jmra wrote:I think this whole issue is a catch 22.
This is what we know:
1. The mall is posted incorrectly
2. The Chief has told individuals that he considers the signs valid but it is up to the officer what he wants to do.
3. There have been no arrests for a 30.06 violation at this mall or any other that is posted incorrectly or correctly.
So, let's look at some possibilities:
1. The officers know the signs are invalid and are still willing to arrest someone but have not been aware that someone is carrying.
2. Same as above but officers are not aware the signs are invalid.
3. Officers are aware that the signs are invalid and have noticed that people carry (printing, accidental exposure) but do not take action because they know there has been no violation.
Let's assume that 1 or 2 is true. A CHL bends over to tie his shoe and officer sees part of a holster and ask CHL if he is carrying. Answer is yes. Officer makes arrest. CHL spends 2 grand on lawyer to show the Chief that he is wrong and CHL is released. Chief blames the officer for not knowing the law and Chief ensures public that his officers will receive training on the subject. Chief tells mall signs are invalid and will not be enforced. Mall replaces invalid signs with valid signs. Now mall is correctly posted and officers are looking to prove they know how to enforce the law.
Or, no arrests are made but we want to make sure the Chief knows he is wrong so we push the subject till he comes to terms with it. Chief tells mall signs are invalid and will not be enforced. Mall replaces signs with valid signs and we can no longer carry.
Or, we can leave well enough alone. As long as the signs are invalid we can make a choice about what we are comfortable with and still be on the right side of the law (even if we end up laying out some cash to prove it). Some will choose to legally carry past the sign. Others will choose to disarm and enter the mall. Others will choose to go elsewhere. But at this point we still have a choice. If enough noise is made you will no longer have a choice because the invalid signs will be replaced will proper signs.
I for one don't care either way when it comes to this mall. I do however want to avoid any situation that results in more valid postings in the state.
I have been lurking this site for about three months now...oddly enough, I got my CHL three months ago. This thread prompted me to join the forum.
My wife has been bugging me to take my daughter to the Lego Land at the Grapevine mall. I was kinda ticked that potentially carrying there could get me arrested...so I have been considering making a call to a high school buddy that sits outside the Chiefs office (all day long). After reading your post, I think you are right. Leave the issue alone, carry at the mall, and deal with it if I get made. Calling my buddy and having him point out to the Chief that the signage is not legal could cause the mall to actually get a legal sign. What good would that do? If anything, my buddy could probably get me out of jail fairly quickly...and it would make for a great story the next time we play golf.