Carowinds tightens security

I was at Carowinds yesterday, and even though the security was thorough and obvious at the entrances, it was also extremely efficient. I personally applaud Carowinds for the attempt to make the attempt to keep their guest safer. On another note, I like the fact that the detectors are before the gates. This keeps guest from backing up toward the turnstiles while waiting to get through security.

------------------
And Trogdor smote the Kerrek, and all was laid to Burnination.
-Strong Bad

In all fairness, I appreciate what they're trying to do, but in what way are you really safer? Yeah, you'll keep the average gang banger with a gun or knife out, but is that really what anyone is worried about in the first place?

------------------
Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
"The world rotates to The Ultra-Heavy Beat!" - KMFDM

I admit, where it comes to larger safety concerns, it is largely an illusion of safety. However, when it comes to, as you mentioned Jeff, the average hoodlum with a gun/knife, it does provide some degree of higher safety. And even if precisely that is not something we are really concerned about, it still is something that the parks should take into consideration. I personally don't mind the few seconds inconvience to know that the person I'm standing next to in the queue isn't carrying a potentially deadly weapon.

------------------
And Trogdor smote the Kerrek, and all was laid to Burnination.
-Strong Bad

I agree, jeff, i liked carowinds cause I felt safe without the detectors, was shocked when i first went to a Six Flags park and they had them. Oh well, things change!

------------------
Yeah, if coasters WEREN'T men we'd have Raging Cow instead!

I hear now that Carowinds isn't alone. Kings Island is also adding metal detectors, as 12 WKRC said on their 4 o'clock news.

Knowing the crowds PKI gets, especially weekends, the main entrance is going to have to be fully staffed because of the detectors.

------------------
Great American Ball Park. Because the Reds don't play at Kings Island.

I looked arouind on WKRC's website they have nothing about Kings island adding metal dectectors. Kings Island uses security checks at times like this its most likely a hand detector.

------------------
Waiting for the season to start.
Visit History of PKI!

PKI has indeed added the metal detectors to its entrances as well. I hear that they have or will be hiring 60 plus personel to handle these new detectors.

------------------
CBCon Quote "We didn't even get wet"......30 seconds later you hear plop, then splash!!!!
*** This post was edited by lumpy72 3/24/2003 9:50:13 PM ***

Its a good move for Carowinds considering the Dippin' Dots robbery a while back, but I would be much more worried about an Explosive going off within the Park instead of worrying about who has a Knife or a Gun, since most Americans keep One with them all the Time anyway.

Previously the Park only Scanned guests whenever there was a Concert at the Paladium, where they used the small Hand-Held Scanners.

I wonder how it will effect the Park on Crowded Days. I can only Imagine what a Living Hell it will be during the Park's Spring School Days.

------------------
"Grit Your Teeth, Bare The Load, Enjoy your ride, on Thunder Road"

Most Americans carry guns and knives? Which America do you live in?

------------------
Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
"The world rotates to The Ultra-Heavy Beat!" - KMFDM

Well, I almost always have two knives with me...

Neither one would be very useful as a weapon (particularly in my hands) but they're great tools...and last time I was at PKI I was very glad I was carrying one of them when I needed to scrape the gum off the bottom of my shoe...

Personally, I think installing metal detectors at park gates is a colossal waste of money, time, effort, and manpower. Particularly if it detracts from real security efforts inside the park, as happened at a certain Six Flags-owned park last fall.

So it's sounding that Paramount learned nothing from Busch Gardens' experience a couple of years ago....

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I liked the presence of the new security system. On my many visits there I have also seen a build up of uniformed security guards. I for one don't worry as much about a bomb as someone said earlier but I do worry about my kids going into a bathroom and not coming out.