Not all cops are bad cops

[cain73]

My friends and I were out riding today on a piece of land that belongs to someone else. there aren't signs posted or anything so we always figured if the law shows we will just leave. While riding today and hitting a scool step up (video to come next week as I forgot my camera today) here he comes... Johnny law rolling towards us. We were still on top of the hill and figured we were about to get kicked out so we went down and talked to the cop. One of the guys I was with was there when I got to him. I asked if he was here for us or the blue rangeer that had just pulled past us toward the lake. He said neither that he was looking for a yellow jeep. He said that as long as nobody cared neither did he. While he was aware this was private property and that we didn't own it, he didn't bother us. In fact after asking him about the step up he told us if he was younger he would be out there with us. He went about his business and waved when he left. He was friendly and slowed to watch another jump while shaking his head. Although he did nothing extrordinary to be nice, he also didn't do what many think is common to cops and go out of his way to be a jerk. I often hear about cops getting a bad rap, but remember they are the first people you would call if assaulted or robbed. Many of them are nice people doing an important job. Yes some have attitude problems, but so do many others (like that lod woman in 7-11 I ran into today). You may not always have a positive experience with them , but remember that they are people too. Sometimes they get nasty after people disrespect them. This doesn't always mean that you will avoid that ticket by being nice, but give them the courtesy and respect you give anyone else.

[Old_School]

Cool. I wish they were all like that. Was he an older cop or a youngin?  -Mark

[atvtrailer]

I have met a quite a few of the cops in citrus county and the ones i met were pretty nice. A couple of them had quads and or dirtbikes themself, so they are nice to the people they see riding, because they would like the people to be nice to them while they are riding. Pretty much its about respect, it works both ways, if you are nice to them, most the time they are nice to you.

[eric]

Hey Cain great story. I think the key thing here is communication. You took the time to walk down and speak the the cop instead of just keeping on riding or showing off. I think if we take the time to talk to them and the rangers we see in the forest things would get better. I think it's important we show respect for their authority so they have no reason to impose it on us and so they see us as humans to. Everytime I see a ranger close enough to me in Ocala I make it a point to slow down just a bit wave and I almost always get a wave back. It may not be much but neither was what that cop did for you and look at how we are all hearing about it on the site now. I think that old saying is true in many cases "actions speak louder than words".

[Anoriginal]

Nice story. However, if you ride on someone else's property without permission, you are trespassing and breaking the law. Not being a jerk, but if you don't have a place to ride it, don't buy it.

Would you want someone using your property without permission? I wouldn't. Have some class and respect.

[cain73]

let me clarify the someone else's property thing. It is land that has sat unused for years and years. Not houses around in a more industrial area. no fences or signs. no one has ever complained or asked us to leave. we always pick up everything that we take unlike many others that frequently use this same land as a convenient dump. If there is no victim and no damage I dont see a problem with it. The rational that the only ones that should own quads or bikes are the ones that own enough land to ride only their own and not bother anyone (with noise to surrounding houses etc.) is far from likely or necessary.
Mark - The cop was 35-40 and a very nice guy.

[DRWalum]

cain 73, don,t waste your time on that IDIOT  

when I seen " Anoriginal " I knew he had nothing but negative things to say    
ask anybody here

Thats great you showed respect for the law and had a great time  

Can't wait to see that video     And ride safe !!

          DR Walum

[dvx400#1]

did u say his name was anal riginal  

[CAOSPOP]

