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UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > How to not get arrested (Viewed 1615 times)
CDSbigsby 


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How to not get arrested
< on 6/14/2007 12:13 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
A stupid thread that's probably been done before, but I'm a paranoid sort of person, and while I'm at a location, all I can think of is "What if the cops show up?"

So is there anything to say or do if you do get caught that will make them less likely to press charges? Not just cops even, like the property owners, security, whatever.

The last one I went to, before we went in we established an alibi of "We're not here to destroy anything, we're doing a photography project."

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rainman8889 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 1 on 6/14/2007 12:37 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Can be pretty easy. Some folks are pretty anal and your chances of being charged are pretty good.

However, most of the time, you would be asked to leave. Just leave and don't give attitude. Even if the person asking you to leave is rude. Not worth the horse crap.

And on a few occasions, the guard or property owner may not mind you taking pictures. I've even been taken on a tour by a guard one time when the upper floor of College Park was still derelict. Thoroughly enjoyed myself there.

Shutterbug and I got into the Regent theatre in Oshawa while she was still in her Interior Design courses. The folks were really nice and let us wander around taking our pics. The guy even pointed out a couple of things that we almost missed.

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poetictightfist 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 2 on 6/14/2007 1:16 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Using ninja smoke bombs, best way to never get caught

Speed 


Location: Philly area
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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 3 on 6/14/2007 2:19 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I think rainman gave some pretty good advice.

the three most important things to remember when confronted is:
be nice, be nice and be nice!
also don't be afraid to embellish a little just don't cross the line to out right bullshitting.

unfortunately though sometimes it doesn't matter what ya do.....your fucked.
but even then.....be nice.

explore more and your get over your fear of getting caught. you'll also enjoy yourself more if you don't have "what am I gonna do?" running through your head like a broken record. it'll always be in the back of your head (as it should) but your learn to deal with it.

R.I.P. NickSan | R.I.P. Don Corleyone
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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 4 on 6/14/2007 4:47 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I find that exploring in groups helps to alleviate the fear of getting caught. It also helps if you run into someone that is not a nice member of the local law enforcement.

Even exploring with just a good friend can be a big hep to alleviate the fear of getting caught, but I usually go with 2 or 3 ppl,

My take

Yehoshua 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 5 on 6/14/2007 5:53 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Not going it alone, but with a (sane) friend. A cop might charge a guy found in a building alone, who knows what he was up to, maybe there to steal the abandoned VCR. But there's no reason you'd have five people plotting to steal a VCR together...they must just be doing this as a social outing amongst photography buffs.


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 6 on 6/14/2007 8:39 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I agree with Rainman, always be polite and honest about your intentions especially with the police/owners when caught dead to rights.

NEVER give a cop a hard time; you'll always lose.
Think before you do dumb ass shit; don't put yourself in a position were a cop has to arrest you.
Put yourself in their shoes; most cops are ok people if your not way out of line.
The more you have to try to explain, the less likely you will!

Your better off alone; there is no safety in numbers, only insecurity.
You don't need five people to take pictures, and in fact the more people there are, the more distraction there is, noise, and chances of being seen.
You are also more of a perceived threat; appearance and attitude is everything when seen or approach by police.
So are the facts; unneeded lying is stupid and can get very expensive.

Never bring tools, paint, or weapons.
Avoid going to sites after dark and/or with alcohol/drugs.


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CDSbigsby 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 7 on 6/14/2007 10:17 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Some good points made there I think, blackhawk. I always respected cops, I really wanted to be one for a while there. They have a hard job, I figure I'll be one less asshole they have to deal with today.

And yeah, I'm kind of on the fence about how many people to go with. I think it's best to not go alone in case something happened or whatever, but I know exactly what you mean about going with too many - last time I constantly found myself telling them to quiet down, there were houses right across the street with neighbors on the porches.

And no, I'd never bring anything suspicious. I usually have a Leatherman on or with me 24/7, but I leave that behind in the truck.

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When you see this world we live in, Do you still believe in man?
Soldat 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 8 on 6/14/2007 3:46 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I always found that having 2 or even 3 other people that know what they are doing to be good. On more than one occasion a friend I was with spotted a security van or a cop car rolling around while I was snapping some pictures. Maybe its just the way I am but I feel if your with a few dependable people you have to spend less time looking over your shoulder because your friends are keeping their eyes amd ears open as well. Just make sure your with friends that are aware of what they are doing. A few times I have been with people I wanted to punt off of a roof because they just made so much noise and could not understand how much attention that attracts.

