Concerned Virgin

wineomcbastard · Post by **wineomcbastard** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:23 pm

I am worried about the cops. Honestly, how vicious are they? Are they out to ruin your time or just to keep the peace? Thanks for any advice!
Josh

misfit · Post by **misfit** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:32 pm

the BLM and tribal police are not there to ruin your good time. simply, a little respect goes a long way....

Daddy-O · Post by **Daddy-O** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:03 pm

Unless your a hippy withou any bacon or PBR then they may hurt you. I would like to welcome you but I can't until JK does.

PavementBlues · Post by **PavementBlues** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 5:41 pm

Seeing cops on the playa is frankly one of the funniest parts of the experience. You've got a crowd of costumes, paint, nudity, lights, and anything else that your mind could ever dream up...and right in the middle is a police car. Finding the person on acid is like the hardest game of "Where's Waldo?" physically possible. Have fun with that, buddy!

They generally turn a blind eye to drug use anyway (I assume that's what you're talking about), since Burning Man has a pretty good relationship with the local police, but the Feds bring in undercovers, so those are what you want to keep an eye out for. There aren't many, but if someone comes up to you awkwardly asking for drugs, do what you would do in that situation anyway. It's really not a big deal. My first year I didn't even SEE any cops for the entirety of the event, and I have heard some reports of the police being incredibly tolerant when things get a little crazy.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 5:46 pm

We always make a point of chatting up the BLM rangers on patrol. They like schwag as much as any burner, and they usually have cool gifts to hand out. The toy badges crack me up, we've been gifted lip balm with the BLM logo, and patches, and even a blinky BLM vehicle pin! Every one I've spoken with on the playa is having a good time. Most of them don't want to bust people, the paperwork sucks. But they will if you stick it in their faces.

Just don't walk down the street with a fattie. That's just dumb.

Post by **Elderberry** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:37 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

JK

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:59 pm

And if you do get popped, don't act like an ass. There are threads here that discuss what to do and get into hidious shouting matches about rights and all, you might want to read those.
Also, the tribal police on the way in and out are very strict about the speed limit, a mile over is speeding. There are stories of people getting popped for substances as well. (Not just tribal there.) Don't be stupid. If you really need to take risks over substances, be really super-"straight" on other things.

djnormanj · Post by **djnormanj** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:17 pm

Hello Josh, welcome to eplaya!

It somewhat concerns me that you are worried about the cops, because in my experience I have noticed that those who are worried about getting in trouble are mostly looking out for their own self interests more than others, and seem to have more of a spectator attitude than a participant attitude. But I don't know you or your intentions so if your question is genuine here is my responce...

Personally I have never even seen any cops working on the playa. I do know of some who are burners, but they're there to have a good time themselves and aren't in their jurisdiction or out to bust people. They probably won't do drugs (can't speak for all) but they can drink and party just the same! In fact, I believe that even the cops who aren't burners and are on duty, look forward to rolling through the event, 'cause they get a huge kick out of it and some pretty amusing stories to tell their buddies. A general rule is to be curtious and respectful and you will be treated the same in return.

Basically, if you're not extremely irrisponsible in the obviously public areas or involved in some sort of threatening incident, then you should be fine.

Playa Tom · Post by **Playa Tom** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:54 pm

Most of the cops I've seen on the playa have been pretty laid back. One of my first years there I watched a BLM cop shake down a burner behind a pottie, I was wondering why he was performing the search until I heard him say, "The door on the porta-pottie is on the other side."
I talked to the sheriff's department watch commander at the end of the event, he said the only arrests he was aware of had been by the BLM for warrants.

Be careful where you use drugs, don't light up a joint beside a cop on a quad. Don't drive your car after you get there, if you drive an art car be very sober. Do not try to set the Man on fire. It you do not totally have your head up your ass you will have no problems.

Post by **Sham** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 1:54 am

I have seen police sitting on their quads just blending in to the scenery and taking in the sights. They are on the lookout for illegal drug use, vehicles being operated with open liquor and antisocial activity that may be detrimental to the event.

Last year (2008) I was approached more that I have before, but for the most part, the police are friendly and are as amazed by this event as the participants are.

I'm not advocating drugs, but if you should take anything illegal, be smart about it. (an oxymoron if I ever heard one!) Do what you do in the privacy and security of your own camp and for crying out loud, don't carry drugs with you. NO open liquor bottles or beer cans while operating a vehicle. Drinking and driving is not smart with so many people walking and on bikes.

