Open Carry on Max Light rail

[Dan Ford]

Here is a topic ripe for consideration and debate. The open caring of handguns while riding 'Portlands" light rail system. For those of us living near the greater Portland area, the effects of crime and violence due to lack of security has become a real concern. In spite of the absolute rise in crimes perpetuated on the train and it's surrounding platforms, Tri-Met has and continues to fail in providing adequate security (funded yet unstaffed). As well, there is a unified effort to stifle reports of the ever-growing dangers to its rider ship and the public at large; as the "Crime train" rolls through our neighborhoods.

Despite voting against the systems expansion, tracks are being laid north into Vancouver Wa. and south to Salem. With it will come the crime that is presently plaguing its east to west routing.

While I firmly believe the action of open carry on the rail system would send a clear message to potential parasites, that their potential victim base has been reduced; it might also make them aware of the potential repercussions to their own heath and well being.

What concerns me as much as the crime issue is the potential fall out against those who would choose to display their means of personal protection in such a visible way.

I look forward to your thoughts, insights, and opinions on this issue.

[joeroket]

What kind of fall out are you talking about. Fallout from Law Enforcement, other riders, or the train operators?

[Dan Ford]

The backlash that I would expect from the transit system, LEO's who don't fully understand Oregons gun laws, people who are afraid to see guns in public and potentially the criminal element that is having a free run on the system.

I have my concerns the focus could and would turn from the present crime issues to a full court press to inhibit folks from ever considering measures of self protection.

Having your CHL pulled for daring to attempt such a stunt.

The potential of having a visable side arm snatched and the repercussions surrounding such an event.

Also I have questions regarding liability were the proposed idea take root and more than a handful of concerned individuals take part.

I am hoping for a intelligent and informed discussion that will help to expose unintended consequences that are sure to result.

[joeroket]

The backlash that I would expect from the transit system, LEO's who don't fully understand Oregons gun laws, people who are afraid to see guns in public and potentially the criminal element that is having a free run on the system.

This is a viable concern. It is afterall a fear everyone that Open Carries has, especially when they see an officer. The best course is to be proactive and enter into reasonable and intelligent discussions with the transit police/Local authorities that enforce the laws on the trains. The best possible end result would be a training bulliten issued to thier officers about the legalities of OC.

I have my concerns the focus could and would turn from the present crime issues to a full court press to inhibit folks from ever considering measures of self protection.

I think that if the authorities are trained on the legalities of OC and the public sees that they are not taking you down at gunpoint and leaving you be that eventually more people would do it and the crime may go into a small recession due to it.

Having your CHL pulled for daring to attempt such a stunt.

Again if the authorities are trained then this should not be a concern

The potential of having a visable side arm snatched and the repercussions surrounding such an event.

I have never heard of a gunsnatch by a criminal just out of the blue. Not to say it does not happen but I think the majority of criminals will subside until you departed the train. They are not going to want to test you. As long as you maintain awareness I think everything would work out fine.

Also I have questions regarding liability were the proposed idea take root and more than a handful of concerned individuals take part.

I'm not sure I understand this one. What liabilities are you talking about. I know of no liabilities that a person legally carrying a firearm have, unless you are speaking of a gunsnatch and the repurcussions following. In that case it would depend on the law in Oregon. Here in Washington the gun owner has no liabilities to a situation that arise from a stolen firearm.

I am hoping for a intelligent and informed discussion that will help to expose unintended consequences that are sure to result.

We all strive for intelligent conversation and hopefully you find that we are all about that.