[Scan-DC] Wronged Side of the Tracks?

[Grabill]

Jim, et al:

  I understand where everyone is coming from on this...perhaps more than
most.   I am a long time scanner "nut", and also a serving police officer.
Not only that, but my department serves a huge rail yard/MARC lot; in
Brunswick, Maryland.   I don't think the railfans will have as much trouble
from the locals as they "might" from non locals or feds.  We local coppers
are used to seeing them around.  That having been said, tho, I have to admit
that I have been stepping up my "Field Interviews" of railfans, esp. at
night.  I have yet to find one who wasn't courteous, friendly, and
understanding, esp. when I explained why I was stopping/questioning them.

   I personally think that we (the police, anyway) will get more help from
the railfans (after all, they know the area around the railroad in some
cases better than we do) than they will hurt us.  Same goes for the "scanner
buff" folks.  I have never had a problem with those who listen, and over the
years, have been helped far more than "hurt" by listeners.  And, lets face
facts; the bad guy element, for the most part, doesn't have the patience,
time, or dedication to really understand what is going on over the airwaves
well enough to act on the information.  At least, for the most part.

  Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth....

Jason Grabill
PO1, Brunswick (Frederick County) Police Department Md
"4908"
39.020, Frederick County Disp Main.