TexasCHLforum.com

handog wrote:It's over. Here is what I have learned:

1. Keep concealed hand gun at 3 o'clock, not 4 o'clock.
3 o'clock just doesn't work for me, looks like I have a growth. 4 o'clock has always worked well - could be body type.

2. Don't assume that the police will stand down after a perceived threat is over and you show them your CHL.
These guys either got really bad intel or they need to find a new career field.

3. Don't assume the LEOs know CHL law.
I have been amazed at the number of LEO's that simply don't have a clue about current CHL laws.

4. Have a pre screened attorneys phone number on the fridge'.
That just jumped near the top of my todo list.

5. Don't assume the NRA or the TSRA will be interested in your civil rights case or return your call.
This is the one that surprises me the most. Would be something great to bring up in Mesquite tomorrow.
6. Buy two similar hand guns. You will have one when they confiscate the other.
I have several guns that I carry depending on what I am wearing so that would not be a big deal.

TLynnHughes wrote:

VoiceofReason wrote: Complaints to the department do no good. I speak from experience.

Complaints to the appropriate government do no good. I speak from experience.

Doing nothing will not change anything.

Suggestions?

I'm only saying what I would do. I believe in escalation of a situation much like escalation of force. I would start with a formal complaint at the department level and then make my decisions based on what happens at that level. Having worked in a Police Department for a number of years, I've seen many formal complaints solved to the satisfaction of the citizen and resulting in the change of department policy. A major change in a pursuit policy at one department I worked at came about as a result of a citizen complaint. Hard to say....all situations are different. Based on what handog has said, this is what I would do. Not saying it's right for everyone.

T.

VoiceofReason wrote:

TLynnHughes wrote:

VoiceofReason wrote: Personally I would file on the department and the arresting officer. If he is the type that abuses his authority, it might make him reconsider his career choices.

His “mistakes” can affect people for the rest of their lives or could cost someone their life. I don’t know how many times I have heard “Ignorance of the law is no excuse”. I would assume that applies to LEOs too.

There is no excuse for this arrest. If he didn’t know the law, his superior officers should have. If no one on duty knew the law then the department should have a class on dealing with CHL holders.

I don’t think Concealed Handgun Licensing is going to go away any time soon, so law enforcement should learn to accept it and how to handle it. The sooner the better.

I'm certainly not disagreeing that the arrest was wrong. Sure you can sue the police officer, who will more than likely be happily represented by an attorney for the local police officer's association. I'm thinking that the association probably has access to more money to fund the attorney's than does the OP. (This is just an assumption of course and could very well be incorrect.) Now of course, if the NRA or the TSRA want to take the battle on for the OP, that could be a different story.

T.

Complaints to the department do no good. I speak from experience.

Complaints to the appropriate government do no good. I speak from experience.

Doing nothing will not change anything.

Suggestions?

marksiwel wrote:

TLynnHughes wrote:

VoiceofReason wrote: Personally I would file on the department and the arresting officer. If he is the type that abuses his authority, it might make him reconsider his career choices.

His “mistakes” can affect people for the rest of their lives or could cost someone their life. I don’t know how many times I have heard “Ignorance of the law is no excuse”. I would assume that applies to LEOs too.

There is no excuse for this arrest. If he didn’t know the law, his superior officers should have. If no one on duty knew the law then the department should have a class on dealing with CHL holders.

I don’t think Concealed Handgun Licensing is going to go away any time soon, so law enforcement should learn to accept it and how to handle it. The sooner the better.

I'm certainly not disagreeing that the arrest was wrong. Sure you can sue the police officer, who will more than likely be happily represented by an attorney for the local police officer's association. I'm thinking that the association probably has access to more money to fund the attorney's than does the OP. (This is just an assumption of course and could very well be incorrect.) Now of course, if the NRA or the TSRA want to take the battle on for the OP, that could be a different story.

T.

SO what? Lay down and take it?
If its a small enough force, a Law Suit can be a big kick in the pants.
Also, if you win, you can use that money to buy a new gun