imported post
I think I would rather tell Leo off the get-go I am armed legally. He is going to find out that you are possibly armed as a result of running your license anyway. I dont want LEO to find out that I am armed by catching a glimpse of my pistol during an investigation, and because I have not informed him that I have HCP, he draws his weapon on me like he has been trained to do in such cases. You are just Joe Blow or perhaps BG to LEO and when he catches a glimpse of your weapon he is going to fall back on training.I dont think Leo after seeing a firearm on your person or in your vehicle is then going to ask to see a permit. In the amount of time it takes him to ask for proper I.D. to be carrying he could be shot dead. Leo might take that approach if he feels comfotable with you, but then again this feeling of being comfortable has gotten Leo's killed in the past .. Can you blame him for being "on guard" while he is behind the badge? That badge is a target for some.
Leo's have been killed by BG's duringroutine traffic stops and he doesnt want to be the next. My advice is to just let Leo know initially that you are armed and that you are armed legally. Leo is then going to realize that you are a responsible citizen if you show him your HCP and perhaps let him disarm you, and until that time he doesnt want to be surprised by the presense of a firearm. More times than not Leo is going to say nothing other than leave your weapon where it is. Or in other cases he might get you out and disarm you until he is done with you. Which he has the right to do. Leo is not doing this to disrespect you, this action is for his safety and yours. That should be looked at at in no other way. Like I said earlier, Leo's are killed every year by BG's and until he identifies you and realizes that you are properly certified to carry he does not want to be surprised.
Besides all that, why would one not inform Leo of HCP? Because you are not required by law to do so? I'm not required by law to go to work, but I do it any way. Well... why not show Leo because you respect him as a Law Enforcement Officer and that he has made it his duty to serve and protect you as a citizen of his jurisdiction. Understand that he risks his life every day wether uniformed or not to keep you safe from the BG's. The very thing that you want to conceal, because its your right, is what kills Leo's every year.
Just let Leo know you are armed and are armed legally. If he wants to disarm you momentarily, then so be it. Dont think anybody is going to threaten your life in the presense of him anyway, so why would you need it at that moment?
