www.defense-training.com
He has some poignant advice for people who carry concealed weapons.
http://www.defense-training.com/quips/21July11.html
Advice to legal CCW license-holders:
Most states now issue CCW licenses to non-police citizens with no criminal record. In those states, CCW licenses cannot be arbitrarily denied. They' re not hard to get, for the most part. The CCW license itself does not require the holder to carry a concealed gun, nor, for that matter, to even own a gun! It simply gives him the option, at his discretion.
Some states, such as FL, have had their CCW statute in place for several decades now. In other states, such as WI, its passage and implementation is very recent.
A few states legally require all CCW License holders to "promptly inform" police officers with whom they come in close contact (such as in a traffic-stop) of their legally-armed status. Most states have no such requirement. Even where there is such a requirement in law, the manner in which it is to be actually carried out by the CCW licensee is not specifically described.
Most individual police officers and police executives have no objection to these "shall-issue" CCW laws, and have in fact, secured CCW licenses for their own spouses and other eligible family members. However, some officers, even entire departments, still exhibit a depraved anti-gun agenda that has led to unnecessarily disagreeable, even menacing, confrontations with legitimate CCW licensees.
Here is my advice to CCW licensees:
1) Be in bed by ten o'clock! Police regard those who are up and about late at night as less respectable, and more dangerous, than "normal" people, who sleep during the night and are active during daylight hours. A " nocturnal" life-style is fraught with peril and unhappiness!
2) Have a "normal" appearance. Police officers automatically focus on " unusual" things and circumstances. That's their job! Simply looking " normal" goes as long way toward putting police officers at ease. Who insist on covering themselves with tattoos, dyeing their hair purple, and having a " face-by-Ace-Hardware" will discover that they garner a great deal of attention, most of it unwanted.
3) Keep your pistol discreetly concealed, and don't talk about it. The vast majority of people with whom you associate should never know it is there.
4) Stay away from places where people are in a highly-emotional state. Emotionally-charged sporting events, political rallies, picket-lines, et al are good places not to be. When confronted by highly-emotional people, politely disengage and withdraw.
5) Don't hang-out with boisterous, slatternly, rowdy people, nor with people who have been drinking excessively. They will have a unhappy evening. Don't join them!
6) Be a courteous, cautious, conservative driver. Don't speed and don't show-off. Who do had better get used to talking with police!
7) When pulled over in traffic by police, don't voluntarily bring up the subject of guns, unless required by law.
In that case, put it something like this, "Officer, I have a permit. Would you like to see it?" Drive a " normal-looking" car.
Be polite, but boring. Don't "interrogate" police. Answer questions truthfully, but don't be chatty. Don't volunteer information. Don't answer questions that weren't asked! When around police, don't verbalize the term, "gun."When berated, even threatened, by police, do not answer in kind. Remain calm and polite. Indicate to them that you want to talk with their supervisor. When bombarded with accusations and threats, indicate to them that you want your lawyer personally present before answering any further questions. Repeat as necessary.
9) Don't fail the "attitude test!" Displaying a belligerent, arrogant, combative attitude around police will almost certainly lead to caustic confrontations and a cheerless evening. Be always even-tempered, polite, reasonable, and in-control, never loud and defensive.
Here is my advice to my brother police officers:
1) Get over it! It's the law now. Your personal opinion is irrelevant. Besides, no class of citizens represents less of a threat to police officers than do legal CCW license-holders. They are the ones we should fear least!
2) Don't ask legally-armed citizens why they own, and carry, guns. Frankly, it's none of your business! They are merely exercising their rights as Americans and as citizens of your state. It is no different than attending the church of their choice or writing letters to their Congressman. None of those activities are immoral, nor illegal.
3) Don't pointlessly humiliate and denigrate people legally carrying concealed guns. No legitimate purpose is served by stripping them of their dignity by disarming them in public and in front of their families and friends.
Legally concealed guns need to stay in holsters, out of sight, and out of conversation. The last thing you want is a gun being waved around inside a car, because you indicated that you "wanted to see it!"
A little respect goes as long way, both ways!
/John
