Just goes to show that if you cooperate, explain to them your situation, and do what they say, there will be no problem. Maybe one of the more sucessful Security vs Railfan stories I have heard.
Phil
TimChgo9 wrote: The supervisor inquired as to what I was doing, and then very patiently explained his reasons for, as he put it "detaining me for a few minutes".
Nevertheless, I'd question this individual's right to legally "detain" you at all if you were not on his company's property.
IRONROOSTER wrote: Bergie just locked this topic in another thread. I don't think he'll appreciate your starting it up again. Paul
Bergie just locked this topic in another thread. I don't think he'll appreciate your starting it up again.
Paul
Ooops, I didn't realize that. I should have checked the forums.
No, no, no,no...
You're supposed to scream and rant - throw your photog's rights paper at them - call the ACLU - call Jesse Jackson - give the refinery the finger - call the cop a pig - and then post it all on trains.com!!!
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Even though it was hot and nasty today, I went out to shoot photos, and for some reason thought the Romeo Rd. bridge over the DesPlaines River and the BNSF would be a good place to photograph trains (it actually is..)
To make a long story short; After I decided I couldn't take the heat anymore, I headed back to my car, parked at the "Centennial Trail" lot on the north side of the bridge. As I approached, I noted a pickup truck, and a Jeep by my car. As I got closer a man with a uniform on was motioning me toward him. He turned out to be a Refinery Security Supervisor (The Citgo Refinery is clearly visible from this bridge as it is less than 300 yards from where I was) he had a security guard with him. The supervisor inquired as to what I was doing, and then very patiently explained his reasons for, as he put it "detaining me for a few minutes". He also patiently explained that he understood my rights as a photographer, and then he explained his responsibilities as security for the refinery. Which made perfect sense to me. Since the place is a large potential target, they routinely investigate anyone who looks "suspicious" and standing on a bridge with a camera. (He noticed me as he drove across the bridge)
To cut to the chase, the Romeoville Police showed up, as requested by refinery security, asked me the usual "What are you doing here?" type questions, ran my name, and then let me go. The officer asked if he could see my camera, and I showed it to him, and showed him the photos I had taken the night before from that same spot. He stated "Well, all I see here are photos of barges, and trains" The officers and security guards thanked me for my cooperation, and went on their way, and I went on mine, as I had to go pick up my children. The whole matter was handled professionally, I gave my answers in a reasonable tone, and that was all there was to it.
To me, this was no big deal, and no cause for "asserting my rights" as some people would say I should have done. It was a reasonable request made by reasonable people. I suppose I can expect the same treatment if I ever go there again, but since 9/11 as we all know, things are a little different.
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