Is it a bad idea to call police and ask where in the city is off limits to metal detecting?

[justinmich]

http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=12469

I do not see any local ordinances showing that metal detecting is not allowed. So if not prohibited by law, then you should be OK to hunt on public property. Make sure to cover yours holes so no one knows you were there.

 

[Grumpysrb]

All the towns around here have a code enforcment officer you can ask. If it is out of there jurisdiction they will tell you so. They may not have info on parks, you may have to call that department.

 

[Mntnclmbr]

I don't know Hellomike92

Looked at your posting stats. And you have started 26 threads on
"research and getting permission".

As long as you use common sense and don't leave a mess behind most public places are available.
Keep your trash to show anyone who questions your activity.
There are the obvious no nos. I.e. cemeteries, manicured lawns (even curb strips without permission)
I have had 3 conversations with police while detecting. All were pleasant and were primarily because I do a fair amount of night hunting.
I have only needed to get permission from a local official once thus far.
Stopped at the township hall near my dads and filled out a waiver saying the township was not responsible if I got hurt on Twsp property.
GL&GH

 

[beerdoodle]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh

k...................

 

[itsaring!]

Might want to make friends with a cop and get him into detecting.Used to know a cop who bottle dug.They'd get a group hunt on some properties in the roughest section of town.The cop could get info on properties scheduled for demo to be turned into habitat for humanity homes.Before the house was knocked down they'd all chip in on renting a back hoe.The cop would come in uniform on the dig.The neighbors would all stay inside because of the cop.After the dig they would split the bottles.Anybody else would get gunned down in that section of town if they tried digging in a yard.

 

[TangleFoot]

Lets just say I haven't gotten a clear answer from some of you people until now. And your the one that is trying to start an argument.

I agree....Almost every reply I read from this guy is a miserable reply.

 

[TangleFoot]

All this guy wants is advice. Who CARES how many threads he starts TRYING to figure out how to go about getting permission the best way possible?

As far as churches go for hunting...I CLEAN UP AT CHURCHES. Just ask the pastor or the council and they will say yes. I was only turned down by one church. The council had a very guilty look when telling me no.

 

[Milhaus]

There's no need to be paranoid, everyone is nervous at first because it's new. If you get confronted just be courteous. I have never been confronted by park personnel or police.
You are a tax paying citizen with every right to use public property. Use common sense about where and when you are searching and leave everything the way you found it. It will be fine.

 

[Armistead]

Often you won't find city codes about metal detecting, but a lot of rules about digging, damaging property, etc...It's easy to email your Park's Director, but each time I have, I've gotten a big NO.

The fact is people continue to hunt regardless of rules, most often they're left alone until someone calls. Then it's best to play dumb.

 

[michael1964]

as far as asking permission

i email the city parks dept. and ask if it is ok to metal detect in parks and beaches. they usually say ok. i print out the email and carry it with me.

 

[shaunem]

Why would you talk to the police and not the city parks staff? Do you have a guilty conscience? Police enforce laws and take punchy husbands to jail.. talk to parks staff.

I talked to parks staff in my city (and recorded the name I spoke to) and they said you can dig in any City park/area (this does include a LOT of public space). Just not to wreck the area, leave holes, or break sprinkler heads/lines.

It turns out if you do damage something, its a 150 dollar fine. That is trees/shrubs OR sprinkler systems. Usually only enforced for willful damage, but metal detecting is on that fine line.

How is that for clarity?

Shaun

 

[DirtyNeckJesse]

Some of the police and fire dept have their opld places as they grow bigger then move on and those places remain..they can be treasure troves too...as you say and opperating one wont let you on but they might not be as bad for their old place...and think of all the md'ers who were refused permission..it could hold a few years of finds with nobody looking

Ummm...excuse me? We have our own what places? (It's 4:30 a.m. and I am about to got fight the bad people in jail, so forgive me if I misunderstood.)

This is the craziest thread have seen to in the time I have been here. Man you have nothing to fear from the police. They don't give a rip where you MD unless there is an ordinance from the city against it. THAT is why everyone who has told you to check with the Parks and Rec people are right on target. I may have just readthis thing wrong. (I hope I did.) Maybe noone is paranoid of the police and/or FD. Sure started off sounding that way though.

 

[DirtyNeckJesse]

i email the city parks dept. And ask if it is ok to metal detect in parks and beaches. They usually say ok. I print out the email and carry it with me.

perfect idea!

 

[Gatchaman]

I struck up a conversation with an officer I see a lot at my local Starbucks, really nice guy. He gave me some ideas on nearby places to go I didn't even know about, and one that I previously thought was off-limits.

 

[gunsil]

Most cops don't know a dang thing about the law. Most of them will make up an answer so they don't look stupid. Better to check ordinances yourself which can usually be done online.

 

[Dut]

Ummm...excuse me? We have our own what places? (It's 4:30 a.m. and I am about to got fight the bad people in jail, so forgive me if I misunderstood.)

This is the craziest thread have seen to in the time I have been here. Man you have nothing to fear from the police. They don't give a rip where you MD unless there is an ordinance from the city against it. THAT is why everyone who has told you to check with the Parks and Rec people are right on target. I may have just readthis thing wrong. (I hope I did.) Maybe noone is paranoid of the police and/or FD. Sure started off sounding that way though.

He's talking about the old police departments. When they move on to the next department you can sometimes get access to the abandoned site.

Secondly, a healthy dose of fear of the police is good. Helps to keep the brutality down. You know what they call the biggest douchebag that graduated from the academy? Officer.

 

[Greek2Me]

Are you just trolling for arguements or what Mikie? You've been through all this over and over again already.

Some people really over think things. Its not rocket science. But I guess it is to some when they ask over and over and over and over..ok point made.

G2M

 

[RyanChappell]

It it a bad...

i email the city parks dept. And ask if it is ok to metal detect in parks and beaches. They usually say ok. I print out the email and carry it with me.

perfect idea!

Perfect way to give some bureaucrat a chance to say no.

A better idea would be to check the website for the parks and check the rules. Then search the laws in your state, city, and county.

I struck up a conversation with an officer I see a lot at my local Starbucks, really nice guy. He gave me some ideas on nearby places to go I didn't even know about, and one that I previously thought was off-limits.

Now that is what I am talking about. You can ask the police, just don't do it formally. Have a discussion with an officer you already know, or one you feel comfortable approaching.

Most cops don't know a dang thing about the law. Most of them will make up an answer so they don't look stupid. Better to check ordinances yourself which can usually be done online.

The enforcement of the laws is actually more of a concern than the actual laws. Google "silly laws" and you will see that following the letter of the law is not always as good an idea as paying attention to how the law is enforced.

 

[Picker Kelly]

Right now my city has nothing posted in the city ordinances regarding metal detecting in the city limits. I view that as an OK to do it. There are however many places that are listed as off limits such as historical homes- now converted into tourism $$$. There are also some overlapping state and county parks in which the county or state has deemed them off limits. Make sure you know which is which in your area.

I have another question--- does anyone know who has legal jurisdiction over property listed as owned by the United States of America on tax records? Its the property that runs along side the Missouri River outside of Kansas City.

Thanks and happy hunting.

 

[Gimmie The Loot]

city office workers will almost 100% give you a no. Go to your location and ask a local patrol cop - they usually don't care. Be sure to keep all of your trash in case they stop back to check on you and you can show them you are doing good for the park.

Cheers.