should show if passenger?

sjones · Post by **sjones** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:22 pm

Today we went to church in my car,my wife drove there and as we were leaving she asks her sister to drive back which was from the north side of dallas to waxahachie about 40 miles,both ways I was sitting in the back seat.I got to wondering if we got stopped,should I voluntarily tell the policeman about my chl and that I was carrying,since I wouldn't be the one he was talking to.sj

TxBlonde · Post by **TxBlonde** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:36 pm

I do not know but that would be a good question.

Cosmo 9 · Post by **Cosmo 9** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:54 pm

Only if you are asked for ID.

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:11 pm

I have volunteered my CHL before as a passenger. I did not feel that I had to, but wanted to avoid any confusion or confrontation about it. While I enjoy the right to carry, I try my best to use cooperation as a proactive tool against bias and confrontation against our CHL rights.
Jason

txinvestigator · Post by **txinvestigator** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:35 pm

From the POV of an officer, on a traffic stop my business was with the operator. If the officer needs to ID the passengers, then you should produce the CHL.

As a passenger you should not complicate the stop for the officer.

my $.02

sjones · Post by **sjones** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:40 pm

txinvestigator,thanks for the info.I just wouldn't want to spring any surprises on the officer,of course if he asked me then I would tell him I had a concealed carry license be fore I made any moves at all and go by his directions from then on.sj

MrDrummy · Post by **MrDrummy** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:55 am

I wonder the same thing a lot, as I'm travelling quite a bit these days, and don't always drive. Lawfully, I don't have to produce it until I'm asked for ID, but I wonder if it would make it a lot easier in the long run just to throw it out there.

Tx-- you think it'd be best just to keep quiet, and wait to be asked for ID? Any other LEO types care to chime in on what they would prefer?

KBCraig · Post by **KBCraig** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 2:34 am

I absolutely agree with TX that you shouldn't thrust yourself into the officer's dealings with the driver. Unless the officer directs his attention to you, the passenger, and makes inquiries beyond the normal pleasantries, then don't say anything at all.

If for some reason the officer asks you for ID, then I'd suggest telling him that your ID is in your wallet right next to your CHL, and how and where you're armed, and that you're reaching only for your ID and CHL.

Modify as you see fit if the officer orders you out of the car. (It's unusual, but it happens.) "I'm following your order, but I want you to know that I have a concealed handgun license, and a (fill in the blank) on my right hip. I don't want you to be surprised when you find it. What would you like me to do?"

Remember the portion of your CHL class that dealt with de-escalating conflicts? Well, when an officer is focused on the driver, and passenger starts acting jittery, and suddenly blurts out that they have a CHL and a gun... well, I'd refer that person for a remedial course in "de-escalation".

It's all about officer comfort. Very few LEOs in Texas are bothered by citizens legally carrying guns, but every single one of them hates surprises. If he's not dealing with you, don't worry about it. If he is dealing with you, then be relaxed and up-front. Don't fret it.

Kevin

longtooth · Post by **longtooth** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 6:13 am

+1 for txi & KB. Most of them don't care so dont interject it. When an officer approaches a vehicle w/ multiple occupants they immediately observe everyone. That is for restless or suspicious behavior of any kind. Keep you hands in you lap & let the driver & officer tend to business. If asked tell him.
The only time I have been stopped since CHL was the 1st of this summer. Showed CHL, declared armed. He asked where. 3 oclock under my shirt. OK just keep you hands where I can see them please while I get some info off the back of your truck.

He wrote my ticket & let me go. It is posted on this board under Dime Box Incounter. One mile less than Wise county here. O well.
Bottom line, Dont get in the conversation until invited by the officer.

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:21 am

You guys have some great ideas, thank you. What if the weapon is not in a holster, but is located in the glove box or center console.

I used to carry this way while driving (I am reformed). Do you think this should be handled differently to prevent a surprise?

I once had a gun behind my seat covered with a lab coat (in a holster) when my wife got pulled over. I knew that my wife's purse was behind the seat as well and could have easily exposed my gun when she was retrieving her license and insurance card. I immediately informed the officers (there was one at each door) that I had a CHL and had a gun behind my seat. He was friendly and thanked me at least five times for not letting it surprise him. This was the context I answered the original question in. I do not have to worry about this situation again because the guns stays in a holster 100% of the time.

jbirds1210 · Post by **jbirds1210** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:24 am

longtooth wrote: It is posted on this board under Dime Box Incounter

Wow, it is not everyday you hear someone talking about Dime Box. I have some great memories of that little town; I spent a great deal of time there as a teenager on a friend's family farm. I am sure you have heard the story, but it is neat how the little town got its name!
Jason

stash · Post by **stash** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 9:20 am

Well I am with txi on this one(as usual) but for an additional reason. As an example if i am in the back seat of a vehicle carrying on my chl and my sister who is driving gets stopped i sure am not going to apprise the officer if not asked for id because my sister does not know i have a chl and she does not need to know. You could substitute friend or whatever for sister. I just don't like anyone to know i have a chl except wife of course.

txinvestigator · Post by **txinvestigator** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:10 am

KBCraig wrote:I absolutely agree with TX that you shouldn't thrust yourself into the officer's dealings with the driver. Unless the officer directs his attention to you, the passenger, and makes inquiries beyond the normal pleasantries, then don't say anything at all.

If for some reason the officer asks you for ID, then I'd suggest telling him that your ID is in your wallet right next to your CHL, and how and where you're armed, and that you're reaching only for your ID and CHL.

Modify as you see fit if the officer orders you out of the car. (It's unusual, but it happens.) "I'm following your order, but I want you to know that I have a concealed handgun license, and a (fill in the blank) on my right hip. I don't want you to be surprised when you find it. What would you like me to do?"

Remember the portion of your CHL class that dealt with de-escalating conflicts? Well, when an officer is focused on the driver, and passenger starts acting jittery, and suddenly blurts out that they have a CHL and a gun... well, I'd refer that person for a remedial course in "de-escalation".

It's all about officer comfort. Very few LEOs in Texas are bothered by citizens legally carrying guns, but every single one of them hates surprises. If he's not dealing with you, don't worry about it. If he is dealing with you, then be relaxed and up-front. Don't fret it.

Kevin

'

Excellent points!

stevie_d_64 · Post by **stevie_d_64** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:33 am

Is it annoying if I also agree with TX, KB and LT???

Even though no one agrees with me???

Seriously...

I shouldn't difuse anything that has been said already...I can't think of anything to add to it...

But at least I agree! Dang it!

Bubba · Post by **Bubba** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:06 am

+1 with Txi and I would also add that you other CHL's should be able to withdraw your wallet or whatever you carry ID in without exposing your gun.
IMHO you should be able to do so without the officer seeing that you are armed !