Legally carrying firearms always comes with responsibility, and a certain amount of risk, both physical and legal. But the two officer-involved shootings last week, followed by the killings of five Dallas police officers, have created an environment that is more dangerous for everyone. In the coming months, every cop in America will be understandably hyper-vigilant during any interaction with citizens.
By the way, avoid armchair quarterbacking. Video footage is not conclusive; no one has enough information yet to know what actually occurred in either the Louisiana or the Minneapolis case. Having investigated numerous such incidents, I have found that those who jump to conclusions, on either side, frequently end up with egg on their faces.
Making premature judgments on social media is bad enough. But even more disturbing is that some “leaders” on “our side” inexplicably gave their (uninformed) opinions to the media, attacking cops in either or both of the officer-involved shootings. Not surprisingly, the press gleefully jumped on their comments, using them to paint the pro-carry community as agreeing with the anti-cop mobs. Please, folks, avoid commenting to any media.
That being said, the case in Minneapolis is of particular interest to us because it occurred during a traffic stop involving a man who was reported to be a “lawful carry permit holder” by his girlfriend. The media repeated the claim as fact, even though, due to Minnesota privacy regulations, that has not been confirmed.
However, whether or not Philando Castile was legally permitted to carry a gun at the time of the incident is not relevant. What matters is what actually happened during the stop that ended in his death.
But regardless of the eventual legal disposition of this particular case, our focus at the USCCA is on what we can learn from any such incident to help make you safer, while also protecting your rights.
As always, it never hurts to review the fundamentals of a traffic stop. First, pull over immediately. Shut off the motor. Put on the hazard flashers. Roll the window down halfway. Turn off the radio. If at night, turn on the interior lights. And above all, put your hands on the steering wheel. Do NOT go fumbling for identification or insurance cards — wait until you are asked.
Regardless of your age, race or gender, greet the officer: “Officer, good afternoon (evening, whatever), how can I help you?” Respect works, and having the very first word out of your mouth be “officer” is always a plus. At some point, maybe even immediately, the officer will ask for identification, usually your driver’s license and insurance card.
Now, I know some states do not require you to inform officers that you are legally armed unless they specifically ask. Personally, I teach all of my students to be pro-active, and before they take their hands off of the steering wheel, to say very clearly, “Officer, I just wanted you to know, I have a legal permit (license) to carry, and I am carrying today. How do you want to handle that?”
Note that the words “firearm” or “gun” are not used. That’s intentional. Finally, do whatever the officer tells you to do, slowly and deliberately. If you’re confused, ask the officer to clarify his/her instructions. That’s really about all you can do, other than perhaps recording the incident. Before you do, check your state’s laws.
Be smart. Be safe.
