With racially-charged violence sweeping the nation and increasing concerns about anti-gun policies being advanced in Washington, D.C., Americans are purchasing firearms and obtaining concealed carry permits in record numbers. 13 million Americans are currently concealed carriers, including a skyrocketing number of women. Jefferson County, Alabama, for instance, is on track to issue almost 63% more pistol permits to women this year than last year.
Shocking video recently emerged showing the aftermath of a Minnesota traffic shop in which 32-year-old Philando Castile — a concealed carry permit holder — was killed after an officer seems to have mistakenly thought he was reaching for his weapon while Castile’s girlfriend says he was reaching for his identification.
“He let the officer know that he had a firearm and he was reaching for his wallet and the officer just shot him in his arm,” Castile’s girlfriend claims in the video.
“Ma’am, keep your hands where they are,” the officer responded. “I told him not to reach for it! I told him to get his hands up.”
With all of this in mind, it is worth thinking through the best way to handle getting pulled over while carrying a concealed weapon. After speaking to veteran members of law enforcement, here are some recommendations:
1. Understand the officer’s mindset
When the officer runs your license plate, he may be able to see that you are a concealed carry permit holder and will be approaching your vehicle with that in mind. Walking up on a vehicle can be very dangerous for an officer because he has no idea what unforeseen situation he may be walking into. Keep that in mind.
2. Make preparations before the officer exits his vehicle
If possible, go ahead and grab your drivers license, concealed carry permit, insurance and registration information before the officer gets out of his vehicle and place it on the dashboard in front of the steering wheel. Roll the window down. If the officer exits his vehicle immediately, just keep your hands on the steering while, clearly in his line of sight.
(Note: Some law enforcement officers Yellowhammer spoke with would prefer you skip this step and just go straight to No. 3 below.)
3. Keep your hands on the steering wheel
As the officer approaches the vehicle, keep your hands on the steering wheel. When you interact with him, keep your hands on the steering wheel. When in doubt, keep your hands on the steering wheel.
4. Be pleasant and honest
Tense situations can often be avoided by simply being pleasant. Greet the officer warmly and immediately tell him you are a concealed carry permit holder and are carrying a weapon, and tell the officer where it is without pointing or moving toward it. Refer to step No. 3 above.
5. Follow directions calmly
The officer will direct you how to proceed in the interest of your safety and his. Follow his directions calmly and politely and everything should be taken care of without incident.
There is no way to totally ensure there won’t be incidents during interactions between law enforcement officers and citizens, but following the steps above will go a long way toward making them as rare as possible during traffic stops.
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