C-dub wrote:Lynyrd wrote:C-dub wrote:Lynyrd wrote:Having your LTC is no secret from any LEO.
Why do you think this?
If they run your DL# it will show them immediately that you have your LTC. Or at least that's what I've been told.
Yes, but only if they have a need to do that. I have not had any LEO "run" my DL in a very long time. The fact that I have a CHL, now LTC, has been a secret from every LEO I've had contact with in the last 15 years except those I had to show it to to get into the Texas State Fair.
The state has even made it difficult for LE to obtain the identification or information of those that have LTCs by not making that available to them
unless there is a need. They can't just look it up because they want to and that's the way it should be. So, in that regard, it is a secret from LE.
Not according to the Govt Code. It's only a secret if they don't ask. Not sure if / how many agencies actually ask, but I have no worries about it as long as it remains not available under the Open Records Act. I don't know lots of LEO's, but the handful I've discussed the topic of LTC with have been very supportive. Even heard the phrase that "When seconds count, we're still minutes away..." from more than one LEO.
ETA: Before anyone comments about agencies compiling lists, I'm understanding the highlighted blue section that if data is requested & provided, then we (the LTC holder) would be notified.
GC §411.178. NOTICE TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.
On request of a local law enforcement agency, the department shall notify the agency of the licenses that have been issued to license holders who reside in the county in which the agency is located.
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Last amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1189, Sec. 14, eff. Sept. 1, 1999
GC §411.192. CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS.
(a) The department shall disclose to a criminal justice agency information contained in its files and records regarding whether a named individual or any individual named in a specified list is licensed under this subchapter. Information on an individual subject to disclosure under this section includes the individual’s name, date of birth, gender, race, zip code, telephone number, e-mail address, and Internet website address. Except as otherwise provided by this section and by Section 411.193, all other records maintained under this subchapter are confidential and are not subject to mandatory disclosure under the open records law, Chapter 552.
(b) An applicant or license holder may be furnished a copy of disclosable records regarding the applicant or license holder on request and the payment of a reasonable fee.
(c) The department shall notify a license holder of any request that is made for information relating to the license holder under this section and provide the name of the agency making the request.
(d) The department shall make public and distribute to the public at no cost lists of individuals who are certified as qualified handgun instructors by the department and who request to be included as provided by Subsection (e). The department shall include on the lists each individual’s name, telephone number, e-mail address, and Internet website address. The department shall make the list available on the department’s Internet website.
(e) An individual who is certified as a qualified handgun instructor may request in writing that the department disclose all or part of the information described by Subsection (d) regarding the individual. The department shall include all or part of the individual’s information on the list as requested.
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Last amended by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146 (H.B. 2730), Sec. 6.03, eff. Sept. 1,
2009.