Got the Okay to Carry at Work

[Captain]

So when I first came to these forums I posted that I couldn't carry at work because I work at a church... well, you guys set me straight on what the law says and that was cool... but I still wasn't sure what the HR department would think. Since that time I wasted a lot of time not getting my CHL... finally my boss and I decided to actually get it and I took the class and sent my packet to Austin. Then this happened (btw, we've since actually hired someone to head up security issues and maintain an security team of uniformed and plain clothed LEO's on the weekends):

So two Sundays ago (I'm the video director of a church) our head of security comes up to me and in a very "unmanly" manner puts his arm around my waist, patting the whole time, and asks, "How ya doin' Kevin"? I look at him with a slightly confused smirk and say, "I'm not carrying a firearm Brad."

Apparently my boss may have mentioned to the head of security that the two of us are getting our CHL and that I have in fact taken the class already.

I thought I was sunk at this point, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Brad goes on to tell me that since we work on the opposite side of the building from everyone during the week that he'd like my boss and I to meet up with their police liason to get some training on defensive hangun/crisis management/tactical matters. He also mentioned that he would let the security officers (off duty LEO's in uniform and plainclothes) know what I look like once I get my permit so that I don't get tackled if I end up printing a little. He then invited me to work security once I had my permit in the youth building during their services on week nights.

So... I guess this means I can carry at work, huh?

[Venus Pax]

I don't think you're obligated to offer security; I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it unless I had substantial training.

Many of us in my church carry in church, but we're not "security". We would probably all draw & shoot if anyone came in and we needed to stop a threat, but there is much more to providing security than being able to use a firearm.

Just my $.02.

[WildBill]

He then invited me to work security once I had my permit in the youth building during their services on week nights. So... I guess this means I can carry at work, huh?

Carrying with a CHL at work, as an employee, is different than "working security." As I understand it, you can't work as an armed security guard in Texas without a commission, and then you would have to open carry and can not carry under authority of your CHL. Unless you are a paid security guard, it still seems to me that you would still need written permission from whoever has control of the building. IANAL, but I sure would consult one before committing to something like this.

The part about Brad searching you sounds a bit bizarre. I would be extremely wary of any security personnel who would "pat you down" while talking to you or who would tackle someone in your church if they were "printing a little."

[Photoman]

He then invited me to work security once I had my permit in the youth building during their services on week nights.

Please research this before commiting. Like Bill said, the state of Texas regulates who can provide armed security, paid or not.

[poperb]

Well I wish I could bring mine to work, but will never happen. Make me feel safer some days

[KRM45]

Let me be the first to congratulate you on completing the course and getting your packet mailed off.

I think the offer to participate in some tactical and crisis training is a great opportunity. That type of training, especially with a quality instructor, will really benefit you.

As we know churches are not off limits to CHL holders unless properly posted. Your only concern on carrying would be if your employer prohibits it for employees. If they don't I would carry as soon as you get your plastic.

As far as security goes, if that means being vigilant and prepared mentally and phisically to stop a threat to the church I think that's great. If they want you to condut some sort of security work you should look into the legaql requirements. Here is a link to the Occupations Code:

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/do ... 702.004.00" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[milkcartonkid]

I carry at church during service to protect myself and my family. I am not security. If i were you i would clarify your role with your boss.

[DoubleJ]

He also mentioned that he would let the security officers (off duty LEO's in uniform and plainclothes) know what I look like once I get my permit so that I don't get tackled if I end up printing a little.

Glad I don't go to church there, would hate to get tackled if he thought my CellPhone was a gat.

[Captain]

The posts about security regulations are interesting... I'll have to see what good ole Brad knows about that.

As for his comments and the patting down... Well, he's a pretty good friend and a bit of a cut up. I'm sure he was being sarcastic when he talked about being tackled, and him putting his arm around me is just... well, his sense of humor. I don't really have space/germ/whatever issues with friends. Heck, I've been known to jump in a buddy's lap to sing him Happy Birthday (in my best Marilyn impersonation).