Question for experienced carriers...

[DudeRick]

Have you ever been approached/questioned/suspected of shoplifting due to bulges from your handgun under your clothing?

 

[Kalamity023]

If they stop you because of a bulge they're doing it wrong. You have a bad stop there and have grounds for a lawsuit. I work loss prevention and would never stop just on the sight of a bulge. But to answer your question no.

 

[jfisch]

Bulges do not equal probable cause. Neither does denial of "showing what the bulge is" when asked.

 

[farsidefan1]

No, never, not once.

 

[guitargain]

Nope

 

[localgirl]

Just the bulge in my pants...

...wait, that's not right at all. xD

No, I haven't. And there have been many times I felt like someone was close, and I had to ponder, do I let them inspect my bag and pull out my firearm, possibly freaking out and dropping it and/or shooting someone accidentally; or do I calmly open my bag and remove the contents, placing my firearm on the table with my smuggest look?

 

[CarryNM]

I do not have bulges when I carry. What's up Doc????

 

[NavyLCDR]

Have you ever been approached/questioned/suspected of shoplifting due to bulges from your handgun under your clothing?

Ummm..... if the handgun is under the clothing causing a bulge in the clothing...isn't that concealed carry? This is the open carry forum. I have never been suspected of shoplifting due to my openly carried handgun - not even in the gun store where they sell guns.

 

[pfflyer]

yep I sure have, in a market once and a cashier asked to see in my "expedition fatboy" shoulder bag, I told him that was none of his business, he said if I didn't have anything to hide, why wouldn't I let him see, I sad none of your f&%$#n business is why!! he said maybe he should call the police, so I pulled out my badge and said no need to be stupid, now can I check out?? or should you call your manager over?? I was promptly check out!!

 

[Cypher]

I carry a pretty compact gun so I’ve never been asked. If I was and they specifically indicated that they stopped me based on the bulge of my gun I’m not sure what I’d do because if I stated that I was armed that could be taken as a threat. I suppose I’d ask to see a manager and explain the situation to him

 

[John Norris]

nope never been asked

 

[Pir8fan]

Have you ever been approached/questioned/suspected of shoplifting due to bulges from your handgun under your clothing?

Nope. Never has happened. If it ever does happen, I'll refuse to answer any of their questions. Under no circumstances will I let them see what's causing the problem. Of course, if you're doing it right, they'll never see anything.

 

[JimTh]

If they notice and mention a bulge in my clothing I just tell them the viagra hasn't worn off yet.

 

[foxytwo]

I do not have bulges when I carry. What's up Doc????

I agree with CarryNM.

 

[apvbguy]

Of course, if you're doing it right, they'll never see anything.

concealed means concealed

 

[BC1]

I don't answer questions from store loss prevention employees. I don't steal. I don't cooperate and definitely won't be taken into their custody over suspicion.

 

[localgirl]

Now see, that's why I hang out here. I always learn new stuff. I was just operating under the assumption that I had to cooperate.

 

[ezkl2230]

I can't speak for other states, but Michigan law protects concealed carriers in the event of accidental exposure of the firearm - whether from bulges or from accidentally exposing the firearm, for instance, when you bend over or raise your arms above your head to get something off a shelf. Historically, in order for an officer to approach a concealed carrier for suspicion of a firearm, they had to be doing something or behaving in a way that suggested criminal activity.

Of course, these days the courts are ruling more and more that the Fourth Amendment provides us with no expectation of privacy when we are in a public place.

 

[ezkl2230]

Now see, that's why I hang out here. I always learn new stuff. I was just operating under the assumption that I had to cooperate.

Fourth Amendment:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

I know what the courts have ruled over the years, but as a Constitutional constructionist I go with the literal reading of the amendment. The Fourth Amendment protects our bodies from unreasonable searches even when we are in public.

Probable cause is not enough to trigger a search according to the amendment. Probable cause is the basis upon which a precise, detailed search warrant is issued that gives authorities the right to conduct a search.

And before anyone says it, it ain't supposed to be easier for authorities to conduct searches. Before the Bill of Rights was ratified, it WAS easier for authorities. The Bill of Rights put the brakes on that!

 

[Nightmare45]

1. Not probable cause. 2. In Texas the only folks who can ask to see your weapon or license is judge or LEO no rent cops no manager no store employee.