[Glock23-4-Me]

I have recently got my license (October 08) and had just started carrying when I bought my S&W M&P 40C last month. I have always wondered what would happen with an encounter with a LEO. I have read stories about traffic stops, some saying tell the LEO but most stating to keep your mouth shut. I had my first encounter with them yesterday. My wife and I had been witnesses to some domestic violence that happened in a local Publix parking lot. Women was beating crap out of husband if you can believe it. My wife called 911 to report the incident. Persons started to leave so we followed in our car at a distance until LEO could pull them over. We had stopped to see if they needed a witness or statement as to what happened, (did not want man to go to jail when women was beating his : censored. There were 4 LEO that had stopped and non had noticed I was carrying until LEO asked for my I.D. I have my CWP right next to my DL so there is no way for me to show 1 with out the other. All LEO asked was if I am carrying "right now". I stated "yes sir I am". He said that's nice to know, handed me back my license and told me to have a nice day. I believe that is the way it ***SHOULD*** happen, but with all the stories not sure it would actually work out that way. I have to say I was suprised about how relaxed he was about it. :drinks

My hats off to Hillsborough County

 

[NkmG19]

I say kudos the LEO for the way he handled the fact that you were carrying. As long as CWL holders conduct themselves in a professional manner while carrying we should theoretically have no issues with law enforcement.

A big thumbs up to you Glock23-4-Me for the way you got involved but kept your distance and let the cops deal with the situation.

 

[Glock23-4-Me]

keeping my distance is exactly what I did. Not only when following in the car, but also when observing on foot in the parking lot. I did not want to get too close so that they directed their anger towards me, but I was close enough to observe what was happening to relay the info to LEO but also if he would have started to beat the : censored out of her, I might have had to speak up. Just because I have a gun does not mean that I am a hero!! I don't wear a badge, LEO do and until the day I put one on (not happening) we will keep it that way.

** I would like to thank all of you on this forum for your help as well. I have read many posts in the Month since I joined and have ran scenarios through my head, not only on ways that others have handled them and their outcome but also what would I do. It is because of you all that I made the decision that I did. :drinks (look at my "need advise" post I made if you question the impression you all have had on me!! )

 

[T.S.]

Glock23-4-Me,

This is a great example of professional conduct by a CWL holder. You have done a good service for the rest of us CWL holders.

The more that LEO's meet responsible law-abiding citizens who have CWL's like you, the more they will get a better opinion of the rest of us CWL holders, and they will then treat us the way that the LEO treated you.

Keep up the good work. :thumsup

 

[jbagwell3408]

The leo that pulled me over and let me off was HCSO.


Sounds like they're a decent group of guys.

 

[kiltman7]

Hcso

Excellent post and great work by the cops.
Keep up the good relations with LEO's

 

[RWBShooter]

Way to go!

Way to handle the situation! My wife and I had a similar situation and tried to handle it in a similar fashion. We ended up with the female "victim" in our car after she ran "for help" (or so we thought at the time), and ended up taking her back to our house (a big NO-NO in my book now) a few blocks away to await the investigating officers to take her statement. That was FAR more involvement than I'd bargained for.

Sounds like you did a better job of being a witness and not getting pulled into a situation that quickly could have escalated or turned against you.

Kudos!

- Str8Shooter

 

[OLDJEEP813]

I've been around alot of HCSO LEO's and at this moment can't think of one that has ever been rude or hard to get along with and they all seem to think it's just fine if a responsible citizen wants to be armed.

 

[Glock23-4-Me]

Thanks for all of your responses. From reading other threads where there has been some not so pleasant interactions with LEO's, I think I live in a pretty good county!!