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Employer Vehicle Searches:
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:06 pm
by John R. Fuller
I have a question. Let us say that you are employed at a place that forbids firearms even in locked cars/trucks while inside working. If you were to place the pistol in a hidden pistol safe and the vehicle was searched, could you say you forgot the combination or something to that affect?
Non police searches of private vehicles are legally risky at best. Could the employer use that against you?
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:13 pm
by txinvestigator
The employer could not force you to open the container, but depending on your employee agreement, rules, etc, you could be subject to discipline.
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:12 pm
by stevie_d_64
I have a key for my vehicle safe...
"Darn it!, this is the wrong set of keys! Oh well..."
Keys
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:25 pm
by longtooth
My box is key locked too Stevie. I have 3 keys in a key box also. They fit the lock on my little trailer, the supply room at our shooting range & a church where we set up for a monthly singing. Darn I can't find the one to the box.
I assure you it aint on my key ring.
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:32 am
by Jim101
You first have to give them a reason to search your car....I have never seen "random" searches in any of our parking lots.....
Jim
Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:15 am
by Paladin
In Oklahoma, apparently they brought in 'gun sniffing' dogs. I doubt they can break into your car... so if you were violating company policy, it's probably best not to open your vehicle when asked.
I'm sure the dogs would point out my car even if I didn't have a gun in there (with all the used targets as such laying around)
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:01 am
by GlockenHammer
txinvestigator wrote:The employer could not force you to open the container, but depending on your employee agreement, rules, etc, you could be subject to discipline.
...including termination. In TX, your employer does not have to have a reason for letting you go. As long as you can't prove discrimination under a protected category (age, sex, etc.), you're walking.
That is why I'd like to see firearm owners get legal protection against employers in TX as they do in OK, but I really don't see that one in the cards.
Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 7:53 pm
by Renegade
If I had a gun in my vehicle in violation of company policy was asked to submit to a vehicle search, I would quit on the spot, and then leave.
It is much easier to get a job if you resigned your last position voluntarily, than if you have to explain you were FIRED for possession of a gun on company property, in violation of policy.
So my point here is do not even play the "I forgot the key/combo" game, just get on with your life under your own terms.