Underhanded Marketing Tactics

[DoubleActionCHL]

I've been approached by several different students who've told me they were pressured into registering for their CHL now (all by the same instructor) because "the laws will be changing in March, you'll be required to take a 3 day class and 200 question test. It will be MUCH harder." Unless you folks know something I don't, this is absolute Barbara Streisand.

First, the information is just flat wrong. Second, these types of underhanded tactics practiced by a few make all instructors look bad.

We're all aware of the vaporware requirements for instructor renewals, but to my knowledge, there is nothing in black-and-white suggesting anything of the sort for original or renewal CHLs.

Comments?

[Crossfire]

I need to go to the next gun show here in Ft Worth, cause one of my students told me that they heard the same story from some yahoo instructor at the gun show. I want to find out who this is and where they come up with this stuff???

[davidtx]

Change in March - with the legislature out of session?

[KFP]

Nice - I've heard rumors of "instructors" doing 2.5 hour courses for the right price.

[JJVP]

I've been approached by several different students who've told me they were pressured into registering for their CHL now (all by the same instructor) because "the laws will be changing in March, you'll be required to take a 3 day class and 200 question test. It will be MUCH harder." Unless you folks know something I don't, this is absolute Barbara Streisand.

First, the information is just flat wrong. Second, these types of underhanded tactics practiced by a few make all instructors look bad.

We're all aware of the vaporware requirements for instructor renewals, but to my knowledge, there is nothing in black-and-white suggesting anything of the sort for original or renewal CHLs.

Comments?

And who exactly will be changing the laws in March? The legislature meets every two years. The 2009 session is closed and will not start another session until 2011. Unless they changed the law during the 2009 session, no change can happen until 2011. I'm sure Charles would have posted about that change if it had happened.

[Trinitite]

Report them to DPS for providing false information about CHL laws.

[Oldgringo]

I need to go to the next gun show here in Ft Worth, cause one of my students told me that they heard the same story from some yahoo instructor at the gun show. I want to find out who this is and where they come up with this stuff???

You might want to start looking at the booths that have WWB .45 acp for $55.

[psijac]

Technically not illegal

[boomerang]

I agree with the suggestion to call or write and complain that a qualified instructor is providing incorrect legal information to (prospective) students.

REGULATORY LICENSING SERVICE MSC 0245
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
PO BOX 4087
AUSTIN TX 78773-0245
Phone: (512) 424-7293 or (512) 424-7294

If enough people complain about the same instructor(s) then maybe DPS will take appropriate corrective action.

[rjr5545]

The best you can do it make a little note on your website and hope goes away quick. I to am here in the Houston area and are quite aware of the same issues with the same group. The rumors hit me about a month ago, and if you check out my site chlnow.com I tried to explain as best as I can. You guys have a great reputation up there and should really go a long ways when people find out they have been hit with the sky is falling again. One day it will all come around.

[Charles L. Cotton]

As I noted in another thread, I've have met with the DPS Captain running the CHL division and this is utter garbage. No consideration is being given to 3 day classes. Computerized testing is not being considered for CHL's although it is now required for CHL Instructor renewals.

Chas.

[DoubleActionCHL]

As I noted in another thread, I've have met with the DPS Captain running the CHL division and this is utter garbage. No consideration is being given to 3 day classes. Computerized testing is not being considered for CHL's although it is now required for CHL Instructor renewals.

Chas.

That's exactly what I've heard, believe and convey to people who ask. I don't know whether this instructor is genuinely misguided or simply using scare tactics to populate his classes. Either way, I think it stinks!

[CWOOD]

As I noted in another thread, I've have met with the DPS Captain running the CHL division and this is utter garbage. No consideration is being given to 3 day classes. Computerized testing is not being considered for CHL's although it is now required for CHL Instructor renewals.

Chas.

Charles, as I have noted in the Instructor's Section of this forum, HB 2730 (The DPS Sunset Bill) specifically requires that the online Instructor renewal program be in place by March 1, 2010, but in my email correspondance with them about this specific issue, some had no clue about these new requirements and some simply ignored my inquiry about the status of it and recommended that I submit my $100 and get in line for the conventional summer class, 3 of which are offered this year in June.

Would it be possible for someone to meet with them and get the scoop about why they do not seem to have prepared to comply with the law?

Regards.

[Charles L. Cotton]

As I noted in another thread, I've have met with the DPS Captain running the CHL division and this is utter garbage. No consideration is being given to 3 day classes. Computerized testing is not being considered for CHL's although it is now required for CHL Instructor renewals.

Chas.

Charles, as I have noted in the Instructor's Section of this forum, HB 2730 (The DPS Sunset Bill) specifically requires that the online Instructor renewal program be in place by March 1, 2010, but in my email correspondance with them about this specific issue, some had no clue about these new requirements and some simply ignored my inquiry about the status of it and recommended that I submit my $100 and get in line for the conventional summer class, 3 of which are offered this year in June.

Would it be possible for someone to meet with them and get the scoop about why they do not seem to have prepared to comply with the law?

Regards.

DPS is aware of the online Instructor renewal requirement and that's what they are working on now. Apparently, not everyone in the CHL division is aware that this project is underway. Although HB2730 has a March 1st deadline, Instructor certifications all expire in odd years. This means there will be no renewal classes until sometime after the legislative session ends in 2011. I have no idea why the March 1, 2010 requirement was added.

Chas.

[CWOOD]

As I noted in another thread, I've have met with the DPS Captain running the CHL division and this is utter garbage. No consideration is being given to 3 day classes. Computerized testing is not being considered for CHL's although it is now required for CHL Instructor renewals.

Chas.

Charles, as I have noted in the Instructor's Section of this forum, HB 2730 (The DPS Sunset Bill) specifically requires that the online Instructor renewal program be in place by March 1, 2010, but in my email correspondance with them about this specific issue, some had no clue about these new requirements and some simply ignored my inquiry about the status of it and recommended that I submit my $100 and get in line for the conventional summer class, 3 of which are offered this year in June.

Would it be possible for someone to meet with them and get the scoop about why they do not seem to have prepared to comply with the law?

Regards.

DPS is aware of the online Instructor renewal requirement and that's what they are working on now. Apparently, not everyone in the CHL division is aware that this project is underway. Although HB2730 has a March 1st deadline, Instructor certifications all expire in odd years. This means there will be no renewal classes until sometime after the legislative session ends in 2011. I have no idea why the March 1, 2010 requirement was added.

Chas.

Thanks for the input, Charles. It is good to know that they are aware.

The person from whom I received the last email indicated that there would be conventional, in-person Instructor Classes in June. Of course, conventional renewals (the abbreviated version of the class) would be held then also. In fact, my original class was held in an off year. I need to renew ASAP because I couldn't/didn't make it to a renewal last year. That is why I am focused on the March date rather than wait for the June timeframe. The online system would just be SO much easier.