What can you legally do if a business owner asks a person to leave because they are carrying a firearm?

• A. Tell the person the owner's policy and warn them to put their firearm away or leave; if they do not comply, you can charge them with trespassing.
• B. Arrest the person immediately for carrying a concealed weapon.
• C. Issue a citation for disorderly conduct without owner consent.
• D. Detain the person and search their bag for other weapons.

Answer: (A)

Private property owners have the right to control access to their premises, including prohibiting firearms. When a business asks someone to leave because they are carrying a firearm, the officer’s job is to help enforce the owner’s instruction and proceed with trespass if the person refuses to leave. The appropriate approach is to inform the individual of the owner’s policy and warn them to either secure the firearm or depart. If they do not comply, you may charge them with trespassing. Carrying a firearm in itself isn’t automatically a crime just for being in the store; it becomes a trespass issue once the owner’s request to leave is ignored. Arresting for carrying a concealed weapon isn’t warranted solely on this scenario unless there’s a separate violation of weapon laws or license status. Detaining and searching without proper authority would not be appropriate.