  Hey guys your right not all COPS are bad but you do have a few with a chip on their shoulder. The thing to remember is that We are no better than them and They are no better than us. Cops bleed, cry and suffer just like we all do and people would normally respond to situations based on past expierences. The guy that said that about other people riding in others property I don't know maybe he had some guy really mess up their property because of an ATV. Lets remember they are a lot of fun but they are not toys ! Like i said maybe the guy had a bad expierence. But my hats off to you and your friends that have had good expierences with the law. Remember we are all HUMAN and COPS just like everyone else put there pants on just like you do in the morning on leg at a time... In defense if the butt hole cop ... This job is not easy guys and the cops on the site will tell you as normal as we try to make it its very far from normal. Talk to the guys that have been in combat. There are just some things that you see here that you would have to take to the grave. Its just to crappy to talk about...Some things we see and a daily basis the ordinary person wont see in a life time. Think about this next time you come across the not so happy law man. But as i said before im glad you had a good expeience with this guy and he had a good head on his shoulders. And before I forget ... In this state you only have to be 19 to become a cop. By the age of twenty ive seen the with a take home car living at home and buying 50,000 cars in Miami. They are gung ho ! then they either slow dont get married,get killed,fired, or indited for some dumb ass inmature thing they did ! so take your pick. I hope this helped.

[Anoriginal]

First, I don't just post things that are negative. I post the truth. The man flat out admitted he was riding on someone's property without permission. It does not matter how long it has been vacant, where it is located, what is around it, whether or not there are signs saying "keep out" or how long its been since the owners set foot on the property. It does not belong to you and by riding on it you are trespassing. End of story.

Second, respect for a cop, gee that's nice. Doesn't change the facts.

Third, DRWalum and lt250, you know nothing about me. I merely point out facts and truthful observations. If you choose to make yourselves look small and respond by making personal attacks on someone you know nothing about, then you're part of the problem. I suggest you rethink your positions and get involved in correcting what's wrong with our sport verses encouraging it.

Finally, I ride. I enjoy being in the outdoors and using an ORV to do it. I am personally sick of ATV's getting a bad wrap for the actions of idiots who are the minority of all ATV'ers. I am not going to sugar coat anything just so someone can feel better about doing something wrong. If you do not own the property you ride on, you are trespassing. If you don't have a place to ride, then why are you buying the bike? Pretty simple when you think about it.

[innocent_bystander]

First, I don't just post things that are negative. I post the truth. The man flat out admitted he was riding on someone's property without permission. It does not matter how long it has been vacant, where it is located, what is around it, whether or not there are signs saying "keep out" or how long its been since the owners set foot on the property. It does not belong to you and by riding on it you are trespassing. End of story.

If you do not own the property you ride on, you are trespassing. If you don't have a place to ride, then why are you buying the bike? Pretty simple when you think about it.

Actually, to be considered Tresspassing there has to be a sign or you have to be told verbally.

Just pointing out facts and truthful observations.

[cain73]

Here's a simple fact for ya too. It appears that no one on this post likes your input about the post since you totally disregarded its original intent. Tresspassing is the unlawful traversing of land which is indicated by posted signs, written warning, or other overt methods of making the land owner's wishes known. When there are no efforts made to thwart or discourage use of land it's no harm no foul. But since you feel the way you do and would not go where you are not wanted here's a sin for you:

No Anoriginals Allowed. Go ride on your own land and talk to whom ever you happen to meet there as maybe they will be interested in what you have to say. All others with positive or constructive posts welcome.

It's not enforceable or "legal" but since you now know that you're not wanted are you going to stay away?

[stump66]

 
WELL SAID CAIN~!

[CAOSPOP]

Come on guys does it have to get this nasty ? The truth of the matter is that we all have opinions and we all have a right to voice them. That is our constitution is'nt it ? There is enough fighting all over the world for us to be doing it on a darn keyboard !!! especially since it is just over a disagreement. Why cant we all just Agree to Disagree ?
                                                                            That is why is says theres the Florida Statutes here it is if you really wanna know what you where doing was wrong or not:

CRIMES Chapter 810
BURGLARY AND TRESPASS View Entire Chapter

810.09  Trespass on property other than structure or conveyance.--

(1)(a)  A person who, without being authorized, licensed, or invited, willfully enters upon or remains in any property other than a structure or conveyance:

1.  As to which notice against entering or remaining is given, either by actual communication to the offender or by posting, fencing, or cultivation as described in s. 810.011; or

2.  If the property is the unenclosed curtilage of a dwelling and the offender enters or remains with the intent to commit an offense thereon, other than the offense of trespass, commits the offense of trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance.

