Cops ran us out again!

Hey all. Posted about this same subject last year from the same park with the same woman. We contacted the city officials and they told us that there is no laws against metal detecting and aslong as we are not leaving a mess and huge holes it would be ok.

The "woman" in question could find no evidence of us even being there when she was asked to. She was told by the city manager that she didnt have the authority to ask us to leave the park. She told my brother and i that as far as we were concerned she IS THE POLICE.

So fast forward to this year. Got out for about an hour and half. She drives by and pulls a U turn onto the sidewalk near where we detecting and drives atleast 20 miles an hour with children present on bikes and playing.

She gets out and tells us that this isnt happening again this year and that she is calling the police. I politely asked her for some form of documentation that says we cant be here. I know there is such thing because I checked repeatedly online and with the city itself.

So the pigs come down and after talking with them they ask us to leave. We were respectful and polite. They told us to go through the same crap we went through last year.

Im not about starting trouble with law enforcment, but if there is no law against it and we were told it was ok should we leave?

I know the majority would say we should leave, but when is it gonna frickin stop? She was told to leave us alone and that it was ok for us to be there and the cops keep telling us to leave.

Im not the type to fold simply because some woman on a power trip says so. I am doing nothing wrong in the eyes of the statutes and law so why the hell should I leave.

Could a cop arrest me when Ive broken no law? What are my rights in a situation like this? Im really close to going down to her office and calling her on the carpet with a lawyer.

The woman is director of the parks and was told to leave us alone. She was told she had no authority.

I am considering filing a harrassment charge against her. Any ideas?

File the Harassment
 (Restraint) Order if Possible
.

But until then Leave when the police say to.
If you refuse you are Disordley.

Well first thing...I take a bit offense to the use of the word "pig". And as far as when it it "frickin stop". When you get it in writing from someone in charge. Can you be arrested??? Not sure, but do you want to take that chance? I wouldn't. I'm sure if they went through most of the state laws and town ordinances, they could come up with something.

Wow Jeff,

took the words right out of my mouth.

Randy,
I don't like the term either in this application.
I am however quite fond of a nice roast pork.

LOL
Thom

I agree with what Jeff said.

File a formal complaint but when the police say to leave just do as asked.

Well thats where im having the problem. Just because some is wearing a badge and gun doesnt give them the right to trample someone else's rights. And if he asks us to leave that is exactly what he is doing. Ive checked it and rechecked it. There is no law against it.

Pig is a term I use to describe police who dont know their ass from a hole in the ground. No offense meant to anyone here.

Im wondering when the crap is gonna stop. I have just as much right to metal detect the park as people have to walk in it. Yet a person with a badge and gun tells me to leave and if i dont i could be charged with being disorderly?

How is enjoying my rights as a citizen being disorderly. I could see the point if i was breaking a law, but im not. I will be filing charges against the woman in question aswell.

Thanks for the advice.

If the city manager has spoken to this woman,then have that person speak with the police also.
 I would ask the person that told you it was ok to detect for a note saying that and with a contact# in case there are any problems.
   as for disorderly conduct,as the officers on here will tell you,you can be charged with that for anything from arguing with the police to loud music bothering your neighbors ect......when the police show up and tell you to leave,even though you know you can be there,you are better off to leave and get it in writing so that next time you have the proof......sounds dumb i know but that is the way it is these days.....
     And i would also mention to the police that this lady has stated as far is she is concerned she is the police when it comes to you..that i would think shows that she is harrassing you.

100% agree with Jeff & teverly

100% agree with Jeff & teverly

Next time you are there have someone video tape it and get that lawyer.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out that this complatent has some pull  with the city council....or at least drops  names when making the complaint to seem to have more pull than she really has....I would ask the police officer....what law am I breaking....my taxes help  maintain this park....If you must ....write a ticket and we will settle this in court.....But that's just me.... Steve

I'm sorry but I spent 22.5 years serving this countryfor freedoms. If the police are wrong you need to go to the police chief with there names and badge numbers. I know law enforcement have it pretty tough bu they also forget the are their for and work for the law abiding citizens. I would also file a suit against the lady involved. I know many here say don't argue just leave. But this is a free country and right is right and wrong is wrong. By giving up our rights to appease others means that they will eventually be taken from us.
A little at a time. I am not talking about rights that are for the good of the country on a short term basis.
Mike

I wouldn't be surprised to find out that this complatent has some pull  with the city council....or at least drops  names when making the complaint to seem to have more pull than she really has....I would ask the police officer....what law am I breaking....my taxes help  maintain this park....If you must ....write a ticket and we will settle this in court.....But that's just me.... Steve

Steve, Just one note on the comment about telling the officers "if you must" write the ticket...My friend, not all city or county officers write tickets for violations other than traffic...and if that the case, there option is taking you to jail until bond can be set....so, if it is a small town or county, the judge might not come in til the next day...so that means a night in jail....makes little difference if you end up winning the case in court..you have already spent one night in jail. I am in no way saying we should give up our rights, but remember, we must pick our fights on OUR terms and not their terms. Again, just get it in writing and there will be no further problems. Good luck

OK , HERE IS MY OPPINION,   I LIKE TOO TYPE IN CAPS SO BEAR WITH ME.

FIRST OF ALL FROM WHAT YOU ARE TELLING US,  YES YOU ARE RIGHT AND YOU HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE!
SHE IS WRONG AND YOU HAVE ALL THE RIGHTS TO BE THERE.

SECOND, IS  THIS SITE WORTH TH LAWYER FEES AND HEAD ACHE,

THIRD,   IF THE COPS ASKED YOU TO LEAVE, THEN ITS NOT PROMISING FOR YOU.

AND FROM MY EXPERIENCE IF YOUR GOING TO GO IN TO COURT, ITS NOT ABOUT WHO IS RIGHT AND WRONG,
OR WHAT THE LAW SAYS, ITS ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO PAY THE MOST TO WIN!

MY OPPINION IS FIND A BETTER SPOT AND SUCK IT UP BECAUSE ITS ONLY GOING TO GET UGLY FROM HERE AND YOU  DONT NEED THIS CRAP!
i AM ON YOUR SIDE BUT THIS IS THE SAME KIND OF CRAP I DEAL WITH IN LIFE AND ITS BETTER TO JUST LEAVE THIS UN WELCOME SITE ALONE!,   

I AM NOT A WIMP OR COWERD, AND NEITHER ARE YOU BUT WHAT ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO DO
THIS LADY IS LOOKING FOR A FIGHT!!!  ARE YA GONNA GIVE IT TO HER.
THIS IS A TOUCHY TOPIC AND I HOPE EVERYTHING GOES WELL!

Ok first off. You should tell the police that you already received permission from the city manager and that this woman was ordered to leave you alone.

