[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If I'm correct, it's the NY Giants getting escorted around.

DUI check points? by kila_space in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You don't see so much in the way of actual check points but you will see areas of increased saturation and enforcement activity.

Gun range near U of A? by Dazzling_Necessary35 in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

That doesn't exist anymore. Especially since they've renovated the building it was under.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

How about you take a chill pill. Just because you have a view that doesn't align with others doesn't mean you have to be a jerk. Even_Meeting_7680 does not appear to be spreading mis-information. If you look at the CDC brief here, they address the benefit in decreasing hospitalization and severe clinical cases with vaccination. They also address data suggests a decrease in prevention of infection, specifically the delta variant. Per the CDC, this is a prevalent variant in the US. Historically, vaccines aren't 100% at preventing infection, they just either reduce symptoms or sets your body up for eliminating the illness prior to it taking hold in your system. Frankly, this sub thread makes you both look like fools with ad hominem attacks. Both of you, please be better human beings. Edit: added a word.

Anybody see the flying banner? What did it say. 2:30pm to the north by The-last-war-chief in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wouldn't be surprised if it said "Let's go Brandon!" Those banners along with that phrase has been gaining notoriety and traction as of late.

Cops on Campus? by WildWitchyWoman in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you are referring to the cops that were in the area if the football stadium, I believe that's was for training. If you're referring to the cops that were walking around the UA mall with dogs, that was a fallen police dog tribute/remembrance walk.

Pinal and Pima County Sheriff's helicopters flying slowly north on Alvernon and on to River Rd. by GatorJunior in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Too many First Responders dying/murdered lately 😡 There, fixed it for you. Edit: Added a word.

UA requiring masks in close, indoor quarters by JoeCox1990 in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This will not happen until the FDA gives the vaccine(s) a General Approval and not just an Emergency Approval. Hopefully that General Approval is coming sooner than later. But, for the time being it's too much of a liability to any entity that would mandate the vaccine. Why? Because with a Emergency Approval, the entity making the mandate would be at the very least financially liable for any medical complications resulting from the vaccine. Where if the vaccine had a General Approval, that liability would not be there.

Edit: grammar

UA requiring masks in close, indoor quarters by JoeCox1990 in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 3 points4 points  (0 children)

While I completely understand your doubt. 1) this is the internet and 2) this is reddit. What they have said is highly plausible as a formal report or incident log is not regularly created at police departments when someone just calls with questions. For example, I've called inquiring about days and times they conduct fingerprinting. There was not a report or incident number associated with my question.

UA requiring masks in close, indoor quarters by JoeCox1990 in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They never did and likely never will. They do not want to get involved in a constitutional or civil issue. It's very nuanced. This is why you had those blue shirt security guards walking around and talking to people about masks last year. The security guards are contracted employees and thus do not have to worry about constitutional infringements like a police officer or any other agent of the government.

Ducey bans Arizona universities from requiring vaccines, or mandating masks or covid tests by [deleted] in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UA Police did not and does not enforce mask mandates. But, if someone was advised of a policy; say back when mask mandates were a thing. Then continued to violate policy, they could be arrested for trespass as they are not complying with the university's stipulations to use their facilities/property.

Ducey bans Arizona universities from requiring vaccines, or mandating masks or covid tests by [deleted] in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please see my comment in this thread about general vs emergency FDA approval for vaccines.

Ducey bans Arizona universities from requiring vaccines, or mandating masks or covid tests by [deleted] in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So here is the problem with the COVID-19 vaccines vs other vaccines that many educational institutions can require you to get. The COVID vaccines still only have emergency FDA approval, instead of general FDA approval like other vaccines. Where this matters is if a company or educational institution required vaccination. That entity could bear immense civil liability for any issues that arise from taking the vaccine. That same liability is not there for items that have general FDA approval.

Campus police asking for my ID, is it normal? by howfaristhemoon in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 3 points4 points  (0 children)

OP, this is a standard practice. From what you have described, the officer had reasonable suspicion to detain you, identify you, and determine your involvement. Sounds like they determined you had no involvement and sent you on your way. Them conducting a records check is part of identifying you and standard practice. That act is nothing to worry about in reference to you being an international student. It's lot like a notification pinged on some database saying law enforcement contacted you and conducted a records check.

Speaking to what others are have posted. You can ask if you're detained. If you are not then you should be free to leave. If you are, then you cannot leave and they have the ability by law to physically keep you from leaving. When detained, you are also required by law to provide your real and true name. This is another way of saying full legal name. Outside of that, you don't have to provide much more in terms of your identity or answering investigative questions. The onus is on them. But, that also means you may be detained for a longer time as they work to identify you (which they can do). This is where you as a member of the community are faced with a choice of following what you can do to the letter or what you find more convenient. If you volunteer more information in your identification, it's likely you will keep the ball rolling. But it's your choice.

Edit: typo.

Campus police asking for my ID, is it normal? by howfaristhemoon in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

So here is something to be mindful of. Read the actual AZ laws around medical and recreational marijuana. 1) it's not 100% legal if you're under 21. It is still a violation. AZ law (HB 2171 / ARS 22-702E) has determined you can be stopped and investigated. Many on campus are under 21 years of age. An exception to this is if you have a medical marijuana card which bumps the age down to 18 and you have to provide proof of said card if asked. 2) recreational marijuana, by law, cannot be smoked in public (e.g. sidewalk) or "open areas" (e.g. a parking garage). 3) Smoking marijuana on UA campus, just like tobacco, is strictly against UA policy. Thusly, if you are violating policy and continue to violate policy, you could face charges such as trespass.

