Private Security

[trilobyte]

Despite the recent grousing by people in Pershing county who may be bummed at only raking in a small fortune to cover all their costs (including personnel), they and other northern Nevada regions appear to be quite capable of covering both the event and their communities. If anything, those communities may actually be safer for the event happening. The income they receive from Burning Man helps them pay their staff and buy equipment they use year-round. The additional BLM officers (who would not otherwise be patrolling towns and villages in NV) help to provide additional coverage for the event.

[some seeing eye]

ePlaya: posting an imaginary problem as provocation
Mr Simon: posting a real solution as provocation

[International Incident]

I had assumed Cornman was just being an arse and trying to get a rise. But everybody is taking this quite seriously. So I am going to as well. (Well as seriously as I am capable of taking things seriously).

My questions (and I preface this by saying that my incredulous response to this shows that I still don't "get" America)
1. What is wrong with people - who steals from other people?
2. What is wrong with people who run a camp and can't organise to keep their stuff and participants and guests safe?
3. Why on earth would anyone even want to think about hiring security - are you people made of money.

[Savannah]

I had assumed Cornman was just being an arse and trying to get a rise.

Well, he very well might have been. But--as you know--it's a time-honored ePlaya tradition to seize the ball and run with it anyway. If the question is sincere, it gets answered (to some degree). If it's not, we transcend the trolling and have a great discussion.

[theCryptofishist]

* You don't have thieves in Australia? . . . The same thing wrong with such people here is the same thing wrong with them there.

(Pssst! Savannah! In Australia they're called "Founding Fathers".)

[Savannah]

* You don't have thieves in Australia? . . . The same thing wrong with such people here is the same thing wrong with them there.

(Pssst! Savannah! In Australia they're called "Founding Fathers".)

I was going to make that joke, and then I felt bad.

You saw it right before I thought better of it!

[theCryptofishist]

* You don't have thieves in Australia? . . . The same thing wrong with such people here is the same thing wrong with them there.

(Pssst! Savannah! In Australia they're called "Founding Fathers".)

I was going to make that joke, and then I felt bad.

You saw it right before I thought better of it!

I'm a bottom feeder.

That's not what I meant!

[International Incident]

* You don't have thieves in Australia? . . . The same thing wrong with such people here is the same thing wrong with them there.

(Pssst! Savannah! In Australia they're called "Founding Fathers".)

I was going to make that joke, and then I felt bad.

You saw it right before I thought better of it!

Ha ha, yes we have stupid thieves - but I still don't "get" that people (any people) would attend an event (and pay for it) and then steal or wreck stuff. maybe i don't understand people

[CornMan]

When we were teenagers. we raided every campsite at a state park and took something from nearly every camp. We ended up sneaking the stuff back to the rightful owners, but it was a thrill.

[Savannah]

Ha ha, yes we have stupid thieves - but I still don't "get" that people (any people) would attend an event (and pay for it) and then steal or wreck stuff. maybe i don't understand people

No, I agree. It's plain old weird to come all that way, spend a lot of money, and participate in a event of this nature and steal things. It's ridiculous.

But I really think premeditated theft is the rarer kind--a few people working really hard to be assholes.

The average theft is done by intoxicated folks who have a lapse in judgment and inhibition (or who can't recognize their own stuff). Particularly bicycle theft. It's still shitty behavior and deserves to be punished.

And then there are genuinely lost things. Some things that are just lost or drunkenly misplaced appear to have been stolen. A good faith effort to reunite item + person is good, but I've seen Playa Info issue reminders: just because you find it doesn't mean it's yours.

So it means they've encountered that casual attitude a lot.

[lucky420]

Ah Ha! Tis karma that set you on this quest for security

[GreyCoyote]

If they brought back the guns, we wouldnt need private security.

Oh. Wait. Was that out loud?

[Eric]

If they brought back the guns, we wouldnt need private security.

Oh. Wait. Was that out loud?

60,000 inebriated people with guns. Great plan, very well thought out.

[phil]

Somebody stole our bacon one year.

[media]

[Savannah]

Somebody stole our bacon one year.

I feel guilty, but that may win the award for most amusing theft.

Was that Ranger Genius, at the end?

[GreyCoyote]

If they brought back the guns, we wouldnt need private security.

Oh. Wait. Was that out loud?

60,000 inebriated people with guns. Great plan, very well thought out.

60,000 and one! Or two, or three, if you count my multiple personalities

Sorta puts a new spin on "safety third". (the gunners will get that joke)

[phil]

60,000 inebriated people with guns. Great plan, very well thought out.

As if _that_ never happened.

[phil]

Was that Ranger Genius, at the end?

Yes.

[Simon of the Playa]

if your going to wack it, do it in private, securely.

