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All I can say is that I haven't been stopped but once since 1999, and that was for an overdue inspection sticker just a couple of months ago — my fault. However, I drive with moderation in mind these days. I used to get stopped a lot before 1999. I didn't drive back then with moderation in mind. In fact, I was a jerk behind the wheel. And for the record, the last time I got stopped and hadn't done anything wrong, it was 1971, and I was pulled over for DWHRLH (Driving While Having Really Long Hair). Every single other time I've ever been stopped, I was guilty of the cited infraction. So I see a direct correlation between my driving habits and how often I get stopped.

CompVest wrote:I believe that the law breaker should treat the LEO as they want to be treated.

I believe that somebody REALLY famous once said nearly those same words.

chabouk wrote:

CompVest wrote:4t5, I don't know if you have your CHL or not but either way perhaps you should read Texas Government Code 411.207(a). It is a law whether you agree with it or not that LEOs can disarm you.

Sec. 411.207. AUTHORITY OF PEACE OFFICER TO DISARM. (a) A peace officer who is acting in the lawful discharge of the officer's official duties may disarm a license holder at any time the officer reasonably believes it is necessary for the protection of the license holder, officer, or another individual.

Nothing in there about running serial numbers, nor about SOP, nor about departmental policy.

True enough, but her answer was in regard to his comment about being disarmed, which was "Come and get it!"

I don't like the idea of a cop running the serial numbers on my guns, but once he/she has lawfully disarmed me, my understanding is that the serial numbers are now "in his/her view," and the LEO may now legally run the numbers. My distaste for it isn't because I have anything to hide, but because I don't like the implication that my guns are stolen. But I'm sure as heck not going to give the cop a lot of lip or attitude over it. For one thing, this is not the hill I want to die on. For another, I'm too tired for nonsense like that, and I just want to get home to my family like he wants to get home to his. A smile and a pleasant demeanor are just like lubricating your slide. They help to prevent social malfunctions.

Note to self: Do NOT down your dinner with a Mountain Dew, and have a nightcap of chai tea before going to bed, so as to prevent posting on forums at 3:20 a.m.

CompVest wrote:I don't always think highly of some of their procedures but I know that they have basically a thankless job. It costs the public very little to be courteous.

My point exactly, but in fewer words! How do you do it?

4t5 wrote:To a cop like that, we are all just potential criminals.

Come and take it!

That will go a long way toward improving understanding between LEOs and CHLs.

There are a LOT of shades of gray here which you're failing to take into consideration... ...Like maybe he's a good cop who has simply had a lot of experiences with people with bad attitudes. I forget who it was who said words to the effect of, "Is this the hill you are prepared to die on?"

In that spirit, I would probably reply with "Officer, I'd rather not draw my weapon in public like this, but if you insist, I would prefer to draw it, set it on the seat of my car, and then step back to a safe distance before you pick it up. I would also prefer to unload it while doing so." If the officer is dumb enough not to see his/her own self-interest in that offer, then I would comply as requested, and follow with a letter to his/her commander detailing the stop, my reply, and the officers actions, with an explanation of how the officer had behaved in an unsafe manner with regard to my firearm, and asking that the officer be notified (not reprimanded) of a better way to do things. An officer who has been made aware that the civilian was concerned about his/her safety as well as the citizen's own, might be a little more gracious in the future to CHL holders.

You catch more bees with honey.