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What would happen if I took my knife into the Post Office?
- Thread starter Hungry Goldfish
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 1,838
While the above responses are interesting, and adddress the question as posed, I do not believe they address the tacit question posed: is it LEGAL to take a knife into a Post Office. Here is what I found:
Thus, it seems to this non lawyer, that it is illegal to carry a knife into a Post Office, with the exception of a pocket knife with a blade length of less than 2 1/2". One could argue that the lack of a posted notice as mentioned above would make possession of a knife OK, but I would hate to depend on such a technicality as a defense.
Walt
Thus, it seems to this non lawyer, that it is illegal to carry a knife into a Post Office, with the exception of a pocket knife with a blade length of less than 2 1/2". One could argue that the lack of a posted notice as mentioned above would make possession of a knife OK, but I would hate to depend on such a technicality as a defense.
Walt
I think there is some confusion.
Strider, your dealing with metal detectors. But, what Gene described was inventory control devices.
Some of our forumites just got mixed up with who they were talking to.
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Joshua, aka Feneris,'Destroyer of Whisky' of the Terrible Ironic Horde
But doom'd and devoted by vassal and lord.
MacGregor has still both his heart and his sword!
-MacGregor's Gathering, Sir Walter Scott
Strider, your dealing with metal detectors. But, what Gene described was inventory control devices.
Some of our forumites just got mixed up with who they were talking to.
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Joshua, aka Feneris,'Destroyer of Whisky' of the Terrible Ironic Horde
But doom'd and devoted by vassal and lord.
MacGregor has still both his heart and his sword!
-MacGregor's Gathering, Sir Walter Scott
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2000
- Messages
- 18
Hi C4,
I live in Michigan, near Novi.
HG
I live in Michigan, near Novi.
HG
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2000
- Messages
- 18
GeneL74,
Yes, my post office is the same. A new building which, if you want to get to a clerk, must pass through the metal detectors. If you want to check a box you don't have to.
Some posts suggested that it might be a scanner like in a video store. It might be, I don't know. I figured it is a metal detector because, why would they be particularly worried about the theft of a few mailing envelopes or something?
And hi Gary W. Graley,
no, not a funny post. Look, I'm married and have 2 kids and don't have a criminal record of any sort. I'm working on my masters degree at one of the large universities (don't care to name which one). So I am, shall we say, an "upstanding citizen". It would really shake me up just to set off an alarm, attract attention, and have someone ask me for my knife. Nevermind the possibility of having the police called in, just the above scenario, albeit a very mild one, would shake me up.
HG
Yes, my post office is the same. A new building which, if you want to get to a clerk, must pass through the metal detectors. If you want to check a box you don't have to.
Some posts suggested that it might be a scanner like in a video store. It might be, I don't know. I figured it is a metal detector because, why would they be particularly worried about the theft of a few mailing envelopes or something?
And hi Gary W. Graley,
no, not a funny post. Look, I'm married and have 2 kids and don't have a criminal record of any sort. I'm working on my masters degree at one of the large universities (don't care to name which one). So I am, shall we say, an "upstanding citizen". It would really shake me up just to set off an alarm, attract attention, and have someone ask me for my knife. Nevermind the possibility of having the police called in, just the above scenario, albeit a very mild one, would shake me up.
HG
- Joined
- Oct 11, 1998
- Messages
- 707
At some federal facilities the 2 1/2" rule is enforced and in most its not. Generally those where its enforced its posted and there are guards.
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Roger Blake
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Roger Blake
Gary W. Graley
“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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- Mar 2, 1999
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- 27,427
Gotcha HG....understand that scenario completely, the only reason I stated that is that there have been some rascals around starting threads just to see who responds to them, some guys have the appearance of a new guy when they really are an older formite posing with a a.k.a. identity....didn't mean any offense to you, got three little weddings myself, daughters that is, and tripping alarms wouldn't be a handy thing to happen, especially when I have to haul out all the knives I normally carry....ever see Mad Max beyond Thunder Dome? about what it would be like when I empty my weighty pockets and belt.....and I certainly wouldn't want them to take any of the precious items away.
G2
G2
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- Jul 18, 1999
- Messages
- 723
strider
-Any other government offices in the building where your post office is? Could explain why you nearly get strip-searched.
HG
-Why not just carry a smaller knife when you go into to your P.O.?
My local P.O. (downtown Chicago) has the strip detectors and no security guards I've ever seen! I guess our crooks aren't interested in mail.
-Any other government offices in the building where your post office is? Could explain why you nearly get strip-searched.
