CHL at the County Jail

[WhiteHawk]

A bit after the fact - I was just meandering around the forum here, and came across this old thread, and thought I'd add to it a bit by telling you what I did.... I ask the head guy at the jail - not sure what his rank was - he had a few striped on his arm... anyway, I ask specifically if it was OK for me to bring my weapon with me when I visit - I was told, "Yes, as long as you secure it in your vehicle, and don't bring it into the facility."

Now, I'm at the next level... instead of visiting the county jail - I'm now fixing to head down south to a prison unit to visit.... I called the info line, and spoke with the head warden on duty.... I ask him the same question, and got, "I'm not sure. What I do know is that we (employee's) have to 'double lock' our weapons in our vehicles." He told me he has a gun safe secured to the frame of his truck - he locks the gun in the safe, then locks his truck....IF it's a car -the gun has to be locked in a lockbox, then locked in the trunk...... I'm almost positive I read somewhere that it was OK to carry a weapon into the parking lot, but from there it has to be secured in a box, and the vehicle locked.. but I can't seem to locate that info.....he told me to drive down without my weapon until he can research it further...........I'm not sure if I'm just overly paranoid, or what - I am not liking the idea of being on the road for a total of four hours without my weapon....granted, it's unlikely anything will happen that warrants me needing my weapon, but hell - ya just can't ever tell.....that's one of the reasons I got the license to start with... I've had unexpected situations take place in a blink of an eye that warranted the need to defend myself - both while driving, and while minding my own business while in my own home.

[Hoi Polloi]

If you're that worried about it, why not park on the public street or somewhere else close by?

[WildBill]

If you're that worried about it, why not park on the public street or somewhere else close by?

Sometimes jails aren't in the best area of town. Also, there are criminals in jails so you want your gun handy just in case one of them breaks out.

[RPB]

A bit after the fact - I was just meandering around the forum here, and came across this old thread, and thought I'd add to it a bit by telling you what I did.... I ask the head guy at the jail - not sure what his rank was - he had a few striped on his arm... anyway, I ask specifically if it was OK for me to bring my weapon with me when I visit - I was told, "Yes, as long as you secure it in your vehicle, and don't bring it into the facility."

Now, I'm at the next level... instead of visiting the county jail - I'm now fixing to head down south to a prison unit to visit.... I called the info line, and spoke with the head warden on duty.... I ask him the same question, and got, "I'm not sure. What I do know is that we (employee's) have to 'double lock' our weapons in our vehicles." He told me he has a gun safe secured to the frame of his truck - he locks the gun in the safe, then locks his truck....IF it's a car -the gun has to be locked in a lockbox, then locked in the trunk...... I'm almost positive I read somewhere that it was OK to carry a weapon into the parking lot, but from there it has to be secured in a box, and the vehicle locked.. but I can't seem to locate that info.....he told me to drive down without my weapon until he can research it further...........I'm not sure if I'm just overly paranoid, or what - I am not liking the idea of being on the road for a total of four hours without my weapon....granted, it's unlikely anything will happen that warrants me needing my weapon, but heck - ya just can't ever tell.....that's one of the reasons I got the license to start with... I've had unexpected situations take place in a blink of an eye that warranted the need to defend myself - both while driving, and while minding my own business while in my own home.

Not sure where you visit, but if it's a place executions occur, remember that the rules change on those days when they occur.

46.03
(6) within 1,000 feet of premises the location of which is designated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a place of execution under Article 43.19, Code of Criminal Procedure, on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed on the designated premises and the person received notice that:

(A) going within 1,000 feet of the premises with a weapon listed under this subsection was prohibited; or

(B) possessing a weapon listed under this subsection within 1,000 feet of the premises was prohibited.

[seamusTX]

If you're that worried about it, why not park on the public street or somewhere else close by?

Sometimes jails aren't in the best area of town.

Also, the visitors are not always the most sterling characters.

I've seen only one prison that could by any stretch be described as in a decent part of town. That is the federal facility in downtown Chicago.

Most prisons are far from public roads and not designed for pedestrian walk-up traffic. Your best bet, if you know you're not allowed to keep a weapon in your vehicle, would be to park in a commercial lot and take a taxi the rest of the way.

Not sure where you visit, but if it's a place executions occur, remember that the rules change on those days when they occur.

At present, executions are performed only at the Walls unit in Huntsville.

- Jim

[RPB]

Yeah, to me, Huntsville is "down South" that's where I was thinking he may be going, since it's South on I-45 from Krum.
But, I guess from Krum, TX, most of Texas is "down South" (or else out West)

[seamusTX]

I had no idea where Krum is.

Four hours driving puts it just about the right distance from Huntsville.

