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Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
I am trying to pursue having a uniformed police officer cuff me during an upcoming escape.
What departmental policies might this hit up against, or experiences others have faced in getting this approved? Thanks in advance!
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
It's always best to clear things with them ahead of time. It's all in fun, and you know what you're doing, hopefully. They might also have some ideas that help it become better.
Some folks would rather just do a thing, and then apologize. The downside of this is that it will probably find a way to come back and bite you in the nether regions.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
dave_matkin Inner circle 4522 Posts |
I found it no trouble getting local police involvement for WEAR 2005. They provided a PC and a van with a cell in for the venue, as well!
All good - just needed to spend 20 minutes on the phone and clarify what I needed. They were KEEN to help. Another time I had the benefit of an off-duty police officer at a club, and EVERYONE knew he was a PC, so that was as good as a uniformed one. |
Wolflock Inner circle South Africa 2257 Posts |
Good advice, Harley. Give them enough advanced notification and you should have no problem. Maybe even offer a free demonstration on what to look for on criminals to help them avoid having a dangerous person escape on them.
Regards, Wolflock
Wolflock
Pro Magician & Escapologist Member of JMC (Johannesburg Magic Circle) South Africa |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Has anyone ever been turned down by the police, and if so, what were the reasons/policies given?
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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Harley Newman Inner circle 5117 Posts |
I've had to deal with police and fire marshals on a regular basis for a looong time.
Yes, I've been turned down occasionally. Their perception of the world is not ours. They deal with problems all the time, and the underlying assumption of their job is...it's a problem, or I wouldn't have to deal with it. So if you approach them in a way of "oh, let's have some fun," it gives them a breath of fresh air. It's not a guarantee that they'll play along. They all interpret the rules as they best see fit. And they're the ones with the power. And often, the folks who're attracted to those professions like to throw their power around. If they say no, be prepared with another showpiece. It doesn't matter why they say no, just that they did. But remember the reason for the next time, and plan accordingly. As for what to do, you always need a plan B. Always.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus” -Mark Twain
www.bladewalker.com |
Wolflock Inner circle South Africa 2257 Posts |
I have not been turned down, thank heavens, but have had conditions, e.g. whenever I do a handcuff escape, it has to be a hidden type escape due to others (not always the good type of people) learning how I get out of cuffs. I have fully agreed to the terms and have therefore not had any problems.
Regards, Wolflock
Wolflock
Pro Magician & Escapologist Member of JMC (Johannesburg Magic Circle) South Africa |
Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
My system was to have the nightclub manager arrange to borrow the local sheriff's handcuffs to test me at the show. That way, neither the sheriff nor any deputy had to be diverted from duty.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
Keep the feedback comin'! This will help us all.
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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The Donster Inner circle 4817 Posts |
Why borrow the cuffs? Why not just use your own set and say that they are borrowed? I'm not sure if sheriffs are keen on borrowing out their handcuffs.
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
If someone (a local reporter) decides to research who you claim to have borrowed them from, and they're yours, you could wind up with egg on your face (having your cuffs brought up "spontaneously" by a stooge is another matter; that's fairly safe).
As to borrowing sheriff's/police chief's cuffs: local merchants (such as nightclub owners and fair planners) often have good relations with local law enforcement, so it's easier to let them "do the dirty work" to set up the "challenge." This is not theory, I've used this technique.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
reynold Elite user Puerto Rico 490 Posts |
I had always been turned down. Puerto Rico's law doesn't allow real police involvement because if they handcuff you, they would be restraining an innocent civilian from his liberty.
The solution: There are private companies that provide night guards to some establishments, also bodyguards and private detectives. Their uniform is similar than real cops, but for the layman they look real and tough. I have used them with great success for my escapes. Hope this helps, Reynold |
Cliffg37 Inner circle Long Beach, CA 2491 Posts |
Actually, Reynold, I watched that done at the Cannon's Convention last year. During the show, a performer asked to borrow the hotel security guard's cuffs. He got them, and then escaped from them. Those of us in the front row could tell that he had given her the cuffs to hold prior to the show, but the audience ate it up. That works like a charm.
Magic is like Science,
Both are fun if you do it right! |
Tod Todson Inner circle USA 1296 Posts |
In using official police officers, has it been important to reveal the escape methods in order to give them the peace of mind needed for approval? Thanks.
Mystifier, Youth Speaker
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
Quote:
...has it been important to reveal the escape methods in order to give them the peace of mind needed for approval? No. Some already know the most common methods for escaping from standard cuffs. In an actual arrest situation, the suspect has little chance to use these methods.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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