My ...renewed... CCW says this:

My understanding of TN law is that carry permit holders are under no legal obligation to inform. But, the permit number and the driver's license number are the same and the CP will show up when the DL is run.

As a practical matter, what happens if I don't show my CP depends on the individual officer. According to my CP instructor, some officers become very upset and the encounter may become more unpleasant than otherwise. I keep my CP and DL together and will had them to the LEO when stopped.

This is the procedure the instructor recommended. He said definitely don't just say, "I've got a gun."
 
Pahoo: You said:
Ya know, a very important question to ask, is whether or not, the LEO, has a right to know that you are carrying and the sooner, the better. By my measure, the answer is very clear;
ABSOLUTELY !!
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And what, in your mind, give them a "RIGHT" to know.

the 4A states we have a "Right" to be silent about or private affairs under most circumstances. No?

Now, please explain why my carry has anything to do with any contact with LE that does not involve criminal activity?

I have carried for 43 years, I have never "informed" (other than I usually OC and they can see my carry, no license required in this state) I have never been asked for my CPL, and I have never had anyone attempt to seize my weapon. (I did have one deputy (while on foot) say "nice gun, what is it"

I am of the opinion that if I am armed or not have no more relevance than if I am wearing underwear, or not. The only time it becomes relevant is when the carry is used for defense of myself, or someone else close by (could be a LEo, could be anyone that needs assistance with a dangerous aggressor.
 
Take a higher road !!!

And what, in your mind, give them a "RIGHT" to know
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WOW, You are really hung up on Legal Rights and I'm referring to common sense and the Golden Rule. You might just want to take the time and get into that as it will do you more good than your other points of reference. If you want to play guessing games with LEO's as to when and "IF" he is going to ask? Do you really want to keep track of each state's laws to see if you should or should not initiate the show. Go ahead but as for me, it's the right thing to do. ..... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
If it is state law to inform, I will inform until the law is changed. If it is not state law to inform, I will not inform. If they want to look at my hip, they can see my carry, I do not hide it.
 
glh17 said:
My understanding of TN law is that carry permit holders are under no legal obligation to inform. But, the permit number and the driver's license number are the same and the CP will show up when the DL is run.
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That's my understanding, also. If the officer asks, you have to tell them. If they don't ask, they will find out when they run your information. You might as well tell them since they'll find out anyway.

Or even better, drive safely. ;)
 
Or even better, drive safely.
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"Safe driving" does not necessarily = "driving at or below the speed limit". Frequently on our interstate highway network driving at or below the speed limit creates obstructions to the free flow of traffic and therefore greater chance of vehicle accidents.
 
Contacts with LE officers....

I'd check with your areas LE agency or crime prevention office. They may or may not be aware of the state law changes.
I've seen a few Youtube clips of traffic stops & "field interviews" where the officer or deputy acted in a unprofessional way.

FWIW, a few others show cops who were highly professional & fully versed in the state firearm laws.
In general, Id remain calm, do not use humor or sarcasism, when you provide your DL or ID explain that you have a valid carry license or permit then explain that you have a loaded firearm on you.

If you can video or document the contact to be able clearly show you acted IAW the state law/ordinance & the sworn LE officer can't create a "he said this, I said that" situation. Some troopers & police officers do that in field interviews.
To request a watch commander or patrol supervisor come to the scene may help too.
A incident in the late 1990s/early 2000s in Orange County FL involved a off duty, armed Major from the Miami area having a spat with a Orange County deputy.
The events could have been far better for both sides if they were more mature & respectful.

ClydeFrog
 
"Safe driving" does not necessarily = "driving at or below the speed limit". Frequently on our interstate highway network driving at or below the speed limit creates obstructions to the free flow of traffic and therefore greater chance of vehicle accidents.
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The latter is common misconception that makes us feel good about speeding. ;)

Has anyone here ever been ticketed for driving the speed limit? That's in good weather of course. We should all know the limit is set as a maximum allowed speed in good driving conditions.

Being a safe driver and obeying the traffic laws remains the best way to avoid having a law enforcement officer ask you for your ID. But even the safest driver can be involved in an accident or happen to be driving a vehicle similar to one that's being sought.
 
And what, in your mind, give them a "RIGHT" to know.

the 4A states we have a "Right" to be silent about or private affairs under most circumstances. No?

Now, please explain why my carry has anything to do with any contact with LE that does not involve criminal activity?
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I absolutely agree here with hermanr. To me, volunteering that you have a license and a gun with/on you is the same as volunteering how many guns and how many rounds of ammo you have if an officer happened to knock on your front door while doing an investigation unrelated to you. That is information I would definitely keep to myself without a warrant.
 
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I would just like to add that when stopped (if armed) I inform, and ask the officer how he would like me to proceed. Then I do what he asks. IF he has me do something that's not right, the place to protest is to his administrators, or in court, if it comes to that. NOT at the scene.

police officers have to be in control of the situation. THEY have to know that. You knowing that doesn't do anything for their piece of mind.

If the law doesn't require you to infom, then its your choice. I think its a good choice, helps keep things under control. If the cop is going to freak because you HAVE a gun, that's beyond your control. Freaking the cop out because you were trying to HIDE a gun from him is in your control, and not a very good idea. Remember its not how we see things, its how the officer sees it. That is what determines what happens (and doesn't happen) on the scene. Their impressions determine their actions, why do something we all know will put them on edge?
 
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