[knowmad]

in 2010 I was dancing over at one of the large sound camps, rocking a corset and furs and I notice this really good looking gal looks kinda burnery kinda Sparkelpony, and kinda familiar. I dint think anything at first after all we all look like rockstars, then I noticed the two guys nearby, ear pieces and not the best of dancers. Then some friend came by and we left. not sure who she was but those guys were defiantly her body guards.

[unjonharley]

Pick it and put it way before you run and play.

Keep your shit put up after using it. Out sight out of mind..

Safety chain your gennie and fuel.. Leave the trailer hitched and locked..

no one wants you shit, if they have to make an extra effort..

Oh! your bike will get lost if you don't lock it.. They do not know there way home..

[gyre]

They call it executive or personal protection, but any security can be part of the crowd until it matters.
I have seen some well known people out there with security, mostly without though.
No one gives a fuck who they are.

There are people that go out there for their own reasons to steal.
I don't know if they are there for enjoyment too or not.
They do come out and roam the outskirts in particular and go through tents and rvs.
They have been caught at it enough.
Some people think it is fairly nearby local people.
Burn night is the big time, but not the only one.

Security?
I was looking at honda eus today.
$900, $2000, and $3,000 and easy to move or sell.
I can't afford one, but if I did, I'd be wrapping it in german chain.
So it's not the stupidest idea, depending on the camp and who will be where, when.
Some of the infrastructure is big and costly, and may already have a subtle security.

Can't see it happening generally though.
If it's done right though, none of us will ever know it anyway.

[PlayaPatrol]

For example, LA Decom uses private security as they sell cash tickets at the gate but the LA regional burn, BEquinox, does not use security other than our intrepid Black Rock Rangers.

If you hire a company they need to be both competent and not hostile like club bouncers. I observed the security company used at la decom, High Rock security. I didn't like their attitude or performance.

[trilobyte]

It's probably also worth noting that any private security hired in would be considered an outside service provider of sorts. While not driving big rigs to deliver goods, they are being contracted for services that are rendered on the playa. That would make them liable for certain BLM permits and fees - if you choose to go that route, make sure any firm you contract with has their ducks in a row.

[unjonharley]

I drew Shore Patrol duty once.. While waiting for our assignments.. They wanted to put the largest guy with this very small guy.. The small one said "no way"..
His reason was, If a fight broke out he would be the first to get hit.. Who's going to jump on the big?? guess he had been there before.

[JayBobBoy]

Simon's OK, It's that Dobbisano guy you need to look out for!

[gyre]

I've been asked to do protection for some rap artists, including performances.


So, think this is this a bad idea, or a very bad idea?

[unjonharley]

I've been asked to do protection for some rap artists, including performances.


So, think this is this a bad idea, or a very bad idea?

If it's to protect the public from the rappers..................

[ygmir]

i think one thing the larger "club like" sound camps, especially ones with 'Nooks & crannies" or "chill spaces" have to be particularly aware of is the "creepy gropey guys."....You know the Ones.

many times , the tiny dancers end up passing out in some benign cuddle puddle only to wake up with someone feeling them up or down.

this shit is not acceptable and we would patrol to check for "safe words"

but seriously, watch out for those who are either dehydrated, under the influence, tired, or all three.

they are easy prey.

pretend they are your little sister, or your first girlfriend, or your cousin, or your mom as a young woman, someone who needs your help because they are unable at that moment to help themselves.

do not walk away because its "none of your business"....it is.

just ask, "are you with him?" "is this ok"..."Just checking...have a nice night, or..."Alright Buddy, id like to talk to you...NOW."

this is also "security", and in my opinion, should be a priority.....

we should Always Look out for each other, ANYWHERE you go, but in the dark of night, in a party atmosphere, is the time to most keep your eyes open.

also, the "vibe" sort of changes on thursday night-sunday crowd versus the early pass-wed feel...and this is based on demographics and the influx of weekend burners.

it is all about consent...and those in charge of large camps should probably have a discussion as to what to do in certain situations that may arise with all of the camp members so they are all on the same page.

just my thoughts on the matter, it's one of the many things to consider when planning, what is the "procedure" and protocols for dealing with these potentialities.

***serious face off***

a very good post, should be in the "first timers guide".
I'd add to it, if I may:

also, people, if you are in a situation and feeling uncomfortable.......or worse yet, being molested is a way that's "not ok".......scream, yell, kick and spit.....one of us will hear, and come to your aid.

a big part of the discussion here, and this is a very worthwhile discussion is "watching out for eachother".....often it's obvious when someone is up to "no good".....a simple "hey, do you camp here, I'm looking for Tom", can let a thief know they've been spotted.
or
"are you looking for Sue? that's her stuff, hold on , I'll go get her for you".

non confrontational, but shines a light.

[FIGJAM]

"Evil hateth the light!"