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My cousin was at a gun show here recently in Houston, almost positive it was in Conroe. He ran into someone telling him that he had to have a badge to wear, in order to Open Carry. My cousin contacted me and I informed him, while it isn't a bad idea (IMO), that it is not necessary. The guy was selling a badge that you clip near your weapon, when open carrying. My problem is, why is someone trying to scam people into buying an item, on a hope that they don't know the law? If it is in-fact the law, I have heard nothing about it being mandatory. Input?

I think it IS a bad idea, idiotic, in fact. It is NOT mandatory though, thankfully, any more than required light strobes on your car to notify the public that you are one hombre not to be messed with.

C'mon, man!

If you have a CHL or next year the LTC, then that is your legal ID to be presented to an officer of the law.
General public may confuse you with a police officer and if you get in a court situation, you might be portrayed as a wannabe.
Badges are a bad idea.

Wearing a badge, even one marked "CHL" (or "LTC"), might open one up to an "Impersonating an officer" charge. Bad idea IMO.

Ok, maybe I used the term BADGE, loosely, especially for this forum. Not speaking on a badge, like police officers. More of an ID holder, clear plastic, that shows your CHL. IDK, I don't see it as a HORRIBLE idea, have your CHL visible so officers know you have one, IF you're open carrying of course.

LikWid wrote:Ok, maybe I used the term BADGE, loosely, especially for this forum. Not speaking on a badge, like police officers. More of an ID holder, clear plastic, that shows your CHL. IDK, I don't see it as a HORRIBLE idea, have your CHL visible so officers know you have one, IF you're open carrying of course.

Remember "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/quotes

Just treat the CHL/LTC as you would your driver license. Keep it tucked away until needed. When you present your DL/CHL/LTC, you must remove it from any holder in which it may be. To me, having a "special" holder adds no value.

I keep my DL and CHL together in one pocket of my wallet. My military retired ID and my lawyer's card are in the next pocket. On rare occasions, I may even have portraits of dead presidents and elder statesmen.

LikWid wrote:Ok, maybe I used the term BADGE, loosely, especially for this forum. Not speaking on a badge, like police officers. More of an ID holder, clear plastic, that shows your CHL. IDK, I don't see it as a HORRIBLE idea, have your CHL visible so officers know you have one, IF you're open carrying of course.

I think having your name, home address, LTC number and TXDL number hanging out in plain public view is indeed a HORRIBLE idea.

oljames3 wrote:

LikWid wrote:Ok, maybe I used the term BADGE, loosely, especially for this forum. Not speaking on a badge, like police officers. More of an ID holder, clear plastic, that shows your CHL. IDK, I don't see it as a HORRIBLE idea, have your CHL visible so officers know you have one, IF you're open carrying of course.

Remember "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040897/quotes

Just treat the CHL/LTC as you would your driver license. Keep it tucked away until needed. When you present your DL/CHL/LTC, you must remove it from any holder in which it may be. To me, having a "special" holder adds no value.

I keep my DL and CHL together in one pocket of my wallet. My military retired ID and my lawyer's card are in the next pocket. On rare occasions, I may even have portraits of dead presidents and elder statesmen.

I'm pretty sure I'm too young for that refrence I did click it, and laugh though

I had my DL and CHL at the same time, everytime...even when I'm pulled over; ignition off, interior lights on, car in neutral ebrake up, hands over CHL/DL and insurance. I was just thinking about OC'ing, or people who plan on it. You make a valid point in not presenting it until necessary though

Pawpaw wrote:

LikWid wrote:Ok, maybe I used the term BADGE, loosely, especially for this forum. Not speaking on a badge, like police officers. More of an ID holder, clear plastic, that shows your CHL. IDK, I don't see it as a HORRIBLE idea, have your CHL visible so officers know you have one, IF you're open carrying of course.

I think having your name, home address, LTC number and TXDL number hanging out in plain public view is indeed a HORRIBLE idea.

Yes, when given more thought I give it, it is a bad idea. Not sure why someone would be at a gun show, trying to say it was mandatory in order to open carry.

Just say NO.
No visible ID, certainly no badge.
If a LEO wants to talk, show him your LTC and DL.

"If a LEO wants to talk, show him your LTC and DL."

If LEO requests your I.D. and you're carrying, THEN you show him your CHL/LTC an DL.

I've spoken to a number of LEO's while carrying and none requested I I.D. myself and so I didn't...

I watched most of the sessions when our legislators debated the open carry amendments. I was more than pleased that the good guys were able to kill the amendment that would enable police to ask for ID from anyone OC'ing without any other probable cause.

Yet, since the birth of CHL, there have been some who feel compelled to call themselves out with badges or ID lanyards.

I'll never forget a customer who was one of the first to get his CHL. He was a professional, always dressed business casual or sometimes coat and tie. He showed me his CHL the day it arrived. Cool. Then a few weeks later, he showed me a small "Texas CHL Holder" badge with leather fob - very nicely done - hanging from his belt. Not cool. I asked him if he was worried about being mistaken for a detective or something, he wasn't. I would be. Not my approach at all.

Abraham wrote:"If a LEO wants to talk, show him your LTC and DL."

If LEO requests your I.D. and you're carrying, THEN you show him your CHL/LTC an DL.

I've spoken to a number of LEO's while carrying and none requested I I.D. myself and so I didn't...

I guess I didn't make myself clear. I meant that if an LEO wants to talk about me carrying (which would be a more "official" talk than just a conversation), then I would feel compelled to show both LTC and TDL.

Texsquatch wrote:I watched most of the sessions when our legislators debated the open carry amendments. I was more than pleased that the good guys were able to kill the amendment that would enable police to ask for ID from anyone OC'ing without any other probable cause.

The judge and police chief, when they held a Q&A in Houston, said OC'ing is a probable cause to stop you and ask you. So you're saying this is wrong?

LikWid wrote:

Texsquatch wrote:I watched most of the sessions when our legislators debated the open carry amendments. I was more than pleased that the good guys were able to kill the amendment that would enable police to ask for ID from anyone OC'ing without any other probable cause.

The judge and police chief, when they held a Q&A in Houston, said OC'ing is a probable cause to stop you and ask you. So you're saying this is wrong?

Probable cause for what? They cannot assume you are breaking the law or are thinking about breaking the law. After January 1st, I think they'd be asking for trouble.