[Anoriginal]

CAOSPOP:

That is indeed the criminal definition of trespass. You are absolutely correct and I whole heartedly appreciate your comments.

There is also a common law trespass (i.e. a tort) for which basic damages are guaranteed. For common law trespass, no sign, fence, warning, etc. is needed. In addition, if you are disturbing the property in any manner, you rise to the level of entering with the intent to commit a crime. For reference, look to Chapter 768 Florida Statutes, (2005) which covers torts in Florida.

Cain, Sport: The only folks who don't like my posts are the ones who have their heads in the sand.  It is pretty easy to see where you two stand. Nothing I've said is untrue or incorrect. The worst thing this sport has going against it is the riders who don't use common sense in their pursuit of the sport itself. If you fail to see the constructive criticism in my posts (and thereby the positive impact of the same) you are extremely myopic. Cain, the original intent of your post was to say you met a nice cop who didn't give you any lip about riding on property that didn't belong to you. That's nice. But, it doesn't change the facts. You can beat your chest, speak boldly, make personal attacks on people you know nothing about all you want. In the end, you are either part of hte problem or part of the solution. Now, which do you think you are when you ride on property without permission? Say what you want, but you know the real answer already. So does everyone who reads this post.

Cheers~

[dvx400#1]

dam your anal  

[cain73]

the answer is that you couldn't stay away even after specifically being informed that you were not welcome. Who is tresspassing now?
I agree there is way too much discord in the world, but I still can't stand someone that sticks his/her nose where it doesn't belong and isn't wanted to run their mouth. You don't have to agree with every post here or the opinions they expressm but you also don't have to start a keyboard confrontation to voice your minority opinion especially when all other posts focus on other matter. There is always a know it all out there and this time he/she felt it necessary to chime in and focus on something other than the intent of the post. nit pick all you want and consider your opinions the best and most parsimonious all you want, after all they are (even if only in your head). Just like school with a substitute .... "wait we had homework due today" or " teacher you forgot to give us homework to do over spring break !". No matter how proud you feel or how right you think you are it doesn't change how the rest of the world views you. forget the tree falling in the forest where no one is around to hear it..... if you kiss imaginary butt and tell every one about it does it still count? I guess in your book it does. Enjoy your brown nose as you are the only one the appreciates it.

[dvx400#1]

yeah, what he said.  

[DRWalum]

Here's a simple fact for ya too. It appears that no one on this post likes your input about the post since you totally disregarded its original intent. Tresspassing is the unlawful traversing of land which is indicated by posted signs, written warning, or other overt methods of making the land owner's wishes known. When there are no efforts made to thwart or discourage use of land it's no harm no foul. But since you feel the way you do and would not go where you are not wanted here's a sin for you:

No Anoriginals Allowed. Go ride on your own land and talk to whom ever you happen to meet there as maybe they will be interested in what you have to say. All others with positive or constructive posts welcome.

It's not enforceable or "legal" but since you now know that you're not wanted are you going to stay away?

Cain........... Like I said this guy , wheather right or wrong is an instigator.

He is either some TV lawer, or some old fart that likes to read between every line written or some troll [smiley=angry2.gif] that somehow has internet service  [smiley=Confused.gif]

let me ask.......... were you intentionaly tearing up someones property , littering , burning , ect. I dont't think so !!

Anoriginal , were you picked on as a child  

DR Walum

[dvx400#1]

i was there the other day when the cops came and i know that the owner knows of people riding there. one time i talk to 2 kids that had a key to a gate that is next to this piece of property, they told me that their grandfather owns at least have of the property that we we,re riding in. he just did'nt have that part of the prperty fence in. i asked the kid if his granpa care of people riding here and he say no, as a matter of fact the kid told me that we have probably have seen him and he drives an older chevy browm pick up, and i have seen that pick up there before with a older man driving it, i slow down and wave at him and he waved back.

