Called out by security at appraisal district.

[Zombified]

I had some business at the appraisal district and knew they were no longer posted. I usually carry owb with a loose untucked shirt and I must not have been very careful. As soon as I sat down the security guard came over and quietly asked if I had a gun. I confirmed I did and he asked me if I had a license to carry. When I told him I did, he asked if he could see it. After showing him, he thanked me and left his post to go into the back room. I can only assume he went into the back to verify that I was not violating any laws because after a short while he came back and sat at his post again. He was very courteous and professional. He did not seem to be concerned that I was carrying once he came back to his post and didn't appear to be paying special attention to me at all.

I agree that he probably overstepped his bounds by asking me anything about my carry gun, but I chose to cooperate to avoid any confrontation. It is my belief that cooperating with him made him feel more comfortable and possibly he will see other LTC carriers in a positive light because of our interaction.

Any positive/negative discussion of this matter would be appreciated since this is the first time I have ever been confronted by anyone of authority.

[jb2012]

I’m not disclosing that I’m carrying, and I’m not showing my ltc either. Call it belligerent if that’s what you’d like, it’s no one’s business but my own.

[longtooth]

I taught in class that whether you want to be or not, When you get a LTC, and you choose to carry open or concealed you ARE an ambassador for the 2nd amendment, all carry laws, and all firearm rights.
I am always cooperative. I have never had anyone be ugly. When asked what I would do if someone was ugly my answer was that I would just leave w/o a word. Hard for them to argue w/ glass door.
Never has happened though.

[philip964]

Don’t get me started about the appraisal district.

[der Teufel]

When at the appraisal district, it being public/government property, one might be correct in assuming it's no one's business regarding who has a license or not. OTOH, the above interaction sounds like it was conducted respectfully and I'd have no problem showing my license.

In Walmart, Sam's, or any other private property place, where they have the authority to tell you not to carry, it's probably appropriate to confirm that you have a license and show it when asked. This would be particularly true in an establishment that sells alcohol, since the business is subject to a fine if they allow anyone who is not licensed to carry a weapon inside their premises. I look on it as they're simply doing their due diligence by confirming that you're not carrying illegally.

Other folks may have other opinions, these are mine.

[rob777]

I know this thread is about a govt building but since other locations were mentioned... for businesses that sell alcohol (like a WalMart and Sam's), TABC says (and I'm paraphrasing 11.61) if they knowingly allow a person to possess an unlicensed firearm, they could lose their liquor license.
It's in their best interest to confirm you're licensed. I assume they'd only ask if/when you're open carrying or not concealed well.
No problem on my part for helping them comply with the law. I think it beats having them post 30.06 or 30.07 signs.

[Texas_Blaze]

I’d politely ask if I could see his DL & insurance since we are playin cop,

[Liberty]

I think that a security guard in an appraisal district office would have very little to do. Questioning a gun toter is a small thing to do to break up the boredom.

[Excaliber]

I think the OP handled this perfectly and left a good impression on all who saw the interaction.

[puma guy]

I think the OP did the right thing. Even though the person asking was not an LEO telling him to bug off, even if done diplomatically gains nothing, except maybe escalating his concern. Quietly cooperating and keeping things at the lowest level presented a positive picture for us as LTC's.

[RPBrown]

I think the OP did the right thing. Even though the person asking was not an LEO telling him to bug off, even if done diplomatically gains nothing, except maybe escalating his concern. Quietly cooperating and keeping things at the lowest level presented a positive picture for us as LTC's.

The security guard, last time I was at Dallas County Appraisal building, was an off duty LEO.
AS for the other locations mentioned, I would have to think about what I was going in for before deciding to show a non-LEO my LTC. If it was something I could get somewhere else, I may or may not show it to them if not LEO.

[roadkill]

Nueces County appraisal district has a metal detector. They’ll let you in but the guard has to escort you throughout your whole visit there. Ridiculous. I’m thinking that this year I’ll conduct my business then stop at the John on the way out. Might have a stomach ache too...

[Lynyrd]

I don't have a problem with anyone in any position of responsibility asking to see my LTC. After all, if you don't have one, you are already violating the law here in Texas by carrying anywhere outside of your own property and vehicles. I am always polite and cooperative, and try to be a good ambassador for our cause. That being said, I have only been asked a few times. I remember a couple of times in a business (one was a liquor store). I also remember a couple of times when visiting with friends or acquaintances on private property owned by someone that I did not know. Showing your LTC is courteous, and takes away all questions of what your intent might be.

[puma guy]

Nueces County appraisal district has a metal detector. They’ll let you in but the guard has to escort you throughout your whole visit there. Ridiculous. I’m thinking that this year I’ll conduct my business then stop at the John on the way out. Might have a stomach ache too...