Removing Aerial Trespassers

Aerial Trespassers

It occurs from time to time that persons carry out what is referred to as Aerial Trespassing. This is employed in protests usually associated with civil insurrection for some cause. While protest is legal, trespass is not and often in the process the perpetrators unknowingly endanger themselves and others. It then falls to law enforcement to intercede. It is usually easiest to wait the subjects out until they are satisfied they have made their point. However if they endanger themselves or others they need to be removed as safely as possible.
Most of these groups have been given just enough instruction to have them believe they are untouchable and they frequently make this claim. There are a handful of pseudo rope schools who train recruits in protest rope work. They have in most cases been taught just enough to make them a danger to themselves. One of the first indicators of poorly trained protestors is the lack of edge rollers or softeners when descending buildings at the roof edge. This clearly indicates poor knowledge of rope technology. Next, if they blissfully hold to the belief that they cannot be removed by others than say a fire department with aerial ladders, they are sorely mistaken. Firefighters have difficulty removing them because of their mobility on rope. But experienced rope people are aware what a simple, safe task it is, requiring very little equipment or personnel.

The two most common charges laid by Police are: Reckless Edangerment and Criminal Trespass in these instances. Were a mishap to occur and someone was injured or killed, a charge of Criminal Negligence Causing Death/Injury could be laid against organizers and/or instructors. Poorly educated instructors could find themselves embroiled in a huge civil liability law suit. Expert witnesses are capable of proving quickly if negligence has occurred.

The following figures demonstrate some ways of safely lowering trespassers. Please note also that it is quite easy to raise the subject by employing a haul system as well.

Removing Arial Trespasser Suspended on Prusiks (Horizontal)

Lower subject diagonally on BELAY #1 until they are vertical
Lower subject vertically until they reach the ground

Either Hard Cams (mechanical devices) or Soft Cams (8mm prusiks) may be used

Lowering Trespasser from a Derrick (Vertical)

Lowering Trespasser Suspended on Carabiners (Horizontal)

Cut creates a diagonal lowering
Subject will slide gently down

NOTE:

NEVER climb out onto the subject's rope or otherwise suspend yourself on their system - EVER!

The chance of the protesters having specialized rope capable of holding such loads without breaking, is not worth the risk.
If their rope is not suspended from Prusiks and is simply tied around the trunk of the tree, obviously they do not know what they are doing.

Excerpt from Urban Rope Entry Systems 2000 manual

Removal of Aerial Trespassers -Tariffs

Base rate of $500 per day plus transportation, and accommodation.

$1000 per person removed from height or on rope.

Anarchists, Aerial Trespassers, Tree Huggers disrupting your legitimate business operations...contact us at this site.

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