TexasCHLforum.com

seamusTX wrote:Does the manual specifically state that it is "unlawful" for a CHL holder to carry while patrolling?
- Jim

Here is the exact language from the manual. Reading it carefully, it says that no weapon of any kind can be carried. Furthermore, a class A misdemeanor is threatened for violating the rule. I have a call in to the Houston Police Dept for clarification. No reply yet.

"7. Volunteers may not be in posession of any type of weapon, either on his or her person or in the patrolling vehicle. This rule applies to volunteers licensed to carry a handgun in the state of Texas as well.

Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46.01 (Definitions of Weapons). Examples of weapons are: club, explosive weapon, firearm, firearm silencer, handgun, knife, knuckles, or any other item that is designed to inflice injury upon a person(s). ***

Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46.02 (Unlawful Carrying Weapons). (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his person a handgun, illegal knife, or club. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, (c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages. ***

*** Definitions are paraphrased and incomplete, see Texas Penal Code for detailed law."

At least there is no specific mention of carrying while patrolling on foot. However that may be intrepreted as a simple oversight by a prosecuter and I may still be charged if stopped while walking my dog.

Because of increased crime, I decided to join the Citizens on Patrol program provided by the Houston Police Department. The function of the program is to organize neighborhood team efforts to drive around or walk around their neighborhood and report suspicious activity. There is a one hour training session provided by a Houston Police officer, and an applicaton to fill out. A background check is performed and a license is issued. Magnetic signs are provided to the neighborhood team to affix to cars that are used while patroling. The Citizen Patrol Group must submit a monthly report that details the neighborhood team's activities, and there is a minimum of 30 hours of patrolling required each month by the team. According to the manual, we are only allowed to report suspicious activity, not get involved in the least. We are considered citizen volunteers.

I was shocked to see in the official manual that it's unlawful to carry a conceled weapon, even though I have a valid CHL. There is no mention of this limitation on the Citizen Patrol website; http://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/vip_citzpatrol.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This poses a dilemma for me because I walk my dog at least twice daily in the neighborhood. Now that I'm officially a licensed Citizen Patrol volunteer, it seems that I am no longer allowed to carry my concealed weapon anywhere in my neighborhood. If I should need to use my gun to protect myself, now that I have this official quasi status, would I be at risk of committing a misdemeanor for unlawful carry? Is this no-carry limitation legal?