I was approached by a couple of elders and one of the ministers a year or so ago after I responded to a medical emergency about this very issue, not necessarily CHl but the idea of a "security team". I warned them off relating that if the security idea is either expressly or implicitly related in their functions, it could be a problem. I also told them they need to assign someone to verify and maintain the readiness of their AED and post a prominent sign to where it is located.
Neither has been done to my knowledge.
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Return to “Church Volunteer Security Groups”
- Sun Sep 07, 2014 4:04 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Church Volunteer Security Groups
- Replies: 224
- Views: 51488
- Tue May 07, 2013 5:06 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Church Volunteer Security Groups
- Replies: 224
- Views: 51488
Re: Church Volunteer Security Groups
em. mineEEllis wrote: They don't have to get a reg company license. Volunteers can provide unarmed security legally as long as they are not paid and do not wear any uniform that resembles police or security.
The entire context of this conversation and related legislation is the idea of a CHL or other person legally carrying to provide armed security as an adjunct to their ministry or service to the congregation.
Even unarmed, their title, ministry name or duty description must not refer to security in any way, not just uniforms resembling X or Y.
- Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:58 pm
- Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
- Topic: Church Volunteer Security Groups
- Replies: 224
- Views: 51488
Re: Church Volunteer Security Groups
I just had this conversation with my BIL. He, and several members at his church, had discussed doing something in the way of having CHL's act as security. I advised him that if they had "ushers", "concierge", "deacons" or something else roaming around that "happened to be CHL" then they were good but they should have nothing on their charter or paperwork anywhere even "suggesting" security work, especially in light of CHL. Such a law would be a wonderful relief to churches and those that would protect the flock. It could certainly relieve the need to be "deceptive" through euphemism.Charles L. Cotton wrote:I disagree that volunteers should have to comply with Chapter 1702 of the Occupations Code. Many if not most churches cannot afford to hire security companies and a volunteer one or two days a week is not in the same position as a 40 hour a week security guard. More importantly, most safety or security groups at churches I am aware of do not function like a security guard in that they will call 911 if there is a problem, unless there is insufficient time. They spend more time helping people find locations on the church campus, helping people with limited mobility, and herding kids back into their classes. Under current law, if they serve in this capacity and are a CHL, they cannot carry their handgun.donkey wrote:What is the purpose of these security teams? Nothing other than proper 30.06 notification prevents a CHL holder from carrying in a church. Concealed means concealed. Carry your pistol to church and pray that you never have to use it. You don't need to form a security team for that. Or are these security teams performing functions similar to private security companies (i.e. access control, physical security of facilities, responding to complaints)? If they are, then they should have to meet the same requirements as any other security company. Is anyone here a member of some type of church security team? Can you shed some light on the duties you perform.
HB2535 and SB1324 won't change current law for CHL's carrying in church, so people will still continue to do that. They will make it possible for volunteers to do additional things like watch the children's/infants' wing and other sensitive areas without fear of violating Chp. 1702.
Chas.
I remember years ago, I was asked to walk the parking lots quite a bit. I suspect it was because I was a known CHL holder but that was never mentioned.