Second if they still kick you out, you need to call the police department and set up a meeting with the chief of police. Tell him the problem and that the police refuse to listen to you. He will most likely ask for a signed paper from the city manager. With that your home free.

You can always complain to the ladies boss about her actions, and she will either be ordered to stop, or she will be fired.

If you have a signed paper from the city manager in your pocket, they will escort the lady away, and you will be able to remain there.

I think also it can be quickly finished if you just have the City Manager sign a permission slip for you. 

And or ask him to call the police chief and let him tell his patrolmen/women that MDing is ok there

Your best bet for future confrontations, 'cause you should not give up detecting as long as you're legally safe, is to get something in writing preferably on official letterhead.  Once you have such, make a copy of it and carry the original in a protective plastic sleeve.  When and if you are approached by this or any other person that make their own rule, whip out the copy, not the original.  If the person says that the copy is not good enough, get the copy back in your hands and hand them the original.  If they "capture" your original you at least have the copy which should be legally binding.

If after looking at the official document the person insists on continuiing to "persecute" you, YOU request that she or he call the cops (if they haven't done so or said they would) and show the cops your document.  If they have any brains they won't take any action and may ask the instigator to respect your rights.

If the cops do not do this, write down their names from their nametags.  If they are not wearing nametags write down their badge numbers.  When they see you doing this and react negatively, by now you should have been taping all of this or at least taken photos or asked anyone nearby to be your witness.

Even if you don't want to, be respectful and creative.

Silver Fox

Steve is right.  If it came down to a battle, the parks dept. person will win.  They will simply revoke your permission and invent a rule where none previously existed.  This is why I do most of my metal dectecting at night.  It's kinda of like picking your nose:  as long you are discreet, no one complains or notices. 

Next time take along a video camera and have one person shot while the other person hunts.  Explain to the cops that you are shooting a movie and that it is a free speech issue.  Since the camera will be rolling as they pull up, you can include them in the scene.  Previously you have videoed the lady with a bit of luck.  Either or both parties will probably back down when they realize how foolish they would look in court.

Yes, if an officer wants to bust you, there is always some law that can be used to do so, so do follow orders.  BTW some states have laws against videoing officers, so careful with this one.  The pigs reference orignially came from George Orwell's "Animal Farm" as satire on how the Pigs who originally liberated the farm (Russia) became just as bad as the people they overthrew (the Humans).

So who told her that she had no authority?  The police?  You?  The Mayor? 

Since she's the parks manager, she could get a law passed--or something on the books.  I think you should cool it--even though there is no law against it...because otherwise there could SOON be a law against MDing there because of You.

Pick your battles VERY carefully here.  I'd go soooo far above her head for the letter that nobody could argue it.  And make sure that you explain your situation very clearly.  Proof-read it and don't let your emotions get out of hand.  Tell whomever you write it to that you would like for someone above her to speak with her--since you're considering a restraining order against her.  Tell them that this would be similar to the parks director calling the police on someone tossing a frisbee or hitting a golf ball in the park--another perfectly legal activity--and tell them that this is your hobby and leisure activity, and you in no way deserve such treatment from a government official.

When you go to the District Justice to File the complaint.
you will probably need proof you were givin permission.
unless they are willing to admit there is no law against detecting.

however They will Probably try & Discourage you from Filing
against her, because of her position. and Maybe just sending here a warning First.

Either Way, she will Probably try to push a Law through
if she can't Confront you & the police start ignoring her
complaints to them.

However IF hunting this park is this important to you,
By all means Go to the District office & see what you can do.

respect the police. get WRITTEN permission. maybe the police can't arrest you for that, but if you P. them off it won't turn out good!

respect the police. get WRITTEN permission. maybe the police can't arrest you for that, but if you P. them off it won't turn out good!

Yes they always have Alternatives.

IF they say leave & Don't come back & you do it's
"Defiant trespass"

If you get --deleted-- with them, Start yelling & Refuse to leave
it's "Disordley Conduct"

Don't wait for HER to call the police. You call first to report a "disturbed" woman harrassing you.  Then, hopefully, they will focus their attention on her, instead of you.

Ok guys and gals I think we are missing a VERY big point here.


I agree the police officer MIGHT be violating your rights.  BUT think about this...

The police can and have asked other people in the park to leave when someone has complained.  I have seen it happen. It does not matter whether it's right or not.  If the police officer charges you and hauls you to jail then you are basically done detecting, aren't you?

The right steps to take instead of getting all worked up is to get a formal letter on the City letter head along with numbers to call.  Then show that to the police if they bother you again but be aware they may still ask you to leave if a complaint is filed or they feel like it.  Some people are just jerks.  Period.

Remember when you are out detecting you are not just representing yourself but all of us detectorists.  You may win the battle but end up losing the war.  Do you want to get a reputation of being a trouble maker with your local police force?  If you do the next time they run into you out detecting they aren't going to be to quick to be nice to you.   

I'm not saying to roll over and take it, I'm just saying stay calm, think it through rationally and take the proper steps.  Maybe the parks lady has her own machine and wants the park all to herself.  If you make enough people mad over this they will surely pass a rule saying no detecting in any of the parks....

Just a thought.

I had a store owner next to a public square like her.

first let me say this is a long story & I posted it
before i'm sure. But don't know where.
it's probably gone by now.

when I went to the town, I saw a cop going the other way.
I swung around (U-TURN) flew up behind him Flashing my lights
till he pulled over. Asked him what he thought.
   He told me From what he knows of the town
they won't allow it in the square. He said his Brother detects
and knows first hand It's tuff to get permission. and He said
He would have to tell me No.
   I asked if He would mind if I went to city hall
 & Went over his head just to be sure. He said go ahead.
he didn't care.
    After going to city hall they made calls & Gave me Permission.
I parked at the square & Went at it. the store owner next door
walked over and told me I wasn't allowed. I told him i had permission
and he left. about a week later while detecting there again
he come over and insisted they had a Town Meeting & Made detecting
the square illegal. I said I didn't hear that & Glanced towards
the Town hall & saw the cop & the woman that gave me permission
outside standing. so I walked over & told them what the old man said.
They both Chuckled, the cop said "Let me guess ----- ---- over at the 5&10 ?
& the woman jumped in & said We've been watching you, & we see nothing wrong
with what your doing. & the cop broke in and said "Just ignore him"
so back to detecting I go.
a few weeks later i'm hunting on a sunday & somone pulls up
and says he's with the parks Dept. & received a complaint & said I couldn't do that.
I told him i had permission, & he left.

this was probably about 1998

in about 2005 I was told by another detectorist who tried then
that he was told he would have to go before the comittee at a town
meeting & submit a written request of Where, When, Why to get Permission.
But not sure who he talked to.

