Preface from someone who worked 18 years as a Special PO. Yes we stopped cars and I worked shifts, etc. [NO way that I claim the same LE knowledge as most of my FT PO friends, including Jon . . . but we did learn some things in the Academy and the years of working patrol with our FT POs.]
Most MA LEOs are NOT gun people, it is politically incorrect to be one (sorry Jon
) and almost NONE are conversant in MGLs regarding licensing and legal gun ownership. MANY a person has had their perfectly legal gun confiscated because some patrol officer "thought it was illegal" for a civilian to possess! [And do not assume you'll get it back, even if a court orders the PD to return it! There are numerous cases where PDs have absolutely refused to return guns/LTCs when ordered by the courts - Atty Karen MacNutt could provide some detailed cases she's worked in this regard.]
MA is NOT GA, FL or other states where a car is routinely searched on a "tail light out" stop! For a MA LEO to search your car, there has to be demonstrable evidence (to his superiors and a judge) that something illegal was going on here! If the LEO has justifiable reason, he doesn't need your permission . . . if it is a "fishing expedition" he may ask and the smartest answer is to be very polite and REFUSE unless they get a search warrant (a favorite in other states is "then you'll just have to wait here a long time til we get one" . . . it is just an intimidation factor to get you to say "yes"). If challenged that way, play "bluff poker" and just say "fine, I'll wait" . . . they can't detain you very long (court case on this) otherwise it is considered an arrest . . . which can lead to the officer/PD losing a lawsuit for false arrest if he doesn't have a damn good reason for doing so. ALWAYS be polite, but don't give up your rights!
No matter where, do NOT ever get out of your car in a stop unless ordered to do so by the Officer! If you don't listen to this advice, be prepared to end up proned out on the ground, eating asphalt/dirt! And then if you are carrying there is a 99.999% chance that you will be cuffed and stuffed, the gun taken as evidence, and likely some charges will be at least contemplated!
Always keep your hands where they can be seen, preferably on top of the steering wheel and put your dome lights on. This will make the LEO more able to see you and that you are being cooperative. Being nice always pays off . . . as you could get just a verbal or written warning, where being arrogant will almost always end up in the biggest ticket he can write! This is regardless of whether armed or not.
MGLs do NOT require notification to LE that you are armed at any time. Thus, the wisdom (from talking about this with many LEOs) is that if there is NO chance that the LEO is going to see any guns AND you aren't asked to exit the car, keep the LTC and info to yourself!
If asked directly if you have anything illegal, I would respond with something like: "I have nothing illegal."
If asked directly if you have any weapons on you or in the car, my answer would depend on the exact condition . . . something like the following:
- If armed: I would then state that "I have a LTC and am carrying on <location>, what would you like me to do?"
- If unarmed and no guns in the vehicle: "No, I have no weapons in the vehicle or on my person." NO mention of LTC!
- If guns are locked in trunk: "No, I have no weapons on my person or within reach." What's in the trunk is none of his business.
I have been stopped twice while armed (speeding) and in neither case was I asked about guns, nor did I offer any info. First case was on Rte. 3 Boston (early-mid 1980s) by a very angry/arrogant motorcycle cop (BPD) who was driving a cruiser. I was dressed in a jacket/tie and carrying. I yes/no sirred him to death and was given a verbal warning (my speedo was non-functional and replacements were not readily available for my diesel Rabbit unless I wanted to pay ~1/3 the value of the car to buy/install one . . . I had actually tried to replace it). From his demeanor, I am convinced that I would have been proned out on the highway if I had mentioned that I had a LTC or gun on me!
Second time (~1992-3) was on Rte. 16 Newton by a speed trap (~40 in a 25, which was about average speed in that area normally . . . 4 lane road leading to Mass Tnpk and one of the Newton villages). As soon as I passed him he hit his lights and I pulled to the side and backed up towards him. Very polite, handed DL and Reg to him, he checked it out and handed them back to me, told me to watch my speed and then bade me a "good evening Len" (NOT my formal name on my DL). I never got a clear look at his face or nameplate but that made me think that he was a fellow member of the Police Square Club (we had a large Newton contingent back then). No mention of LTC or guns needed or done.