Any memorable brushes with the law while on the job?

[ToshibaTech]

Mine wasn't speeding while driving or anything of that nature....But about 2 weeks after 9-11 I was at defense mapping agency working on there copiers and needed to go grab some parts from my truck to repair the device. While I was gathering the needed parts the weather started getting bad...lighting, wind and a little bit of rain so I started running towards the building to not get so wet from the rain. This was a BIG mistake at the time on my part as there were two large military officers holding semi automatic weapons both yelling at me to get on the ground and to drop the boxes I was carrying.

Luckily I heard them yelling and the supervisor of the department I was working in was at the door waiting for me to escort me back to the copier saw what was going on. This is the first and last time I have ever had a gun pulled on me and it wasn't a lot of fun!!!!

I always say if you want to get in --anywhere-- just carry a tool bag and tell them you are there to fix the copier.

[Mr Spock]

Not exactly law enforcement but.....

I was working at a Xerox service agency, went to the airport to fix a copier at the air side. Drove to the gate and was let in and told where to park. At the security gate was the guard that I usually see and a new recruit, and I mean right out of training school. The guard starts looking in the tool bag, laptop bag, parts boxes and so on. Then he starts asking about the dynamite and detonators, while winking at me. I stated that I switched to plastic explosives and was going to use the start button on the copier as the detonator. You should have seen the new guys face.. Then me and the guard started laughing as he waved me through...

[nmfaxman]

Here's another one.
I went to the courthouse one day to pay a speeding fine when I noticed a secretary having a problem with her typewriter.
I told her I would fix it for her if she would rush my payment through.
I paid the fine, but the ticket never showed on my record.

[gwaddle]

I always say if you want to get in --anywhere-- just carry a tool bag and tell them you are there to fix the copier.

That's true. I can walk right into the local Juvenile detention center here, however we have a grocery distribution center here, and I have to be escorted to the copier there.

[mrwho]

That's true. I can walk right into the local Juvenile detention center here, however we have a grocery distribution center here, and I have to be escorted to the copier there.

When I used to service the local prison's machines, they would ask me to open my toolcase and show them the contents before proceeding. Of course I had nothing there that could be used as a weapon - except for the large assortment of screwdrivers, pliers, and stuff like that.

[Lawrence]

When I used to service the local prison's machines, they would ask me to open my toolcase and show them the contents before proceeding. Of course I had nothing there that could be used as a weapon - except for the large assortment of screwdrivers, pliers, and stuff like that.

Last time i had to go into the local prison here to fix a fax i had to sign in at the desk and she said i could go, just as i was about to walk away i remembered about the 7 inch pocket knife i carry (max allowable size here), i pulled that out and set it on the counter. She gave me a dirty look and asked for my cell phones as well.

[prntrfxr]

Just after reading the entire post I noticed it was prntrfxr - Up until then I was picturing a grown up man crying to a police oficer

If it were me crying I'd probably not only get the biggest ticket the cop could justify, but also get pulled out of the car and beaten with a billy club...

LOL...I tried to make it real clear at the end that I'm a female, just so you guys didn't freak out and it still happened.

I don't think all the security stuff really comes under law enforcement, but of course failure to cooperate can get you in trouble with law enforcement. One of my fellow techs got thrown out of a Cable News Network we had a contract with for arguing with security. It seems the IT contact in the building went to lunch right after she authorized him to work on the printer. He was going to take it in shop for repair and security wouldn't let him out of the building unless she authorized it. Our tech began hollering at security that he was on site every single day there and they should know him by now. My boss was called and told that he would never be allowed in the building again.

I had to repair a machine in a nuclear power plant. Automatic rifles, dogs, x-ray machines, & metal detectors, then they lock you in a room with a phone and the machine (not connected to pc nor is it in the room the printer is normally in). You don't get out (not even to go to the bathroom) until you call security and you have to wait forever for them to come let you out. They don't like new people and they do call your boss to verify you work there before you are allowed in. This was the security before 911. Who knows what it's like now.

[mrwho]

This was the security before 911. Who knows what it's like now.

Cavity search, anyone?

[DWise]

Cavity search, anyone?

They may want to use the new TSA x-ray machines...

[jonhiker]

OUr local prisons require a too list and everything, including parts, to be inventoried going in and coming out. I have learned to fix many problems with 4 tools, a bottle of glass cleaner, and a few rags that I carry in a canvas shopping bag. What is nice is I get to leave the cell phones in the car and get to work without interruptions!