TexasCHLforum.com

CoffeeNut wrote:

BlueMerle wrote:

C-dub wrote:Not a fan of the badge for non-LE personnel. Also, the proposed training is more than police receive and then there's the cost.

It isn’t yet known what the cost of the enhanced carry course and the simunitions training classes will be if the bill becomes law, but the permit fee for the enhanced permit is the same as that of a regular concealed carry permit at $80, with renewals at $75. The total cost of training, psychological screening and other requirements, however, may push the actual cost of obtaining such a permit near $1,000.

Honestly, I don't think the cost will be an issue for the kind of people that want a "Badge".

Badges will do nothing but create confusion among the general public. They'll assume, understandably, that the person is LEO when they're not. This could introduce a whole new set of problems and may lead to dire consequences.

I also agree that a badge for a non-LEO is a bad idea. Even as a former LEO, I wouldn't display one without a valid agency commission.

I understand some folks think it would keep them from getting shot by arriving LEO's in a chaotic situation, but that's a misconception. Studies by the Force Science Institute have shown that responding LEO's focus on the weapon and often miss a badge even when it's conspicuously displayed.

Displaying a badge will lead to allegations of impersonating an LEO even when that was not the intent.

That part of the bill is a bad idea all the way around.

Badges should be reserved for those that have actual authority... imo.

I don't understand the fascination with badges for people who just want to carry a gun. I understand that it might prevent you from getting shot by an LEO in certain situations but there have been a number of accidental shooting of plain clothes officers to disprove that myth. Since most of us will never use our firearm it seems like we'd only want a badge (as a CHL holder) if we wanted to do nefarious things with it.

I know that I wouldn't want a "badge" because I wouldn't want to offend every LEO I encounter by having some fake tin on my hip.