I have a new respect for law officers of all kinds. I spent the weekend as Daytime Security Supervisor at Another Anime Con. Overall I have to say it went pretty well. There were a few incidents that you would expect when you get a large group of people together. Plus there were a couple of bored colledge students who thought it would be fun to harrass who they no doubt saw as a bunch of wierdos intruding in their space. But these, while annoying were relatively easy to deal with. What was tough was the almost constant activity. There was never a really serious incident, but there could have been at any time. My job was to stay on my toes, keep my staff on their toes, and be ready for that big problem that might be just around the corner. I probably walked fifteen miles or more this weekend, the majority of it in one hallway. By the end, my feet were worn down to nubs, and I was limping noticably while trying not to aggravate the blisters I had built up. I wasn't the only one, either.
Now that it's over I can look back on it and I think it went rather well. I learned quite a bit from the experience, and I can apply it to the next time. Yes, despite the blisters and the lack of sleep, I think I can actually look forward it. And the next time I see someone walking a beat, be it police officer or mall-security, I'll give him or her a nod of appreciation. I've had a glimpse of what they do on a daily basis. It's a tough job, it has to be done, and they get little thanks for it.
Tags: Convention Cops
