BAD BOYS BAD BOYS!! Undercover Security

[DisneyFan32WI]

I am SO stealing that crotch-to-crack line in the future!!!!

 

[DSquare]

The undercover security officers that we have seen have worn more traditional clothes but also it was December time frame and it was chilly so they also had jackets on. By the entrances they are easy to spot, first look for the people that are sitting or standing all by themselves, usually wearing shades, then look in there ear.


Also they have undercover security swimming in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon. I actually reported the guy to an uniformed officer cause he was acting real strange, kind of gave us the creeps and just seemed out of place. This was last year when there was a few bad things that happened at the waterparks. He took me up to the side and had me point him out and I was told that he was with security.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Within the last few months all CMs have received mandatory training concerning spotting possible sexual predators and what to do.

 

[bdoyledimou]

Also they have undercover security swimming in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon. I actually reported the guy to an uniformed officer cause he was acting real strange, kind of gave us the creeps and just seemed out of place. This was last year when there was a few bad things that happened at the waterparks. He took me up to the side and had me point him out and I was told that he was with security.

They shou;ldnt send solo GUYS into a pool area looking for oddities.. they make themselves stand out way too much..

 

[Shan-man]

I had an encounter with undercover security a couple of years ago. You might have noticed that I bear a resemblance to a certain popular figure. Well, that tends to attract a lot of attention when I'm in the parks, especially around Christmastime. I am always careful about just how much attention I draw however since I have heard of Disney escorting "unapproved characters" out of their parks! So, although I wear red and a Santa hat, so do a ton of folks... it's Christmas after all. I don't go around Ho, Ho, Ho'ing or singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" however. If someone asks if I'm Santa I'm more apt to ask back, "why, do I look like Santa", and as much as I hate to let the little ones down, I don't sign autograph books either.

Well, Mom and I were sitting at a table near the African outpost in EPCOT where several people had stopped and asked for pictures with me. As the pictures were being taken I noticed a guy a few tables over taking a bit of interest in the activities. Again I had to refuse to sign a book. Mom asked me to explain again why I was being so shy about being Santa here, since I'm hardly shy elsewhere. And I explained about Disney not wanting the liability of an unauthorized character offending (or abusing!) guests and being mistaken for a representative of the company, the liability issues, and so on. As I was in the middle of explaining I noticed the once some-what interested guy had moved much closer and was within earshot. Well, he knew he was blown so he came a little closer and introduced himself and agreed with much of what I had said, but also said that from what he'd observed Disney would have no problem with the way I was interacting with guests. That was a relief, because I had heard of security disallowing "colorful" folks taking photos with guests that were not in their party... like when people dress up for Star Wars week. Any how, the guy was very congenial and I feel safer knowing others like him are keeping watch.

 

[nessz79]

I had an encounter with undercover security a couple of years ago. You might have noticed that I bear a resemblance to a certain popular figure. Well, that tends to attract a lot of attention when I'm in the parks, especially around Christmastime. I am always careful about just how much attention I draw however since I have heard of Disney escorting "unapproved characters" out of their parks! So, although I wear red and a Santa hat, so do a ton of folks... it's Christmas after all. I don't go around Ho, Ho, Ho'ing or singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" however. If someone asks if I'm Santa I'm more apt to ask back, "why, do I look like Santa", and as much as I hate to let the little ones down, I don't sign autograph books either.

Well, Mom and I were sitting at a table near the African outpost in EPCOT where several people had stopped and asked for pictures with me. As the pictures were being taken I noticed a guy a few tables over taking a bit of interest in the activities. Again I had to refuse to sign a book. Mom asked me to explain again why I was being so shy about being Santa here, since I'm hardly shy elsewhere. And I explained about Disney not wanting the liability of an unauthorized character offending (or abusing!) guests and being mistaken for a representative of the company, the liability issues, and so on. As I was in the middle of explaining I noticed the once some-what interested guy had moved much closer and was within earshot. Well, he knew he was blown so he came a little closer and introduced himself and agreed with much of what I had said, but also said that from what he'd observed Disney would have no problem with the way I was interacting with guests. That was a relief, because I had heard of security disallowing "colorful" folks taking photos with guests that were not in their party... like when people dress up for Star Wars week. Any how, the guy was very congenial and I feel safer knowing others like him are keeping watch.

I wonder if we saw you once! I remember my DH and I were at Epcot for our anniversary about a week before Christmas. I don't remember the year- I think it was 2007 or 2008. Anyway, we were seeing Candlelight Processional one evening and there was a man a couple rows in front of us who looked exactly like Santa Clause! And he was wearing red, though I don't remember a Santa hat. It looked like he was family, though I can't remember if he had kids with him or not. There were lots of people (including us) who were looking and pointing and a few kids came up to him and talked to him for a bit. We couldn't hear what was going on but at that time I *so* wished we had our kids with us so we could say "See?"

