The Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants Orange County CCW license holders to be informed of the safe and proper way to interact with law enforcement officers while being in possession of concealed firearms.
For CCW License Holders in Vehicles
- Remain calm
- If driving, safely yield, roll down both front windows, turn on interior lights (during hours of darkness), and turn off your vehicle. If your windows are tinted, roll down all windows
- Do not exit your vehicle unless specifically told to by the officer(s)
- Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel or dashboard and leave your seatbelt on
- Once the officer(s) make contact, they will most likely greet you and ask for your identification. Immediately after the greeting, advise the officer(s) you are a CCW license holder and are currently armed
- Let the officer(s) know where your identification and firearm are located and ask how they would like you to proceed
- Carefully follow the instructions of the officers
For CCW License Holders in Other Situations
- Remain calm
- Respectfully answer all questions
- If you believe the officer is simply greeting you in passing, you are not required to announce you are an armed CCW license holder
- If the officer(s) stop and ask to speak with you, or you are detained for any reason, immediately advise the officer(s) you are a CCW license holder and are currently armed
- Keep your hands open and in front of you. Let the officer know where your firearm and CCW license are located and ask how they would like you to proceed
- Carefully follow the instructions of the officers
Reporting
Please remember you are required by the license agreement to notify the CCW Licensing Unit of your law enforcement contact within five (5) days. Failure to do so may result in revocation of your CCW License. To make a report, complete the Reporting Law Enforcement Contact form and email it to CCWPermits@ocsheriff.gov.
