LEO question: Police asked for my gun "paperwork?"

**Zane1844** · 09-24-13, 10:45

I am on way from CA to WI. On my way through NV almost into AZ I get pulled over after being followed for some distance.

The police officer questions me for a while after looking at my regerstration and license- he did not go back to his car to run my I.D. for some reason.

He then asks if I have guns, I say yes. He asks what kind they are say, I say shotguns and AR's. He then asks for "paperwork" for them. I say "uhhh, no..."

He then said "okay," and changed the subject.

Why would he ask that? Is it like a trick question to get me to say "No, my friend has it and lost it.." or something?

What paperwork am I suppose to have for non-NFA items? The recites?

Why would he ask then go no further?

After the questions he says I can go, walks about the distance to my rear wheel, then stops comes back and asks: "Oh yeah, did I tell you why I pulled you over?"

I said no, he said I was driving too slow in the fast lane. I know for a fact my speedometer said 78-80MPH. It was a 75 Interstate.

Does it sound like he thought I was a drug runner? lol

Also, I was on edge from the drive and move, when he pulled me over I was nervous, my voice was shaky too. I did not want another ticket, but I honestly thought I did nothing wrong.

Do Officers on here know how to tell the difference between someone nervous about getting a ticket than someone trying to hide something?

That was the first time I was questioned like that, though he seemed relaxed.

**Moltke** · 09-24-13, 10:55

Interesting encounter. I'd like to hear some LEO responses to this post with possible explanations.

**Voodoo_Man** · 09-24-13, 11:02

Papers for guns?

I mean, unless you have some sort of SBR, cans, etc, you don't really need papers other than your carry permit if you are carrying.

He could have just been fishing.

Shaky voice, nervous demeanor, out of state tags, what time of the day was it?

Depending on how you looked to him, that might have just been a rhetorical question to see your response.

**SteveL** · 09-24-13, 11:06

How heavy was traffic and how fast was the other traffic moving? I recall hearing something a while back about some states enacting laws whereby you could be pulled over and ticketed for going too slow if you're not keeping up with the flow of traffic, even if you're technically speeding. I know this sounds weird and that's the only reason I remember it. I don't know which, if any states enacted such laws though.

**BIGUGLY** · 09-24-13, 11:14

Sounds like he was fishing and just seeing what your response would be. Its common practice. he probably know there is no paperwork but if somebody reacts in a uncommon manner or answer it hits a little bell in your head and tells you to dig further.

I do it all the time at work, 99% of the time its the common answer or he was asking a question he already knows the answer to just to see the reaction.

Pretty standard stuff.

**4x4twenty6** · 09-24-13, 11:38

BIGUGLY is correct.

I do the same thing. If I have to pat some one down or do a search incidental to arrest I will ask if there is anything that will stick me or poke me. Then I will ask if they are hiding any guns, knives, hand grenades, or bombs... Its just a way to gauge some ones response.

If your answers are suspicious and he has half a brain he can justify detaining you and then go from there.

**Zane1844** · 09-24-13, 12:15

There was not much traffic, the time was around 3-4PM.

I surprised he did not want to search the car or anything. I guess my response about the paperwork sounded like I knew there is no paperwork needed.

I wish I could redo the stop, he caught at me at a bad time.

I guess he knew I was being honest. He could have searched car. I wouldn't care but it would have took an hour again to restuff it with all my crap

**LowSpeed_HighDrag** · 09-24-13, 12:24

Originally Posted by 4x4twenty6

BIGUGLY is correct.

I do the same thing. If I have to pat some one down or do a search incidental to arrest I will ask if there is anything that will stick me or poke me. Then I will ask if they are hiding any guns, knives, hand grenades, or bombs... Its just a way to gauge some ones response.

If your answers are suspicious and he has half a brain he can justify detaining you and then go from there.

I ask the same sort of questions. Got anything sharp on you, any needles knives or anything that might poke me? No? Got any chainsaws or grenades on you today? No? It lightens the mood the for those who really aren't hiding anything and stresses out those that are because they feel like you are continuing to push the issue.

OP, I want to say the LEO that pulled you over was doing the same thing, however some cops just don't know what they don't know. Many of my coworkers do not own a gun, just their agency issued M&P.