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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 9 on 6/14/2007 4:07 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
just keep your cool when it comes to security, like 90% percent of the time they will just tell you to leave, i have always asked questions immediatly, show interest in the history of the building.

never travel in large groups, most of the time its never a good idea, more noise, the more people the more they get in the way when your tying to shoot a certain thing, have a better chance of being seen.

i have had several run-ins with security around here and most of the time they are wicked cool and they just say "you have to leave"

you should never admit that you were inside, just tell them you say the buildings and you wanted to see what they were.

it you own 2 memory cards, take pictures of the outside before you go in, then switch cards, and if you get seen outside put the other one back in Just incase they ask to see your pictures

thats all i can think of. DO NOT DO ANYTHING THAT DOESNT SEEM LIKE A GOOD IDEA and have fun..


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Speed 


Location: Philly area
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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 10 on 6/14/2007 4:13 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by blackhawk

Your better off alone; there is no safety in numbers, only insecurity.


I would have to respectfully disagree!
exploring alone is definitely not a wise decision.
dont misunderstand me though...I'm not saying you should go out with 10 people.
personally, I like a group of three (including myself)

I dont want to be alone if I'm confronted by an angry vagrant or a crackhead that wants my camera equip. I also dont want to be alone if the floor or staircase I'm walking on decides that it doesnt want to hold me anymore.


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don_corleyone 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 11 on 6/14/2007 6:11 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
i lol'd @ the title of this thread.


like, omg nbd my bff jill!

leave the gun. take the cannoli.

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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 12 on 6/14/2007 6:43 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Speed


I would have to respectfully disagree!
exploring alone is definitely not a wise decision.
dont misunderstand me though...I'm not saying you should go out with 10 people.
personally, I like a group of three (including myself)

I dont want to be alone if I'm confronted by an angry vagrant or a crackhead that wants my camera equip. I also dont want to be alone if the floor or staircase I'm walking on decides that it doesnt want to hold me anymore.



Likewise, I respectfully take the opposite position that numbers are a complication most times at the best, and a outright liability at worst.


The LRRPs and snipers learn long ago that numbers don't mean safety or effectiveness if you wish to keep a low profile.
Self-reliance is learned only one way, and it's not in a group.
Getting your buds toasted is worse than just zapping yourself; numbers don't mean you can take greater risks without the penalties, in fact it increases the risk factor in more than one way.
A well disciplined lone individual can be far more effective in most situations because of better noise discipline, controlled movement, one mind/one direction effect, and a more laser like focus with no distractions or obligations from comrades.
If I need to, I will and have remained almost motionless for half day to avoid unpleasant outcomes. I would behave like this until my water ran out, I aim for out least at 24 hour loiter time if need be; most people would/could not do this. How many can shut up for 6 hours?

Sometimes rather than hiding it's far better to walk up to a cop and let him know your not trying to fuck with them by hiding.
That pisses them, they tend to ticket, tow cars, and in general not be nice. One person is far less of a threat than two or more.
Cops error on the side of caution; more people equals greater risk most times. Once a cop calls for backup, things get harder to resolve easily; many times to call is than made by a super.
Cops don't like wasting resources either; all bad for you if your the cause.

One person, one story, and it's far less distracting for the officer; he's more likely to hear what your saying.
They will be more inclined to take a relaxed attitude with you, even allow you to access a normally off limits location if they feel your ok.
I've done this with both State and local cops multiple times.
Even have gotten into places I didn't know about with directions from a friendly Statey.
Played with a K-9 once too that the handler gave "play time" to; this same cop could have really given me some 911 grief.
I was checking out a drain running under a office complex when he spotted me. Being honest, friendly and non-threatening made all the difference in the world.
Most cops understand curiosity, and the desire to explore; they're adrenaline junkies themselves!
Most respect controlled, non-violent "boldness" as long as it doesn't violate others rights, cause injuries, or cause them grief.
A relaxed LEO is a friendly LEO.

It's all how you manage yourself, a no perceived threat appearance (to cops especially) favors a friendly and favorably outcome to most encounters.
Your only as good as your weakest link; when solo, you have only yourself to blame, and to account for.
Working alone is an edge almost always if you know what your doing, and if it fits your style of interfacing.
It is a learned series of techniques, skills and talents, not just with strangers you encounter, but with materials, structures, resources, and first aid.




Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
Debi 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 13 on 6/14/2007 7:08 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 

I wouldn't worry so much about it. Unless your taking stupid chances, you'll probably be okay. In all my years of exploring I've only been caught once. I thought I was doomed, since it was a trooper who caught me on prison property. Couldn't think of a worse scenario. But as I spotted him walking towards me I started walking towards him; showing him that I had nothing to hide. I greeted him with a hello and a big smile and he said "what are you doing here". I told him I was walking and spotted this building and it looked interesting so I wanted to take a closer look. All he said to me was "well, you can't go inside there, its dangerous". Course, I had already been inside and over every square inch of the place. Then he told me I had to leave and I shook his hand and left. Your social engineering skills (mainly respect & honesty) = your best chance of being let go without an issue.



DevilC 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 14 on 6/14/2007 8:30 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
MAnvil and I were politely asked to depart the sprawling campus of a soon to be demolished state hospital.
We were obviously photographers and obviously not doing anything wrong.
He asked us to leave and drove off - did not even hang around to see if we actually left.

