Concealed Weapons at CP

For those who were unaware, it will soon be legal in the state of Ohio to carry a concealed firearm, once you have received a permit to do so. There are some restrictions to where you can carry the weapon. For example, you cannot carry in a church, school, public building, and other similar areas. As I understand it, there is also a provision allowing businesses and other venues to prohibit the carrying of weapons on their premises, enforceable under this law. I wonder what affect this will have on Cedar Point? Obviously, there is no real need to carry a weapon in the park, as it is actually one of the very safest places you can be. If I am not mistaken, weapons are already prohibited at the park. However, there is always the random idiot who believes the rules are for everyone else, and not for them. Do you think this will finally result in metal detectors at the gate, or other measures? Do you think there will be large signs, or warnings posted?

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Tank
Magnum: 12

I can expect something to be written in the park map and guide, however, I do not see them putting metal detectors at the main gates yet. In the future, possibly, but as for this coming season, def. not.

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2004 - ATL Mantis
2003 - Mantis
2002 - Mantis
2001 - S.C. Foods Supervisor

I have been to few parks that do have metal detectors, and it really puts a damper on the day, from the fact that I go to a park "to be on vacation". When I see a detector, it reminds me of the reality that there are individuals who are sick enough to do something stupid. But the only way to decrease the probability of something happening is to have the detectors. It is an unfortunate dilemma that there is no correct answer for.

I wonder to what degree would CP be held accountable if something did happen and they did not have metal detectors present, when PKI and Kennywood have them?

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Beer and golf Thursday thru Monday, Cedar Point & beer, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The value of metal detectors at amusement parks is far overrated in my opinion. They serve little use other than to have some psychological impact that security is good.

As far as the new law, it really doesn't matter. If someone wants to hide a gun for no good, he would do it even if it is against the law. All the new law does is permit people who follow the law to carry a concealed weapon. I'm not worried about those people.

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I'd rather be in my boat with a drink on the rocks,
than in the drink with a boat on the rocks.
*** This post was edited by Pete 2/26/2004 10:40:23 AM ***

Well said Pete...

People who are going to get the permits, or already have federal CCW's ;) , are not going to be the people causing the "issues" everyone seems to think it will.

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82

Agreed. LEGAL concealed weapons aren't really a problem (although I personally can't understand why one would want to carry one -- if I'm ever in a position where I "need" to use it, pulling it will escalate the situation. For example a robber is interested in grabbing my cash and running, I pull a gun and suddenly it's a whole different ballgame)

Anyway, people who want to cause trouble with concealed weapons are going to be carrying them whether or not they have a permit to do so. This law really doesn't change much IMHO...

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--Greg
My Home
MF count: 69 TTD: 9

I would probably have to agree with Browntggrr's opinion on the metal detectors. Thinking about it, one of the things I don't like about SFWoA is having to walk through the metal detectors. It isn't that I have anything to hide, but rather the way they ruin the atmosphere.

I like the way Cedar Point does it, with visible security at all the major gates, including commissioned officers. (I can never tell who is commissioned and who isn't, since they all are part of CPPD.)

I don't think the new law will be a big problem in terms of the park. I supported a concealed carry law anyway.

-Sam

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Avalanche Run - My first Roller Coaster.
Magnum XL-200 - The BEST Roller Coaster!

New Profile Photo, now with Magnum Robert!

Look for a sidearm Sam... Easiest way to tell.

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82

...speaking of weapons. :)

Open carry has been legal for years, especially among law enforcement. Including commissioned officers of the CPP.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

Open carry is legal is municipalities that do not have laws restricting it. Most cities have laws banning weapons in a public place which would have nullified the open carry. (Prior to Concealed Carry law passage)

As a police officer, I wouldn't even think about carrying my firearm to Cedar Point. The place is certainly safe, they have their own police officers, and heaven forbid you ride Raptor and have your gun fly out. Be smart about where you would carry. I imagine the novelty of carrying a firearm will certainly bring out some stupid decisions in a few people.

Carrying a firearm is a very big responsibility. When we discharge our firearm, there is a big investigation. If you actually shoot someone, it gets bigger. As officers, we get scrutinized by the department, the prosecutors office, the grand jury, media, and public with a fine toothed comb, and that's for officers who are well trained every year. The decision you make in a split second will be second guessed for years to come. I hope those that do carry understand what they are doing and the responsibility that goes with it.

A lot of people are excited about concealed carry, but I don't think there is a necessity to carry it at Cedar Point. I would hope they would ban the carrying of any weapons at Cedar Point.

You wouldn't want to violate the new Concealed Carry Law by carrying in places both mandated and posted as non carry areas. The penalties are more severe and certainly not worth it.

And on another concealed carry note. I would suspect that there will potentially be a lot more car break-ins where there is a place that has prohibited firearms. Those areas would be good hunting grounds for criminals to obtain firearms easily. A lot easier than buying one off of the street. Keep those guns locked up. Keeping a gun in a car unattended usually isn't a great idea as we hear about stolen weapons from all areas of law enforcement's vehicles.

I'm certainly not anti-concealed carry, but I am cautiously optimistic for it. As in all things, I hope it works out the best for everyone.
*** This post was edited by Digital Daredevil 2/27/2004 10:16:15 PM ***

Very well said...

.. and you people think that the police are th eonly ones who get investigated when firearms are discharged..

