Hey everyone, I've been curious about this question for awhile now and figure after recently finding this forum I'd ask.
For many years now back to before I was an EMT I did photography as a hobby. While some of my normal subjects were landscapes and cars at car shows, my third, inherently more risky subject was photography of abandoned buildings and structures. I've always had a fascination with abandoned buildings and enjoyed exploring them and seeing what kind of interesting pictures I could take to get an idea of what the structure was like before it shut down. I've taken some great pictures along the way and have seen some amazing things. This hobby which has increased in popularity has become known as Urban Exploration. And before it is said, I'm well aware of the physical dangers and every situation that could arise in these derelict structures. I take precautions whenever possible. I also never go while intoxicated. And never break into or otherwise damage the structures. Only stated this because I know many news stories of taggers, copper thieves, arsonists, kids breaking in to get high, hanging from cranes with one hand, etc and want to separate myself from being classified like these people. But I digress.
I live in Pennsylvania and have hold an EMT-B cert for 3 years (no national registry as I got my certification before it was integrated). I run for a 911 only company on an ALS truck with a paramedic partner. And it's honestly one of the best stations I've worked for. Needless to say, when I'm out exploring and taking pictures it constantly crosses my mind that a police car is going to roll up and see we aren't supposed to be there. I haven't been exploring that much for that exact reason. Typically from what I've heard, being caught in an abandoned building with nothing more than photography equipment and yourself typically results in either a warning to leave, or a citation for trespassing. This can get bumped up if caught with spray paint, B&E equipment, drugs, stolen goods, etc. but for the most part simply looking around is a ticket at most.
Let me say I have not received any citations, this is simply a hypothetical out of curiosity question. But if I would ever be exploring, get caught, and get cited for trespassing, what is the likely hood I would be terminated from my position and have my certification revoked. I know more serious crimes such as assault, DUI, child molestation, and drugs cause certs to be revoked, but have any of you ever heard about trespassing causing revocation?
I know most, if any, of you are not lawyers but from what I've seen everyone together here has a large amount of experience to give so I want to know if any stories or cases of this were ever heard since if it is a significant risk I may have to hang up my exploring boots for good. Thanks everyone.
For many years now back to before I was an EMT I did photography as a hobby. While some of my normal subjects were landscapes and cars at car shows, my third, inherently more risky subject was photography of abandoned buildings and structures. I've always had a fascination with abandoned buildings and enjoyed exploring them and seeing what kind of interesting pictures I could take to get an idea of what the structure was like before it shut down. I've taken some great pictures along the way and have seen some amazing things. This hobby which has increased in popularity has become known as Urban Exploration. And before it is said, I'm well aware of the physical dangers and every situation that could arise in these derelict structures. I take precautions whenever possible. I also never go while intoxicated. And never break into or otherwise damage the structures. Only stated this because I know many news stories of taggers, copper thieves, arsonists, kids breaking in to get high, hanging from cranes with one hand, etc and want to separate myself from being classified like these people. But I digress.
I live in Pennsylvania and have hold an EMT-B cert for 3 years (no national registry as I got my certification before it was integrated). I run for a 911 only company on an ALS truck with a paramedic partner. And it's honestly one of the best stations I've worked for. Needless to say, when I'm out exploring and taking pictures it constantly crosses my mind that a police car is going to roll up and see we aren't supposed to be there. I haven't been exploring that much for that exact reason. Typically from what I've heard, being caught in an abandoned building with nothing more than photography equipment and yourself typically results in either a warning to leave, or a citation for trespassing. This can get bumped up if caught with spray paint, B&E equipment, drugs, stolen goods, etc. but for the most part simply looking around is a ticket at most.
Let me say I have not received any citations, this is simply a hypothetical out of curiosity question. But if I would ever be exploring, get caught, and get cited for trespassing, what is the likely hood I would be terminated from my position and have my certification revoked. I know more serious crimes such as assault, DUI, child molestation, and drugs cause certs to be revoked, but have any of you ever heard about trespassing causing revocation?
I know most, if any, of you are not lawyers but from what I've seen everyone together here has a large amount of experience to give so I want to know if any stories or cases of this were ever heard since if it is a significant risk I may have to hang up my exploring boots for good. Thanks everyone.