If a police officer approaches you while you are paddling in Boonton follow these procedures:
- Be polite and respectful. The officer was most likely ordered to tell you to leave. It's not his or her idea.
- Stop and follow his or her directions. When a police officer tells you to do something you have some obligation to do what they say to avoid arrest.
- Ask for the officer's information. (Full Name) Write it down.
- Ask why you are being asked to stop paddling and/or leave. If you can, write down everything the officer says (bring a notebook, notepad, or scrap of paper and a pen with you when you paddle in Boonton).
- Ask specifically what law or ordinance prohibits you from paddling in the Rockaway River through Boonton.
- If you are threatened with a fine, or told that you are in
danger of being fined for paddling, ask what ordinance you would be
violating and what ordinance provides for the fine.
- The officer will probably not be willing or interested in discussing any of this with you. Thank him or her for their time and head over to the police station and politely ask your questions there. (here's a map)
- Don't just head home!
If you've been shooed off of the river, you've got a little time to
kill. Use it to help the rest of us by getting some info. Go the police
station and politely ask for more info.
- Send any info you get to Stephen Strange at icreeknj@allowaystranges.us
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