HG
-Why not just carry a smaller knife when you go into to your P.O.?
My local P.O. (downtown Chicago) has the strip detectors and no security guards I've ever seen! I guess our crooks aren't interested in mail.
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 2,337
Owl
Its a Federal Courthouse that houses the PO. But the courthouse moved to new luxury digs on the waterfront last year so I can't figure out why all the security.I guess all those hundreds of security gaurds(private contract no less) need to keep up the protocol so they can justify their jobs.
Bob
Its a Federal Courthouse that houses the PO. But the courthouse moved to new luxury digs on the waterfront last year so I can't figure out why all the security.I guess all those hundreds of security gaurds(private contract no less) need to keep up the protocol so they can justify their jobs.
Bob
dogboye
Gold Member
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- Nov 23, 1999
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- 7,147
Heh, heh, heh... the first time I read this, I thought it said "yanking." Huh, huh, huh... he said yanking....
Anyway, Walt, it would appear that I'm illegal every time I set foot into my office. Bummer. 'Course, I've never seen that notice posted, so I will be counting on that for defense.
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iktomi
Mykl Clark
Banned
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- Messages
- 2,714
Wow that's different. Most post offices say on the doors that FIREARMS are prohibited but they say nothing of knives. I would say if anyone gives you a problem just whip out that little knfe of yours and start pronouncing yourself as the angel of death and just see what happens. I know I would. Are they really metal detectors or just some goverment contraption that scans the microchip in all of us to tell them where we are at any given moment. Or maybe they read the magnetic strips in money so the post office can know how much they can sucker you for. Just food for thought.
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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
- Joined
- Mar 19, 1999
- Messages
- 2,277
Strider - From what I was told concerning security at "ANY" Federal building, no knives or weapons carried onto the property by visitors, unless they are Federal Employees who are authorized to be armed. It doesn't matter if the property is occupied by a Federal office at the time. If it is Federal property, they can and do search. Obviously, this is selectively applied. There are many PO's with no metal detectors, just the magnetic detectors for inventoy control. There are also other Federal offices I have visited that don't have detectors. Local LEOs have a hard time getting into our Fed. Building.
Our PO in downtown Columbus is attatched to a Federal Building. You must pass through a metal detector and knives of any type are not permitted. While I find this annoying, I am pleased at the consistency of the enforcement of this rule. I have not seen anyone get through with any knife.
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If you can't dazzle them with your brilliance,
baffle them with your BS.
Our PO in downtown Columbus is attatched to a Federal Building. You must pass through a metal detector and knives of any type are not permitted. While I find this annoying, I am pleased at the consistency of the enforcement of this rule. I have not seen anyone get through with any knife.
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If you can't dazzle them with your brilliance,
baffle them with your BS.
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- 1,922
Ahhh, yet another reason, in addition to the Internet/ECommerce, and the general lazy attitude of postal workers, that the Post Office will slowly shrivel up over time... and another reason to find your local UPS office.
I carry a 4" folder into my local PO in NOLA routinely, not even a funny look.
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rdangerer@home.com
[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 07-29-2000).]
I carry a 4" folder into my local PO in NOLA routinely, not even a funny look.
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rdangerer@home.com
[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 07-29-2000).]
- Joined
- Sep 21, 1999
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- 1,819
Good Evening, etc.
While there are many interesting and valid responses to Hungry Goldfish's question... Oh, before I forget, HG... don't sleep on your back! Everyone'll think you died and flush you down the toilet...
Where was I... Oh yeah...
If carrying a knife is legal in your state, then don't sweat carrying it into the post office. There's been a buncha times I set off metal detectors and it's not too embarrassing, so long as you're not setting it off do to a flagpole inserted into a orifice... that caused even MY face to be red!
But the many times I set off metal detectors for normal reasons, (badge in wallet, steel toed boots etc.) A guard'd just wave his/her magic wand at me and < POOF > I was allowed through. That's true for the times I has some kinda blade with me as well. I guess they figure that if I'm allowed in a place to begin with, there's not much more additional damage that I can cause with a little knife.... unless it was attached to an M-16, in which case, I would hope that other postal employees would welcome me with open arms and we could all talk ballistics.
I'm sure that this cleared up any doubts you may have had, in addition to giving you the additional piece of mind not to worry about waking up in the plumbing (so long as you belly-sleep, that is)
Off to intellucuate at others,
I remain,
VG
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Vampire Gerbil: Nosferatus Rodentus Moderatus; similar to a domestic gerbil, except for the odd accent and little black cape.
