A lot of this is common sense. As a Retired Police Officer I also carry. I'm 6'2" 225 Lbs have a beard an stach and also occasionally get stopped.
If Night I turn on the overhead as soon as I see the lights, drop the Drivers Window, Pull well off on the shoulder, don't reach for anything or try to put anything away. I put both hands at 12 O'Clock on the steering Wheel and wait for the Officer to approach the vehicle. As soon as the Officer is near the Window I say in a monotone voice loud enough to be heard " Sir. I am a Retired Police Officer, I have a Handgun Carry Permit. My Weapon is in a Holster on my Belt on my right hand side what would you like me to do?"
Works most times, no problems although, and there is always as although in these war stories. Had an Officer stop me on a Road in Maryland (Agency Withheld) stop me at Night, I did all of the above and he freaked and I do mean friggen assed freaked! he was screaming as he attempted to retrieve his sidearm, lost control of it one time but caught it before it hit the ground, began screaming orders "Get out of the car, no no stay in the car, put your hands on your head, don't move. dropped his flashlight, bent for it but popped back up without it. I could see the Pimples on his face as I saw the Glock pointed at my head (I think a couple of the pimples actually popped).
I froze, never took my hands off the wheel and repeated over and over " I'm a Retired Police Officer" I remember thinking to myself "this guys going to shoot me" It was not until after a Back up Unit arrived, an older Officer who had me put my hands out of the Window, cuffed me, opened my car door had me step out, removed my Weapon and asked where my ID was.
True story, and I was never so glad to be cuffed. After it was all over I asked that little snot, how as a trained Police Officer did you let this get so out of hand? his reply I threatened him. What (It wasn't really What that I said) but his reasoning was he could see what a big guy I was, I did not look like a Police, he thought I was lying and I was Armed.
Here's a case I did everything right and still came close to getting shot. I know what your thinking, if anyone was going home that night it was going to be me, Ya I admit it I had the same thought. Did I mention this is a true story, as true as my Christian Belief.
As we approach a time when the Honest Citizen may well be able to Carry if He/She desires it becomes a realization to me that it may well be the Citizen and not the Police Officer that will be called upon to be the calming influence in Police / Citizen Handgun encounters.
Damm that was one long story to make a two line Point. Anyway I think it was important to have a former Police Officer make the point that this is going to be a two way street and we cannot assume Police will be the only ones that will need to change, least a terrible mistake be made as has occurred many times in other States.
Lets make Maryland the first State to move into Carry without any Citizens or Police losing their lives in an unfortunate shooting.
Later,
Ed
Ed,
After a bad experience like that with the possibility of getting shot are you going to just not tell the officer about the gun unless he asks?
The reason I ask this is because this experience is the one CCW holders fear the most. Almost getting shot for doing the right thing.
You even went above and beyond in telling him about the gun/retired police status before he even asked about it to make to him feel more comfortable. Instead of making him more comfortable he felt less comfortable.
I know that if and when I can ever carry I will not tell the officer unless specifically asked because of this exact reason and story.