And this is a great post coming from a cop no less !
In-so-far as there's no specific prohibition , then sure. But so-long as we don't swat hornet's nests with the verbiage that *could* apply (like by being rude or "in-your-face" defiant, or whatever). I mean, let's face it, our hobby has ... uh .... connotations
There was one particular park we liked to hit, where we began to draw the ire of a single park worker (a high brass suit and tie guy that worked in an office that overlooked this particular park). We began to figure out what his shift was. The solution was simple: you could hunt that park on the days and hours he wasn't working. Presto, problem solved. No need to "seek clarifications" or "fight it", etc...
The thing is, we're all human. There are cops out there that have the best work ethic in the world, and there're some that are just downright criminal. It's harder in small towns where officers can act and do things without much scrutiny. A lot of the comments here are similar, just leave, it's not worth the fight. I've never thought that way. If I'm right, I'm right, now leave me alone. I would simply ask if there are any laws concerning detecting and if they say no, keep swinging. Life and laws aren't always black and white, but to me this is. Can you, or can you not detect? It's also hard for cops because we don't come across detectorists all that often. So when one gets a complaint, there's uncertainty in what to do. That's why it's imperative to know the laws yourself. And if you have a bad experience, tell someone. Go to the PD and ask to speak to the supervisor. Don't go in demanding the cop's job, just explain it as simply as possible. You never know, it may help. Or you may end up in a cell with Jimbo, I don't know.
