Cops and Robbers question

[MikeOregon]

Hi,

Every now and then I see a story posted about encounters with cops or robbers while detecting.
I try to be careful and keep an eye out for both. Cops because I like to know they're around, (after all, what I'm doing is perfectly legal!) and robbers because face it, when you're out alone with headphones on, it's pretty easy to be snuck up on. I've flashed my digger a couple of times at people who worried me by the way they were watching. I just got the feeling they were not curious about detecting but about how much the pawn shop might give them for my equipment. Maybe I am paranoid, but so far, so good.

My question is, what's your BEST true story about detecting involving cops and/or robbers?

I'm hoping for posts that entertain as well as inform.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[jeff of pa]

Although I'm not a fan of fear, it has profited me quite nicely! I spent years detecting parks and such in the "Rough" neighborhoods and found the most old coins and collectibles than anywhere in the city. Other detectorist's would tell me that they would never hunt there because they are scared. Works good for me! I never experienced any problems.
In one of my favorite parks in one of the roughest areas, I actually was approached by gang banger wearing his colours. He was actually the leader of this notorious gang and we sat down, had a smoke and shot the breeze for over a hour. He was a nice guy and well educated and told me some things about his gang that I never knew. It was an interesting "inside look" into that lifestyle. The other run ins are fine 'cause it seems that these guys think it is cool that I am finding money in the ground and they respect "my hustle" and in a way they can relate to someone who makes money in this alternative way.

Dave.

That's How it is here.

Even the Bikers that The cops Have Hernieas over
when they Wear their Colors,
Are all good People i my book.

never had a Problem.

"Gangbangers" ? What are they ?

Not realy asking

Just being facetious

Since they Don't Exist in my mind.

 

[dneyedli@res1.mts.net]

Jeff, I use "Gang bangers" to describe those Hip Hop wannabees. I have biker's in my family and went to a few parties with them. Good fun, no worries.
Dave.

 

[ramjet2187]

An off duty city officer from Washington went across the border to make a purchase and had his hand gun with him. He forgot about it as he wasn't planning to go to Oregon, initially. He got stopped for a traffic violation and volunteered, like he should have, that he was carrying a concealed weapon. The Oregon person reviewed the commission card, told him to be more careful, and sent him on his way. When he returned to his local jurisdiction his boss called him in for a conference. He got suspended without pay for that incident.

Really?

Because since about July of 2004 (HR 189, I think it was) Off duty officers can carry concealed in all 50 States, without regard to reciprocity, or if a state has a concealed carry permit. It's a bit of carryover from 9/11.

 

[dirtsearcher]

Well I had a run in this one time.I was hunting this bad area of town when I was approached by a Police Officer.He started asking me questions about what I found.I showed him this 18k Gold Diamond Engagement Ring I had found.He looked it over very well and then he started asking about my detector.Things like "how deep it would go?" and "how much the cost?" and such.I told him it was a DFX and goes deep and costs about $1000.I was waiting for him to hand me the ring back so I could start detecting again and he looks around the area and next thing I know he pulls out his gun and says "give me all you stuff!!!!".I was shocked to say the least.He told me if I ever say a word to anyone he will find me and take care of the problem.I am still shocked to this day and haven't said a word to anyone.

 

[dirtsearcher]

Oh yeah....I was going to tell everyone what part of town this was....hold on someone's knocking on my door...............

 

[jeff of pa]

Oh yeah....I was going to tell everyone what part of town this was....hold on someone's knocking on my door...............

By This comment I Take it you were Joking
as Taking the Time to say this Instead of
Just Saying what you Say you were Going to
Would have been Just as Quick

If something like this were to happen to
Me I'd have Laughed in his Face & Said
"Yea Right ! Buy Your Own "

 

[Lowbatts]

Always play the deal maker. Offer the guy all your goodies for his gun. Tell him how to use the metal detector and there's a lost money clip right over there, near the swings..

Then, while he's busy looking for the money clip, take the gun and go to a pawn shop and sell it, then go to a big box store and buy a new cell phone (with a camera) and go back and take a picture of the guy and e-mail it to the archaeological hardcore in your area. Oh, then call the cops on your new phone.