Wish I could find pictures, as I'm convinced I did take a picture, but come to think of it, it might have been on my old cell phone.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Shan-man, might your wife look a bit like Mrs. 'Character" as well? If so, were you the couple I stalked at AK last year and asked if I could take a picture?

I volunteer at a child care center as the "Reading Lady" and had told my kids that Santa vacationed at DW each year before the big night in order to get some rest.

They were delighted when I returned home with a picture of Santa waving to them.

I can see where Disney would have to watch out for any folks, characters or not, interacting with children because unfortunately that is what those sick folks do to take advantage of them. It is sad but true.

I have the opposite problem as parents are always telling their children to hug or even kiss me and I do not approve. Children should only hug or touch an adult if they want to. They have very good radar systems and can tell who is safe and who is not if not trained otherwise. A smile and 'thank you' is enough. If more is offered this grandma will take it, if there are lots of folks around and the child initiates it.

Thank you for being so careful with the little ones beliefs and allowing them to keep that magic for as long as possible.

Slightly Goofy

 

[crzy4dsny]

The undercover security gaurds are everywhere. I can pick them out pretty easily. I am in law enforcement and watch, or pay attention, to people around me all the time where ever I am. I notice them quickly because they are doing the same thing. It's obvious to me but not my wife.

My brother in law told me a story about something he saw at the Magic Kingdom. A cm was on main street selling balloons. Someone walked up and started popping the balloons with some kind of an object. After about 20 seconds the person was surrounded by plain clothes security who just came out of no where, and they all vanished into what he thought was a fake door along mian street. My brother in law worked for the Secert Service for many years and was on President Carters private security detail. He was very impressed with the way Disney handled this. Very fast response and very discrete. Very few people even knew what was going on.

 

[Eljay]

...Also they have undercover security swimming in the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon. I actually reported the guy to an uniformed officer cause he was acting real strange, kind of gave us the creeps and just seemed out of place. This was last year when there was a few bad things that happened at the waterparks. He took me up to the side and had me point him out and I was told that he was with security.

They shou;ldnt send solo GUYS into a pool area looking for oddities.. they make themselves stand out way too much..

Hmmm, yeah, if they had a male & female "couple", security officers in the pools, nobody would ever suspect.
Hey, where do you sign up for that duty!!!!!

 

[Pineapple Whip]

Hmmm, yeah, if they had a male & female "couple", security officers in the pools, nobody would ever suspect.
Hey, where do you sign up for that duty!!!!!

Seriously, talk about fringe benefits. Getting paid to float around in a pool all day. Probably part lifeguard also to spot drowners in a crowded pool.

Personally I would love to work security on a bike patrol. I love helping people, love wearing utility belts, I love biking, I need the exercise, and I need a tan.

And nothing deters crime like the thought of being tackled by a big sweaty dude jumping from a bike... unless you're into that sort of thing.

 

[minnieandmickey]

No stories, but my DS doesn't call them Security, he calls them Mickey's Secret Police

 

[DaniB]

No stories, but my DS doesn't call them Security, he calls them Mickey's Secret Police

Ohh, I like that!

 

[bellemeeko1]

The undercover security gaurds are everywhere. I can pick them out pretty easily. I am in law enforcement and watch, or pay attention, to people around me all the time where ever I am. I notice them quickly because they are doing the same thing. It's obvious to me but not my wife.
My brother in law told me a story about something he saw at the Magic Kingdom. A cm was on main street selling balloons. Someone walked up and started popping the balloons with some kind of an object. After about 20 seconds the person was surrounded by plain clothes security who just came out of no where, and they all vanished into what he thought was a fake door along mian street. My brother in law worked for the Secert Service for many years and was on President Carters private security detail. He was very impressed with the way Disney handled this. Very fast response and very discrete. Very few people even knew what was going on.

Same with us my DH has been in law enforcement for yrs between the AF and Civy that he can spot them no problem.....me Im oblivious to that kind of thing..Im more interested in seeing how long the lines are at the next attraction Im heading to!

 

[SkinsFan76]

When I was in HS a group of about 40 kids from school went to WDW to do a dance/choir show. They were shoplifting from one of the stores and got caught by the undercover cops dressed as tourists. Everything was on video from the hand held cameras they had. I remembering talking to some of the folks there and they said it looked like a store full of tourists and then all of a sudden it became "swarm, swarm" and all the cops were around. This happened about 18 years ago so I'm sure the camcorders have gotten smaller.

 

[Eljay]

When I was in HS a group of about 40 kids from school went to WDW to do a dance/choir show. They were shoplifting from one of the stores and got caught by the undercover cops dressed as tourists. Everything was on video from the hand held cameras they had.I remembering talking to some of the folks there and they said it looked like a store full of tourists and then all of a sudden it became "swarm, swarm" and all the cops were around. This happened about 18 years ago so I'm sure the camcorders have gotten smaller.

Wow, yeah, who pays attention to someone with a
hand held camera in a place like WDW?
Very cool.

