LEO's Checking Firearm Serial Numbers at Traffic Stops

[krlglock86]

I too would also like to know if the police depts. are going over all the new carry laws, Since ive been into guns and carrying, ive only seen 2 or 3 people open carrying, Before I got my permit I said I would open carry but thought about getting hastled and decided to conceal.

 

[jeffk14]

ofcford; based on your thoughtful post, you seem like a stand-up guy who just happens to be a cop. We (the public) could use more like you.

 

[Ken Ford]

+1 good post. ofcford, out of curiosity, has your department had any training, or briefing concerning the passage of SB 308, and all of the new carry laws?

Class is next week.
Most cops I know are pro carry.

 

[drtybykr]

Class is next week.
Most cops I know are pro carry.

That is great to hear that your department is on the ball with the classes. I would say that at least 90% of the leos whom I have talked with are also pro-carry. Be safe!

 

[Ken Ford]

That is great to hear that your department is on the ball with the classes. I would say that at least 90% of the leos whom I have talked with are also pro-carry. Be safe!

Ga mandates that we have at least 1 class a year on updated laws. Usually right after the July implementation of most new GA laws.

 

[Okuma]

Just wanted to share an experience from a few weeks ago.

I was pulled over by two motorcycle cops because my trailer lights weren't working. One officer walked up to my truck and I immediately told him I had a gun on me and I just wanted to let him know. He said "Yeah I figured you did from the Glock sticker on the back window."

I then got out of my truck to look at the lights and the one officer did a hip slapping motion to the other officer to indicate I was carrying. That made my day. For the rest of the time I was there it felt like we were in the same "club."

Just got a warning and the officers were super nice.

One of them asked about my glock sticker and said "what does it take to become a glock professional?" to which I replied "$35."

 

[Offroad]

To ofcford, thanks for being a real human.Great post.
I was raised to always do the right thing, (not saying i always did) and was also told that if you are checked by a police officer that at that moment the officer is the judge and the jury. You sound like you would be a fair judge and jury.
I applaud you and all the LEO, if checked and i have a gun with me i will definitely let the officer know.

 

[Jank]

Ok, I will start.
I guess the easiest way to explain MY opinion is:
It would depend on the circumstances concerning how I know there is a gun in the car. Let us say I stop a car for speeding and I see a gun in the car, and the driver displays a weapon permit with his license. Assuming there are no other factors (drunk, suspicious odors, ongoing arguments, burglary tools, ect, ect, ect) there would be no further need for me to inquire further. Fuses blow and lights sometimes lights do just burn out. (I have had drivers VERY surprised that I did not want to look at their gun's numbers.)

Since the other thread was referenced, let us describe that same stop. After I approach the driver and speak to him, he tells me that he has just obtained several guns in a trade with someone that he does not know and used a Class III weapon as barter. I can see that he is not legally able to own the original weapon and the trade was not facilitated in accordance with federal law. I might be a LITTLE suspicious that we have several laws broken and or stolen property. I would be willing to bet that anyone that is missing his or her weapon would want me to look closer.

JUST because a person has a gun, I will not get excited or overly concerned. However, remember a traffic stop is not a random encounter with a person, there has already been a violation of the law. (Big consideration in the eyes of the court) Where there is one violation there is often more.

I do not work a traffic unit, and most LEOs do not, so while you people reading this are most likely decent people, there is a large portion of person that are not. The bad guys out there get around the same way you do. They also spend a large portion of their time trying to look and sound just like you do...decent law-abiding people. They are neither, and often will want to do me harm so that they are not caught, or get to someone else and commit another crime. I have been fooled by the best, and I have been wrong in my first assessment of a person. Some people look and act somewhat odd, but do not intend to do anything wrong. (Come on we all know at least one person like that.)

Some things we take into consideration are:
1) Time of day/night, area... is the stop in a know crime area? 2) Persons demeanor... are they angry/aggressive, looking around for an avenue of escape, ect. 3) Do I observe any other clues that there are other crimes occurring? 4) Any other circumstances that make me feel as if it would not be safe to leave a weapon in those people's hands.


The Georgia and US Supreme Courts have made it plain that we cannot randomly check people for weapons. We must have reasonable suspicions that there is a crime being committed or about to occur. (Yes, if we think we are about to be hurt there is a crime about to occur.) They hand down guidelines for us to follow fairly often, and we have mandatory classes on updated laws every year.

There are cops out there that are ...holes. However, they will be that way whether or not there is a gun involved or not. If I can, I will explain the reasons for most everything I do while on a stop or call.
Am I perfect and always in a great mood?..... NO and neither is anyone else. But most of the LEOs that I know try to be decent with everyone.

I am sure some of you will try to pick out some parts of this and say I am wrong but you have to look at the "totality of the circumstances". Every encounter is different and has different set of circumstances to base my decisions on. If this offends or inconveniences' someone then I am sorry. However, I will do what I feel necessary within the guidelines of the law and case law to see my family at the end of the day. That also includes not going to federal prison for violating someone's civil rights.
Ken

No sir, I was asking about the handguns when it came to the carrying while driving part. I was GIVEN the cobray streetsweeper when my grandfather died but called my uncle to hold it for me this morning he said he would pick it up tonight. I wouldn't consider riding with the streetsweeper. The situation should have been

You pulling over a car for speeding and they are under 21 with a handgun in the glove compartment.

 

[BOOM]

Good informative post ofcford. Stay safe out there.

 

[SPIKE]

I'd be very interested to hear what some LEO's have to say..... To Me if they are doing it at routine traffic stops, that seems to be a waste of time and further more tax payers money. Reasonable circumstances may dictate otherwise and I agree with that. Especially in cases of no license or insurance.

What possible bearing could a gun in the trunk of a person's car have on the fact that someone don't have an insurance card on them?

So, If I don't have a license to drive, I can't exercise a guaranteed Right?