From Gun For Hire Founder Anthony Colandro’s book, “Crime Proof.”
There is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. You may think you are being pulled over for something insignificant like failing to yield or a broken brake light, when in fact you and your vehicle may meet the description of someone who just completed a violent felony. You are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
When pulling over, choose an area that is safe for you and the officer, as close to the shoulder as possible. At this point, you should shut off the car and remove the key if it has a physical key. This is important to show the officer that you are not planning a quick getaway. The next thing you should do is open both front windows and if the rear windows are tinted, open them as well. This will allow the approaching officer full visibility of the occupants in the car. Now is not the time to reach into your purse or hip pocket to retrieve your credentials. Imagine the perspective of the officer as he is approaching your vehicle and you look like you are reaching for something or trying to hide something! Remain seated upright with your hands on the steering wheel until the officer approaches.
Once the officer approaches, follow their command for ID, etc. It is at this point that you explain to the officer where your credentials are and wait for them to tell you to retrieve them out of your pocket. If you have any type of police support cards, you should hand them to the officer with your additional documents.
After you supply your credentials, put your hands back on the steering wheel while they run a background check.
It is important to make sure you do not seem like a threat to the officer. I find that the most effective tactic for getting out of a ticket is being respectful to the officer. They are usually doing their job and a roadside pullover is a stressful time for them as well.
If you are traveling with firearms, there are two scenarios:
- If you are a holder of a New Jersey Carry Permit and are pulled over when the officer approaches the vehicle to speak to you, make sure you immediately disclose to the officer that you are carrying or transporting a handgun. You also must produce your New Jersey Carry Permit. Do not show the firearm or touch it unless instructed to do so by the officer.
- If you are not a holder of a New Jersey Carry Permit and are lawfully transporting firearms unloaded, cased and/or locked in the trunk of your vehicle, you do not need to disclose to the officer that you are currently traveling with firearms.
If you prefer to not drive with firearms, Gun For Hire offers firearm locker storage. This allows you to travel to Gun For Hire with friends or family whenever you’d like without stopping at home to pick up your firearms. This is a very convenient solution for many people who also travel abroad or have family over and would like their firearms secured outside of their homes. Learn more at GunForHire.com/locker
