Railfans Considered Terroists?

[2-8-2]

Originally Posted by lovinthechessie

...was something being blown outta porportion or a real problem but it doesnt seem to be as severe as i thought

No, it's just that some railroads who shall remain nameless seem to blow things out of proportion.

[I&O]

If the law has not changed here in cincinnati you have to be warned by the cops. the cops will escort you out then tell you you will be arrested the next time they see you.

[lovinthechessie]

Originally Posted by 2-8-2

No, it's just that some railroads who shall remain nameless seem to blow things out of proportion.

ah i get it

[2-8-2]

I think this may have been posted on these boards before, but just in case it hasn't...

Read, download, and print The Photographer's Right. I have a printed copy that I keep in my gear bag. What is very important to note here is the following information:

Neither the Patriot Act nor the Homeland Security Act have any provisions that restrict photography. Similarly, some businesses have a history of abusing the rights of photographers under the guise of protecting their trade secrets. These claims are almost always without merit because entities are required (by law) to keep trade secrets from public view if they want to protect them.

Where you will usually run into trouble is with lower level security personnel. These are macho idiots who have the same universal cop mustache who are bent on overstepping their bounds and infringing on your rights. The same can also be said for some railroad security. As I mentioned in my previous post, do not be bullied. Do not let anyone with a plastic badge tell you they can confiscate your camera, because they can't.

Just keep in mind where you are at all times. Standing on the sidewalk photographing a building is perfectly legal under any circumstance and no one can tell you to leave. No one. However, upon walking into that building's lobby, you are now on private property and subject to new rules.

We actually have it fairly easy here in the US. The UK has ratified the Terrorism Act of 2000. There you can be detained without reason or charge, searched, and any number of unpleasant things...all under the guise of "suspected terrorism". Think I'm joking? Check out this article and video.

[tomustang]

Originally Posted by 2-8-2

Don't LOOK like a terrorist.

That's right ladies and gents, leave the turban at home when railfanning

[lovinthechessie]

thats crazy 2-8-2..just crazy..