Experience in BC, Canada with law enforcement

[Xishou]

I've noticed a few members are also from BC. I know the info posted in the law thread, but was hoping for more personal experiences.

I'm not a locksmith and would like to avoid any trouble. I'm ordering a set from lockpickshop.com and I'm hoping there won't be any problems.

Hope this is the right place to ask, and not too much of a noob thing to ask. Thanks.

[assweasel]

Actually the law in Canada and that includes all provinces... Is not that clear.

The wording is Pre- Charter and goes "anyone who has in their possession without lawful excuse........."

And thats the clincher without lawful excuse.

Prior to the Charter becoming Law the onus was on an accused to prove the lawfulness of the possession. (called reverse onus)

Now with the charter the Onus of proof never falls on the shoulders of an accused. The Onus is on the Crown to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your possession was unlawful.

In both logic and law proving a negative is next to impossible and therefore at a trial you will win.


That being said if you get caught in BC with picks you are going to be arrested charged and have to go to a trial. Just because they cant win doesn't mean they won't stop trying.

[Chucklz]

In general, I woudln't recommend carrying picks on your person if you don't have something saying you are a locksmith/reposessor/LEO etc.

Oh, and in general, I wouldn't mention picking to a locksmith until you've known him/her for a while. Reactions can be strong, and opinions deeply held.

[raimundo]

Being a lock hobbiest is legitimate, and if you also have a lock to pick your just being a free man. Of course, the police do not see it that way, they sort out all free men looking for ways to reduce thier freedom.
Police are trained to read you your rights and immediatly assume that you should waive them or your guilty of being 'suspicious'. Government is to people what the farmer is to the cows, fencing them, milking them, indoctrinating them, slaughtering them.

[Eyes_Only]

I think if you join LSI or starting your own chapter in your area would make things more legitimate.

[Xishou]

Thanks for all the replies. Once I get started (get my picks etc) I'll see if a chapter can get going on the island.