I must admit The old man at the store may have been upset because
I would take a meter in front of his store to park.
But He dosn't own the street & Everytime it got low I would
take one of my Clad Dime finds & feed it.

One thing I forgot to mention.

Whenever I have permission letters or slips to hunt a given location, I laminate them and then keep them on a big ring and carry them with me.  I have had to pull this out a couple of times and show to security or police.  I even used it to get permission to hunt one yard by showing the landowner that I had permission to hunt other locations and that I wasn't just making it up. . .

As others stated I detest the name "pigs".  Most parks I have hunted aren't worth the hassle of getting permission...etc...I haven't been ask to leave one yet but if I am that is just what I will do...LEAVE.....Not that I am a coward, but more or less it's usually just not worth it. 

Always get written permission BEFORE hunting an area.  It will save you a headache later on.

My two cents,
Pepper

Some people here are advocating asking city officials, who have just given you an "ok", to have them give that to you in writing.   I side with Treasure Tales on this:  That is not a good idea, from a psychological perspective.  I mean, that would be like being told "it's ok to make a U-turn at such & such intersection", and then asking the traffic person: "please give that to me in writing".   

For starters, if they've just told you "it's ok", the only thing you'll do by asking them to give that to you in writing, is to stir up the imagination of some sort of legal stuff.  Why should they be bothered?  I mean, if the law is silent on an issue, since when does a desk-bound bureaucrat have to tell you, in writing, that there is no prohibitions?   I mean, it would seem odd, like "give me permission to sing in the key of C at the intersection of Main St. and 3rd Ave, at noon tomorrow, while wearing a blue suit".  If someone comes in asking for this type of permission, it would seem to only conjur up problems.   Ie.: all it seems to do is caste aspursions on you, or your hobby, that it is so evil, that it needed written permission, to begin with!   Does anyone else (kite-flyers, birdwatchers, domino players, etc...) need "written permission"?    I question even asking permission for innocuous non-historic public parks to begin with, but to take it a step further and go telling them "put that in print", would only put the light on you differently, it seems.  And when push comes to shove, they'll merely yank your "written permission" if they want anyhow.  (oh gee, we didn't know you'd have to DIG", etc....)   

Thanks for all the repsonses.

I have gotten permission. Researched the laws. Researched them again.

The cop told me if he gets a call he has to respond. Fine.

When I told the cop I had permission, he told me to get permission again, just to pacify the woman who was harrassing me and endangering children.

Its not about how "important" the park is to me. Its about my rights being trampled. When I get pulled over for speeding I dont make a fuss because I broke the law and should pay a fine.

This is different. People are allowed to have their dogs --deleted-- in the park. People are allowed to play football in the park. People are allowed to do all sorts of things in the park. Why are the singleing out metal detectorists? It is a case of discrimination in my opinion.

I understand there are people who dont "rock the boat". I normally dont either. But I refuse to stand still while some woman on a power trip tramples my rights. If I have to make it so they make a law, I will, because atleast then it will force them to make a legitimate stand on an issue that they seem to not be able to make a stand on. And for those concerned that there will be no metal detecting allowed...atleast now there will be a law that says it, rather than a make believe law enforced by someone with no authority.

People who say i should ask for a permission slip i offer you this.

I was told It was ok already. I was told the woman had no authority to ask us to leave the park. I will not go ask permission for somethign I already have permission to do. In my opinion we shouldnt need permission at all as we are tax payers and my money goes to fund the park as well as anyone elses. When grandpa jones asks permission to walk his dog or billy the neighbor kid asks permission to play a game of sandlot with his friends then maybe I will ask.

Im tired of being treated like a criminal for excercising my rights.


I understand there are some who think that you should just do what everyone says in order not to "cause problems". I used to do that however I refuse to do it anymore. If i lay down now, what will they go after next? What is the point of having rights if your going to lay down and let someone trample them just because they are --deleted--.

And about the pigs thing, I already stated why i use the term. It wasnt directed at anyone here.

Thanks and HH.

One way to get it in writing is to be very polite and very thankful verbally, to excess.  Then follow it up with an email or written mail again thanking profusely and restating what was said.  If the official does not respond, it can be deems OK.  Better yet, they respond out of politeness, and you keep copies of both your letter and theirs.

I call this the "Organ Lady Defense."  If you remember the closing scene in The Sound of Music where the Organ lady takes numerous bows to gain time, while the von Trapps escaped, you'll get the reference.  This is useful in all kinds of situations, not just detectoring.

ryaan21, it appears you have decided to make this a "Last Stand" sorta deal. I wish you the best of luck my friend. Keep us informed.

You know, I am vey, very new to this.  I lost my hearing aid and finally tried to repair two older detectors, and went on line looking for information.

This thread interests me as one trained in Anthropology at UC Berkeley at the undergrad level.

I think what is going on is that most people in a park or recreational setting are at most times at least peripherally aware of the everyone around them.  If they are playing volleyball, at least they are aware of the other players, and that is deemed normal social behavior.

What freaks these people out is that detectorists appear to be oblivious about others, since they are so focused on the sounds and the ground.  For most people, it's, "all about me," and if you completely ignore them, they take affront.  In effect, your behavior makes you like you have the mental characteristics of a stalker.

The only thing I could suggest would be to take short breaks and relax.  Put the detector down and stretch, talk to somebody if possible, that way you might appear a bit more "normal," whatever normal is.

Salt the whole place with post 82 pennies some evening and let it go.

 

I see the written permission slip as a followup to getting permission only.  If I was a cop and I respond to someone I think someone said on here was in charge of the parks there and she says you can't be there hunting.  I think I am gonna take her side as she is in charge of that area and instruct you to leave.  If you say well the City Manager said it was ok, sorry she is there in person and says no.  Guess what nothing personal but folks do lie.  Even to cops I know hard to believe.  I am sure if you showed the officer responding the letter of permission he/she would of told the lady to take it up with the City Manager.
There are many public places in Florida that you just can't walk up and hunt at.  Some due to artifacts but many city parks, playgrounds, etc from others leaving their tracks (holes) there and personally I don't blamed them for saying No.

relax and enjoy. there are a gazillion spots to hunt but that damn park. take a ride. keep your eyes open. talk to old folks and take your damn blood pressure medicine, before you stroke out. life is short. enjoy your m.d. experiences. mess with the police and they WILL get you. is it that important?

I would think if this turns into a court battle and you lose it might set a president no metal detecting inside city limits, be careful you may sh!t in your postoasty's. 

