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Kev, I hope you don't mind me asking this. Does Colorado reference the permit database when looking up someones info? Example, I'm being pulled over, can the officer see that I have a CCW permit?
Originally Posted by DeusExMachina
I certainly don't mind at all, in fact I encourage everyone with questions to ask any of the LEO's on here. We are all for the most part like-minded thinkers and I would say most likely law abiding citizens. I don't want to see anyone trying to do the right thing get caught up in something stupid by accident...
That being said, as far as License Plates go the answer is no. I used to dispatch and was told prior to starting in law enforcement which would be more that six years ago now, CCW info used to be attached to license plate info when a traffic stop is made (when traffic stops made an officer usually calls out a location and plate number). So I don't have that info until I get to the car. It has been my experience that all the CCW holders I have contacted (there are a lot where I work and I am going to find out anyway when I do a check on your name...which is to say it is attached to your name) have provided me with that information immediately. I am less likely to give them a ticket based on the fact of how respectful they are immediately and I always thank them for telling me that info because it makes LEO's much happier people. I have never had a problem with CCW holders.
So, once you get their license and registration and make your way back to the cruiser, the CCW information is shown on your computer?
I've been reading Massad Ayoob's book on CCW and he recommends handing over your CCW permit with your license and letting the officer handle it from there. He says immediately coming out with, "I am carrying" can alarm the officer, and saying, "I have a gun" is obviously way worse. What do you think about this?
Also, to keep it on topic, how do you think your routine will change should this become law? Will you ask "Are you carrying a concealed firearm?" when asking for their license/registration?
That's what I learned in my course, but I haven't been pulled over since then, so I haven't had to do that. Curious on a LEOs take on that as well
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Since I got my permit, I have made it a point to let the officer know "As a courtesy, I should let you know that I have a concealed carry permit. (pause), and I am currently armed. (Or not armed, as applicable.) How would you like for me to proceed?"
The pause allows for it to sink in before you tell the officer that you are armed. I was given this procedure by a Denver cop, who said that he prefers this. Other things you can do at initial contact: Take the keys out of the ignition and place them on the dash, keep both hands in plain view as the officer approaches, and turn on the dome light. Some officers will prefer that you hand your permit to them along with your driver's license and registration.
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I always do the second portion, even before I have my permit.
I feel like telling them is unnecessary, as handing over your permit will accomplish the same thing and they can then ask or not ask. Volunteering the information can be misconstrued as all sorts of things. I think the transaction of:
Me: *hands over permit*
Officer: *looks at permit, looks at me* Are you carrying?
Me: Yes.
And then whatever the officer wishes to do from there. It seems to be smoother than coughing up some verbose form of "I have a gun". Maybe I'm just influenced by Mr. Ayoob.
I do prefer to get handed the permit, it makes it easier. I usually follow up with, "Are you carrying right now?" If you say, "Sir, to let you know I am armed..." then complete your sentence before getting your wallet the officer isn't going to freak, unless you were driving that gang-banging car that was just involved in the drive-by (you get what I am saying here).
If you yell, "I have a gun" this may change things. You guys aren't dumb, just be polite and have tact (that thing we don't have with our in-laws).
My routine won't change much because I often ask, "Is there anything in your vehicle I should know about?" If the law changes and you say "No" then i won't know the difference, but here is the tricky part...If you don't tell me you have a gun, and I see it as you are grabbing for your wallet, you will probably see my gun. If you say, "I have a gun on my hip (or wherever it may be) and I wanted to let you know before I get my wallet" then I will probably put my hand on my gun and break all the retention on the holster (don't be alarmed if an officer does this) and I will certainly watch every move you make (which I should be doing anyway for safety).
And to answer the first question, yes if you don't tell me you have a CCW it will show up (or should depending on what redneck county you live in and how fast they put them into the system) on the computer, which is called NCIC/CCIC.
However, I have never had this issue, every CCW holder I have stopped has told me or showed me their CCW, whether they were carrying or not, which I always want to reiterate how much I appreciate when CCW holders do this.
Does this answer your question?
Yes, thank you so much.
I didn't think about going for your wallet and exposing the gun, but if going for your wallet will expose you carrying, you're not carrying concealed very well.
Definitely agreed. Keep in mind there is also no law requiring you to have a permit within your vehicle...however it goes back to my previous statement...if you are forward about it the officer will be appreciative and more relaxed, if he is surprised about the gun the officer will probably react to the complete opposite.
Also keep in mind telling the officer you have it is good in the event the officer needs you to get out of the car for any reason...letting him/her know that you have it or have it in your car prior to you getting out will also put the officer in a better mood.
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