It finally happened to me...

[masterowner]

and I am not happy.

On a recent rail fanning trip I the police told me to get off the public sidewalk over 25 feet away from the Union Pacific rails! I can't believe that they that, but I wasn't going to argue with the cops. (I will post the video of all my catches compiled on a later date.)

I really don't understand what I was doing wrong, the police must be biased against railfans! I am so mad that all I can type for now...

 

[mrscsi]

and I am not happy.

On a recent rail fanning trip I the police told me to get off the public sidewalk over 25 feet away from the Union Pacific rails! I can't believe that they that, but I wasn't going to argue with the cops. (I will post the video of all my catches compiled on a later date.)

I really don't understand what I was doing wrong, the police must be biased against railfans! I am so mad that all I can type for now...

I know here in Yuma you can go park alongside the road probably no more than 50 feet from the tracks and wave as they go by every 10 min. and take all the pictures you want.


Haven't tried it the last couple weeks but I don't think anything changed.

 

[Steveo241]

In that situation you should ask why you're being told to leave, and state that it is public property and you have the right to be there. (Unless it is stated on the property somewhere near the location you were at that you can't photograph it) You should never argue with law enforcement, you made the right choice there, but you should've discussed it in a formal matter.

Just yesterday I was out on the CP at a Metra station and a police cruiser drove up onto the platform, and blocked the crosswalk so neither my friend or I could get across. He looked at his deputy for a moment then rolled down his window when he saw we were railfans and told us to be careful. And that was that.

Metra/any commuter railroad platforms, as well as anything more than 20 feet off of the right of way are usually fine for you to be on.

But next time, if you really want to stay there, just mention it is public property, ask what your violation is, and stay calm and civil.

Steve

 

[masterowner]

I'll keep that in my mind... I am still not happy though.

 

[Kris94]

In that situation you should ask why you're being told to leave, and state that it is public property and you have the right to be there. (Unless it is stated on the property somewhere near the location you were at that you can't photograph it) You should never argue with law enforcement, you made the right choice there, but you should've discussed it in a formal matter.

Just yesterday I was out on the CP at a Metra station and a police cruiser drove up onto the platform, and blocked the crosswalk so neither my friend or I could get across. He looked at his deputy for a moment then rolled down his window when he saw we were railfans and told us to be careful. And that was that.

Metra/any commuter railroad platforms, as well as anything more than 20 feet off of the right of way are usually fine for you to be on.

But next time, if you really want to stay there, just mention it is public property, ask what your violation is, and stay calm and civil.

Steve

Actually I'd argue with them and tell them to leave because it's public property there for I can stay here as long as I want as long as I'm within 10 feet or further from the tracks and that you can't make me do anything plus there's no sign telling me otherwise and if they try to arrest me, then it'll be all bad.

 

[sawyer811]

^

all the power too ya kris, but i'd rather not stare down the barrel of a Glock 17

 

[masterowner]

Well there is always next time.

 

[seeseeme]

One Trainz member, who may not see this thread, had the Police called on him. He talked to the Officers and told them what he was doing and showed them his photo's on the camera and a laptop. The Police where happy with that and left.

The problem was not that he was taking photo's of Trains but that there was a kids Playground on the other side of the track and a parent was concerned he was taking photo's of the kids.

Something else to think about when selecting your location to take photo's.

Craig

 

[leeferr]

Actually I'd argue with them and tell them to leave because it's public property there for I can stay here as long as I want as long as I'm within 10 feet or further from the tracks and that you can't make me do anything plus there's no sign telling me otherwise and if they try to arrest me, then it'll be all bad.

A wild boast when they're not standing there in front of you. Actually, they could just haul you off for loitering on public property and by the time you get it all sorted out, you're out some bail money and some lawyer's fees. Not really a wise move.

Most of what I photograph around here is CSX traffic and I just carry a copy of a letter that I got from CSX telling me that it's fine to photograph as long as I'm on public property and not CSX property. They will absolutely prosecute trespassing. As long as I have that letter, there's never been a problem.

Mike

 

[Kris94]

A wild boast when they're not standing there in front of you. Actually, they could just haul you off for loitering on public property and by the time you get it all sorted out, you're out some bail money and some lawyer's fees. Not really a wise move.

Most of what I photograph around here is CSX traffic and I just carry a copy of a letter that I got from CSX telling me that it's fine to photograph as long as I'm on public property and not CSX property. They will absolutely prosecute trespassing. As long as I have that letter, there's never been a problem.

Mike

And I could sue them for racial profiling, corruption, hmm what else? Oh unlawful search and seizure. And as the bail and lawyer goes I wouldn't give them a darn thing. They could kiss my butt. Plus I'd run away from them and make them run something cops usually have as a weakness.

 

[ZecMurphy]

Guys, time to calm down.

Please do not use these forums as a way of attacking law enforcement. We allow posts, such as those by the OP, within reason. However, this is not the place to attack law enforcement.