Beale Street And Guns
Revellers continue to show up for a good time on Beale Street with handguns on their hips or in their purses — only to be turned back.
And:
The task of keeping guns off Beale falls to PSI Security officers, who use wands to detect weapons at various checkpoints on the edges of Beale each weekend.
“We are still stopping a lot with weapons,” said Leonard Porter, owner of PSI. Guards ask patrons to return their guns to their homes or to their cars before coming onto Beale.
“We don’t confiscate them. We ask them to put them back in their cars,” Porter said.
“A lot of them are from out of state. Some are off-duty police officers,” he said.
The article notes most folks are carrying illegally. I wonder if they call the police on those who are not?
September 7th, 2009 at 10:45 am
The article actually notes that most people found with concealed handguns are carrying LEGALLY.
Makes a difference.
It also implies SOME are carrying illegally. These should be arrested on the spot.
September 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Private security cannot make arrests. Nor can they inquire whether the gun possession is in accordance with law. They can only enforce the policy of not letting those in possession of a firearm past the checkpoint. Until a person tries to force their way past the checkpoint and trespass there is no law enforcement issue.
So what did Beale Street do to keep guns out of their businesses when only those breaking the law were carrying guns before the law change? It would probably go a long way to creating a safe environment if they also had the checkpoints do a canine search for illegal drugs but I guess that would cut into their profits.
September 7th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
So, when I visit my folks in Tennessee, Memphis is off limits?
September 7th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
“Private security cannot make arrests.”
Uhmm…what? Maybe it is the policy of the client, or of the security company in question – but TN has citizens’ arrest provisions in the law. §§ 40-7-109.
September 7th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I would not spend ONE THIN DIME in that place. I dont like Memphis anyway, but if they wanted my money they would have to respect my rights. I wont even do local business with anyone who posts thier door. I stopped shopping at WALMART because of thier anti American activities. Screw Beale St.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Correct me if wrong, but owners can post THEIR property. When did Beale STREET become privately owned? They may be able to ask you to n ot enter their establishments, but when they ask that you no enter the street, neighborhood, etc, then thay are breakng the law. Anyone want to win a lawsuit?
September 8th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Having seen Beale street this past weekend, you couldn’t pay me to go there if I could be armed, much less unarmed.