Find another place to MD, I got permision to detect a place about 1 month ago by the land owner. Well about a week ago i was MDing on this same spot. Well the guys son was mowing grass ..and i stopped to talk to him before i left.Just by talking to him i knew that he didnt want me there. Just real attitudish toward me .So guess what Im gonna leave that spot alone!!and start on my other dozen places, i have not got to yet 

I only been turned down 1 time the place was outside a factory ..And i think the only reason they said no is because that is the only time i didnt talk to the owner face to face..for some reason its hard for them to say no when your in front of them 

This doesn't seem like a cop problem to me.  Here is what I think you should do.

Contact the person that told you that it is ok to MD the park.  Ask them to send a memo to the police chief stating that it is ok to MD the park.  The chief will then put this info out to his patrol officers and dispatchers and the problem will most likely be avoided.  Also, have an original copy of this memo on you when you're there so that when they show up, you can politely show it to the officer. 

Ryan1979

Thanks for all the repsonses.

I have gotten permission. Researched the laws. Researched them again.

The cop told me if he gets a call he has to respond. Fine.

When I told the cop I had permission, he told me to get permission again, just to pacify the woman who was harrassing me and endangering children.

Its not about how "important" the park is to me. Its about my rights being trampled. When I get pulled over for speeding I dont make a fuss because I broke the law and should pay a fine.

This is different. People are allowed to have their dogs #@!$%#@! in the park. People are allowed to play football in the park. People are allowed to do all sorts of things in the park. Why are the singleing out metal detectorists? It is a case of discrimination in my opinion.

I understand there are people who dont "rock the boat". I normally dont either. But I refuse to stand still while some woman on a power trip tramples my rights. If I have to make it so they make a law, I will, because atleast then it will force them to make a legitimate stand on an issue that they seem to not be able to make a stand on. And for those concerned that there will be no metal detecting allowed...atleast now there will be a law that says it, rather than a make believe law enforced by someone with no authority.

People who say i should ask for a permission slip i offer you this.

I was told It was ok already. I was told the woman had no authority to ask us to leave the park. I will not go ask permission for somethign I already have permission to do. In my opinion we shouldnt need permission at all as we are tax payers and my money goes to fund the park as well as anyone elses. When grandpa jones asks permission to walk his dog or billy the neighbor kid asks permission to play a game of sandlot with his friends then maybe I will ask.

Im tired of being treated like a criminal for excercising my rights.


I understand there are some who think that you should just do what everyone says in order not to "cause problems". I used to do that however I refuse to do it anymore. If i lay down now, what will they go after next? What is the point of having rights if your going to lay down and let someone trample them just because they are --deleted--.

And about the pigs thing, I already stated why i use the term. It wasnt directed at anyone here.

Thanks and HH.

Sorry, I didn't see this before I posted before.  I understand your frustrations about your rights being trampled.  But, I think in this case you're going to have to get the papers to avoid further trampling of your rights.  I think the ball is in your court.  If you don't get the papers, then you're bringing more problems on yourself.  Just my opinion.

Ryan1979

Generally my life experience has been  respond in a hot headed manner get BURNED!!!!

Interesting post...  funny right away everyone talks about their rights being violated.  Seems to me if you have permission, you should be able to hunt.  But like buckleboy said...arguing, having the police come and all the other crap..is it worth it?  As far as can you be arrested...yes sure you can...  The police are the police...I know...I handle these type of disagreements all the time.  As far as getting a lawyer and all this other crap...give me a break...hopefully you have more than one place to hunt....does not sound like the aggravation is worth it.... 

As buckleboy said...lets preserve our good name.....  Remember this...the police get a disturbance call from the park manager...they respond and the simpliest way to end it is to move on...  A police officer has the right to try to maintain peace and an orderly situation....  Lets not be the ones to ruin it.  Also it sounds like the officer in this case was more than reasonable in your case and seemed to agree with you.  What did he get for trying to help you...you calling him a pig...go figure...  Then people wonder why police are the way they are....   If he reads your post...which hopefully in your case he does not...  I doubt you would have to worry about hunting there again...

ryan hope you get it worked out, it is a nice big park, i would imagine there is quite a bit of history there, would like to hit it my self while on my way to MQT

haha you guys would continue to leave every time the cops came out...ya know what i would do? tell the cops that youhave permission in a PUBLIC park and that they escort that --deleted-- lady away from you before sue her for her actions. lol disorderly my ass......i would laugh at those cops.

Back, well, way back in the early years of ultralights, me and some of my Friends used to land our ultralight aircraft in Zilker park in Austin Texas. There was no law against us landing and taking off in the park. However, it was not long until some of my fellow ultralight pilot friends got into a confrontation with the local police. Instead of following the officers request to take off and not use the park as an airport, they decided to argue the case with the officer. Well today the city has an ordnance prohibiting ultralights from landing in city parks, except in case of an emergency.
Had my UL fellow pilots just said yes sir, and then approached the city counsel with a request to use part of the park, they most likely would have had much more success than doing the hardline ditty with the local police.

Tom

My advice, don't get on the bad side with the cops........go along with them....they're just doing their job and covering their butts, but I bet you deep down, they're on your side and see this lady in the same light you do. They'd probably throw a donut at her if they could get away with it for interupting their coffee break with that BS. I would DEFINATELY file a complaint against her and consult a lawyer on how to bring about a suit. She's wasting tax dollars and people's time by calling the police for issues that don't exist. I'd check on the possiblity of talking to a captain or above about her at your precint, and as mentioned earlier, have the person who ok'd you guys sent the police chief/captain, etc a memo. Work with the cops.........their not the enemy, she is.

Wreck, while I understand what your saying Ill offer this.

If no laws are being broke, what right does a police officer have to ask anyone to leave? Ifthey are being dangerous and --deleted-- to others personal space thats one thing,you didnt mention it but Im guessing they were.

If im in a park with no laws against metal detecting,and leaving the place in good order when I leave, where does a cop get the right to ask me to leave? Im not concerned with him being a cop. Im not breaking any laws and had permission to be there. Thats why im so irate.

We asked the officers to look at the turf where we were detecting to inspect it for damage. They looked and couldnt even see an inkling of a dig area.

We had permission. The woman was told to leave us alone last year. She drove on the sidewalk with children present and 2 kids on bikes had to swerve out of her way.  I understand alot of people would walk away and leave it be. I understand the reasoning behind their decisions to do that.

I dont understand why I should have to get permission again. I dont understand why I have to be subjected to harrassment by someone who was already told by her BOSS that she has no authority.

Im taking this as far as I can because im sick of the discrimination. Atleast this way someone will pull their head out of their ass and make a frickin ruling one way or the other which is visible and concise for all people involved. If they do make a law against metal detecting in this park I would be glad. Atleast I saved some poor guy/gal from having to deal with this poor excuse of a woman.

I have a problem with people in no position of authority creating laws on the spot without the use of the legal system or the use of the town council.