 

[George (MN)]

As for robbers, I wouldn't assume that's their intent until they stole something or at least announced their intention to do so.

Once, I was detecting a park with my dad. Detecting like always, headphones on just staring at that grassy area in front of me. Before I know it, a large Indian grabs my knife out of my pocket & asks "Did this used to belong to an Indian?" I said I don't think so. I didn't know his intention. Did he want to steal it, buy it, or just admire it? Did he want to use it on me or someone else?

Then my dad starts walking towards me, with a bigger knife sticking out of his pocket. The Indian (Native American) then hands me back the knife & says "see you later, my friend".

Cop encounter: I was detecting a schoolyard in an adjacent suburb, on a Sunday. They cruise around the block watching me, about once an hour. Then after maybe 3 hours, they drive their vehicle up an asphalt path where I'm detecting & front left tire is about 6 inches from where my hand is, probing with my screwdriver. I never took off my headphones or looked up, & as far as I know, they never rolled down their window & said anything.

I assume they were trying to intimidate me into leaving, as I wasn't from the immediate neighborhood, & maybe that was making someone nervous. HH, George (MN)

 

[rmptr]

Gosh George!

A cop went out of his way to drive 6" from your hand and you didn't bother to even TALK to him

What's up with that?

I like privacy too, but sometimes yah just gotta talk to people!

To pull a stunt like that he had to be a fun guy... maybe too full of donuts to get out the car,
but probably real interested in detecting and what you mighta found.

Heck! I woulda swapped clad for a donut and a cuppa joe on his next round through the park!

 

[UTcoinshootR]

"QUOTE" The best thing to do is be aware of your surroundings and be able to 'read' what is going on. Then leave at the first hint of problems. From being watched suspiciously to displaying a hand gun is a big jump in the continuum of reasonable force for self protection.
In contrast if it was a 85 pound female detectorist, in that situation she would have a lot more latitude for her behavior than a 180 pound man. There are so many variables that it's tough to decide what to do. Usually there are lots of things to do before you reach for and display a gun. Regards...Jim

This guy was yards away in an idling pick-up truck. I don't give a *&% about what you think I could have done. I was directly in the trucks path had he been devious enough and like I said before... NO ONE around. And by that, I mean NO ONE. Oh and a truck doesn't really care about 85 pounds versus 180 pounds or 500 pounds for that matter. Have you figured out that the truck could have been a deadly weapon yet? Just curious about that. Again... I did not shoot or point my weapon. I just made sure my weapon was ready should I need it. If he is staring at me and felt threatened by that, then maybe he shouldn't be staring at me from an idling truck. It was just an example of a bad experience I had detecting. You may want to get a life so that I don't have to explain mine.

 

[UTcoinshootR]

Well I had a run in this one time.I was hunting this bad area of town when I was approached by a Police Officer.He started asking me questions about what I found.I showed him this 18k Gold Diamond Engagement Ring I had found.He looked it over very well and then he started asking about my detector.Things like "how deep it would go?" and "how much the cost?" and such.I told him it was a DFX and goes deep and costs about $1000.I was waiting for him to hand me the ring back so I could start detecting again and he looks around the area and next thing I know he pulls out his gun and says "give me all you stuff!!!!".I was shocked to say the least.He told me if I ever say a word to anyone he will find me and take care of the problem.I am still shocked to this day and haven't said a word to anyone.

I call B.S. You are either a coward for not reporting this to another agency, stupid for not realizing that it wasn't a police officer, or C... the officer was the head of the CIA in which case I would not report it either.

 

[Libralabsoldier]

I think that was a joke...or something.

I have never had much of a problem. Sometimes the kids get curious and come ask questions, which in turn makes their parents nervous...until they realize I am there with my daughter myself. As far as bad guys...I guess I look too much like a soldier for them to necessarily want to tangle with. Must be the hair and the tattoos.