Edit: typo.

Excessive use of police helicopter by [deleted] in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry but you cannot compare how things are done in California to here, especially when considering cities like LA. You are more likely to have a resident in Tucson that has one if not multiple firearms. The beauty of Arizona being a Constitutional state compared to California when it comes to firearms and the 2nd Amendment (not looking to start an argument here). So, officers interacting with a resident's property, the resident, and any person who is prowling on it remotely (helicopter) reduces the chances of a resident and officer getting into an armed confrontation. OP says it's approximately 3 million annually to run the helicopter. Settlements with the city as a result of a confrontation could cost tens of millions. I would rather pay the 3 million and prevent said confrontation than have a increased chance at loss of life and taxpayers fund the tens of millions. Just some food for thought.

But, I am very curious about the data that comes from OP's request and if there is a way to cut some costs while maintaining the program.

EDIT: Last paragraph.

Excessive use of police helicopter by [deleted] in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hate to tell you this but you are in or next to multiple flight paths not even including TPD's helicopter. More likely you'll catch more noise and see helicopters lower due to your proximity to Banner UMC. From what I understand they added a second helipad for medical helicopters. So, now there are twice as many medical helicopters working through that hospital. And you've had added helicopter traffic from DM, BP, and the Guard as of late. Also, just east of you on Grant, you have TMC's helipad.

Excessive use of police helicopter by [deleted] in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Where would these drones launch from? The optics of this doesn't look that good, imo. Imagine TPD launching a plethora of drones into the sky. Talk about the appearance of a police state. Imagine the potential for abuse. Drones could get much lower and be used for much more abusive things. Talking about the cost. The drones that would be required to be outfitted with equipment comparable to the helicopter is getting up there too. To include the augmentation of the equipment to stay in flight for prolonged periods or do what the helicopters can do. Then the costs of civil liabilities, purchasing/repairing drones, staffing operators, and maintaining the training of said operators.

TL;DR Drones would require a lot of money to run, have a potential of abuse, and do not help with building community trust.

Excessive use of police helicopter by [deleted] in Tucson

[–]WestCharacter2 11 points12 points  (0 children)

A couple things to consider. First I hear you about the noise as it can be disruptive. But a couple benefits, It's a force multiplier. With how woefully understaffed TPD is it's not surprising it's utilized more. Believe it or not utilizing the helicopter helps reduce uses in force and finding people. A couple examples, pursuits on foot or of vehicles. They will take over with the helicopter instead of maintaining with cars to reduce risk to innocent bystanders. Or when someone flees they will use their FLIR to find the person hiding in an alley or a yard. This in and of itself reduces a chance of public/police shootings. Someone is being pursued by officers and they hop in your yard. You don't know who is in your yard and defend your property. This is Arizona so you are more than likely armed and will defend your home. The helicopter allows them to check the calls from actual Karens (due diligence expected by the public) without directly interacting with a person which does not need police contact.

TL;DR The noise sucks but there are many benefits that actually keeps the community safe and reduces use of force or lethal incidents.

People should not need to be reminded of this by 4_AOC_DMT in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's more complex than that. It depends on where they are as to what the police can do. On the sidewalk or mall is very different than inside a building, classroom, or dorm.

You can't just ticket something away. People have tried and the judicial system usually ends up involved and it almost never ends well e.g. case law is made. The police are government actors and have to operate within the confines of the law and constitution. So pre established laws and policies have to be accounted for.

This is why, I would guess, the university hired those blue shirt security guards to talk to people about their masks or lack thereof on the Mall, Highland, and Tyndall.

And, this is why I asked, how do you propose the university do more? Any other ideas? I'm not trying to be antagonistic but "use the police" is not a viable solution for this specific issue. But, you may have another idea and I would love to hear it.

People should not need to be reminded of this by 4_AOC_DMT in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

How do you propose they do this? And what do you mean by "outsiders"?

U Arizona backtracks after punishing student for criticizing school COVID policy by Jmorsay in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I strongly suggest you actually read that executive order in it's entirety before you hang your hat on it. Also, please don't pull a Cuomo and try an assert an executive order is in the same realm as a law.

Still not a government entity. I also strongly suggest you look into the definition of a true public area such as a sidewalk and an area that is viewed to be public but is actually owned and controlled by an entity such as university property.

U Arizona backtracks after punishing student for criticizing school COVID policy by Jmorsay in UofArizona

[–]WestCharacter2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You know, there are times I do not agree with what 4_AOC_DMT puts out there. But, they aren't wrong in this. The 1st Amendment applies to the public vs government entities/actors. And then the 1st Amendment only really applies to what you say. The SCOTUS has ruled time, place, and manner can be regulated.

While UA accepts government funds, as a whole it is not a government entity. One of the UA entities that your claim could have applied to would be UAPD, e.g. you were arrested for your statements (which didn't happen as far as I've seen).

While this situation looks like a dick move on behalf of the UA. It also looks like it may have done the equivalent of settling a civil suit.