- Jim

[WhiteHawk]

For one - I've not been to this place before, so I have no idea what to expect. Based on what I was told - my vehicle is subject to search upon (meaning BEFORE entering) the parking lot, so parking outside, and walking in is not an option..... this is some kind of holding facility that is used prior to an offender being sent to prison...I think it's some kind of processing center - BUT people might be there for months while processing takes place.... it is not a place where executions take place. I've been reading through the codes, and as usual - they're a bit confusing/contradicting at times.... it plainly states that weapons are not allowed onto the premises of a correctional facility - BUT it also states that prior to entering the actual facility that a peace officer, while performing his normal duties, can temporarily disarm a licensed holder - secure the weapon in a weapons locker until the licensed holder leaves - at which time the weapon is returned to the license holder... AND that a specific sign must be in place stating that particular policy..... IF that were the case, then I'd think a sign would be in place, and if a sign was in place, then the guy I talked to would know the policy, and not have to research anything.....I think I'll call Austin tomorrow, and inquire as to what the laws are regarding this..........for now - I'm headed down for a visit, and will leave my weapon at home... I'm also printing out pages 28 and 29 of the Penal Code that mentions what I mentioned above..... based on the info I'm gathering from folks who are much more experienced at visiting a facility of this nature....those people working the gates can make matters very difficult for a person IF you get on their bad side.... the guy I talked to spent quite a bit of time talking about 'what if' a convict escaped, broke into a vehicle, and stole a gun... AND arresting anyone who brought a gun onto the property illegally...even after I explained to him that was the reason I was calling - because I have no intention of breaking the law... reading between his lines tells me he's not going to be too happy with anyone showing up with a pistol - even if it is legal.......I'll post whatever I find out tomorrow..... and, based on the vibes I got from that guy - I suppose the thing to do is ensure the guy that I'm on his side, and that IF bringing my weapon with me is frowned upon, then I'll just leave it at home..... The place I'm going is right by Palestine.

[gigag04]

Most prisons are far from public roads and not designed for pedestrian walk-up traffic.

The fed'l government, for some reason, put a fed'l womens prison smack dab in the middle of a residential sector in Bryan, TX. Generally your assessment is true however , especially with TDC prisons.

[WhiteHawk]

Update: I just spoke to the Head Warden at the Gurney Unit in Palestine, TX. I was told, "Yes, IF you are licensed to carry, then you may bring your weapon onto the property - BUT, before entering the facility you must pull over somewhere, and secure the weapon in a locked box. Upon entering the facility you must inform the officer at the gate that you are licensed to carry, that you have a loaded weapon secured in a locked box, and show him a copy of your CHL." He then added, "Do I like the idea of you, or anyone else bringing a loaded firearm onto this property - NO, I don't, BUT it is your right to do so IF you choose to."

[longtooth]

I preach at the local prison on a regular basis. It is legal to lock it in your vehicle in the parking lot.
Chaplain here knows I am an Instructor & carry. His personal request is that it be double locked. I do anyway. Lock box in a locked truck.

You will be legal. Dont carry it across a threshold & through a doorway.
LT

[WhiteHawk]

Thanks LT....I have two different means of securing the weapon.. and I'm thinking of drilling some holes in the floor of my truck, and bolting one of the lock boxes behind the console in my truck. Question for you - do they usually ask to see the weapon, or do they ask to see the locked box?

[longtooth]

Never had either. That request was during volunteer orientation.

For benefit of above poster who suggested parking on another street:
Not possible there either. Prison is out in the country & a county rd ditch would be the only option.

You just described my set up except my lock box is between the bucket seats in my truck. No console. I lock gun, holster, & extra mags in the box, lock the truck, (this is all in the parking lot) then go inside. Here is where I am serched & sign in. I dont tell & never been asked. Often the officer appologizes for having to do it.
No deal to me. If you do a good job of searching me then you will do a good job on other visitors also.

What will I do if they ever tell me not to do it that way?
Promice them I will never bring it on the parking lot agian, keep the promice, & find something else to do the 3rd Saturday night of the month.
LT

[LarryH]

Update: I just spoke to the Head Warden at the Gurney Unit in Palestine, TX. I was told, "Yes, IF you are licensed to carry, then you may bring your weapon onto the property - BUT, before entering the facility you must pull over somewhere, and secure the weapon in a locked box. Upon entering the facility you must inform the officer at the gate that you are licensed to carry, that you have a loaded weapon secured in a locked box, and show him a copy of your CHL." He then added, "Do I like the idea of you, or anyone else bringing a loaded firearm onto this property - NO, I don't, BUT it is your right to do so IF you choose to."

I wish ALL public servants had that attitude. "I may or may not agree with it, but it IS the law, so I will comply."

[LarryH]

What will I do if they ever tell me not to do it that way?

Promise them I will never bring it on the parking lot again, keep the promise, & find something else to do the 3rd Saturday night of the month.

LT

Let's hope it never comes to that. Chaplains perform an important function in the prison system, although many do not realize it.