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LEO's are not always well informed about CHL and we have seen cases of inappropriate action being taken.

Just yesterday, a former CHL student called our Instructor over a problem he had. He was pulled over for a minor traffic infraction by the Pharr PD and presented his Drivers License and CHL. The LEO asked where the gun was (in the glove compartment) and ordered the driver out of the vehicle.

The LEO opened the glove compartment and removed the pistol for inspection. He became very upset when he found it was actually loaded and reprimanded the CHL holder for transporting a loaded weapon. He was advised that the gun had to be unloaded and the ammunition stored in a separate place. Since this was a violation, the LEO seized the pistol.

As of yesterday, and following a discussion with our Instructor; the CHL holder had an appointment with the Pharr Chief of Police. Only in the Valley.

Someone needs a stiff talking to. Is it normal police procedure or even legal to seize someone's property without performing an arrest?

- Jim

This is why I pretty much have it tattoo'd (attached/holstered) to my body...

I believe it is much harder for an (with all due respect for active and former LEO's in this and other forums like this who know the law) uninformed commissioned peace officer(s) to justify their actions in situations like this...

Most know I wouldn't give anyone a reason to believe I would react in a confrontational or unreasonable manner if treated like this, but I certainly would consider delaying my business to drop by the "office" to test the waters to see if I need to file a formal complaint in that jurisdiction...

And then again I certainly don't wake up thinking is this the day I get to try and screw someones career up??? Nope...I certainly don't...

There just seems to be some strange change in the winds of how some want to diminish the philosophy behind the moral and ethical reasonings of personal self-defence, however you choose to do so...

I must be on a tear today, I apologize...Something just punched the right button on me today...

seamusTX wrote:Someone needs a stiff talking to. Is it normal police procedure or even legal to seize someone's property without performing an arrest?

- Jim

Property CAN be seized without an arrest. it is unusual.

Just yesterday, a former CHL student called our Instructor over a problem he had. He was pulled over for a minor traffic infraction by the Pharr PD and presented his Drivers License and CHL. The LEO asked where the gun was (in the glove compartment) and ordered the driver out of the vehicle.

With all due respect, that is at best 4th hand information. You don't know what happened, all you know is what you heard, repeated by who? Did the instructor call you and tell you this?

There are always 3 sides to every story. The two involved, and the truth. I don't think I will worry about this 'alleged' incident without some corroboration.

After reading countless threads on this topic, one word comes to mind to summarize the whole thing... "ego." Look, we have a CHL and a "right" to carry. The police have a job to do. We are BOTH "good guys." Why would you want to make it any more complicated than that, even if you are "technically" right with re: to the law. Both sides can exhibit ego, the CHL holder for being "called out" and then becoming incensed on their impeccable knowledge of the law. The LEO, on the other hand, may have some ax to grind with the concept of CHL and then takes their position of "authority" to the next level. ALL EGO!!! If you are one of the good guys (presumably that is why we have CHL's), then act like it and help out the LEO and reinforce that fact in his/her mind. It seems to me...

MarshalMatt wrote:After reading countless threads on this topic, one word comes to mind to summarize the whole thing... "ego."

Welcome to the forum.

txinvestigator wrote:
Property CAN be seized without an arrest. it is unusual.

In a situation (as described) where the LEO though something was illegal, it might have been a "favor"..

LEOs have to know lots of details. Far more than my brain can hold. They're going to get it wrong some of the time. In this circumstance, I'm not going to argue the law, I'll ask for a supervisor. If I don't get a supervisor, then the LEO can do what he wants. We'll work it out later. If no malice or attitude is involved, just a simple straightening it out will do - at least for me...