If im breaking no laws, why should I leave? To me thats the ultimate form of discrimination. It means the cop, who already admitted we were in the right and asks us to leave anyways is not taking our rights into account. He is basing his decision on something other than the facts and LAWS at hand.

I know its one park in one town in the thousands throughout the USA. But if I dont get clarification on this matter what will be next?

While I understand where you are coming from you are going to succeed in getting yourself banned from the park you are trying to hunt.

But if you must prove your point despite it being against your best interest then good luck.

Wreck, while I understand what your saying Ill offer this.

If no laws are being broke, what right does a police officer have to ask anyone to leave? Ifthey are being dangerous and --deleted-- to others personal space thats one thing,you didnt mention it but Im guessing they were.

If im in a park with no laws against metal detecting,and leaving the place in good order when I leave, where does a cop get the right to ask me to leave? Im not concerned with him being a cop. Im not breaking any laws and had permission to be there. Thats why im so irate.

We asked the officers to look at the turf where we were detecting to inspect it for damage. They looked and couldnt even see an inkling of a dig area.

We had permission. The woman was told to leave us alone last year. She drove on the sidewalk with children present and 2 kids on bikes had to swerve out of her way.  I understand alot of people would walk away and leave it be. I understand the reasoning behind their decisions to do that.

I dont understand why I should have to get permission again. I dont understand why I have to be subjected to harrassment by someone who was already told by her BOSS that she has no authority.

Im taking this as far as I can because im sick of the discrimination. At least this way someone will pull their head out of their ass and make a frickin ruling one way or the other which is visible and concise for all people involved. If they do make a law against metal detecting in this park I would be glad. At least I saved some poor guy/gal from having to deal with this poor excuse of a woman.

I have a problem with people in no position of authority creating laws on the spot without the use of the legal system or the use of the town council.

If im breaking no laws, why should I leave? To me thats the ultimate form of discrimination. It means the cop, who already admitted we were in the right and asks us to leave anyways is not taking our rights into account. He is basing his decision on something other than the facts and LAWS at hand.

I know its one park in one town in the thousands throughout the USA. But if I dont get clarification on this matter what will be next?

Ryan

I am having a hard time understanding why you don't just go see the City Manager again.   

If she has an anger problem and endangered kids don't you think he needs to know, if she is disobeying him then also don't you think he needs to know too?

In my opinion, the officer asked you to leave for one reason the Director of Parks or what ever her title is told him to have you leave and by her position of authority over the park I would say he made the right call telling you to leave and go see the city manager again.   

It is your decision only and I respect what ever course you drive down.  Good luck

HHs   

Ryaan, I totally understand your frustration with this woman and I wish you all the luck
in the world in dealing with this situation.

Even though you are clearly in the right, she will unfortunately make it her mission in life to find some
way to win this vendetta. . . which may include the addition of another "Rule" to the park regulations
that would prohibit "excavating, digging or disturbing manicured grass areas" in ANY public park.

All I'm trying to say here is you should be VERY careful. . .

Take care & good luck,
watercolor

man what a bag of worms ...good luck and be careful

I think I would rather pay a lawyer to get an injunction against this nutcase, than pay one to get me out of jail and defend me in court. The preemptive strike would probably be cheaper, certainly be more convenient and controllable, and would cost her money to oppose it.

Ryaan... it gets worse...here are some recent ordiance violations which get passed very easily that I have seen.

No skateboarding
No dog walking
No golfing
No soccer playing! (See video below)   !!! 
No grilling
No metal detecting

Different parks can pass different ordiances...enjoyed talking to you in private here take a look at this...the most unbelievable park ordiance and enforcement I have seen!

 
Click on video link below to see how bad this can get!
http://chicagovideo.tv/index.php/ne...this-is-why-america-is-fat#more-156

I'm scared to detect now.   

I fully understand your rights. But have seen this before, and the woman ( and i use that term lightly) was pretty well known in town. Fellow detecting ran into the same problems. He finally went to higher lvls and stirred up the mud. He won his right to detect. However said (woman) started a petition and knew most of the towns elderly and cranks who hate everyone. Next session in city hall didnt go well for detectorists. Now the whole towns off limits to detecting. Can only hunt houses with permission. And if your caught off said property your detector and equipment is taken and your eating beans with a guy named Bubba. As some said yes you have rights but at the same time you can loose your rights and the rights of others who enjoy this fine hobby. Walking away isnt easy for any of us but sometimes the short term solution out weighs the long term results.

I fully understand your rights. But have seen this before, and the woman ( and i use that term lightly) was pretty well known in town. Fellow detecting ran into the same problems. He finally went to higher lvls and stirred up the mud. He won his right to detect. However said (woman) started a petition and knew most of the towns elderly and cranks who hate everyone. Next session in city hall didnt go well for detectorists. Now the whole towns off limits to detecting. Can only hunt houses with permission. And if your caught off said property your detector and equipment is taken and your eating beans with a guy named Bubba. As some said yes you have rights but at the same time you can loose your rights and the rights of others who enjoy this fine hobby. Walking away isnt easy for any of us but sometimes the short term solution out weighs the long term results.

Great point..sometimes it is not worth it...  I would try to get her schedule and detect around it...or hunt somewhere else...  but if you watched the video I posted...not even digging got those people playing soccer in trouble.  Remember this...the police do not make the laws they just enforce them.  Also who do you think usually calls the police...a neighbor, a friend, a relative...  People call the police...  Once the ordiances are past it is like you said all is lost then...

Just organize a little BBQ get to together at the park with about 100 treasure hunters, all with detectors in hand. This lady will have a coronary, and walla, problem solved!

Just organize a little BBQ get to together at the park with about 100 treasure hunters, all with detectors in hand. This lady will have a coronary, and walla, problem solved!

LOL  funny   

 

i'm getting a head ache. think i'll go dig up my sorta manicured lawn, leave some holes, throw some trash around and have a beer while my wife bitches at me! one more pull tab to dig.

Talk to your city council-person. I don't know the size of your municipality (I'm in Cleveland) but whenever I have a gripe I direct stuff to him.
   The sewers here were getting worked on a year or 2 ago. I live on a main drag & they were trying to tell me I couldn't pull into my driveway 'cos it'd muck up the project. I got no results with pitching a s*%^fit at the contractors. Called the councilman, WHAM, by the end of the day they'd jury-rigged me a driveway entrance. And this is in Cleveland.
   I imagine you're out in the 'burbs somewhere so your council-person is a lot more likely to run into Mayor McCheese at the office and say "Hey, Mayor, one of my residents is having a problem... Can you fix it?"
And NEVER get s*^##@ with the cops. Even if you're right...

