As have many here, I took an oath a long time ago to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. This is in line with my personal religious faith. I live out both of these by exercising my constitutional rights, obeying laws, voting, and participating in the governmental process as much as I can.
This will not change on 1/1/16.
I am participating in my city's Citizen Police Academy. I'm talking to the Assistant Chief, Detectives, Sergeants, and Officers. Here in Elgin, Texas, the police leadership has told me that officers will not be stopping all those carrying openly after 1/1/16. Rather, it will be business as usual. I also asked about paddle holsters during one of the meetings, as a sergeant was wearing one. Here in Elgin, paddle holsters are belt holsters.
I have found this approach of engaging with our police in a non-confrontational setting to be very effective in answering my questions and expanding my understanding of how they will enforce the law after 1/1/16. Elgin PD answers were not always the same as HPD answers. Your mileage will vary.
After much studying, questioning, listening, and pondering, I have determined what I feel to be the most tactically and strategically sound approach for me and mine. I will politely cooperate with law enforcement as they discharge their duties. I will work within the established political process to change what I feel should be changed. I will exercise my rights and obey the law. I will carry openly when I can, disarm when I must, and conceal as the situation dictates. In short, I will continue to go about my life as I have for the last 42 years.
