I have been thinking about a scenario for a short time now and today it became reality. I am a lefty and since I carry on the door side as I am i driving my vehicle and my wallet is in my back left pocket I have been wondering ... if ever stopped by PD for some infraction, would it be better to just be upfront and inform prior to reaching for my wallet when asked for ID. It is my impression that an alert officer may notice the firearm and become, well, concerned. I sometimes OC and sometimes CC. I understand I am under no obligation unless first asked.
So, driving home this morning from a 24 hr shift at the firehouse, I decided to run a red light... In my defense it looked yellow to me... honest...
As I crossed the intersection I looked to the right to see PD waiting his turn for the light to turn green for him. I just started to laugh as I knew I would be getting pulled over. So on go the lights, I pull my vehicle over and put it in park. I placed my hands high on the steering wheel and waited for the introduction phase of the stop. The officer conducted himself in a professional manner and asked for the needed documents. Directly he also asked if I had a weapon in the vehicle. I said funny you ask... I was just going to inform you about a sidearm as I have to run my hand past it to get to my wallet. He said he asked the question because I had my hands on the steering wheel. After a few questions about location of weapon and wallet, he started to open my door. It was locked so I hit the button to unlock. He opened the door, joking about me winning the lottery once he saw all of my non winning scratch-off tickets in the door panel ...once I thought he was in a good position, I retrieved my wallet. He then closed the door.
I was still joking and laughing about the situation as he left to run my info. I made an effort to remember to be mindful of what I was doing with my hands while he was in his vehicle. When he returned with a warning... he thanked me for thinking of his safety. We chatted for a short bit. He asked what I was carrying, a Glock 26, and for all you non Glock fans... he said " you can't go wrong with a Glock!!"
I was pleased with the interaction for more reasons than just the fact I received a warning. I was not eager to inform the officer... I do not feel like I am somehow giving up any rights because I am willing to inform ( yes I understand there is no requirement until I am asked)
How do the other left handed individuals who carry think about this issue?
So, driving home this morning from a 24 hr shift at the firehouse, I decided to run a red light... In my defense it looked yellow to me... honest...
As I crossed the intersection I looked to the right to see PD waiting his turn for the light to turn green for him. I just started to laugh as I knew I would be getting pulled over. So on go the lights, I pull my vehicle over and put it in park. I placed my hands high on the steering wheel and waited for the introduction phase of the stop. The officer conducted himself in a professional manner and asked for the needed documents. Directly he also asked if I had a weapon in the vehicle. I said funny you ask... I was just going to inform you about a sidearm as I have to run my hand past it to get to my wallet. He said he asked the question because I had my hands on the steering wheel. After a few questions about location of weapon and wallet, he started to open my door. It was locked so I hit the button to unlock. He opened the door, joking about me winning the lottery once he saw all of my non winning scratch-off tickets in the door panel ...once I thought he was in a good position, I retrieved my wallet. He then closed the door.
I was still joking and laughing about the situation as he left to run my info. I made an effort to remember to be mindful of what I was doing with my hands while he was in his vehicle. When he returned with a warning... he thanked me for thinking of his safety. We chatted for a short bit. He asked what I was carrying, a Glock 26, and for all you non Glock fans... he said " you can't go wrong with a Glock!!"
I was pleased with the interaction for more reasons than just the fact I received a warning. I was not eager to inform the officer... I do not feel like I am somehow giving up any rights because I am willing to inform ( yes I understand there is no requirement until I am asked)
How do the other left handed individuals who carry think about this issue?