In short, keep a low profile, come to enjoy yourself and don't let your activities box you into trouble.

wineomcbastard · Post by **wineomcbastard** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 2:28 pm

Hey Norm,
I appreciate your response and no worries on my intentions. The reason I ask is: I have been working a Reggae for quite a few years and the influx of police the last two years has added a bit of tention that was never there before. I just wanted to know what I would have to look forward to!
Thanks again,
Josh
[quote="djnormanj"]Hello Josh, welcome to eplaya!

It somewhat concerns me that you are worried about the cops, because in my experience I have noticed that those who are worried about getting in trouble are mostly looking out for their own self interests more than others, and seem to have more of a spectator attitude than a participant attitude. But I don't know you or your intentions so if your question is genuine here is my responce...

Personally I have never even seen any cops working on the playa. I do know of some who are burners, but they're there to have a good time themselves and aren't in their jurisdiction or out to bust people. They probably won't do drugs (can't speak for all) but they can drink and party just the same! In fact, I believe that even the cops who aren't burners and are on duty, look forward to rolling through the event, 'cause they get a huge kick out of it and some pretty amusing stories to tell their buddies. A general rule is to be curtious and respectful and you will be treated the same in return.

Basically, if you're not extremely irrisponsible in the obviously public areas or involved in some sort of threatening incident, then you should be fine.[/quote]

Igneouss · Post by **Igneouss** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:37 pm

context: I've read a lot about this but I am a virgin...

As far as I can tell the cops are interested in dealers and any drugs/alcohol involving minors. And even though this is a 'gifiting' economy, it's still dealing as far as the cops are concerned.

Beyond that it's common sense. If they see you doing it they might bust you or simply stop you and warn you. If they see you AND OTHER PEOPLE SEE THEM SEE YOU, then you get busted. This is the dynamic at many places, most famously at fantasy fest.

Stupid things that get people in trouble every year:

Smoking pot = odor. Odor = cause. Entire camp site gets searched...

Car load of joyous people arrive. Pass through entrance. Pop open a beer as they head to camp site. Stopped and driver gets busted for open container.

Car/truck/RV loads of burners are way obvious to all local/state/tribal police in all directions from Burning Man. They all believe that burners are easy pickin's. DO NOT start partying until you are in camp and the vehicle is parked. DO NOT provide a reason for them to pull you over. Make sure vehicle as all functional safety components. Wear seat belts. Do not speed. Do not drive irratically.... you get the point.

BE prepared! Know your rights. Read up. There's lots of good advice on the web. Never hassle the cops. Smart people know this. Cops assume that anyone who hassles them is guilty of something. Hassling a cop is asking to get busted. A little respect goes a long way.

Known stuff:
Under cover cops asking for drugs.
Night vision equipment.
Odor = cause.
Gifting = dealing.
The Burner/cop ratio way exceeds any normal town of 50000 people.

A large percentage of busts I have read about can be generally grouped as 'stupid tax' busts. People doing things that were stupidly obvious.

Preachy:
The drug stories from Burning Man are like the drug stories from my youth in the 1960/1970s - exaggerated. Many will say, and I believe, that drugs are simply not necessary at Burning Man.
I've worked in the desert. Doing drugs/alcohol in a harsh, dry climate seems like a recipe for a very sick next day. Imagine puking in your bed at home. Now imagine it's your 100+ degree tent and sleeping bag and there is no running water...you might wish you got busted rather than deal with being sick like that.

Said another way, plan carefully. What might seem super cool at the rave at 2am might be insanely bad in the playa oven the next day. Who's got you back? Are you staying hydrated while the acid or mushrooms are running around in your brain?

The best thing:
Looking weired will not get you negative attention from the cops

Cheers. Be smart.

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:47 pm

And if I may add, never do two stupid things at once. Bob gave me that advice after I did two really stupid things at once. For instance, if you're going to set off illegal fireworks, don't be on or holding drugs. Or if you're going to do drugs, don't do it where you are noticable, like at the Thunderdome hanging from the third level. Or if you're going to drive an art car and drink, don't speed. The list is endless. Clearly doing one stupid thing is bad enough, but if you do two at the same time your chances of being caught go up geometrically.

Igneouss · Post by **Igneouss** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:56 pm

...exponentially?
...asymptotically?

Post by **Elderberry** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 10:14 pm

Dr. Pyro wrote:And if I may add, never do two stupid things at once. Bob gave me that advice after I did two really stupid things at once. For instance, if you're going to set off illegal fireworks, don't be on or holding drugs. Or if you're going to do drugs, don't do it where you are noticable, like at the Thunderdome hanging from the third level. Or if you're going to drive an art car and drink, don't speed. The list is endless. Clearly doing one stupid thing is bad enough, but if you do two at the same time your chances of being caught go up geometrically.

