cs1@oddjob.UUCP (Cheryl Stewart) (04/23/85)
On the subject of Police, Security, etc. at Concerts 1. They've never searched my box of tampons, but of course, it's hard to hide a frisbee there. 2. Don't rile them. If they get riled, sweet-talk them. They're not worth argument or contradiction. 3. If you see them bothering someone else, DON'T look the other way; Monitor the action. Be as observant as possible. Take notes if you have a pen & paper handy (the pen is mightier than the mouth). Get someone else to help you monitor them. If the hassled party looks in danger of being hauled away, find out his or her name, and the names of the subcretins doing the hassling. If they are uniformed subcretins, get their badge & precinct number. Do this as diplomatically as possible. This will accomplish two things: a) The subcretins will be less likely to make up their own version of what happened. b) If it does come to a court scene, you have to be ready to act as a witness (but it will be less likely to come to that if they know they can't get away with the usual subcretin lies, halftruths and prevarications) It is a civic and moral responsibility to monitor & prevent INJUSTICE There are many good reasons to stay straight at a concert. But if you can't be good, at least be careful. If you let them goad you into doing something stupid, you've only played into their hands. I've gotten Chicago cops to back down from several moving-violation threats (of course, they were looking for a payoff) by simply pointing out the nature of the traffic- traps (poorly lit signs, contracictory traffic signals, cop always waiting right there, etc.) and making it clear that I was writing down their badge number, had witnesses, and was quite willing & able to use the law to my advantage. Talking like you can afford a good lawyer helps, too. Stay out of trouble, guys! Living well is the best revenge! "Nothin left to do but smile, smile, smile." Cheryl