shinoi wrote:Is there a basic licnensing process or membership to a locksmith society necessary to carry tools without question?
I read somewhere that there is a group like 'associated locksmiths of america' or similar that holds member seminars and such, and that they had a base member like an apprentice. Then you can use the member ID to order tools from "exclusive" websites. And if in the case you are stopped by law enforcement for a chit chat about weather and so on, you have a card that authorizes you to carry certain tools without question.
So, my question, is it necessary, and what is the minimum membership one would need?
A lot of it depends on which state you are from. You have to make your local govt happy first by having a locksmith license in some states, or be a repo guy, mechanic, alarm installer, that sort of stuff, then you can move up to local guilds or trade associations for more credentials. Where are you from, we can tell you how legal or not legal picks are to carry and if you need a license, insurance, etc.
Some states have laws but the language is vague and most people agree that if you don't have intent, you can carry them and not get in trouble, but some states are prima facie and just carrying lock pick tools implies intent to commit a crime. *if you are a security professional ie. locksmith, tow truck operator, etc, you would be exempt from this law.
As an example, in my state, Massachusetts, I can carry 24/7 no problem, and I don't need a locksmith license or anything along those lines, but if I have picks, a police scanner, and a ski mask on my front seat and get pulled over by the police at 3am, then that's probably gonna be possession of burglary tools with intent.
There are some threads on this topic as well, poke around you may find what you're looking for. I think there are some Stickies about Laws in different States too.
Squelchtone
