Do we really need to notify anymore???

[frankie_the_yankee]

How been suggested that anyone with a weapon(gun) has to reveal their "card to carry" upon being stopped or questioned. (Yes, only when carrying). This would include, CHL, LEO. One can guess who is against that idea.

????????

Help me out.

[stevie_d_64]

Many states seem to function just fine without a duty to notify. There's no reason Texas couldn't get along just fine without it.

That was my reasoning, as well.

Part of my position as well...

[stevie_d_64]

I had an opportunity to speak with a deputy on a duty call last week. I made mention of the CHL as a courtesy. Her response was inline with the thinking here, saying, "It's getting to where you don't even need that." as a nod to the new car carry.
I'm sure many officers are seeing it that way.

Bingo!!!

[stevie_d_64]

I also want to explain that this is NOT intended to be a rebellious cause to rally under, and cause any amount of friction to the environment we are in now per the law...We will still comply with that law, and do so with the upmost respect to it...

All I am illustrating is that there is a class of citizens now that is not required to notify under an interesting and welcome clarification to the law for those without Texas CHL's...So without confusing the issue to those without CHL's and will be car carrying under this change...I believe it would be better to extend the same condition(s) to the CHL community, because we are a little more in tune with what is going on...

I mean, if I am totally wrong about this, I can take the hit...I just believe there are things that can be tweeked to take the worry and scrutiny (from others) out of our lives and let us concentrate on things more important to issues of self defense, rather than the periferral firery darts thrown at us on a daily basis for just thinking about taking a personal stance on ours and others safety from the criminal elements out there that look to do us harm every single day...(some more than others) But you guys and gals get my drift...

[Liberty]

Many states seem to function just fine without a duty to notify. There's no reason Texas couldn't get along just fine without it.

I agree with you completely, I just don't see much reason to eliminate the rule. It seems pretty harmless to me, the penaltys for a first offense isn't a big deal. while I really don't have a problem getting rid of the rule, I can't find any enthusiasm for it. Now if we were talking OC or getting rid of the CHL requirement all together, or the parking lot bill I can get exited. This just doesn't seem like a big deal to me.

I also want to explain that this is NOT intended to be a rebellious cause to rally under, and cause any amount of friction to the environment we are in now per the law...We will still comply with that law, and do so with the upmost respect to it...

After the recent success of the new carry bill, and the castle doctrine I have to admit that the little moves forward seem somewhat uninteresting. There are some other things on the table for '06 that have a little more excitement to them.

[Dan20703]

I don't mind showing my CHL at all during a traffic stop. Based on the two times it has happened I was treated very well, didn't have to show the weapon, and didn't get a ticket. In other words I feel like they treated me better because I produced it. There are other 2A battles to be fought first that would be much more worth the effort.

[srothstein]

I voted to do away with the notification law. Only a CHL has to notify, not another cop, or a traveler, or anyone carrying in their car, or a security guard, or anything. As such, it is no longer necessary (assuming it ever was).

And, it certainly won't hurt if you do still notify when the law does not require it. Just like telling them about your CHL when you are not carrying, a little courtesy can go a long way sometimes.

[KBCraig]

I don't have a CHL, but I carry under LEOSA. I'm not going to flash my credentials at the start of a traffic stop, because I don't want to be perceived as seeking professional courtesy. If I'm asked to get out of the vehicle, I'm going to say, "Okay, but before I do, I want to let you know that I'm an off-duty officer and I'm carrying a handgun. I just don't want there to be any unpleasant surprises, okay?"

[flb_78]

I do not believe that we should be required to show CHL anymore.

[Briankey]

Well, I will always inform Law Enforcement of my Carry, out of Respect, I figure if you show them respect, you will get it in return.

I have spoken to several State Troopers here in Texas who have asked me, before I got my CHL, Why don't I get my CHL.

I think the attitude of the LEO can depend on your attitude, you don't let him know your carrying might Tick him off, and he gives you a Reality Check.
By Not informing a LEO, Might make him think your a Jerk.
But the Bottom Line is, Don't do anything stupid to get yourself pulled over in the first Place.

