CCW and interactions with LEO questions

[Starslinger]

Officers, I have a few questions please about having a CCW license and interacting with police, sheriff or highway patrol officers, especially in Shasta and Tehama counties.

1. If I am stopped while driving or walking, am I legally obligated to inform the officer that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

2. If I am stopped while driving or walking and I do not have my gun with me, am I still obligated to inform the officer that I have a CCW license?

3. If I am traveling with another person, either in a car or while walking, and the officer is questioning the other person, am I legally obligated to inform the officer that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

4. If I am traveling on a bus or a train or a boat or walking with a group and an officer is interacting with the driver or other people near me, am I legally obligated to inform the officer that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

I don't ask because I'm trying to be sneaky, but because I have friends and other people I spend time with who I don't necessarily want to know that I have a gun or CCW license. I actually haven't starting carrying my gun outside my home yet - I'm still trying to learn the laws and find a proper concealed carry holster.

Thanks very much for taking the time to answer these questions.

[71MUSTY]

Totally depends on your IA's policies.

Some don't require you to disclose at all (But suggest you disclose if there is a chance of a LEO seeing the weapon.)

Others only require you to disclose if you are directly involved in an official contact. (Like driver during a traffic stop)


Apparently a few require you to disclose if a LEO is within 50 feet of you (Kidding)


Ask your IA (Issuing Agency)

[CaptMike]

If your permit states that you must notify, then you must or they can revoke your ccw.

Legally, you are not required. It is a good idea when you are contacted to notify because you dont want the officer to see the gun and think you are carrying illegally. Even as a peace officer, i always notify the officer that i am carrying. Its not legally required but it puts the officer in a more comfortable position and could possibly prevent an unintentional issue.