cops the more they treat you like a person instead of a potential felon.

In NJ though, god help you with ANYTHING gun related.