Brian

[stevie_d_64]

I don't mind showing my CHL at all during a traffic stop. Based on the two times it has happened I was treated very well, didn't have to show the weapon, and didn't get a ticket. In other words I feel like they treated me better because I produced it. There are other 2A battles to be fought first that would be much more worth the effort.

Well, I suspect, and this has been my experience, that displaying your CHL license (per the law) should NOT in any way shape or form, be an expectation of any treatment other than what you get at that time, and with that particular Law Enforcement officer...

Its not a coupon for a free bowl of soup either...

[DoubleJ]

I don't have a CHL,

You're fired.

[ELB]

All other things being equal, I do not think the CHL holder should be required to fork over the license. Sometimes there is a gap between what should be legally required (or not) and what makes good "tactics". For example I do not think a law abiding citizen should be required to try to run away before defending himself. Thus I support the "Stand your ground" law. However, it might be tactically prudent to do so. That should be the citizen's option.

As for what's legally required:
I understand notification was probably a minor compromise with some potentially anti-CHL law enforcement types in the beginning, but I think no law enforcement group could now rationally make a case that this really makes things safer. Gang members are not required to notify, felons are not required to notify (in fact, I would bet that a law requiring felons to notify a cop at a traffic stop would be unconstitutional, just like gun registration laws). Notification is the equivalent of "gun control" -- it only applies to the good guys.

As for what is prudent:
Having said that, I would still hand over my CHL along with my license, because I think it should be a prudent tactic. Not a cop, not planning on being one, but I would think that if someone one hands you a card that documents that he's never been convicted of a felony, violent misdemeanor, pays his taxes, the state monitors this, etc etc, your stress level should dial down a couple notches, and you could deal with the situation in a more nomal mode. No one should just drop into condition white because of a CHL, but you wouldn't need to act as if you had just seen their picture at the post office.

Furthermore, with all the other stuff on the 2A plate, I do not see changing the notification law as any kind of priority right now. Would rather see us spend our ammo, so to speak, on big stuff like doing away with all the restrictions on where CHL carry is legal, getting the ATF under control, driving a stake thru the AWB vampire's heart, removing federal prohibitons on guns (at least CHL guns) in federal facilities, etc. The notification issue is small potatoes by comparison. If it can be struck from statute as part of a laundry list of other stuff, by all means, but I don't want TSRA or the NRA or whoever to burn any BTUs on it when there is so much else to work on.

My two cents.

[rm9792]

Since the LEO is going to find out about your CHL anyway, I think its best to be forthcoming and get that out on the table right up front.

Since he "will find out anyway" why bother telling him. LEO can always assume you are carrying and adjust their attitude and awareness accordingly. What i never understood is the concept of telling them anyway. Criminals arent going to inform the officer they are illegally armed and anyone who does tell the officer isnt likely to be an issue. Sortof a catch 22.

[rm9792]

Well, I will always inform Law Enforcement of my Carry, out of Respect, I figure if you show them respect, you will get it in return.
I have spoken to several State Troopers here in Texas who have asked me, before I got my CHL, Why don't I get my CHL.
I think the attitude of the LEO can depend on your attitude, you don't let him know your carrying might Tick him off, and he gives you a Reality Check.
By Not informing a LEO, Might make him think your a Jerk.
But the Bottom Line is, Don't do anything stupid to get yourself pulled over in the first Place.
Brian

I dont see how this shows "respect" or can be considered disrespectful. You are not a danger to him, the gun itself is inanimate and harmless so he is in zero danger. To me, respect is "yes sir", compliance and politeness. Why does he "need" to know you are carrying? Again, you are no danger, take your ticket or warning and go about your business. Does he "need" to know you have a knife, pepper spray or taser?
I am not a perfect person (lead foot issues) and respect their job as dangerous and underpaid but learned in my teens that politeness and immediately pulling over, even before they turn around, gets a lot more warnings than tickets. I have actually had them thank me for pulling over so quick.