Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge North "HoBe" 11/19 - Late Afternoon

For the first time at the Howard Beach spotting location A on the guide (actually Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge North ) I was approached by two Federal Uniformed Park Police Officers. They were in marked SUV and RMP as they flanked and blocked my car.

One officer approached me while I sat in my front seat with the door open, camera in hand and asked

Officer: Hello.
Me: Hello officer.
Officer: What are you taking pictures of?
Me: Airplanes.
Officer: Okay. You are an enthusiast?
Me: Yes sir.
Officer: Well, it's Ok to take pictures. Someone called and was concerned.
Me: Sorry you had to be bothered officer.
Officer: Yeah, what can you do.
Me: Here is my driver's license. Is there anything you'd like me to do?
Officer: Thanks you, it is not necessary... well, let me take a quick look.
..1 second later...
Officer: Here you go, have a nice day, sorry to have bothered you.
Me: No bother at all officer. Have a safe tour!
Officer: Thank you.

The officer returned to his car and the other officer waved goodbye from the SUV. They then met up with two other park employees who were cleaning the beach. They spoke for about 10 minutes and then everyone left.

I stayed for another 10 minutes and moved over to what turned out to be a bust over at Panera, then Inwood park for the Finnair MD-11 Cargo.

I don't ever go out anymore with the expectation that I won't be approached, no matter what spot it is. I bet eventually I'll get the cops called on me for taking pictures from my own backyard. Prince was right- the party ended around 1999.

The upside is that you played it cool as you should have, and they were done with you in a matter of minutes.

Manny you you should make some business cards for yourself(if you haven't already), I noticed you have the "Thrust Images" site. I practically shove my cards into cops' hands and ask them to email me if they like the shots or not. That usually causes a quick exit on their part.

And now, back to Flight Simulator for me

A few years ago, I had a US Park Police officer check me out at HoBe, very similar to your encounter. Last year, when the C-54 was departing FBF, we were talking with the officer escorting the aircraft, and I handed him a business card. He said "Hey I remember you, we spoke over at Jamaica Bay that time, didn't we?"

You know, I have about 100 of them on me at any one time. I hand them to fellow spotters for contact but never thought of it for the POs. Great Idea! I will start that as soon as possible. Of course, if it is anything like spotting, I will NEVER see one again!

Qantas One World, will I ever see you up close in good light? LOL

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moose135

A few years ago, I had a US Park Police officer check me out at HoBe, very similar to your encounter. Last year, when the C-54 was departing FBF, we were talking with the officer escorting the aircraft, and I handed him a business card. He said "Hey I remember you, we spoke over at Jamaica Bay that time, didn't we?"

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That was great right up to the point where he pulled over the pilot of the C-54 and gave him a ticket for going the wrong way on a one way taxiway!!!
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/..._Y4utg-L-1.jpg
Seriously, that cop was awesome. Lots are