Promote police involvement but K.I.S.S.

[ForFun]

These clubs would probably be a good place for police to learn about lockpicking. At least their involvement would help to keep out trash but use the K.I.S.S. principle in organizing clubs.
I may be mistaken but for the most part I think criminals are to lazy and stupid to get involved in lockpicking. No doubt some are buying the bump keys but lockpicking, I think that would be to much learning for them. At least I hope so.
Dennis

[Eyes_Only]

That is a great idea. A regular police presence at any locksport meet would help build a better image for us. I wouldn't mind sharing lockpicking techniques with the local police officers. I read in LSS that locksmiths tend to be pretty stingy with sharing their knowledge.

[digital_blue]

I have, on occasion, discussed lock picking (and locksport) with members of my local police department. I've never had any negative responses, but I've yet to have any of them express interest in learning themselves.

None the less, their presence would, of course, be welcome.

Best conversation to date, though: One of my current customers works in investigations including break-ins. I discussed at some length the bumping technique and he had no prior knowledge of the technique. This was less than 6 months ago, and it wasn't even on his radar. Though he did admit that it was vary rare to see a burglary where there was no obvious sign of forced entry.

db

[Tygart]

That is a good idea, but in some states they are pretty strict on having lock picks.

I would wonder if it would gives the police a reason to stop us. Not all cops are good guys.

[raimundo]

The police and criminals are in agreement on one thing, they like fast distructive and absolutely certain entries, if theres a chance of getting slowed down or skunked, they wont even try it. they like to break the door down just to mark their territory.

[DaveAG]

Exactly

I saw some cops on one of those TV shows where the camera follows them around for a shift (UK this was)

It was a drugs bust, and they battered down the uPVC door in around 30 seconds. Apparantley they were very disappointed not to be in in under 2s. Their battering ram bounced on the plastic, requiring many blows. It didn't reveal whether this delay compromised the operation, but they only found a small amount of cannabis, when their intel suggested it was a major dealer.

What they implied is they must minimise the time from being noticed to gaining entry. If they would be able to sit in front of the door and pick it without being seen or heard they may use that as a technique, but they *must* get in before any evidence gets flushed away. As it currently stands this programme implied that a hefty battering ram wielded by a hefty officer is the best tool they have.

I know that in the states they are supposed to "Knock and Announce". In the UK if the judge grants the warrant, you can expect the first you know of it to be a battering ram through your door at 5am, followed by the cries of "POLICE! STAY WHERE YOU ARE"

[Legion303]

I know that in the states they are supposed to "Knock and Announce".

Not really, which is what leads to citizens being shot by cops when they serve a "no knock" warrant on the wrong house, go in unannounced, and get a frightened and innocent homeowner pulling a gun. Or holding a can of pop. Or sleeping.

-steve

[sehrgut]

Yeah, I don't think I'd welcome police presence at a locksport meeting. They'd be too quick to find fault/reason to shut it down.

[BigDaddyD]

I have to agree about the attitude of cops towards us (lockpickers). My next door neighbor is a county sheriff deputy. He managed to lock himself out one afternoon. His roommate came over and asked if I could help. Well, certainly, I'm not about to make them call a lockie ($50 USD callout fees) when I could help. The first words out of the deputy while walking over to their house was "Now we know who to look at if something is missing." Possibly in jest, but I'm not sure.

Needless to say, I was "unable" to pick the Kwikset lock for them. Never again will I get involved with the police and lockpicking in the same breath. Much better to appear to be inept than appear in a booking photo.

BDD