Running weapon serial # during a traffic stop?

[Lynyrd]

Check the serial number against what? As far is I have been told there is not a gun registration database, either state or federal. They could check the serial numbers against reported stolen guns, but what else?

[G.A. Heath]

Check the serial number against what? As far is I have been told there is not a gun registration database, either state or federal. They could check the serial numbers against reported stolen guns, but what else?

Locally when I hear guns run the response is usually "No 43 on that firearm." Meaning no info. A time or two I have heard "That serial number comes back 99 out of...." meaning a firearm of that manufacturer with that serial number was reported stolen, they then confirm the model and I have never heard it come back a match.

[Liberty]

1) has anyone encountered this in any other jurisdictions in TX
2) is this lawful?
3) if not, do we have any right to refuse?
4) am I being paranoid or does this seem like a great way to slowly build up a database of firearms in the state?

1) Nope, I've been asked to disarm, but never had them run the serial numbers that I know of.
2) They can legally ask you to disarm if they feel there is a threat.
3) If they have made a legal stop, I can't think of a law that prohibits them from asking you to disarm. and running the numbers.
4) They could try to start a database, but it would be very incomplete and useless.

I've had several encounters with Galveston PD over the years. They have never disarmed me. I don't think it is a policy for every Stop of an LTC holder. Maybe a brand new one? I had a conversation with a patrolman a couple weeks ago and he told me that there have been a lot of break ins into cars with guns lately. so it could be a new policy.

[03Lightningrocks]

I know they are just TV shows but I have seen this on several of them. Live PD, Alaska State Troopers and even Lone Star Law (the game warden show), just to name a few. I will say I don't recall any of the shows I saw this on being for Licensed Concealed Carry people.

[anygunanywhere]

I know they are just TV shows but I have seen this on several of them. Live PD, Alaska State Troopers and even Lone Star Law (the game warden show), just to name a few. I will say I don't recall any of the shows I saw this on being for Licensed Concealed Carry people.

I saw one on LPD. Williamson County deputy ran LTC holder's weapon.

[03Lightningrocks]

I know they are just TV shows but I have seen this on several of them. Live PD, Alaska State Troopers and even Lone Star Law (the game warden show), just to name a few. I will say I don't recall any of the shows I saw this on being for Licensed Concealed Carry people.

I saw one on LPD. Williamson County deputy ran LTC holder's weapon.

Well there you go. Even on an LTC. I thought there was a thread on here a few months ago discussing this issue.

[03Lightningrocks]

Well there you go. Even on an LTC. I thought there was a thread on here a few months ago discussing this issue.

Would you happen to have a link? I did not find anything. I don't think I searched well.
Thank you in advance.

I also tried to search it and found nothing. It may have come up as an off topic conversation in a thread somewhere. The thing that made me think of it was the mention of the live pd show. Maybe I dreamed it...

[Jusme]

Evidently they are checking it to see if it is stolen. To me it comes close to a 4th amendment violation. Possessing firearm is not probable cause to see if it stolen. Anymore than checking your car stereo, a television in your trunk, or a 4 wheeler in the back of your truck. IANAL YMMV

[JustSomeOldGuy]

IANL, but it seems like 'unreasonable search and seizure' if there is no RAS up front that a crime (related to the firearm) has been committed.

[03Lightningrocks]

I am in agreement that it seems wrong. Like a fishing expedition for a crime. After seeing them do it on so many cop shows, I think there must be something that makes it legal. I have never had it happen to me but if some cop wanted to check the serial number, I would not likely protest. It would irritate me but not to the point of wanting a verbal altercation with a cop on the side of the road.