Try coming back from the missle field in the military and your ammo count isn't correct... hehehe

Being audited by the IRS would have to be a more enjoyable experience along with that probing that the aliens did to , ummm, errr, that guy on TV..

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82
*** This post was edited by Red Garter Rob 2/27/2004 9:54:17 AM ***

I think concealed carry will be a good thing, because of the fact that the criminals will always carry their guns anyway...

Just now we can fight back

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2004: Snake River Falls (First Year)

Fight back how? By the time someone's pulled a gun on you, are you really going to have time to go for your gun? You move, you're shot.

IMHO, of course, but really, I don't see how it helps you...

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--Greg
My Home
MF count: 69 TTD: 9

.. and that Sean, is exactly the attitude that the anti-gun people are worried about.

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June 11th, 2001 - Gemini 100
VertiGo Rides - 82

I don't want to insult anyone here who is into guns by any means. I personally think it is a liability to have one in many circumstances, and with certain people. But it also could be a saviour in others. I would hope that the concealed carry law would cause the criminals to second guess whether they should commit a crime or not. I do not want to see average Joe playing sheriff and getting into a shootout. Not a good idea. I know too many officers who have difficulty dealing with the stress of the situation, let alone someone who is not of the mentality to deal with it.

Always remember that you are responsible for where your rounds end up. If you kill an innocent person, you are really going to have a heck of a lot of legal problems. Even if you justifiably shoot someone, expect at least civil legal proceedings against you.

We as officers, are performing our duty and are covered by our respective departments for liability and lawsuits. The average citizen should consider some form of liability insurance and have a good lawyer on retainer if needed. You could easily find yourself being looked at as the criminal. Also you can guarentee that a criminal will have no problem finding a lawyer that will sue you for your house, car, everything you have. You have something to lose, criminals generally only lose their freedom, which to a career criminal isn't always viewed as being bad.

I imagine as we law abiding citizens evolve, that so will the criminals. They always seem to find a new way to do what they do.

What does worry me are the gun owners that think it will be cool to carry a gun. Cool it is not. A gun is a tool to be used in very rare circumstances. Not a toy, not to get someone off of your property, not to stop someone from stealing your car, but to protect yourself or others from serious physical harm or death.

When I first received my duty firearm 12 years ago, I thought it was neat that I could carry a gun, but as my career has evolved, and my wisdom/common sense improved, I certainly realize that a gun is not a toy, not something to show to your friends, and definitely something you need to give serious responsibility to.

I don't want to deflate the pluses of concealed carry and make anyone paranoid about carrying, but I do want to have a more informed gun carrier on the streets. There is a lot more to it than people think.

I imagine that one day, as this country's population becomes more paranoid and fearful, metal detectors probably will be placed at the gates. America is falling into a hole, a hole of fear. People are thinking "Does that guy want to hurt me?" or even "Everybody is out to get me." Because of the upcoming gun law, people might start to carry a weapon everywhere, again, because of their fearing mentality. When a person is paranoid and carrying a weapon, then they are more likely to do something stupid, like pulling out that weapon on a person who was doing something as innocent as pulling a camera out of their jacket. I'm as sure as heckfire that Cedar Point dos not want to have to deal with the liability of finding someone with a weapon in the park after it's too late. That's why they will eventually probably install metal detectors at the gates. Granted, having detectors does reduce the "vacation" feeling, but it might also make people feel safer knowing that the nutcases who would bring a weapon to the park will be swiftly caught.

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"Somebody help me, I'm being spontaneous!"

"Hole of fear" -- good description.

Did anyone else see Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine"? While slanted (which shouldn't surprise anyone), Moore puts forth a VERY interesting suggestion that the big difference between America and countries like Germany or England (both of which certainly have violent pasts and plenty of sex, drugs, and violence to go around, but comparatively lower murder rates) is that in America we live in a climate of fear. Our media goes digging for the fear factor. "Why you put your life at risk every time you eat out! Details at 6! Do you put your life at risk every time you cook at home? Exclusive report at 11! Are your children safe at school? Our undercover reporters show you tomorrow on the 6am news!"

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--Greg
My Home
MF count: 69 TTD: 9

I sure hope metal detectors aren't installed. It's one of those small things that make the park what it is. They also increase the wait time to get into the park by at least five minutes.

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AKA Cobraroller on Cbuzz

The media is awful. They certainly slant things their way also. How many times have you heard a tag line and then to find out that the story that sounded so exciting and interesting was a lame story, somewhat relevant to the exciting lead-in?

It is also awful that a news outlet that should be impartial has a politial agenda.

The media is there to sell commercials. Now they do report the news, but it is their goal to reel you in with stories that sound like something we would want to hear. It's nothing but bad news and dirt, and people love that. That is why the human relations stories are at the end of the news in a short blurb.

We do live in fear. Fear is a way to control people. The media loves the fact that they have your attention.

Rarely do we encounter unbiased, informative, and productive news.

I wouldn't want to see metal detectors at the Point, but if they need them, then it's for our best interest.
*** This post was edited by Digital Daredevil 2/29/2004 2:58:03 AM ***

I'm with you there on the media issue. I agree 100% with what was said in the Bowling for Columbine documentary for those of you who have seen it. The media knows that people love all these "horrible" stories, and the more viewers they lure in, the more more advertising revenue they receive. Sorry to stray way off the CP topic, but this issue is something I feel strongly about.

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-Chris Woodard
Friday, September 18th, 2003 at 10:10 PM. It finally happened. Rollback on Dragster in the front seat of the gold train!