Son had a weird encounter at Walmart

[twomillenium]

I find the story hard to believe, since Walmart is famously recognized to accept legal handgun carry in their stores. The fact that the store manager was not called to double check policy makes it even harder to believe. Rant and rave all you want, but to me this is a report of hearsay, and you know how often that is misinterpreted. I am not calling anyone a liar but this one side of the story and there is a good chance that it is not the whole of the true story. If I am wrong then I apologize.

[Soccerdad1995]

I find the story hard to believe, since Walmart is famously recognized to accept legal handgun carry in their stores. The fact that the store manager was not called to double check policy makes it even harder to believe. Rant and rave all you want, but to me this is a report of hearsay, and you know how often that is misinterpreted. I am not calling anyone a liar but this one side of the story and there is a good chance that it is not the whole of the true story. If I am wrong then I apologize.

I'm not sure why you find it hard to believe that a Wal-Mart security guard could be grossly incompetent in a variety of ways, including a complete and total misunderstanding of company policy. I mean, we are talking about someone who presumably could not get a job in law enforcement, and then also could not get a security guard job at a number of other, preferable employers. For this reason alone, I do not find this story hard to believe.

[RevDLo]

I find the story hard to believe, since Walmart is famously recognized to accept legal handgun carry in their stores. The fact that the store manager was not called to double check policy makes it even harder to believe. Rant and rave all you want, but to me this is a report of hearsay, and you know how often that is misinterpreted. I am not calling anyone a liar but this one side of the story and there is a good chance that it is not the whole of the true story. If I am wrong then I apologize.

It absolutely is hearsay. Like I said I was not there. My 2 oldest boys came over last night, and this was the story my oldest told me. He is only 17 and was NOT carrying a handgun. I did not feel the need to call a manager as I wasn't there and had no names and did not have the full circumstances. He handled it by letting him know it was only a pocket knife and that was it. I only brought it up here for discussion since I am new to CC.

[twomillenium]

I find the story hard to believe, since Walmart is famously recognized to accept legal handgun carry in their stores. The fact that the store manager was not called to double check policy makes it even harder to believe. Rant and rave all you want, but to me this is a report of hearsay, and you know how often that is misinterpreted. I am not calling anyone a liar but this one side of the story and there is a good chance that it is not the whole of the true story. If I am wrong then I apologize.

I'm not sure why you find it hard to believe that a Wal-Mart security guard could be grossly incompetent in a variety of ways, including a complete and total misunderstanding of company policy. I mean, we are talking about someone who presumably could not get a job in law enforcement, and then also could not get a security guard job at a number of other, preferable employers. For this reason alone, I do not find this story hard to believe.

LOL I guess I find it hard to believe for the same reason you think a Walmart security guard (or was it a greeter) can't get a better job. I appreciate anyone who does honest work, even if it is picking up cans.

Like I said when I look at history and realize this is second hand hearsay, I will need both sides of the story or non-story. (I try to do as little business with Walmart when given a choice).

[WTR]

The kid is too young for a LTC anyway, so why worry about effective notice. Since he did not have a gun, just walk on past and ignore the security guard. If need be.....call a manager.

[Pawpaw]

A Walmart security guard?? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.

It wasn't the door greeter, was it? If it was, I would not see that as someone with the "apparent authority" to give you notice.

[WTR]

The only "security guard" I have ever seen at any WalMart, is out in the parking lot patrolling in a small car.

[Solaris]

I find the story hard to believe, since Walmart is famously recognized to accept legal handgun carry in their stores. The fact that the store manager was not called to double check policy makes it even harder to believe. Rant and rave all you want, but to me this is a report of hearsay, and you know how often that is misinterpreted. I am not calling anyone a liar but this one side of the story and there is a good chance that it is not the whole of the true story. If I am wrong then I apologize.

I'm not sure why you find it hard to believe that a Wal-Mart security guard

That is the first thing that is hard to believe. A Wal-Mart security guard? I am not saying they do not have LP staff, but I have never seen Wal-Mart security guard in any Wal-Mart anywhere in my life. Do they have Wal-Mart uniforms? Are they armed? contracted?

[mojo84]

A Walmart security guard?? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.

