Re: Arrowheads Revisited
Posted by Shagnasty on July 26, 2003 at 18:03:24:
In Reply to: Re: Arrowheads posted by OMG on July 26, 2003 at 11:52:46:
Plumb interesting at the range of remarks.
I made my initial post in response to the remark of felony prosecution for taking arrowheads from federal lands.
I did that for several reasons, among them that great pains were made to instruct other law enforcement rangers and I that we should employ the "win-win" philosophy in dealing with the public. That stance makes for better understanding and greater compliance in the long run. I've used it since I entered the closed society of law enforcement officers 33 years ago, and I wouldn't think of using anything else.
As for prosecution, a crime isn't a crime until the federal prosecutor or grand jury says its a crime. You can initiate proceedings with a citation, but it still has to pass muster of at least a U.S. Magistrate - and he might not smile at you for wasting his time or harassing the tax-paying public. Then there is the wrath of a congressman...
I made my verbal blunders in the early 70's and don't care to repeat them. Hence, my pragmatic - I hope! - approach.
In the meantime, have yourself a great day!