A message from our Chief of Security:
Let me introduce myself…
My name is Carter and I am the Chief of Security for MechaCon and have over 18 years in Law Enforcement in New Orleans.
Our main goal at MechaCon is creating a safe and fun environment for the enjoyment of ALL attendees. That being said I will address some things that have popped up in the weapons thread on MechaCon’s forums.
Number one thing to remember is that any staff member or volunteer can enforce the weapon policies and failing to comply with reasonable requests by ANY staff member may cause you to be ejected. If you are told something that you do not agree with, politely ask that staff member or volunteer to contact a senior security staff member for clarification. If you do not get clarification right then and continue to ignore the instructions or are extremely rude while causing a scene then you will may get removed.
The weapons policy does indeed have some loopholes that we will not close so as to allow some leeway and interpretation by all members of the staff to work with all attendees. BE WARNED, if you attempt to move around this or any other policy and through small worded loop holes in the face of the staff just to be a smart-a** to that person, this isn’t court and there are no appeals, we will just eject you. These policies were created for everyone to have fun without any problems not to create a scenario where some nitpickers can argue with staff members.
ALL firearm-looking things need to have ORANGE tips. The police in New Orleans will not ask you politely if that is a real gun. We want MechaCon to run as smoothly this year as it has since it moved to New Orleans. We have a good working relationship with the local law enforcement agencies and security agencies. The hotel falls within the jurisdiction of three different federal law enforcement agencies, eight different state law enforcement agencies, and two local law enforcement agencies… not to mention the numerous private security firms that have posts within two blocks of the hotel where MechaCon is held. Even with that much law enforcement in and around the convention, to my knowledge we have had zero incidents and we strive to keep it that way.
Let me also be very clear about something else… very, very clear. Anyone who says things like “it’s obviously not a real gun or a real weapon” is saying probably the dumbest thing anybody can say. In my time in law enforcement I have seen SKSs and AK-47s painted neon red to look like toys. I have seen three-cell mag light flashlights that concealed a single shot 12gauge, and a super soaker seized on a traffic stop that was built around a Mossberg 500 shotgun (fully functional).
These are not things I have heard internet rumors about, these are things that I have removed from crime scenes and personally unloaded.
So, a little care and caution, posing for a photo is fine, but carrying or brandishing your “weapon” in a menacing manner (as interpreted by any staff member or volunteer) will result in warnings or being ejected.
Scissors… yes, they are weapons. If you have a set in your bag for arts and crafts, fine… but if you are carrying them around in the open, then they need to be addressed by security.
MechaCon Security watches for occurrences of both general offenses and possible criminal activity. General offenses are handled by Security Staff, under a “Three Strikes” policy which can lead to ejection from the convention by repeat offenders.
Items that could be used as a weapon MUST be Peace-Bonded. During day hours, Peace Bonding will be at the MechaCon Security Booth. Complete this action BEFORE you wander through or around the convention space or you will receive a strike against your badge for violating our Weapons and Security Policy. (See Security Policy to understand what a strike against your badge means.)
All bladed items must be kept in their sheaths at all times in public/function areas. Weapons should not at any time be waved around in a manner that may be construed as use of the weapon (this is considered brandishing).
Ammunition for Gun replica or other replica projectile weapons will not be allowed during the MechaCon event and on hotel and convention grounds. This applies to water guns as well. Gun Replicas must have an “Orange” safety colored barrel and must be cleared by first stopping at the MechaCon Security Desk.
If you are found brandishing and otherwise acting irresponsibly with a replica weapon in public/function areas, your registration may be immediately revoked. This includes the hotel parking lot. Keep in mind, police assume all drawn weapons are functional, and police will act accordingly.
Exotic weapons/Fantasy Weapons will be dealt with on a case by case basis. As a rule of thumb, if we cannot tell it’s fake from 10 feet away, you should not bring it.
These policies are in place to promote the general safety and well-being of our guests and to comply with the policies of our host hotel. If these policies are not followed, stricter rules will go into effect. We would rather that not happen.
Notice to parents:
If you’re not staying in our hotel, please don’t leave your children here overnight without someone legally responsible for them. We are NOT a babysitting service. We also require a way to reach you in case of an emergency. You will be held responsible (legally and financially) for any damages incurred by your child or charge to hotel and/or MechaCon property. Any criminal damages and/or activity will be met with criminal charges, as well as a permanent ban from ALL future Sennin Productions, LLC events. All attendees are subject to the laws and ordinances set forth by Federal, State and New Orleans Consolidated Governments.
Notice to students and minors:
We expect you to behave yourselves so we don’t have to call your parents. Your behavior is what’s important, not your age. You and your parent(s)/legal guardian will be held responsible (legally and financially) for damages incurred by you to hotel and/or MechaCon property. Any criminal damages and/or activity will be met with criminal charges, as well as a permanent ban from ALL future Sennin Productions, LLC events. All attendees are subject to the laws and ordinances set forth by Federal, State and New Orleans Consolidated Governments.
Notice to adult attendees:
ALL attendees are expected to conduct themselves respectably. You will be held responsible (legally and financially) for damages incurred by you to hotel and/or MechaCon property. Any criminal damages and/or activity will be met with criminal charges, as well as a permanent ban from ALL future Sennin Productions, LLC events. All attendees are subject to the laws and ordinances set forth by Federal, State and New Orleans Consolidated Governments.