Let me first state, that had I not been in a rush when leaving the house, my CC weapon would not have been visable. I take full responcibility for causing this issue.
Tonight, while searching for ammo at a local WAL-MART, I was confronted by store security. I was asked if I was carrying a weapon. I had forgot to put my belt on in haste when leaving the house and just had my carry holister tucked inside my rear waist ban. I realized that as I was being asked, my CC rig was slightly visable.
I was asked to go to the back of the store with security. I respectfully, refused to "go into the back". I was then told that the store would contact local police. I told the security officer that I would not want to waste the police officers time. They insisted that Law enforcement be notified. I told them I would be happy to wait. While we waited, I made no small talk with the security personelle. Once the officers arrived, I told them I had a CC and was, in fact carrying. The officers asked to step into the back. I went with the officers with no problem.
Once in the back, I was asked to hand over my weapon. I did and provided my ID and CC Permit. The officers ran everything and found that all was legal. The store security officer asked that I be removed from the property. (((Let me say here, the officers were very respectful and made it clear that there was NO Crime committed. They were also very vocal about how this was "non-sense"))) I agreed to leave the property without any heated words, loud talking or any type of anger.
I spoke with the officers outside and they were as shocked as I was and we had a good 15 minute discussion about CC laws and their understanding of these policies. (Both officers liked my COLT Defender
) They said I took it very well, thanked me and we all went our separate ways. I sent an email to WAL-MART when I got home and received a form letter reponce back very quickly. (((SEE BELOW)))
My question to my fellow ODT'ers, did anyone else know this was the policy and shouldn't it be posted at the entrances so compliance can be met without these sort of issues????
*** AGAIN, this was my fault for allowing my CC rig to show ***
Letter from WAL-MART -
Subject: RE: Question concerning WAL-MART Carry Concealed Policy
Thank you for contacting Wal-Mart regarding our concealed handgun policy. Wal-Mart was founded by Sam Walton on three basic principles. Strive for Excellence, Service to our Customers, and Respect for the Individual. It is that respect for the individual that led us to create the current policy pertaining to concealed handguns.
The following is our policy......If a Wal-Mart customer has been awarded a concealed handgun license by the state government, Wal-Mart will follow the direction of the state. However, if at anytime while on Wal-Mart property, that customer's concealed weapon becomes visible to Wal-Mart associates or customers, Wal-Mart reserves the right to ask the customer to either reposition the weapon so that it will not be visible, to remove the weapon completely or to leave Wal-Mart property, With the exception of law enforcement personnel, Wal-Mart does not allow any exposed weapons to be worn or carried in public view on Wal-Mart property or in Wal-Mart stores. Customers other than law enforcement personnel wearing or carrying a weapon in an exposed manner will be asked to leave the property immediately.
We appreciate your concern and trust that this message has addressed your concerns regarding this issue.
Thank you,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc."
Tonight, while searching for ammo at a local WAL-MART, I was confronted by store security. I was asked if I was carrying a weapon. I had forgot to put my belt on in haste when leaving the house and just had my carry holister tucked inside my rear waist ban. I realized that as I was being asked, my CC rig was slightly visable.
I was asked to go to the back of the store with security. I respectfully, refused to "go into the back". I was then told that the store would contact local police. I told the security officer that I would not want to waste the police officers time. They insisted that Law enforcement be notified. I told them I would be happy to wait. While we waited, I made no small talk with the security personelle. Once the officers arrived, I told them I had a CC and was, in fact carrying. The officers asked to step into the back. I went with the officers with no problem.
Once in the back, I was asked to hand over my weapon. I did and provided my ID and CC Permit. The officers ran everything and found that all was legal. The store security officer asked that I be removed from the property. (((Let me say here, the officers were very respectful and made it clear that there was NO Crime committed. They were also very vocal about how this was "non-sense"))) I agreed to leave the property without any heated words, loud talking or any type of anger.
I spoke with the officers outside and they were as shocked as I was and we had a good 15 minute discussion about CC laws and their understanding of these policies. (Both officers liked my COLT Defender
) They said I took it very well, thanked me and we all went our separate ways. I sent an email to WAL-MART when I got home and received a form letter reponce back very quickly. (((SEE BELOW)))My question to my fellow ODT'ers, did anyone else know this was the policy and shouldn't it be posted at the entrances so compliance can be met without these sort of issues????
*** AGAIN, this was my fault for allowing my CC rig to show ***
Letter from WAL-MART -
Subject: RE: Question concerning WAL-MART Carry Concealed Policy
Thank you for contacting Wal-Mart regarding our concealed handgun policy. Wal-Mart was founded by Sam Walton on three basic principles. Strive for Excellence, Service to our Customers, and Respect for the Individual. It is that respect for the individual that led us to create the current policy pertaining to concealed handguns.
The following is our policy......If a Wal-Mart customer has been awarded a concealed handgun license by the state government, Wal-Mart will follow the direction of the state. However, if at anytime while on Wal-Mart property, that customer's concealed weapon becomes visible to Wal-Mart associates or customers, Wal-Mart reserves the right to ask the customer to either reposition the weapon so that it will not be visible, to remove the weapon completely or to leave Wal-Mart property, With the exception of law enforcement personnel, Wal-Mart does not allow any exposed weapons to be worn or carried in public view on Wal-Mart property or in Wal-Mart stores. Customers other than law enforcement personnel wearing or carrying a weapon in an exposed manner will be asked to leave the property immediately.
We appreciate your concern and trust that this message has addressed your concerns regarding this issue.
Thank you,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc."
