LEO Backup by CCW Carrier?

[BassNut]

Your role is to go on about your business as normal. As an LEO we don't know if you're assisting them or assisting us. We also let dispatch know our immediate location and status of our stop. At gun point we usually have at least 1 or 2 other officers coming to us at Code 2, 3 or 8 all of which indicate a sense of urgency.
As a CCW carrier back up may not know what's going on especially if your weapon is drawn and an officer is down. Its tough to speak of all LEOs but that's my point of view

Well I just based my answer on where I live and what happened a few years ago about a mile or so from my house. I live way out in the Country and any back up would be far away. We had one of our local LEO's pull over a van on a remote dead end road. From what they could figure out from the scene of the incident, they BG and LEO had a struggle, the bad guy got a hold of the LEO's side arm. BG shot and killed the LEO. To this day they still have not found the BG. I personally know a lot of the LEO's in my area. If the circumstances were right. ie late at night, nobody around way out here in the middle of nowhere. I may observe from a SAFE distance just to make sure the LEO has a safe encounter. I'm not going to just go running up with weapon drawn or anything like that. MOST of the LEO's way out here know everyone's vehicle anyway and would know who was around.

[JakeT]

Guys, this thread was started by a troll who is long gone. Why bother?

Didn't know. Thanks Treo.

[jg1967]

I think the only time I would consider getting involved would be if the officer actually gets shot and the suspect comes after him.

That's theoritically speaking because I first have to be still around when that happens and honestly I have never been in a gun fight so I have no idea how I would handle it. I'd like to think I'd have the guts to help but I have not yet seen the elephant (some people will know what that means) so I just don't know.

[mike1956]

Based on the original scenario, don't become a distraction, misdirection, or part of the problem. I would, however hope that if an officer were in a fight for his life, people would help out and not just stand there gawking.

[Frank716]

Not only would the original Trooper not have time to verify your identity or intentions, but any backup on the way to the scene would be unable to do so also.

Even if you DO somehow manage to begin assisting the original officer, I'd say there's a very good chance of being shot when backup arrives and sees you with a weapon.

Not only do you put yourself at danger, you put the other officers at danger as well. If the backup Has to take the time to put you on the ground, secure your weapon and check your paperwork, they won't be able to focus on the real reason they're responding to the call in the first place.

[d@v3]

I believe in the state of New York permit holders are obligated to assist (if asked by the officer) in the apprehension of a criminal. If they are not asked, they should observe until asked. However, since the officer has no idea that he who I am or if I am armed and willing to help, I would probably just observe until it was very clear the officer did not have control of the situation, then I would probably intervene.

Also, I believe NY permit holders are obligated to stop felonious crimes if witnessed.

NEVER identify yourself as peace officer if you do not have such a title.
NEVER mirandize anyone unless you are a peace officer.
NEVER say 'spread your legs' when frisking someone.

Obeying these three things during an arrest will protect you from some serious lawsuits.

[Revan006]

From talking to local LEOs and my knowledge, CharonPDX is right on. While backing up an officer might seem noble, you stand a good chance of getting killed. You have to ask yourself - what is the officer more likely to think when he sees you coming up behind him with gun drawn? That you are there to help him or help the guy he just pulled over? Either way, as others have said the last thing you want to do is escalate the situation. Let the cop do his job. If things get ugly, you might have a very tough decision to make. Do you risk your life for theirs? But even if you successfully intervene, his buddies are almost certainly on the way. The outcome of them seeing you with gun drawn and possibly smoking with an officer down in front of you - just not gonna end well. No one knows who you are, or that you were just trying to help. And sadly, that's not even speaking of the legal ramifications in this crazy country of ours.

[JimPage]

D@v3: I'm sure your wrong about NY state. You are not obligated to stop a felony. A ccw is for yourself and family etc and entails NO law enforcement duties. Recently in Utica NY a councilman lost his pistol license because in a 'ride along' with a cop he got out of the car, drew his weapon, and was ready to assist the officer.

Best to stand clear. If officer asks for help, do so, but don't volunteer. It just gives the offcer more to include in his already crowded scenario.

[kelcarry]

I've been carrying for over five years, and I encountered a situation for the first time on which I'd like some feedback, particularly from law enforcement personnel.

While driving home I was passed by a State Trooper (flashing lights...no siren), when he pulled over a vehicle three cars ahead. The road is narrow, so all traffic nearly came to a halt.

The trooper exited his vehicle and approached the stopped car with gun drawn(!). After carefully observing the driver, the Trooper aimed his weapon at the driver and began shouting orders.

Our community has had a rash of home invasions and holdups of several merchants over the last few weeks.

My question...as a CCW carrier, what, if any, should my role have been? Pull over and observe the encounter in case another weapon is needed? Announce to the Trooper that I "had his back"? Slowly move my vehicle around the encounter and keep going (my ultimate action)?

Are you serious? I did not even read the replies but I cannot believe there were many repliers who even gave you the benefit of the doubt on this. All you are doing is confusing the situation and making it more dangerous for the LEO and yourself. Under Alter Ego, at least in SC, if the LEO has been injured and cannot defend or is in immediate danger of death---maybe it makes sense, but even then, as is the case with Alter Ego, you can never be sure of what has happened before you arrived and who is who and what is what. For heaven's sake the supposed LEO could be the bad guy dressed that way and the supposed BG is an undercover LEO.

[CRW]

figured I'd add some thought since it wasn't really covered in the replies...

When an officer is in that situation, he needs to focus on that situation alone.... if someone takes his/her attention away for any reason, you are jeapordizing their safety.

As mentioned before, let them do their job and only assist if they are being overpowered.