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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 15 on 6/14/2007 9:34 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I agree that on the subject of getting arrested, being alone would be the ideal situation. However, if you're exploring someplace abandoned it's probably not the safest place to be. If you're alone, there isn't anyone to help or get help if you fall through a floor. I think the benefits to personal safety from other people outweigh the risks of getting a ticket for trespassing in most situations. That's my personal philosophy, but you'll have to decide for yourself.

"See you guys, you never listen to me. I said there was gonna be trouble but you didn't listen to me. You guys are crazy. You know, you guys are self destructive. There's a funny farm and it has your names written all over it. But I'm gettin' out of here. I'm... I smell ice cream!"
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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 16 on 6/15/2007 2:55 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
common sense. that one screwed me over.

out and under the town
Air 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 17 on 6/15/2007 3:17 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Though you guys might like this...


Although some good points have been brought up here, some people will NEVER understand these points (and fail to learn from them) and these are the people who make access for the rest of us difficult.
[last edit 6/15/2007 3:17 AM by Air - edited 1 times]

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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 18 on 6/15/2007 3:24 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Debi

I wouldn't worry so much about it. Unless your taking stupid chances, you'll probably be okay. In all my years of exploring I've only been caught once. I thought I was doomed, since it was a trooper who caught me on prison property. Couldn't think of a worse scenario. But as I spotted him walking towards me I started walking towards him; showing him that I had nothing to hide. I greeted him with a hello and a big smile and he said "what are you doing here". I told him I was walking and spotted this building and it looked interesting so I wanted to take a closer look. All he said to me was "well, you can't go inside there, its dangerous". Course, I had already been inside and over every square inch of the place. Then he told me I had to leave and I shook his hand and left. Your social engineering skills (mainly respect & honesty) = your best chance of being let go without an issue.



Indeed.
I used to try avoid cops more, but I've found that it doesn't really help you to do so most times if it's just for the sake of avoiding them.
I've lost count of how times I've talked with one or more.

Taking street pictures puts you in spots where they notice you more, and many are curious what your doing. Sometimes they ask, but mostly that happens because a shitbird makes an off base complaint about you.
Sometimes I'll walk up to them; they're part of the environment as far as I'm concerned.
Because they are accountable to maintain a certain standard of conduct, LEOs are actually some of the least likely to be harmful strangers that you will encounter.
As with most people, an honest, relaxed, straight forward manner works best when dealing with them, I find.
Most times when they approach you they're ok, even helpful, sometimes they ask you to leave.
No big deal as long as you don't turn it into one

Posted by LuminousAphid
I agree that on the subject of getting arrested, being alone would be the ideal situation. However, if you're exploring someplace abandoned it's probably not the safest place to be. If you're alone, there isn't anyone to help or get help if you fall through a floor. I think the benefits to personal safety from other people outweigh the risks of getting a ticket for trespassing in most situations. That's my personal philosophy, but you'll have to decide for yourself.


Problem being that you shouldn't be risking falling through floors to begin with. Help or no help, if your KIA or have a severed spine, it's all that same fucking day.

Injury prevention is the first rule of survival besides avoiding detection. If broken bones are an acceptable risk, you may end up in the morgue no matter how many people are with you.
This isn't rocket science; most serious injuries are preventable if you don't do dumb ass things. Although some dangers are more subtle; understanding construction techniques, chemicals, HVAC systems, as well as your own limits means knowing what to look for and avoid.
With a group or alone, when unsure, walk away if you can't do it safely.
The goal is avoidance, not intervention after the fact.

If your not comfortable going alone, don't.

Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
LuminousAphid 


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Re: How to not get arrested
<Reply # 19 on 6/15/2007 6:10 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by blackhawk
Injury prevention is the first rule of survival besides avoiding detection. If broken bones are an acceptable risk, you may end up in the morgue no matter how many people are with you.
This isn't rocket science; most serious injuries are preventable if you don't do dumb ass things. Although some dangers are more subtle; understanding construction techniques, chemicals, HVAC systems, as well as your own limits means knowing what to look for and avoid.
With a group or alone, when unsure, walk away if you can't do it safely.
The goal is avoidance, not intervention after the fact.

If your not comfortable going alone, don't.


That's a good point, but I'd still rather have someone "watching my back" you could say, so that if I do die, at least someone knows where my body is. It's not like I'm expecting to be injured, but like I said, somewhere abandoned most likely isn't well maintained, and you never really know whether someplace like that is safe or not. It's not always as cut-and-dry as "don't go if it's not safe."

"See you guys, you never listen to me. I said there was gonna be trouble but you didn't listen to me. You guys are crazy. You know, you guys are self destructive. There's a funny farm and it has your names written all over it. But I'm gettin' out of here. I'm... I smell ice cream!"
UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > How to not get arrested (Viewed 1615 times)
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