 

[greydigger]

"QUOTE" The best thing to do is be aware of your surroundings and be able to 'read' what is going on. Then leave at the first hint of problems. From being watched suspiciously to displaying a hand gun is a big jump in the continuum of reasonable force for self protection.
In contrast if it was a 85 pound female detectorist, in that situation she would have a lot more latitude for her behavior than a 180 pound man. There are so many variables that it's tough to decide what to do. Usually there are lots of things to do before you reach for and display a gun. Regards...Jim

This guy was yards away in an idling pick-up truck. I don't give a *&% about what you think I could have done. I was directly in the trucks path had he been devious enough and like I said before... NO ONE around. And by that, I mean NO ONE. Oh and a truck doesn't really care about 85 pounds versus 180 pounds or 500 pounds for that matter. Have you figured out that the truck could have been a deadly weapon yet? Just curious about that. Again... I did not shoot or point my weapon. I just made sure my weapon was ready should I need it. If he is staring at me and felt threatened by that, then maybe he shouldn't be staring at me from an idling truck. It was just an example of a bad experience I had detecting. You may want to get a life so that I don't have to explain mine.

I would have done the same thing. Jacking a round is not illegal. Open carry in Oregon is legal.
I don't know about Washington and I am shamed to say Oregon does not reciprocate on CCW permits. But open carry is ok for any non felons etc.
I have several firearms my newest is a Glock .45 but I do not usually carry with one in the chamber. No safety.
I carry concealed as I have permit and open carry in cities just draws unneeded attention.
All the LEOs I have talked to have been interested and friendly when they see what I am doing, ask what I found, etc.
Most citizens are more aware nowdays about the hobby thanks to TV ads.
When in BG areas, my son (has a permit also) and I watch each others backs.
Grey

 

[BIG61AL]

Never had a robber just a cop. mostly he just curious cause he was a detectionist too. I only have some much time to detect and he spend all of it yapping to me. I had only ten minute left before I needed to leave.

 

[TerryC]

My most interesting contact with law enforcement came on a weekend getaway to the Bahamas. While going through customs, the officer asked if I was going after treasure. I said yes. We were both smiling. Then the smile left his face and he said that he was to get half. He was no longer smiling. I think he was dead serious! I did eventualy find about an inch of gold plated wristwatch band and Bahamian money but no one took half on my way out. TTC

 

[Socalal]

Hello Mike,

Several years ago I was approached by an Officer while searching the sand at Huntington Beach, CA. He shouted over his PA from the parking lot, "Excuse me Sir, but metal detectors are not allowed on this section of the beach." I didn't argue, I just walked up to his car and when I got there I carefully reached into my trash pouch and then displayed a syringe, broken glass, a razor blade, rusty nails, etc. and simply replied, "Oh, then what do you suggest that I do with these? Throw them back into the sand so some little kid can accidentally step on them?" "Oh, I didn't know that you were also picking that stuff up --- Go right ahead," he replied just before he left. When I saw him in the future he just waved.

Now that was years ago. Since then I have joined PLP (Public Lands for the People). The best $35 a year anyone can spend. It goes to the legal fund to help fight cases of all types of Law Enforcement difficulties experienced by not only detectorists, but everyone who uses the outdoors / public areas (boaters, hunters, prospectors, dredgers, fishermen, hikers, etc.). One of the most useful things they give you (in every issue of their publication) is a "Challenge Notification Form". More info at plp2.org . No I'm not a PLP official. --- Al

 

[Libralabsoldier]

I get approached by nervous parents in parks here sometimes if I am detecting without my daughter. When I show them the rusty nails, screws, bits of wire, and pieces of glass I pick out of the woodchips, they change their attitude. I guess if more people realized that we are inadvertantly doing community service while practicing our hobby, there would be far less flack.

 

[jeff of pa]

My most interesting contact with law enforcement came on a weekend getaway to the Bahamas. While going through customs, the officer asked if I was going after treasure. I said yes. We were both smiling. Then the smile left his face and he said that he was to get half. He was no longer smiling. I think he was dead serious! I did eventualy find about an inch of gold plated wristwatch band and Bahamian money but no one took half on my way out. TTC

Sounds Like he Had a Good Poker Face

I Get alot of those

I Just smile & Say Yep ! You Got It.

None Pulled out a Contract Yet

 

[Goodyguy]

I saw a police car drive by once.
And one time I think somebody watched me detect.
But other than that no problems.