TexasCHLforum.com

srothstein wrote:"Yes, you can look inside the passenger area, but not inside the glove box or trunk."

Regardless if you say "yes" or "no" to any leading question, to any request to a search, I would always say: (without skipping a beat)

"I do not concent to a search. Am I free to go?"

See...Deep down, I am just not worth for someone to get excited about if I refuse to consent to a search...

Not trying to be mean, or uncooperative, or disrespectful to anyone...

Nor do I expect a free bowl of soup or any special considerations just because I have a CHL either...

txinvestigator wrote:The fact is though, that Joe Schmoe CHL holder who happens to be caught running a little over the speed limit has little to be concerned about roadside searches. Having a CHL does not always mean the person is clean right then, but to me it sure raises the odds that my time would better be spent looking elsewhere.

You got that right...

But having a CHL doesn't necessarily mean an overzealous need (regardless if the Law Enforcement officer is for or against the policy of civilians licensed to carry) to conduct any business other than writing the citation either...

You know as well as I do that these types of encounters/searches are extremely rare in Texas...

And I support a citizens right to refuse a search of their vehicles during a traffic stop (CHL or not) even if they know they have nothing to hide...If they don't want to fight it and take the ride, thats fine...But if they do wish to note their refusal, that needs to be respected as well...

KBCraig wrote:

txinvestigator wrote:A LEO does not need your permission to conduct a Terry search of your vehicle.

You forgot, "while you are in your vehicle".

If you are outside your vehicle and it is locked, nothing inside is a danger to the officer, and Terry does not apply.

The officer has the right to demand you step out of the vehicle. If he asks you to step out, lock the doors before doing so. He has the right to frisk you for his own safety. He does not have the right to conduct a warrantless search of your locked, unoccupied vehicle without your consent.

Kevin

Bingo!

I have been waiting years for someone else to say this...

Yep,

There are always two sides to a story...

And since our new member here has been driving for about 30 years and only recieved 3 citations in that time frame, I am sure he is above the curve for "not" having a chip on his shoulder in regards to confrontations with law enforcement...

I guess in the way it was written, I am not sure who exactly it was who said to the other to "shut up"...Not that it really matters...All in all a very antagonistic and uncharacteristic way to say anything to anyone in law enforcement...Not a good way to keep the stop on an even keel...

But...

I am not sure why firearms have to be "looked" at (in this case, 20 minutes, to which I figure it only takes about a few seconds per firearm for whatever reason) in the first place...Maybe someone could give me the scoop on that...Honestly if I can understand that, I believe I have proven myself to be very amiable in understanding the concept as a whole...

I have never in ten years of carrying in Texas, ever given a reason or have been given the "Nth" degree by anyone in law enforcement for having a "gun" on my person...It has never been an issue, nor a reason to search my vehicle, or be disarmed during 7-8 times I've been pulled over for having a bit of a heavy foot in that time...

I know I can be a bit annoying in this regard, but I feel compelled to respond to things like this because I do not think we ever get the full clear story, because I honestly believe we ALL stand to learn from every incident like this...

And I would rather hear things from current and former Law Enforcement folks on this website than anyone else...Just because I know they understand where we (I am) are coming from...