This topic lends itself to a kindred subject.
I have performed construction projects in Watts, The Bronx, East St. Louis , Chicago and the D.C. area. People are the same everywhere you go. For the most part, everyone is out to make an honest living despite the environment. Some places have higher populations of bottom feeders - here is how I see it and handle it-
Varmint Control
Understanding the Animal
99% of vagrants are folks who choose their lifestyle. They don’t have the self discipline to hold a steady job, pay rent and cook their own meals. They have learned it’s easier to sponge off our generous society and stay high and drunk most of the time. They are similar to their brethren with whom they share the same fleas, lice and parasites with one exception: rodents regularly groom themselves.
They travel the path of least resistance even when it comes to soliciting for money for cigarettes, drugs, alcohol and fast food. They ask for money and expect to get lucky more than not. Easily intimidated patrons and sympathetic individuals readily cave in to their request and contribute to their endless, pathetic cycle. Sometimes they end up in the same park you have your sights on.
Don’t be Intimidated
When you take time and spend the gas money to drive to a public park and find it is populated by one or more undesirable, don’t turn around and leave. You have a right to be at there and so do they. Ignore them and do what you came for. You probably won’t be bothered.
There is a slight chance you may be confronted.
Think about what kind of nerve it takes to work up the courage to knock on someone’s door and ask permission to metal detect on their property. You probably expect to be told no. You would probably not be insulted if rejected.
On the other hand, a positive response would embolden you to try it again.
Apply the same logic to them. They are asking for money – would you expect someone to give you money, let alone permission to detect in their yard? Heck, no!
If they approach you, be prepared to ignore them as a first response. Pretend you don’t hear them if you have headphones.
If they persist, take your headphones off while stepping toward them, eyes wide open, staring them straight in the eyes and yell “WHAT?”
That usually sends them walking away, shaking their head.
Still there?
Take out your cell phone and while you fake dial, ask them “Do you know who I am, who I work for and why I am here?”
Not gone yet?
Make sure they hear you loud and clear as you speak into your phone: “Sarge, please!”
Go on to describe the location and the description of the idiot loud and in detail.
They will leave, usually running and tripping.
Don’t be Stupid
Please let me be clear that these are bums I’m talking about. Gangbangers are a different species. You should still be able to use your detector in their presence without any fear of confrontation but keep your eyes open. If they have their pet pit bulls running free off the leash, get in your vehicle and call the cops. If they start fighting, do the same. Make the cops do their job so you can pursue happiness in a free nation.
