I had a very similar situation at HPD's downtown office that I don't want to publish on an Internet forum. It resulted in making a friend of a very good HPD Captain and getting more in the new "Law Enforcement Facility" portion of the Gov't Code.mctowalot wrote:Every once in awhile I have to go to the main HPD station in downtown to update permits. After passing through a metal detector you usually wait in a line to approach the "reception" desk officers. There is a big sign that states "have your Driver's Lic. or ID ready to show the officer at the desk" - yet I've watched folks ahead of me fumble through their pockets or handbags for these items after they reach the desk. Once presented the officers "run" them - presumably checking for warrants or what have you. And I've seen people arrested right then and there as they were not aware of oustanding tickets and the like.
Even though I'm not carrying, when I present my DL I hand them my CHL also and state clearly "I do not have my weapon with me". They will hand it right back but seem to appreciate the gesture. It saves them from having to ask the obvious since it's going to pop up when they run my license.
On that note I once noticed a "heated debate" between a CHL holder and a couple of Officers. Seemed the citizen wanted to enter the station armed ( legal? You tell me [please] , but worth debate when you have pressing business?) His rationale was that he "might need it in the parking lot when he left the station". As I walked to the elevator I heard one of the Officers offer to escort him to his car if he felt that scared.
(Before I get flamed I will admit I have heard of assaults or worse taking place in Police station parking lots - I thought about taking them up on the escort offer)
I got on the elevator and when I got to my floor I realized I had left some paperwork in my car and I only had 15 mins. to submit it or I'd have to come back the next day. I was worried that the line for the metal detector and what not would be too much of a delay but I went for it. The guy was still standing there arguing with the Officers! I told them I'd be right back, that I forgot my stuff. When I went back in they (still talking with this guy) made a point of waving me through security. The guy turned beat red. IMHO I think he should have just taken them up on the police escort offer and left his gun in car.
Chas.