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Police charge canyoners for taking risks 18-Feb-2010 At 10:07:49 AM crazyjohn

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So the cops are bitching because they "conducted 53 operations across the area since January 1." 80% from missing bush walkers. What does that mean? Well the article started off with the reminder of a death and a minor accident with a broken ankle. Then moves on to the whinging cop. What specifically constitutes an "operation" ? A typical one would be: Someone calls up, reports a bushwalker missing, then three hours later, they arrive and call off the search. So to present this as the straw that broke the camels back is complete shit. The party that was charged are probably idiots, but it is not a typical "operation" and should not allow a precedent set of fining people. Should cops decide the diffrence between a free and a finable rescue? It may seem obvious in this case because there are signs and locked gates and bad weather, but quickly down the track it will get grey. Look at access issues RIGHT NOW in Tas. A group of kids injure themselves, then next month the council is chopping bolts. The rescue service is part of societies insurance blanket, same as hospitals, ambulances and military. The rescue is not typical. There does not need to be added legal problems for a group that are already sufficiently punished by there own actions. What is even worse is a precedent that could effect everyone in the future.