 

[Scrooge McDuck fan]

DW and I saw one lurking around the ticket booths at EPCOT.He looked like a typical tourist,tacky cloths and acting "goofy" (forgive the pun) ut he had a radio cord going to his ear and seemed very intersted in ALL of the ticket sale lines.saw him later talking to a uniformed security around the corner near restrooms.thought the whole thing was pretty cool.

 

[pixiefairy]

I've worked my career in retail for a major store. Only LICENSED AND INSURED security staff is allowed to go after any shoplifter. It's a major liability issue, they need major stuff on camera before apprehending. I've actually known long term security directors who have been fired simply because one step was missing from the tape and the shoplifter sued.

I'm sure Disney follows the same steps. One wrong accusation without the back-up and hello major lawsuit.

This...for sure. We just had a loss prevention audit at my store. The steps are very clear for those of us working, even management. We are not allowed to directly ask or accuse a customer of stealing..but we can use indirect statements. It's definitely a liability issue (one store had a manager chase two teens out, and they hit her with their car).

I honestly can't say I ever remember seeing security in the parks, but maybe I'll be a bit more aware after reading everyone's stories.

 

[pdmedic]

Yep have been able to pick out UC's and then spoken with some of the Sheriff's Deputies. Ended up trading one of my department challenge coins for a Orange County S/O coin which was a nice addition to the collection.

 

[Mickeyorbust]

My son was hurt at CBR last year. We were in Trinidad South, so kind of remote. My husband called 911 and before the ambulance arrived, someone from the resort was there. 911 Dispatch must have notified them, because we didn't. Within 10 minutes of the incident, there were two trucks from animal control onsite. He was initially taken to Celebration Hospital. Before they transferrd him to Florida Children's, a rep from Disney's Compassionate Response Team came to the hospital. We had a rep assigned to us that visited the hospital each day and stayed in contact throughout our visit. Excellent service!!!!

I work in a family entertainment industry/park...Yes, dispatch does call the park/resort for a few reasons. #1 they get a lot of prank calls, #2 sometimes the injured may not really need emergency services but 911 was called by someone other than the injured, #3 emergency services gaining the quickest access to the injured depends on the park/resort staff, many, many more I won't list. Can't speak for Disney but more often it's #3...ALL of our staff is educated/trained on identifying the closest gate to which locations for that purpose.

I witnessed undercover at Port Orleans French Quarter. The next building over there was a family with waaaaay too many people for the room they were in. Left outside were several large coolers, a gas camping grill (that they used frequently) and everyone's wet suits and towels drapped over anything that wasn't moving. It looked like the Clampetts (No offense if your name is Clampett, it's only a reference to the show) moved to PO and they yelled at each other A LOT. On my way to get coffee I was walking with a friendly, touristy man (I didn't notice a skin colored cord but now that I think back about it he had to be Security). He stopped to talk to one of the men belonging to the room as I kept going. When I passed back by they and all their stuff were gone. I was shocked, I was gone 10 minutes at the most. So, nosey me, sat on the bench outside of their building to see if they really were gone. Apparently they had trashed the room too. Out of the room comes a man in a resort uniform with a headboard; in walk two men with paint cans. I didn't see the before picture, but in less than an hour they had the room repainted, replaced the headboard and cleaned (Yes, nosey me walked by the room to check their handiwork. They left the door open, I guess to let the paint smell air out).

 

[fairydust1278]

I work in a family entertainment industry/park...Yes, dispatch does call the park/resort for a few reasons. #1 they get a lot of prank calls, #2 sometimes the injured may not really need emergency services but 911 was called by someone other than the injured, #3 emergency services gaining the quickest access to the injured depends on the park/resort staff, many, many more I won't list. Can't speak for Disney but more often it's #3...ALL of our staff is educated/trained on identifying the closest gate to which locations for that purpose.

I witnessed undercover at Port Orleans French Quarter. The next building over there was a family with waaaaay too many people for the room they were in. Left outside were several large coolers, a gas camping grill (that they used frequently) and everyone's wet suits and towels drapped over anything that wasn't moving. It looked like the Clampetts (No offense if your name is Clampett, it's only a reference to the show) moved to PO and they yelled at each other A LOT. On my way to get coffee I was walking with a friendly, touristy man (I didn't notice a skin colored cord but now that I think back about it he had to be Security). He stopped to talk to one of the men belonging to the room as I kept going. When I passed back by they and all their stuff were gone. I was shocked, I was gone 10 minutes at the most. So, nosey me, sat on the bench outside of their building to see if they really were gone. Apparently they had trashed the room too. Out of the room comes a man in a resort uniform with a headboard; in walk two men with paint cans. I didn't see the before picture, but in less than an hour they had the room repainted, replaced the headboard and cleaned (Yes, nosey me walked by the room to check their handiwork. They left the door open, I guess to let the paint smell air out).

now that's just messed up! whether they meant to do it or not, i will never understand those that would do that to hotel property, especially disney property! makes you wonder if they do that at home!