[cain73]

See the owner don't mind !
So there ! Nyaa Nyaa  

DrWalum - I don't now this guy and have never read a post of his before now (and won't bother doing it inthe future) but I bet there's something to what you said. I bet he was picked on as a kid :-/. Now he's trying to make himself feel good by picking out a minute detail and trying to blow it into something it isn't to look like he is righteous or intelligent or I don't know what. And all he's been able to do is puch away more people. What a sad person he must be  

Like I said there's always one in a group. No chance of him spoining my fun ! I love this site and riding.... even if it's not MY land !  

[CAOSPOP]

Guys/Guys can we just drop it ! Maybe the other gentleman came on a little strong ? We just have to learn to communicate with each other and learn to respect our differences. If you guys were out rididng on a piece of land that did not belong to you that is really your perogotive. If the other guy said that you should'nt do it he can say so !!! I really don't think that any thread started on this website belongs to just anyone on the contrary it belongs to all of us ! We are all here to share one thing the love for the sport of going out and enjoying nature and riding quads. Why cant we just do that.I think you both came on a little strong with each other and you should have known all the facts before making a comment. If your young or old it doesnt matter it is just an opinion . Im sorry if you guys believe that im "tresspassing" on your thread i originally came on to hope to read that someone out there someone appreiciates what I do for a living. Dont get me wrong I did and Thank You this job really SUCKS at times.

[stump66]

Hey CAOS I have read allot of your threads and respect your opinion,sincerely. That said. This Anoriginol or what ever other aliases he logs on with (if you research his threads) is always like a kid walking past a bee hive with a stick, he isn't happy till he puts his stick in there and sters it up causing a bunch of termoil. I don't know him and don't want or need to know him. I do know cain and lt250 and they are good guys so he should respect the (don't thread on me clause) imposed on this thread and stay away. Go find another bee nest.
And as a great man once said
PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU LET US REACH OUT AND SPREAD THAT PEACE

[Anoriginal]

I'm not an instigator nor was I picked on as a child. I have a wonderful life and I am fortunate to be in a position that allows me to enjoy more free time than most. I'm 35 years old, live in Manatee County and have never logged on this site under any other name than Anoriginal.

The very sad part is that I've been involved in ATV's ever since my first 1975 ATC 90 and since then I've seen more and more riding areas lost to idiots who can't see past their own egos. You know the types, "nobody said I wasn't allowed, so it must be okay!" or "I know it doesn't belong to me, but everyone else is doing it and I will too until the cops run me off".

We have no "right" to ride. It is a privilege. ATV sales are through the roof. This means more and more pressure will be put on areas we currently ride in. Another con to the increasing sales is the fact that our opposition (Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, Greenways, etc.) will have a never ending supply of fuel in the form of idiots buying new ATV's and riding in manners/places/ways that are improper.

If you got mad at my posts then you're obviously part of the problem. I don't post to make anyone happy. I simply  post to point out facts that we don't need to provide to those who would love to see us limited to Croom as the sole place in Florida to ride. Getting upset, acting like a 13 year old and calling me names or making juvenile comparisons of me does nothing to promote yourself or this sport.

This web site and the people who frequent it have a powerful tool at their disposal. I believe the majority of the people understand this fact. The tool I'm talking about is the shear number of people that cross this web site in any give n month. If you think that a portion of those visiting this site are not from organizations that want to ban or otherwise limit our riding ability, you're blind.

Cain, lt250, sport,DrWalum: If you think I'm anal or picking on you, or if my comments made you mad or hurt your feelings, what do you think the hard core anti ATV establishment is going to approach you and our sport? Consider this, they are far better organized, have tons more financial backing, have less in-fighting and are well established in the political arena. Do you believe for on instant that they are going to give two nickles about whether or not you waved to a cop or an old man while riding on someone's property without permission? No, there just going to use that small portion of the overall facts as part of their larger, well organized and expensive lobby presentation in an effort to forward their own agenda.

As a sport, we need to think larger than our own egos. If we don't pretty soon you'll have nothing to beat your chest over.

[Old_School]

Who's gives a crap! I ride where I wanna ride. Legal or not. If the cops ask me to leave, I leave and move on to the next place. I'm sure someone has rode in a illegal place one time or another. Get over it.  -Mark