Sawyer Point

[Glock513]

Hi. In Cincinnati, OH at some big events, I've seen officers at Sawyer Point, which is a public park, searching bags, etc. Not worried about that, figure they're looking for potential IEDs,etc. Cool. But, they were also using metal detectors wands, I think to prohibit the entry of guns, even though some people are licensed to carry. So, if they are prohibiting law abiding Ohioans with CCW permits from entering, this would be a violation?

[Brian D.]

Joe, we have questions along those lines come up before the Labor Day weekend fireworks held there each year. For some such events like this there are claims made that the park has been "leased" to one private entity or another. Nobody ever seems to be able to find such paperwork, at least with any verbiage banning firearms, via public records requests though.

Forum member BB62 has organized open carry events duringthe last couple Labor Day shindigs and in short the PD has not tried to stop them. You may wish to send him a PM on the topic in general, and also look up some of the previous discussions under his user name.

[MyWifeSaidYes]

Hi. In Cincinnati, OH at some big events, I've seen officers at Sawyer Point, which is a public park, searching bags, etc. Not worried about that, figure they're looking for potential IEDs,etc. Cool. But, they were also using metal detectors wands, I think to prohibit the entry of guns, even though some people are licensed to carry. So, if they are prohibiting law abiding Ohioans with CCW permits from entering, this would be a violation?

First off, I think you should be concerned that they are searching bags, but that's a different discussion.

IF the park has been leased to a private group or company, that entity can impose their own restrictions.

IF the city is putting on the event, they cannot restrict open carry or licensed concealed carry.

IF the city IS putting on the event, they had better show you a warrant or have a good reason for searching you.

[sd790]

IF the city IS putting on the event, they had better show you a warrant or have a good reason for searching you.

What would be examples of "a good reason" to search people without a warrant?

[JEaton]

The last 2 events I have went to at Sawyer point, they were searching and wanding, but only people who walked up to them and 'volunteered'. I just walked in around the persons 'volunteering' to be searched. Don't know if they have went to requiring everyone be searched or not, but I was amazed at the number of people who would just walk up to the officer and wait for them to search them.

JLE

[MyWifeSaidYes]

IF the city IS putting on the event, they had better show you a warrant or have a good reason for searching you.

What would be examples of "a good reason" to search people without a warrant?

Reasonable, Articulable Suspicion or Probable Cause.

An example? If you match a description of a suspect, they can detain you. If they can detain you, they can do a pat-down.

[WhyNot]

Would it not be correct, that if directed to be the next candidate wandee, you should inform the respective officer of your carry status before legal/illegal search with/without probable cause was conducted ?