I can understand your opinion of the city rules and regulations. I to, know that MOST cops, think that wearing a gun and a badge gives them the AUTHORITY to do as they please and say what they want regardless of what the LAW ACTUALLY IS! If it was me, I would get whatever city statute is on the detecting part in the parks etc. Then I would keep a copy with me. Get written permission from city official, etc. I would PURPOSELY go back, detect my little hearts desire, let the little B!&CH come back to me to try and run me off, let her call the police, let the police come,  police tells you to leave, refuse in a POLITEFUL MANNER, let them arrest me, hire an attorney, sue the woman and sue the police for harassment, either way you would win a substantial amount of money to buy you 20 top grade detectors. The city would evidently know they would be losing a legal battle and would settle out of court. The judge would definitely have a talk with the police chief, the woman would most likely lose her job if this has been a continued case with her harassing of LAW ABIDING CITIZEN. Most police on the beat DO NOT know ALL the LAWS. All they have to do is call in to dispatch to VERIFY the statute, but when they don't you CAN HAVE A LEGAL SUIT.

I have talked with police officers about my business installing LED Accent Lighting on motorcycles and I research what the laws are in what states I attend their motorcycle rallies. Some say it is illegal until I show them a print out of the states statutes. They take a copy and most of them don't even know what the law is until THEY get educated. Most of them don't even like paperwork, also too darn lazy to check out the ACTUAL STATUTE! So, I say get your ducks in a row, detect, and next time, let them harass you and arrest you for being polite, then you got $$$ coming to you eventually. As far as attorney's fees go, you may have to get bonded out of jail, but if you got a good case, most attorney's will work on a contingency of what you get from the city and state for wrongful arrest settlement.Just make sure that if you do get arrested, have someone there who can drive your car back home, also it would be good if you had a witness who would see everything happen!

After reading TheHarleyMan2's reply, I think he is under the impression that MOST cops can't read, write, or chew gum at the same time.  I'm sure he is very versed in what the cops do in there spare time.  When I was much younger and felt like I needed to SHOW my authority, I would read allllll the obscure little ordinances that not many people would even think about. You would be surprised how the LAWYER types didn't know the laws that they could be arrested. Well, my friends....get the written permission since you have already stirred the pot.  Don't let these "dumb" lazy cops that don't like paperwork find that one little thing that would land you where you don't wanna land.  Then, instead of you owning many new detectors, you might end losing the one you have. HH all and I wish you the best.

If she is the Director of parks for your area you might be hit,thats more n likely why the cops told ya to leave her job title, find out the hours she works and detect it then.Or get written proof of a higher up person.Sounds like a fkd up mess good luck...

After reading TheHarleyMan2's reply, I think he is under the impression that MOST cops can't read, write, or chew gum at the same time.  I'm sure he is very versed in what the cops do in there spare time.  When I was much younger and felt like I needed to SHOW my authority, I would read allllll the obscure little ordinances that not many people would even think about. You would be surprised how the LAWYER types didn't know the laws that they could be arrested. Well, my friends....get the written permission since you have already stirred the pot.  Don't let these "dumb" lazy cops that don't like paperwork find that one little thing that would land you where you don't wanna land.  Then, instead of you owning many new detectors, you might end losing the one you have. HH all and I wish you the best.

I don't think I mentioned that cops can't read, write or chew gum at the same time? I never said I was VERY VERSED in what police do in their spare time, get your facts straight. Anyone could be arrested for anything, just some of it is so minor, the few COPS, not police, who use their authority just to make a point. Yes, there are lawyers as well as SOME POLICE, who don't know much about ALL LAWS. If YOU ARE or WERE a police officer at one time and you came across someone at a city park that had no law against metal detecting, and you were called by a city worker at the park who didn't like the idea of someone metal detecting, would you make the person leave, or better yet, do you think you could stand up in court in front of a JUDGE after you arrested the person for breaking NO LAW just for the fact that the person was nice, and INFORMED YOU about previously talking to city and park officials and getting permission about detecting in a park that has NO LAW against it?

Many of us who have contacted city and park officials call research what the laws are, get permission, etc. I know from MY EXPERIENCE it is hard to get something in writing from the city or park officials due to the fact that the person in charge is either NOT there or has previous arrangements with meetings, etc.

I would calmly file a harassment claim. It never ceases to amaze me that as long as everyone is in line by their drinking, carousing, partying and trashing places up, everything is cool. But, us MDing hobbyists have to live in fear of harassment from the law. I'm fortunate enough to have a friend I'm trying to convince to get into MDing who is a cop. To his knowledge, there are NO anti-metal detecting laws.

There is no justification for harassing us. If it's the digging part, nothing dies. No grass, nothing. Grass is VERY resilient. Look at the horrific winters it survives to come back in the spring.

Situations like this is how we LEARN to NOT like police. Abuse of authority. We could actually be HELPFUL to these people but these knee jerk power hungry reactions are VERY distressing. Especially when we all love what we do and feel threatened that our happiness is at stake.

Here's what I do - I try to always carry some junk around with me. Even though we shouldn't have to worry about 'presenting our case'. If I am approached, I explain (in addition to my precise surgical plug digging and hole refilling) that I am also helping keep the place clean.

I was on land that appeared to be abandoned and sure enough, the owner showed up ready to fight. I kept my cool, smiled and showed him the jagged piece of copper tubing that was sticking up from the surface of his grass. The 'CHILDREN' (oh my, WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN) might have cut their little footsies on it. Make a long story short, by the end of the conversation, he was inviting me to stay.

I've experimented with plugs. Even if the grass from a plug turns brown, it springs back after the next light rainfall. Nothing dies, nobody gets hurt and we have fun. But fun, joy and contentment in a hobby is not tolerable.

I swear people just like to affect others lives and try to make them miserable. I am truly starting to dislike the 'free' country I live in. It is oppressive. But, again I can say that the idiots who leave the litter behind that we dig out of the ground, nobody is there to challenge them. Ever.

"I can understand your opinion of the city rules and regulations. I to, know that MOST cops, think that wearing a gun and a badge gives them the AUTHORITY to do as they please" This is in your second post...I'm trying to get what you are saying...seems like you forgot the first one "the few COPS" Seems to go from Most to a few..at least it is getting better. Oh, yes I was a Police Officer and yes, I am still a Police Officer and if I was called to a park by a park employee, I would find out from the person making the complaint if it was ACTUALLY against the law or if some law was being violated. If it wasn't, I would be on my merry way ......looking for the nearest donut shop.

I would be on my merry way ......looking for the nearest donut shop.

I thought you guy's gave up donuts and went for crumpits and starbucks now?

I agree with you on going "whole hog!", Ryan.

And, I agree on the term, "Pig!" I was married to a cop and I can't tell you the number of times, those bastar/s would sit around the table getting their court lies/stories straight to back each other up! It made me physically sick!!!

