We have a courthouse that handles most cases except for Court of Queen's Bench.
Somehow a few incidents of security happened a few years ago. People involved in court cases became unruly. One poor guy accidentally entered through the back door and security attacked him. He had a breathing tube which they knocked out and the poor guy just about died. Then a security system was set up. The security system has grown larger and larger. In the old days people just walked in and went where they were supposed to. I was called three times for jury selection. I was called at other times for custody disputes. I walked to the rooms I was assigned to.
So now you have to go through security to enter the Courthouse. A couple of years ago I went to the court house and didn't know there was security. I entered the wrong side of the door . They got a little excited.
This month I went to the court House. I knew there was security and I thought I was ready. I don't hear well and if it's noisy I have difficulty. So I had to put my coat in a basket and walk through the scanner while my jacket is being scanned. I got through and was looking for my coat. One of the security guys leans over and asks me to pull my pant legs up. I could have asked , "How high?" but that might have been big mistake. So here's this old grandpa kind of guy who at times isn't steady on his feet and he has to pull his pant legs up at the same time. It's funny I didn't fall over!
The pant legs up really got me going. Do they think some 77 year old guy is going to have a knife in his shoe or some other dangerous contra brand?
I was not amused. I expect security to be able to size people up better than that. As we go about our daily lives our antennae are always up watching for someone who may pose a risk. Why can't security who do this work everyday have a little better sense of who to thoroughly check?
Maybe you give off bad vibes and don't know it, Red - gangsta vibes or some such ... you're going to have to give up wearing those leather pants and eye patch ...LOL
ReplyDeleteWell, they're picking something up.
DeleteHere in England you should try visiting certain Premier League football grounds. Visiting fans are customarily treated like armed terrorists. The security people seem incapable of applying common sense and discriminating between supporters. I hate being frisked by strangers.
ReplyDeleteSad when people have to go through security for a sports event.
DeleteI hate those checks, I don't want to fly anymore therefore. I feel angry when people order me to this and that, to take off my shoes, my belt, touch me, it is humiliating.
ReplyDeleteI feel security is unpredictable. You don't know what might happen.
DeleteThat would be profiling...they have to suspect everyone. It is said that my remaining decade(s) on this earth are going to be filled with suspicion wherever I go.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that we have to be monitored so closely.
DeleteI agree with you Red!Nice post!
ReplyDeleteThat does seem pretty ridiculous. On the other hand, they probably have to be careful not to "profile" people for legal reasons -- so they randomly inspect people even if they seem very unlikely to be carrying anything.
ReplyDeleteWell, if it's random I am pretty lucky as I get picked.
DeleteOh, my. They don't know you!
ReplyDeleteBy the looks of security I wouldn't want to know them.
DeleteLike Tabor said, that would be profiling. Equal suspicion for everyone.
ReplyDeleteDidn't you have to go through a metal detector? That would have eliminated the need to pull up pants legs.
I did go through the metal detector!
DeleteI had to smile at the image of this old guy with his pant legs up high. Wish I'd been there with my 🎥. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, you there with your camera. You'd have picked up some confusion and then anger.
DeleteI've been checked, for example, in line ups going into Centre Block, but they're always very professional about it. Sometimes in other places, it depends on the guard. One can be professional, another can be an idiot. There's a guy here at the airport who's the latter.
ReplyDeleteSad that we have to be checked for so many things. The last time I was in the parliament buildings we just walked in the front door.
DeleteI had to laugh Red. I know what you mean. At the airport years ago. My hubby
ReplyDeletehad trouble. He was stopped as his correct name is Siep on his Birth Certificate and for his passport. The guy said what kind of name is this? Hubby said it is Dutch. And to be upset we were on he other side waiting my son and family to go on plane. The guy who was a snot rag. Pardon my French. Was a Muslim wearing black turbans and a heavy black beard. I noticed his name going through was Amber.Scary eyes looking at you .Even when you are walking. Give me a break. Yes and the shoes off ordeal. Belt off. What is next for men. Pants all the way down. Or like you say. Pant leg how high. I am surprised Red he never asked you to do the Highland Fling.
I wonder what would happen to these guys if they let somebody though and there was a problem. Maybe they have a reason to be tough.
DeleteIf they check baby diapers at airports I guess it isn't a stretch to think they'd want senior citizens to lift their pant legs.
ReplyDeleteNOW CHECKING BAbY DIAPERS MUST GIVE THEM A FEW SURPRISES!
DeleteEveryone is a suspect...even old men:) A small city at 100,000 people...gosh our little town has 3,700 people:)
ReplyDeleteWell, this old man for one is not used to being a suspect. There was a time I was full of mischief and should have been checked but not now!
DeleteHere they can't discriminate by checking only the people who might be guilty. My mom is 90 and it seems they always ask her to step aside for the extra wanding and pat down which surely is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI imagine they have the same procedure here .
DeleteHi Red, A curious situation indeed. It would seem that if you went through the scanner OK that would rule out having a knife or gun. Then, of course, how often is a 77 year old person involved in some kind of violence? Sounds to me like those guys at security need a little more training.
ReplyDeleteSome of the other commenters have suggestions as to what might have happened.
DeleteWe've all getting more and more paranoid!
ReplyDeleteActually, this made me smile :) Funny post.
Wow! I've never quite heard of anything like that but who knows these days.
ReplyDelete