ONTHELOW-LOWFROMTHEPO-POAGUIDE

TOTHESTREETSWITH

JPWALKER

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1.

If you have ever tried to hit up you local school yard, public park or church for a rail session

then more than likely you have had to deal with big authority like cops, security guards, or

just someone who thinks they are doing a service by taking the matter into their own hands.

The following is a list of tips and techniques I’ve learned over the years. I’ve had my share

of run-ins with every type of person that doesn’t want you to ride. Hopefully this helps you

understand the psyche of the usual suspects that might try to bring you session to a close.

how to avoid getting busted in the streets with jp walker

2.3. 4.

Common Perpetrator types:1.Cops - Basically the same as a security guard but they can actually do something like write you a ticket or arrest you.2.Security Guards - These guys don’t care about what you are doing they just don’t want to lose their sorry jobs.3.Janitors - Just plain lazy they see you riding and they think that means more work for them.4.The Local Hero - These are the worst. They actually think they are doing everyone in society a service by trying to tell you not to snowboard. Hard to reason with but they don’t have any real power over you. The hard part is not backing down without having them just call the police.Snitch - The one you never see that phones you in.

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Common Perpetrator types:1.Cops - Basically the same as a security guard but they can actually do something like write you a ticket or arrest you.2.Security Guards - These guys don’t care about what you are doing they just don’t want to lose their sorry jobs.3.Janitors - Just plain lazy they see you riding and they think that means more work for them.4.The Local Hero - These are the worst. They actually think they are doing everyone in society a service by trying to tell you not to snowboard. Hard to reason with but they don’t have any real power over you. The hard part is not backing down without having them just call the police.Snitch - The one you never see that phones you in.

Avoid the PurpIf you never have a run in with them you aren’t going to have a problem. A lot of this is just common sense. Don’t try to slide the rail at your local cop shop. Go to spots early in the AM hours when officer Dan is sleeping in his squad car. Holidays and weekends are good too.

On the low-lowMake as little of a scene as possible. People by nature are scared, especially in America. If they see something out of the ordinary even if its just kids having fun on the stairs they will call the police. Sad but true. If someone needs to use the stairs or is walking their dog near by, be nice and helpful instead of ice grilling them. Cops don’t usually just show up. Someone has to call them. Don’t give anyone any reason to.

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Think about your futureDon’t leave a bunch of litter or vandalize the spot. Even if you don’t get rolled on if someone that lives in the area or a janitor sees a big mess they will be pissed and have little tolerance for the next time you or any other crew show up to shred. Basically don’t give anyone any more ammo than they already have.

Get permissionYeah right! This never works. You would think that if you took this route and tried to be reasonable you could make a compromise. The reason why this doesn’t work is because a little thing I hate called liability. Especially in America people are sue happy therefore everyone is afraid that if you get hurt you or your parents are going to sue. I’ve only ever convinced a handful of people that I would not sue them if I got hurt. It’s a fruitless argument and hard to win. People are scared to lose their job. If everyone started to take a little bit of responsibility for their own actions instead of looking for someone to blame, getting permission would be a viable option.

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BribesYeah this one works every now and then but its rare. The same fear of losing a job or liability is what usually stops this one from working but sometimes a few greenbacks is all it takes. Just don’t try it with a cop.

AlarmsLots of places have alarms on window and doors. If you bump them too much an alarm will be triggered. Don’t wall ride any doors and watch the windows. One time a few shovels full of snow hitting a door was all it took for the cops to come. True story, the cop told me after he got there that the door alarm kept going off.

Technical AdvantagePolice scanners are available at radio shack with code books of all the different police/fire channels in America. They take a bit of time to set up and learn to use but these things have saved us a couple times.

cab270england

jp walkerodam

“........in America people are sue happy......”

cab270england

jp walkerodam

“........in America people are sue happy......”

LazyThe other thing about most people is they are lazy. I can’t tell you how many times the school janitor’s biggest concern is that he will have to shovel the snow off the sidewalk you just laid out for a runway. They have fully come out and said it before. Just think about how fat most janitors are! If you can convince one of these guys that you will scrape all the snow from the sidewalk after you are done and they won’t have to lift a finger, that might be all it takes for them not to call the cops and let you keep sessioning.

They’re lazy tooCops are lazy. I’ve only had one actual ticket issued for snowboarding. It’s a hassle and not worth it to write you up for trespassing. Stay low key and don’t give them any reason to write you up. If you get caught with bolt cutters, spray paint, grinders, weed or anything like that your chances of getting a ticket are going to multiply.

If the cops do comeBe cool and don’t freak out. If you come off with any attitude these dudes will tear you up. Just be mellow and nice and act like you aren’t doing anything wrong. If you seem reasonable maybe they will return the favour and let you or your homie tool up a few more tries before they kick you out. No matter how bullet proof you argument is you aren’t going to change their mind. You’ll only come off as a threat if you start preaching about what’s right and what’s wrong with their or the rest of the worlds views on what you are doing. One thing I started doing that seems to take the edge off is opening the dialogue if possible when the cops come. I just walk up all friendly and say what’s up and try to engage in some mellow convo before they have a chance to say anything. That way it’s psychologically harder for them to kick you out after you have somewhat befriended them. Don’t get it twisted though. I’m not friends with any popo. Sometimes you get a cop that doesn’t really care, he just had to come because someone called you in. Another reason to play it cool instead of getting all defensive.

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Noise cancellingIf you need a generator to light up a spot, it’s going to be pretty loud. Loud noises at night scare people. If you have the luxury of getting your generators started before it gets dark for something like an evening session surrounding houses or neighbours most likely won’t notice. There is a lot of ambient noise in the day. The generator will just blend in and become white noise as it gets dark. Fire that thing up in the dead of night you better be sure there isn’t anyone close by.

Grime TimeIf you have to do anything like break locks, cut knob or worse, do it a few days before you go to session or at least hide the paraphernalia away from the jib site after the jobs done. Don’t leave any evidence or clues to what you are doing. If a cop figures that one out its probably a vandalism and trespassing ticket.

Pop offIf all else fails and you get someone that is just a straight up jerk right off the bat go ahead a give them some lip back. It can be fun but know how far to push without a fight breaking out or having the cops called.

Peace outIf you have already been busted and written up with an official warning or ticket and the cops show up you might consider trying to make a run for it if the situation permits. Most the times these guys are pretty mellow but if they catch you multiple times after being warned they will be irritated an write you up.

Sleepy timeGet some tranquilizer darts from you local veterinarian, “Wait, uh maybe that’s taking it a bit to far”. Hopefully it won’t ever come to such measures.

Good luck!