I declare most cops "Pure Pigs!"

Although I do agree with HarleyMan2, I also suggest getting something in writing first. City officials can and do lie and verbal permission is not proof! Unfortunate, but true.

Good luck all the way!

Cavers5

Oh, yes I was a Police Officer and yes, I am still a Police Officer and if I was called to a park by a park employee, I would find out from the person making the complaint if it was ACTUALLY against the law or if some law was being violated.

which is exactly the point. You are the kind of officer that is a pleasure to deal with, one that will go and actually see what the problem is or if there is even a crime being committed.
Unfortunately, many will not do that. A lot of them will go right into authoritarian mode, start barking orders and threaten to arrest people. Those are the ones that give the public a lousy impression of the Police.

I got a contract from the county attorneys once... and just carried it with me.  It took a bit of time, but it was simple and civil, was cleared through the county board, and was joined to a map THEY gave me allowing detecting in a certain area.  

Maybe that can work for you...

Oh yea... and thanks for starting another "I hate cops" topic... you hate us when we ARE there... you hate us when we're NOT there...  I am offended, but have learned to live with it.  

I don't hate cops by any means. I hate the nosey nanny ones that abuse authority. Also, if it was up to me we wouldn't need 'em because they really never seem to be around when you really do anyway. If we were allowed to exercise our second amendment rights, we (for the most part) could take care of ourselves. But, the nice nice politicians have taken that away too. I reckon metal detecting will soon follow.

LIVE,LOVE,LAUGH! enjoy your hobby. don't get stressed. there are millions of sites to hunt. parks are crap for the most part.

Everyone dislikes the police till they need help!  Of course getting a traffic ticket or committing a crime and getting arrested is not fun.  But most dealings with the police are not because you are being given an award!  I think in this case the officers never said that Ryaan could not detect...they just said to get the paperwork to avoid arguing with this nut case.

Maybe others detect there...which it sounds like there are....and just maybe someone left a mess!  Maybe a simple call to her supervisor and a business card from him with a note would solve the problem.  We have gone way off track here...it is the woman denying access to a park that it sounds like Ryaan should be allowed to hunt in.... not the police.

Ryaan good luck with this, I get the dirty looks once in a while and the "found any gold", sarcastic comments.  But I am lucky...I have tons of places to hunt...mostly not very old, but at least I can get out.  I too would be unset with this lady....  Lets face it...when we are out there...a few things could go wrong...I mean besides getting hit in the face or head by a branch or bird crap....and besides being attacked or drunken bums...someone telling us to get out is the last thing we want to hear!  

But lets remember the lady called in to get Ryaan removed.  Here that call comes out saying as a disturbance...the easiest way is for Ryaan to get a note, card from someone rather than telling her to get documentation...because she may run and get an ordinance passed....   Or seeing she runs the park...getting a sign made saying "No detecting".  

Those who took the opportunity to twist this story into something else...sorry for you...but this is a story of a woman running a park...not knowing the law...calling the police...the call comes out as a disturbance...the police ask Ryaan to get a note from someone saying it is ok...only to avoid this problem again and again as it appears it is going to happen.  It does not sound like the police want to arrest Ryaan at all!  But remember she can also file a complaint saying the police took no action...and you know what once you have two people disagreeing on a scene as in the park manager and Ryaan...that is known as a disturbance....and yes that is why at that point the police do have the right to do something...and as in this case not necessarily an arrest...  

Is the park worth the hassle?

It is worth your time to get something in writing or manage to come to a town meeting to present your case.  Stress the point of the harmful things you are removing from the parks that could harm someone that could bring litigation against the city.  The police have a tough job and they run into idiots everyday.  Don't become one of them, do it right.

   I understand your desire to put a stop to having your rights stepped on. After reading all the thought patterns of the well intended advice here. The best comment I saw was "choose your battles wisely.  I say that because in my State any time you bring a legal action against anyone involved with government employment of any type or position, you must also name the entire agency all the way up the ladder including the Governor and the State itself to avoid having the suit thrown out for improper filing. I'm not a lawyer by any means, but have learned from experience that this type situation can be very expensive, long drawn out, and very expensive and depressingly dissapointing. It woould be much simpler in this case to swallow your pride and move on to some place you can enjoy yourself undisturbed by power crazed idiocy.   Happy Hunting.

Is the park worth the hassle?

right on, neil, why the hassle?

I would be on my merry way ......looking for the nearest donut shop.

I thought you guy's gave up donuts and went for crumpits and starbucks now?

   We do NOT serve crumpets. We DO serve scones. 

I would be on my merry way ......looking for the nearest donut shop.

I thought you guy's gave up donuts and went for crumpits and starbucks now?

   We do NOT serve crumpets. We DO serve scones. 

Ok guys....remember...I'm from the South and got no idea what a scone is...and I thought a crumpet was....well......not like a bagel..lol

My 2 cents worth
You have a civic obligation to expose this woman's misuse of the authority granted to her. I would
1) Ensure I was violating no law/ rules
2) Have a Friend /mate in the park discreetly video taping any evidence of encounter with her while remaining unassociated with the encounter.
3) If it escalated beyond reason I would tell the Officer (Pride Integrity Guts) I was placing the woman under citizens arrest. Let a REAL Judge decide it with the video evidence.
Be smart about it either build a case and cover your a$$ or let it ride and move on. If your area has one of those "pepole's advocate"  type News guys You might give him a call. They got to find their stuff somewere.

[She drives by and pulls a U turn onto the sidewalk near where we detecting and drives atleast 20 miles an hour with children present on bikes and playing.]

She drives by and pulls a U turn onto the sidewalk near where we detecting and drives atleast 20 miles an hour with children present on bikes and playing.

Sounds suspicous to me.  I would immediately take down the make/model of her car, as well as her liscense plate #, and call the police to alert them of a possible drunk driver with children in the car.

Some on this thread have mentioned that if you cross her, she can probably get a regulation passed.  This is probably true, if you choose not to fight it.  Public parks are owned by the public, not --deleted-- officials.  Write every politician you can think of.  Write letters to the local newspaper and television stations, and have your friends and family do the same.  Attend every hearing on new regulations.  Write a petition and have it copied and sent to every possible state and local official.  Find out of this woman is a political appointee, or a municipal employee who worked up through the ranks.  If its the former, generating even a threat of negative publicity for the municipality and patron of this women will often be enough to get her off your back, if not removed from her position all together.

Just think about her like a pull tab on the beach.  It's easier to leave it for the next man then bend down and pick it up, but you're doing everyone a favor if you toss it in the garbage with the rest of the trash.