That is very good advice.

JK

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 2:38 pm

Dr. Pyro wrote:And if I may add, never do two stupid things at once. Bob gave me that advice after I did two really stupid things at once. For instance, if you're going to set off illegal fireworks, don't be on or holding drugs. Or if you're going to do drugs, don't do it where you are noticable, like at the Thunderdome hanging from the third level. Or if you're going to drive an art car and drink, don't speed. The list is endless. Clearly doing one stupid thing is bad enough, but if you do two at the same time your chances of being caught go up geometrically.

Wait, wait. Why didn't anyone tell me Doc Pyro is Paul Addis's sock?

PavementBlues · Post by **PavementBlues** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 1:54 am

Drugs plus hanging off of the Thunderdome? Doc, you have just given birth to my next Bad Idea for 2009 (assuming that we will be graced once again by the Thunderdome's presence...this question was settled in another thread, but I forgot the outcome). Thank you!

As a side note...you're from Newcastle? Do you camp with Burntown (or whatever the name is going to be for this year)?

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:12 am

stay out of sight. control the smell if possible. be discreet, as you would in any other situation in defaultia (california/oregon notwithstanding)...it is against the law in nevada (hopefully for not too much longer) and if the BLM or the other LEO's see you, it is their job to arrest you, plain and simple. I honestly think they would prefer not to have to do their job, as far as this is concerned, but if you do it in plain sight, you run the risk of being arrested.

be smart...dont ruin your burn because you are in a hurry, or someone says it's "OK" or any other reason....go to your tent, close the door, and at night, remember that the shadows show up on an internally lit tent on the outside, so you are doing a shadow puppet dance for all to see.

DO NOT HAND ANYONE DRUGS ON THE OPEN PLAYA! this can be perceived as dealing, and punished as such if they feel like it.

i know this sounds counter-intuitive, but use your head...be safe, not terribly terribly sorry as you look at a hefty fine, or worse, jail time.

Post by **Elderberry** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 9:42 am

Simon of the Playa wrote:stay out of sight. control the smell if possible. be discreet, as you would in any other situation in defaultia (california/oregon notwithstanding)...it is against the law in nevada (hopefully for not too much longer) and if the BLM or the other LEO's see you, it is their job to arrest you, plain and simple. I honestly think they would prefer not to have to do their job, as far as this is concerned, but if you do it in plain sight, you run the risk of being arrested.

be smart...dont ruin your burn because you are in a hurry, or someone says it's "OK" or any other reason....go to your tent, close the door, and at night, remember that the shadows show up on an internally lit tent on the outside, so you are doing a shadow puppet dance for all to see.

DO NOT HAND ANYONE DRUGS ON THE OPEN PLAYA! this can be perceived as dealing, and punished as such if they feel like it.

i know this sounds counter-intuitive, but use your head...be safe, not terribly terribly sorry as you look at a hefty fine, or worse, jail time.

And so is this.

JK

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:49 pm

Yo, PavementBlues, I know the people from Burntown; have even been to Redbone's house before. But they do their own camp and I have always been with Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro which, I might humbly add, is waaaaay more popular than B'Town (the Burn in Burntown stands for Au-Burn as in Auburn, CA). In fact they stiffed a newbie two years ago named Nick and he came to us for help and is one of the best people, and members of our camp, that I know. Maybe we ought to annex them; in all fairness, it would do both parties a lot of good. Besides, we need the dues.

PavementBlues · Post by **PavementBlues** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:27 pm

Dr. Pyro wrote:Yo, PavementBlues, I know the people from Burntown; have even been to Redbone's house before. But they do their own camp and I have always been with Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro which, I might humbly add, is waaaaay more popular than B'Town

I always admired the Barbie Death Camp, but never realized that it was from the Auburn area! I'll have to stop by this year to say hello - I'm from Ophir myself and was a student of Redbone at one point (I assume that's his playa name...I always just call him Red).

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:36 pm

Dr. Pyro wrote:Yo, PavementBlues, I know the people from Burntown; have even been to Redbone's house before. But they do their own camp and I have always been with Barbie Death Camp & Wine Bistro which, I might humbly add, is waaaaay more popular than B'Town .

Then how come I've never heard of it ???

PavementBlues · Post by **PavementBlues** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:17 pm

If you've never heard of Barbie Death Camp then you got some learnin's t' do, boy.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:34 pm

Lernin's fer city folk.

Concerned Virgin

Concerned Virgin

Thanks Norm