Pocatello is about 50 miles from Idaho Falls, so I used the drive time to scheme and decide which shots I want to get. And where. Idaho State University has a campus there, so that was going to be one of the main spots.
I also planned on going to a fairly populous area, to get reaction shots of people as I scowl and sneer at them.
Driving into town, we passed the police station. I HAD to pull over. This was the perfect spot to start! Talk about a 'thumb your nose to authority' spot...
...but that was the mistake.
My photographer and I start taking pictures, laughing the entire time. After a minute or two, there is a tap on my shoulder.
It's a cop.
"Excuse me son, what are you doing?"
I stammer... "We're taking pictures of the police department..."
"Well why are you making all those funny faces? I don't get it."
I explain to him the law, and how I was here taking pictures as kind of a mockery to the law. I end by saying "I'm sure that's an old law, and probably off the books by now. So, heh, no harm no foul, right?"
"Heh, sure. I don't see the big deal. But hold on a second, ok? I'm going to be right back. Stay right there."
He takes a few steps away, and starts talking into his walkie talkie.
2 minutes later, he's back, with a stern look on his face. "Apparently it's still a valid law. And I'm afraid I need to write you a ticket for this violation."
It's a $50 fine. I argue and try to wiggle out of the ticket, but he's serious. FINALLY, he relents a little bit. "Ok, ok... I won't give you this ticket, on one condition."
So I met his condition.
I deleted all the pictures of my trip as he watched. All offending pictures were removed from my camera's memory card, and then he sent me on may way. He initially wanted to confiscate my camera altogether, but I was able to talk him down to just destroying the evidence.
So, yeah. 2 1/2 hours, and all to show from the trip is some sweaty palms, a lower gas gauge on my car, and this lone picture of Poky.
 |
| ...have a nice day. |
HAhahaha this story is unreal. I can't believe the 5-0 would give you such a hard time, I mean the least they could do was have a sense of humor about the whole thing. I guess this means you won't try any of the runner-ups from the weird laws post?
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to try again with this one, or do some lawbreaking photos from time to time. If I do, I'm gonna be much more discreet, and not do it in front of a police station.
ReplyDeleteStill. Fun times.
chicks dig outlaws, just saying. also I would have taken the ticket and shown up in court in my underwear. which is just one of the reasons I am consistently shocked to be elected to public office. Photoshop his dumb butt in to the pics.
ReplyDeleteI would have taken the fine. And then gone on national television with it because that is FUCKING RIDICULOUS!
ReplyDeletemust have been a slow day in Pocatello ;_;
ReplyDeletei guess that memory card that automatically backs up photos online would have came in handy
Wow, seems like more hassle then necessary. And a $50 fine at that? They must be hurting for money like everyone else. I suggest avoiding the police station next time and just head to some other populated area. They aren't police because they have a sense of humor.
ReplyDeletethat´s abuse of power, that was completely unnecessary
ReplyDeleteYou know. If the entire nature was leaking nuclear material and Idaho was the only safe haven. I'd say fuck it.
ReplyDeleteChoirchick is onto something there. Just imagine the exposure!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe it's still a valid law-that is straight up ridiculous! At least you have a good story.
ReplyDeleteHaha dude, I can't believe he took it that seriously. Especially wanting to take the camera for that. Good thing you got out of the fine and camera confiscation though.
ReplyDeleteA no baskets of fruit on your head sign. Thats something I have never seen before. lol.
ReplyDeleteThat is crazy. Sorry for the wasted time, but at least that is something you will remember for years!
ReplyDeleteoh wow some laws are insane
ReplyDeleteawww, i'm sorry. AND THAT LAW IS STUPID. those pictures would have been awesome. ):
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Easter
ReplyDeleteLOL. Funny story, indeed. But don't be too upset about the loss of your pictures. Did you know that even though you "deleted" the pictures from your camera, you can still recover those pictures? You could download a photo recovery program to get back those deleted photos. There are free programs out there. Just do a google search. I've done it before and it works! It's like magic! :)
ReplyDeleteI would have taken the $50 ticket if it meant I could keep my pictures. Hell- I would have sent you $50 out of my concert fund to cover that ticket. LOL!
ReplyDeleteDang po-po!
ReplyDeletethat is redonkulous.
ReplyDeleteNice site, nice and easy on the eyes and great content too.
ReplyDeleteWhat the fuck? Are they that bored that they would ACTUALLY give you a ticket for that shit?
ReplyDeleteGlad you got out of it. So lame!
hed
They were obviously bored, but it still takes balls to do anything in front of a police station that may draw their attention. LOL!
ReplyDeleteHahahaha awesome
ReplyDelete