Do CA LEO get training specific to CCW encounters?

[rdtompki]

Thread title says it all. There are not many CCW Licensees in the entire state, but one would like to think that LEO receive training in such encounters. Given how limited the training must be I'm going to say "no specific training".

[baggss]

There are ~90,000 to ~100,000 CCW holders in the state. Maybe a bit more.

One would think that at least agencies that DO issue would give their own officers some kind of trainng.

See the links in my sig for a breakdown of the numbers.

[sbo80]

well there's that video from FL where the cop freaks out when catches a glimpse of a holstered pistol under a shirt from a ccw during a traffic stop. They're shall-issue and generally 2a friendly, and he seemed to have no clue. Not sure what that says about places like here. It is probably department-specific though.

[doggie]

LEOs please chime in here.

[angelinointexas]

I think no answer means no.

But that should be expected. There are only 227 CCW in LA County and 80K overall in CA means .2% of the CA population. 1 out of 500 people.

In Texas, it is 1 out of 25 people. It's enough that LTCs and LEO's in TX have an unsaid "friendship" with each other. I hope that happens in CA too.

[johnthomas]

Follow the law, keep it concealed, tell them you have a CCW permit and are armed. Keep your hands on the wheel until told something different.

[-hanko]

I think no answer means no.

But that should be expected. There are only 227 CCW in LA County and 80K overall in CA means .2% of the CA population. 1 out of 500 people.

In Texas, it is 1 out of 25 people. It's enough that LTCs and LEO's in TX have an unsaid "friendship" with each other. I hope that happens in CA too.

Exactly the way it is in Idaho.

[angelinointexas]

Exactly the way it is in Idaho.

Bunch of my elementary school buddies are LEOs in LAPD now. Whenever I tell them this they seem surprised.

[pacrat]

Follow the law, keep it concealed, tell them you have a CCW permit and are armed. Keep your hands on the wheel until told something different.

^^^A couple of months ago I would have agreed with this.^^^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u34vudAEcsY

Now, NFW Jose!

[AnchorTactical]

Ca officers are aware and surprisingly accepting of citizens with an ltc.

Ltc. License to carry. Learn it and live it. Don't say weapon or gun when you're on the side of the road.

Sir, I have a valid ltc. How would you like me to proceed?

[tanks]

^^^A couple of months ago I would have agreed with this.^^^

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u34vudAEcsY

Now, NFW Jose!

First, you don't tell the guy you have a gun, you give him your ID and CCW permit at the same time. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and then wait.

[Quiet]

Thread title says it all. There are not many CCW Licensees in the entire state, but one would like to think that LEO receive training in such encounters. Given how limited the training must be I'm going to say "no specific training".

During my SBSD CCW renewal class, the Deputy giving the class said the vast majority of CA LEOs do not recieve specific training when encountering someone with a CA LTC permit. The Deputy further stated that depending on who you interact with (*cough*LAPD*cough*), you may end up disarmed and handcuffed while the LEOs determine the legality of your CA LTC permit.

[FalconLair]

well there's that video from FL where the cop freaks out when catches a glimpse of a holstered pistol under a shirt from a ccw during a traffic stop. They're shall-issue and generally 2a friendly, and he seemed to have no clue. Not sure what that says about places like here. It is probably department-specific though.

that guy was arrested too - i believe because of that stop they changed a few things, like if you're a ccw and you're firearm inadvertently becomes exposed, that's not enough to charge someone

that's what he was arrested for, exposing his firearm when he was exiting his vehicle - sigh

here, right here, you can see a law abiding citizen taken to jail merely for accidentally exposing his firearm while reaching for his wallet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBCUEniMwJU

[CinnamonBear723]

The answer is both yes and no. Your average LEO does not. A lot of it is personality unfortunately. I would say without a doubt, here in CA, we have some of the best training in the country and are therefore less likely to deal with some of the stuff you see on YouTube and the media as a result. I've had many encounters and none have gone poorly. In fact, I usually end up talking about their gun and swapping advice on carrying and EDCs.

[TurboS600]

You're kidding, right? Given the poor handling of CCW holders by LEO nationwide in general, and in California in particular, I think I can safely say that they get zero hours of training in handling a civilian who is legally carrying a firearm. I have, myself, been subject to a poor encounter with a LEO in my own hometown while I was carrying.

I'm not saying that LEO have poor encounter skills, just that they are hideously under-trained to deal with this growing segment of our population. I even know someone personally who was pulled over by CHP in the San Gabriel Valley and was told by the LEO, AND HIS SUPERVISOR who was called to the scene that the CCW license only allowed you to carry the weapon but that it must be unloaded. He was with his 8 y/o son and was dressed down in front of him and threatened with arrest in front of his crying son. After a 30 minute encounter they gave him his gun back, unloaded of course, and made him lock it in his trunk with the ammo separate.

I wouldn't look for them to get any more training on the matter either. They have such a HUGE number of other topics to cover that they really don't have time to deal with such a small percentage of legally carrying civilians. Those of us who are already carrying a CCW license just need to be aware that WE need to know how to handle the situation when you are in an encounter with a LEO. No fast/furtive movements. Ask for permission to reach for anything on your person or in your car or purse/bag/backpack/etc. Keep your hands in plain sight. Be respectful and compliant. Follow their instructions. They won't know you're armed unless you tell them and if your issuing authority mandates that you tell them then do so. If your IA does NOT mandate disclosure then use your best judgement.

Your safety depends on how you handle the encounter. The LEO will do what he thinks he needs to do to protect himself first and the public second. Use your brain. Your life depends on it.