Point well made Mr Freed welcome to the boards.

find a new hunt. do cuffs fit your wrists? is it worth the bull? if so, go for it! the police do not lose. i don't always agree with them but they have to follow the penal code. if you want to f. with them, do you what you think is right. don't call me for bail. their are millions of sites to hunt.

Life is too short and there are too many other good places to hunt.  I have been kicked out when I shouldn't have because of one ladies "perception".  Just TEMPORARILY cross it off the list of places.  Maybe hunt it next year or something.

Some battles are worth the effort, others aren't.  Does the negative outcome out weigh the gain.  If you get all the parks in the city declared no detecting zones for all detectorists would that negative be worse than the positive of you being able to hit that one park for yourself?

Does pissing off the police for all detectorist whether on public or private land worth the battle? Police have a considerable amount of latitude when presented with a situation.  I would not want to predispose them in negative way towards metal detectorists.

Finally - "You can't fight city hall" - That "crazy ladies" job is to protect the parks for all people from what she perceives as permanent damage.  See her point of view and work out a solution if you haven't totally burned that bridge.  If you have, I suggest you walk away and repeat the above phrase "You can't fight city hall".  A hot headed response will ruin it for us all.

I was chased from a park by a staff person - I found out when her hours were and I hunt when she is not there.  Find out when she is not around and go then.  Move on when you are told.

TE

Hey all....glad to see some more discussion about this topic.


I have calmed down over the last week or so about this subject.


I have a few questions and ponderances (if thats a word lol).


1. If there is no law against metal detecting in the park and she calls the police and they tell me to leave and I refuse, what could I be charged with. Since I am breaking no law, the cop shouldnt have the power to ask me to leave. I may be wrong on this but if I am arrested for not complying to the officers command, and he has no ground to issue such a command, would the arrest hold water?

2. If I decide to pursue this and it ends up getting the park OFFICIALLY closed to metal detecting, wouldnt that be better for future would be hunters? Instead of comming down and yelling at them the nutcase could actually provide a written statute with all the appropriate laws and whatnot concerning metal detecting rather than making up laws on the spot and harrassing people.



Ok. to those who have suggested I let it go and that there are tons of other places to detect, I understand your logic and appreciate it. I feel a stand needs to be taken against the police and this nutcase. Laws CANNOT be created on the spot as far as I know. I believe there might need to be some sort of meetings and votes on whether to pass this law or not. Its not about not being able to detect a park. Its about being railroaded by a poor excuse of a woman and some cops who are to chicken --deleted-- to stand up to her and tell her that there isnt a law against what im doing.

We had the officers monitor several retrievals. They found no problems at all with our methods and even admitted they couldnt see the area where the target came from after we filled and recovered the hole. Last year when she pulled the same crap she told us we were "destroying public property.." I then asked her to point out what we had destroyed and she got up in my brothers face and said "I dont have to show you anything, as far as YOUR concerned I AM THE POLICE!!!!"

She couldnt point out and damage because there wasnt any. It infuriated her to be called out on her lies and BS. We did it respectfully and politely and she still flipped out.

I had permission granted for hunting this park last summer. The city manager told us it was ok. I refuse to get something in writing for permission I shouldnt even have to get as there is no laws against it.

I got the verbal permission last year to pacify the police. The woman was told not to bother us again. She refuses to leave us alone. I am considering carrying a small digital video camera and a can of pepper spray. They way she drives and the way she gets into personal space is offensive and IMO against the law. She is the type who if I pulled out a camera to film her antics she would go ape--deleted-- and try to take it from me.....hence the pepper spray. I am just thinking out loud here and not sure if i would really spray her but if she touches me or my equipment what should I do? Self defence is something im very good at but i wouldnt beat up a woman if she hit me. I would have to protect my gear however.

Anyways. Just a few thoughts and ideas ive been mulling over. I know the pepper spray thing may sound harsh and a little "off". But I have a right to protect my personal safety. Thanks and HH.

please go to the park and detect all you want! when the cops show up, tell them you have every write to be there. have fun.

Ryaan,

Have a copy of written permission in hand when she bothers you again, as well as the camera.
The camera will give you all the ammo you need to rid the comunity of an overbearing, power hungry,
domineering headache. once you have her on tape go to the local Paper and TV station (or offer to).
My bet is she will forever leave you alone. She won't want the publicity.

Thom

I actually like the BBQ idea.... a 100 people with detectors.  A video of that would be priceless.

Here is a novel idea.  If you could somehow BECOME the new Director of Parks, what a difference that would make.

[do not do that!]

Hey all....glad to see some more discussion about this topic.


I have calmed down over the last week or so about this subject.


I have a few questions and ponderances (if thats a word lol).


1. If there is no law against metal detecting in the park and she calls the police and they tell me to leave and I refuse, what could I be charged with. Since I am breaking no law, the cop shouldnt have the power to ask me to leave. I may be wrong on this but if I am arrested for not complying to the officers command, and he has no ground to issue such a command, would the arrest hold water?

Ok what could you be charged with...disorderly conduct...  If a disturbance is causd in the park in which yelling, shouting, screaming occurs between the two of you...yes this could be considered disturbing the peace...and one or both of you could be arrested.  So yes there are laws to cover everything.  The arrest would hold water, but would be a simple misdemeanor..

2. If I decide to pursue this and it ends up getting the park OFFICIALLY closed to metal detecting, wouldnt that be better for future would be hunters? Instead of comming down and yelling at them the nutcase could actually provide a written statute with all the appropriate laws and whatnot concerning metal detecting rather than making up laws on the spot and harrassing people.

No, I do not think future hunters want any potential hunting spot eliminated...  This nut case probably has a set schedule which means she has days off...for you to hunt..

Ryaan, it is obvious this woman has a problem, I do not think there is a single person disagreeing with you!  I also have a feeling the police officers could care less and probably laugh at her when they drive away...   But...she does run the park....

Oh about spraying her with mace     do not do that!  If the police feel your action against her was not needed you would get charged with battery and you might face the lawsuit!  I would get the written permission...talk to one of the officers when you see them in area a few days before you plan to hunt and that hopefully will be enough...or just hunt her days off...  Boy Ryaan I hope this park is worth it!

go do that park. go to jail. hope the hand cuffs hurt. be a jerk!

Ryan,pass it by,it aint worth it! Plus youll be rewarded at the next place you hunt for the good karma,,I believe this,for every sacrifice you make ,you gain something too!!

Shoot her and toss a knife down saying you feared for your life. :-)

Simplest way to put an end to this harrasment is to find her boss and get an email or signed letter. This will show the police you have crossed your T,s and dotted the I,s. A phone number on the letter would be nice. Then if she bothers you agian the police should not back her, If they do go after her. I don,t know about you but if I don,t listen to my boss I would not have my job very long.

Ed D.