------------------
Odd Pictures at Photopoint
An assortment of pictures I decided to share with anyone that was so bored they wanted to check out my antics. I did this to prove that I am indeed sane. Be advised that there's hardly any nudity. Feel free to sign the Guestbook!!
Manifesto of Madness
I wrote most of that at work after drinking massive amounts of coffee. I needed to look busy and that dribbled out of my head. There's also a whole bunch of Optical Illusions.
The Deadly and Scary Leatherman Micra Website.
Be warned that the tactics used at that last site are not for the faint of heart!
A Ballistic Knife in Action
Even though the guy in those pictures has the same exact tattoos as me, I have no idea who he is!
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vampiregerbil@aol.com
While there are many interesting and valid responses to Hungry Goldfish's question... Oh, before I forget, HG... don't sleep on your back! Everyone'll think you died and flush you down the toilet...
Where was I... Oh yeah...
If carrying a knife is legal in your state, then don't sweat carrying it into the post office. There's been a buncha times I set off metal detectors and it's not too embarrassing, so long as you're not setting it off do to a flagpole inserted into a orifice... that caused even MY face to be red!
But the many times I set off metal detectors for normal reasons, (badge in wallet, steel toed boots etc.) A guard'd just wave his/her magic wand at me and < POOF > I was allowed through. That's true for the times I has some kinda blade with me as well. I guess they figure that if I'm allowed in a place to begin with, there's not much more additional damage that I can cause with a little knife.... unless it was attached to an M-16, in which case, I would hope that other postal employees would welcome me with open arms and we could all talk ballistics.
I'm sure that this cleared up any doubts you may have had, in addition to giving you the additional piece of mind not to worry about waking up in the plumbing (so long as you belly-sleep, that is)
Off to intellucuate at others,
I remain,
VG
------------------
Vampire Gerbil: Nosferatus Rodentus Moderatus; similar to a domestic gerbil, except for the odd accent and little black cape.
------------------
Odd Pictures at Photopoint
An assortment of pictures I decided to share with anyone that was so bored they wanted to check out my antics. I did this to prove that I am indeed sane. Be advised that there's hardly any nudity. Feel free to sign the Guestbook!!
Manifesto of Madness
I wrote most of that at work after drinking massive amounts of coffee. I needed to look busy and that dribbled out of my head. There's also a whole bunch of Optical Illusions.
The Deadly and Scary Leatherman Micra Website.
Be warned that the tactics used at that last site are not for the faint of heart!
A Ballistic Knife in Action
Even though the guy in those pictures has the same exact tattoos as me, I have no idea who he is!
------------------
vampiregerbil@aol.com
Title 18, Sec. 930 applies to all Federal buildings and is usually posted outside of all post offices.
Chapter 44 - Firearms
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal Court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(b) ..talks about if you use the weapon in a crime you can get 5 years.
(c) ..talks about if you kill someone with the weapon you will be punished as provided in other sections.
(d)Subsection (a) shall not apply to -
(1) ...official duties if employee is authorized.
(2) ... official or Armed Forces if authorized
Now, here's the interesting part!
(3) the lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.
(g) (2) The term 'dangerous weapon' means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inamiate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not included a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2 1/2 inches in length.
.....................
So, a pencil is a dangerous weapon, but if you use it for writing only, it is a lawful purpose and therefore ok?
Also, a 3.5 inch blade is a dangerous weapon, but if you use it for opening boxes only, it is a lawful purpose and therefore ok (assuming it's ok to have your 3.5 inch blade in the city, county, or state you're in)?
Only if you can afford Johnny Cochran and you're not a Wookie on Endorf.
wayne
Chapter 44 - Firearms
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal Court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(b) ..talks about if you use the weapon in a crime you can get 5 years.
(c) ..talks about if you kill someone with the weapon you will be punished as provided in other sections.
(d)Subsection (a) shall not apply to -
(1) ...official duties if employee is authorized.
(2) ... official or Armed Forces if authorized
Now, here's the interesting part!
(3) the lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.
(g) (2) The term 'dangerous weapon' means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inamiate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not included a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2 1/2 inches in length.
.....................
So, a pencil is a dangerous weapon, but if you use it for writing only, it is a lawful purpose and therefore ok?
Also, a 3.5 inch blade is a dangerous weapon, but if you use it for opening boxes only, it is a lawful purpose and therefore ok (assuming it's ok to have your 3.5 inch blade in the city, county, or state you're in)?
Only if you can afford Johnny Cochran and you're not a Wookie on Endorf.
wayne
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2000
- Messages
- 698
They would go POSTAL and SHOOT you?