It wasn't the door greeter, was it? If it was, I would not see that as someone with the "apparent authority" to give you notice.

Why would you not consider the greeter as someone that has apparent authority to give notice? The law doesn't say it has to be any certain level of employee. The manager can grant that authority to whomever he decide.

[dave_in_austin]

That is the first thing that is hard to believe. A Wal-Mart security guard? I am not saying they do not have LP staff, but I have never seen Wal-Mart security guard in any Wal-Mart anywhere in my life. Do they have Wal-Mart uniforms? Are they armed? contracted?

I saw a person in a security guard uniform playing the role of a greeter yesterday in a Wal-Mart. I did not pay much attention to the uniform, but it was a black and silver uniform nothing like the blue smocks that the greeters usually wear. He did not appear to be armed and was greeting people as they came in. Perhaps this is a new feature at some Wal-Mart locations now.

[Pariah3j]

A Walmart security guard?? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.

It wasn't the door greeter, was it? If it was, I would not see that as someone with the "apparent authority" to give you notice.

Why would you not consider the greeter as someone that has apparent authority to give notice? The law doesn't say it has to be any certain level of employee. The manager can grant that authority to whomever he decide.

I have to agree w/ Mojo here - I've worked various retail/minimum wage jobs over the years. Just about all of them gave me as an employee that right to refuse service, and to me that would go with the ability to give notice. Now it might not stand, and it may get them chewed out/fired later, but in that moment I believe we would have to assume they do.

[Keith B]

A Walmart security guard?? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.

It wasn't the door greeter, was it? If it was, I would not see that as someone with the "apparent authority" to give you notice.

Why would you not consider the greeter as someone that has apparent authority to give notice? The law doesn't say it has to be any certain level of employee. The manager can grant that authority to whomever he decide.

I have to agree w/ Mojo here - I've worked various retail/minimum wage jobs over the years. Just about all of them gave me as an employee that right to refuse service, and to me that would go with the ability to give notice. Now it might not stand, and it may get them chewed out/fired later, but in that moment I believe we would have to assume they do.

Anyone wearing a Walmart vest or name tag would have 'apparent authority' to tell you you must leave. It does not specify a particular job title like 'the owner, the asset protection manager, the janitor, etc', so if they are an employee, they wold have apparent authority.

[TreyHouston]

I was caught stealing cigarettes when i was 17 and got a "lifetime ban" from ALL Walmarts the security guy said. I was NOT arrested and no LEO was involved, no ticket or fine.

I was back in the same store the next day buying stuff. IF you think ANYONE ever remembers you then you are just ... full of yourself!!!!!

[Pariah3j]

I was caught stealing cigarettes when i was 17 and got a "lifetime ban" from ALL Walmarts the security guy said. I was NOT arrested and no LEO was involved, no ticket or fine.

I was back in the same store the next day buying stuff. IF you think ANYONE ever remembers you then you are just ... full of yourself!!!!!

Willing to bet your LTC on that ?

[Pawpaw]

A Walmart security guard?? I don't think I've ever seen one of those.

It wasn't the door greeter, was it? If it was, I would not see that as someone with the "apparent authority" to give you notice.

Why would you not consider the greeter as someone that has apparent authority to give notice? The law doesn't say it has to be any certain level of employee. The manager can grant that authority to whomever he decide.

I have to agree w/ Mojo here - I've worked various retail/minimum wage jobs over the years. Just about all of them gave me as an employee that right to refuse service, and to me that would go with the ability to give notice. Now it might not stand, and it may get them chewed out/fired later, but in that moment I believe we would have to assume they do.

Anyone wearing a Walmart vest or name tag would have 'apparent authority' to tell you you must leave. It does not specify a particular job title like 'the owner, the asset protection manager, the janitor, etc', so if they are an employee, they wold have apparent authority.

1. Walmart Corporate's policy is to follow local law on the carry of firearms. This has been discussed here many times.

2. If you or anyone you know has worked at Walmart, you should be aware that they just barely authorize their employees to breath the air in their stores. It isn't Sam Walton's Walmart any more. Employees are empowered to do nothing any more, unless you're some level of manager.