A $5.00 accessory that gives amazing results in public perception of Metal Detecting

[Tony M]

Over the last two weeks I wanted to perform a little experiment.

First, a little background. When I first started detecting I was a little apprehensive about detecting in public parks. The first couple of times I went out were kind of rough. Reading the advise on this forum helped me immensely on how to deal with the public and now detecting parks is not a problem at all! One of the many reasons I love this forum!

Recently I decided to try detecting on the public right-of-ways in my city (which is perfectly legal). I'm talking about the strips of grass / weeds between the street and the sidewalk in front of homes. In the oldest parts of town there are long strips that have no sidewalk at all!

I've had some pretty good luck finding older silver coins in these areas, however when I've been detecting in front of someone's house I've got my share of "HEY! What are you doing in front of my house!?" I had to spend a lot of time explaining that I am on city/public property and not on their land. Not worth it, and I was about to give up and stick with my usual areas for detecting.

I was in Home Depot recently and spotted this: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053



Total cost of just a few bucks.

Not only does it provide more visibility for the morons driving 45mph in a 25mph zone, but over the last week I have had NOT ONE person question me or yell at me! As a matter of fact, I have had people greet me and just chit-chat.

That $5.00 safety vest gives the perception that you are meant to be there, or "official".

I cannot recommended it highly enough.

I thought perhaps it was just luck, or a fluke that I was not challenged, or told off. So I detected a couple of more times without that cheap safety vest. Guess what? Again came the "Hey! What are you doing!" comments, and other quotes I will not repeat here on a friendly forum.

I put the vest on the last two times, and again, I had absolutely no confrontations! As a matter of fact I have handed out a few business cards for my metal detecting service.

It is crazy the difference a $5.00 vest makes. I say give it a try, even if you are not detecting the public right-of-ways. I bet it would help even in a park setting.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

[MurdochBaines]

Great idea! Someone posted a similar idea on here recently. Might have been you. I don't remember. I've thought about it.....but I havn't been confronted yet

[Dustyloins]

I wear an orange one of those from my old police days anytime I'm in a park/tot lot/school yard. I also wear my old white hard hat from Alcoa. They DO deter 99% of the questions.......

Dusty

[007tallguy]

i think i'd prefer to wear camo instead! when you spot someone heading your way with obvious questions or concerns (or carrying a bat!), just stand next to a tree and you're safe 'till they go away!

[Dustyloins]

The object is to make yourself so obvious that no one would question you. Kinda like a criminal on the run hiding out in a police station............

Dusty

[dogpound]

yep, hiding in plain sight

[Dustyloins]

Kinda like Bin Laden........w/o the porn, though!!!!

Dusty

[007tallguy]

Originally Posted by Dustyloins

The object is to make yourself so obvious that no one would question you. Kinda like a criminal on the run hiding out in a police station............

Dusty

i'm just being funny, lol. but yes, i know all about that from geocaching.... just carry a clipboard, the vest and perhaps a hardhat and you'll most certainly be ignored, ha.
sometimes the words "Bomb Squad" on the vest might help, but sometimes that also gets you a distant audience.

[Curbdog]

There have been quite a few cases of people "impersonating gov't employees" around where I live. I believe that it can deter questioning but I'd be sketched in it attracting over-zealous law enforcement. Just a maybe, though.

[007tallguy]

Originally Posted by ThaCurbdog

There have been quite a few cases of people "impersonating gov't employees" around where I live. I believe that it can deter questioning but I'd be sketched in it attracting over-zealous law enforcement. Just a maybe, though.

good point! scratch the "bomb squad" and go with a plain vest with no writing.

[Dustyloins]

I have my old police badge and IDs, but it's considered "bad form" to use them......I agree, just as plain as you can get. The park maintenance guys dress the same and only hit the park by me between 0800 and 0900. After that, it's mine, all mine!!!!!!!

Dusty

[Chris J]

I am curious about the chit chat while wearing the vest. Do they ask what your looking for or anything? I have a vest I have used when working on water mains near roads and always have it in my vehicle. might be worth a try. The truth is it's not like your trying to impersonate anyone your just wanting to make sure your seen for safety.

Might be worth a shot.

Than ks for the tip.

[Squishy]

Maybe I will rent a tuxedo and see what happens.

[Chris J]

Originally Posted by Squishy

Maybe I will rent a tuxedo and see what happens.

I fortell the first thing happening is when you kneel down to make your first dig a ripping sound and then your exposed for what you really are.



Hehe..couldn't resist myself.

Would be funny as heck seeing an MD'er out there dressed tot he nines. hehe

Let us know how ti works out for ya.

[Tombstone17]

I wear the same thing, and like I said in another thread,I tell them, I am looking for leaks. They leave me alone...

[Silversmith45]

I have always felt that if people think any kind of work is involved,they want nothing to do with it. I have a hard hat but not a vest. You might be safer too. Anyone robbing or assaulting a company worker would draw special attention from the police.

[Tony M]

You folks are cracking me up! Tuxedo?? LOL I would love to see that!!

It is not like I am constantly bombarded with the "GET OFF MY LAND!" comments when not wearing the vest. They are few and far between. A very small percentage. But one or two can ruin your day.

Whether or not I'm wearing the vest, I get the question "Whatcha lookin for?" My line is that I am looking for a lost ring. Not lying at all! People are cool with that and continue on. If they push for more info on I just give them a business card I printed up at home for finding lost jewelry. Maybe I can help them out or an acquaintance in the future.

My observation is that when I am wearing that vest it pretty much removes the confrontation aspect. Maybe it's just me? People just act nicer and less threatened.

I never represent falsely that I am a city official or with any kind of law enforcement or government employee.

[CTCurt]

Great idea Tony, I'm gonna buy one....Curt

[geo.]

I like this idea. I'll give it a try. Geo.

[Chad]

You can also throw some of these in your back pocket, and one or two in the ground to make it look even more official . . . available at home depot for very cheap.