populated areas and police

Ready · 01-10-2012, 09:40 AM

I was talking to some guys and they mentioned that they had some negative experiences with police when traveling through populated areas. Is this common?

KeikoOka · 01-10-2012, 11:30 AM

Sometimes. I live in a populated area and the police are pretty harsh. You have to understand the kind of crimes, lies and other things they deal with in high crime areas. Usually, once a policeman runs your license and sees you're not a criminal, they lighten up.

Lamebeaver · 01-10-2012, 11:31 AM

There aren't many police in unpopulated areas.........

I suppose backpackers might be confused with vagrants and homeless people.

Personally, I don't backpack in populated areas.

catspa · 01-10-2012, 12:26 PM

That's what I was thinking too, LB. When I go backpacking, I try to get out where nobody else is (including police).

Parker

Grandpa · 01-10-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catspa

That's what I was thinking too, LB. When I go backpacking, I try to get out where nobody else is (including police).

Parker

About a mile from a coffee/donut shop and you should be safe

Sorry, my apologies to good officers everywhere but I have been passed by State police going all out with toplights flashing only to reach town and see them walking into the coffee shop to meet with the local leo's.

Lamebeaver · 01-10-2012, 01:17 PM

I suspect this may have to do with through hikers along the AT who stop into town to pick up supplies, etc. This kind of surprises me, as I would think they get a fair number of backpackers and would be used to it by now.....plus, I'm guessing a lot of local businesses benefit from these customers.

outwest · 01-10-2012, 01:55 PM

I have not noticed negativity from any police but I have noticed more when its around a large holiday. Even the parking lots of our local stores get busy with 2-3 cop cars stationed there (esp. during NYE). Now out in the woods unless its a park that is having a large event its not too much of a problem.

Theosus · 01-10-2012, 04:12 PM

I am the police.

I will dispense my knowledge forthwith, so as to hopefully reduce your less than stellar interactions with my brothers.

1. Don't get an attitude. Even if the officer does. It usually goes downhill from there. Yes sir, no sir go a long way. And no, I'm not defending officers with attitudes, they need to lighten up too.

2. Often an officer isn't bothering you just to bother you. It's the nosy neighbor or the town busybody calling 911, and the cop (who might otherwise just drive past) now has to come talk to you.

3. Explain what you are doing. "I'm a backpacker hiking through". Once they find out you aren't A. A bum, or worse B. One of the Occupy Wall Street people, they will probably leave you alone. Well, I would.

4. Carry and present ID. Do you have to? Not unless state law or a local ordinance says you do. Is it going to hurt if you do? No. If he is like us he probably has to write a report saying "I talked to the guy and found he's not a wanted criminal nor is he planning on camping under the bridge".

FreeWilly · 01-10-2012, 04:40 PM

I don't think the ideal backpacking location is the ghetto or anywhere in a populated area as others have basically stated. When I think of backpacking, I think of out in the wilderness on trails or something to that effect. And if you ever run into police anywhere, just be polite and cooperative and there shouldn't be a problem.

Pathfinder1 · 01-10-2012, 05:05 PM

Hi...

Boy, the things you see when you don't have a camera handy...!!

I once saw a uniformed police officer in a marked police car...making a purchase at a drive-in liquor store in MD...!!

In my county here in NY, we've got LOTS of police. State Police, Sheriff's Department, Town Police, Village Police Departments, Town Constables, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Environmental Conservation, and I'm sure I left a few out.

But they're a pretty good bunch overall, and tend to treat you right.