2006-09-07 09:52:59 · 16 answers · asked by nightrider 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Always tell a police officer if you are in possession of a weapon of any kind. It can avoid any undue complications and from the beginning shows you are cooperative with the police.
2006-09-07 10:03:47 · answer #1 · answered by Philosophy Buff 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If the gun is safe and secure in the trunk, then no, you don't have to tell the police. In fact, if the gun is under you seat, you don't have to tell the police that unless that is a requirement of your concealed carry permit in your state.
However, if the gun is anywhere except the trunk, then it is a pretty good idea to let the officer know there is a gun in the car. Of course, it's also a pretty good idea to have a valid permit to carry it. If you have a permit and tell the officer about the gun, the officer will appreciate the fact that you are not trying to hide anything and are trying to make him feel safer by telling him about it.
On that note, if the gun is under your seat or anywhere else up front, when you are pulled over, roll the window down, turn the engine off, and place both hands in plain view on top of the steering wheel. When the officer asks for your license and registration, say, "Yes, sir/ma'am, but before I get my license out, I want to tell you that I have a handgun under my seat. I have a permit for it in my wallet." That will make a good impression on the officer. He will probably have you step out of the car and he will secure the gun until the stop is over, but you will get it back and he will treat you with much more respect because you cared about his safety and treated him with respect.
Again, that is only required if that is a condition of having a weapon permit in your state. It's just a good idea. If the officer asks you about any weapons in the car, don't lie. Tell him about the gun in the trunk. He'll probably ask questions about it, but as long as you can explain to him why you have it, he probably won't even check it. And lying to a police officer about having a gun might be illegal in some areas. Of course, he has to find it to know you were lying, but why risk it if you have nothing to hide?
From your question, though, it sounds like you are someone who is just trying to make sure they do the right thing, and, as an officer, I appreciate that. If it's in the trunk, don't worry about it. But if he asks, don't lie about it. Stay calm, be polite, and everything will be fine.
2006-09-07 10:24:01 · answer #2 · answered by RJ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to tell them anything about the trunk or its' contents. If you're transporting a weapon and it's witihin your general vicinity in the interior of the car; it's concealed. Unless you have a permit then you'd be breaking the law, not to mention risking your life at the hands of an overzealous cop.
That's a good question here, and an exremely safe way to transport a firearm. As for their business about it: no.
2006-09-07 12:15:18 · answer #3 · answered by Mike B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where I live, the police need a reasonable, articulable suspicion of illegal activity before they can expand the scope of a traffic stop. If you are involved in a traffic stop and the police have no probable cause to search your car, the firearm may never be discovered. If you are asked "do you have any weapons in your car?" Then of course, answer truthfully. Read up on the laws regarding "Terry stops" and other types of traffic stops to see what your fourth amendment rights are during that interaction.
2006-09-07 12:43:03 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not required to, but it can be helpful to the process. If the cop searches the car and finds a firearm you failed to mention, you may be there several hours sorting out how you own it, ect ect.
2006-09-07 10:22:39 · answer #5 · answered by Black Sabbath 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No-- its none of their business.
If they ask, you could tell them but there is nothing illegal about having it in your trunk. In fact, that's where it should be when you're driving (assuming you have a trunk). The weapon should not really be readily accessible. (obviously, there are exceptions like gun racks in the back of a pickeup body)
2006-09-07 09:58:30 · answer #6 · answered by dapixelator 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be benefitial to you and the cop if you told him, however depending on state laws you would need a permit. If you were in the state of IL then you would need a FOID card.
2006-09-07 10:13:48 · answer #7 · answered by Michael R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should tell him if he's going to search your trunk but if it's just a traffic stop no.
2006-09-10 11:50:48 · answer #8 · answered by Barry DaLive 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No unless officer ask if any weapons in vehicle.
Also no search can be conducted by officer without a warrant. They are limited to the items in plain sight.
2006-09-07 11:01:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check your state laws. As a general rule you should not have to tell him. However, if he asks, you should be truthful.
2006-09-09 12:38:02 · answer #10 · answered by JAMES11A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