Haunted House Defends No Gun Policy After Officer's Viral Post

[IIIIIREPOIIIII]

Frightland, Delaware's largest haunted attraction, prohibits all guests from bringing in weapons including members of law enforcement. But the policy didn't sit well with one off-duty officer. NBC10's Randy Gyllenhaal talks to the attraction's owner. (Published Friday, Oct. 16, 2015)

A Delaware police officer is upset a Halloween attraction denied him access because he was carrying a gun. But the attraction's owner says the decision was just management exercising of a policy designed to keep everyone safe.
Frightland in Middletown, Delaware has a safety policy for their haunted attractions: no guns allowed. There are no exceptions for members of law enforcement.

Thursday evening, Nick Roll learned that the hard way when he tried to take his 12-year-old son through while carrying his concealed service weapon. He was off-duty at the time.
After being denied entry, Roll took to Facebook to air his frustration about the policy. In the post, which went viral, Roll said he was carrying the gun in case of an emergency.

"I find it amazing that in this day and age with violent attacks being so prevalent, a qualified armed police officer would not be welcome in any private business, especially while carrying concealed," he wrote.
Frightland owner Nick Ferrara told NBC10 Friday night the attraction fully supports police and even held a first responders night this week. He feels, however, that fright and firearms don't mix.

"We don't think it's appropriate for people to carry firearms inside a dark, haunted house, where people jump out to startle people," he said.
Frightland began 18 years ago as a way to raise money for leukemia. It's now the largest and most popular haunted attraction in Delaware.

Roll said in a later Facebook post that while he doesn't agree with the policy, he respects the owner's stance. He's since removed the original post.


Read more: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/...#ixzz3onW3jT63
Follow us: @nbcphiladelphia on Twitter | nbcphiladelphia on Facebook

[pacodelahoya]

A Delaware police officer is upset a Halloween attraction denied him access because he was carrying a gun. But the attraction's owner says the decision was just management exercising of a policy designed to keep everyone safe.
Frightland in Middletown, Delaware has a safety policy for their haunted attractions: no guns allowed. There are no exceptions for members of law enforcement.

Thursday evening, Nick Roll learned that the hard way when he tried to take his 12-year-old son through while carrying his concealed service weapon. He was off-duty at the time.
After being denied entry, Roll took to Facebook to air his frustration about the policy. In the post, which went viral, Roll said he was carrying the gun in case of an emergency.

"I find it amazing that in this day and age with violent attacks being so prevalent, a qualified armed police officer would not be welcome in any private business, especially while carrying concealed," he wrote.
Frightland owner Nick Ferrara told NBC10 Friday night the attraction fully supports police and even held a first responders night this week. He feels, however, that fright and firearms don't mix.

"We don't think it's appropriate for people to carry firearms inside a dark, haunted house, where people jump out to startle people," he said.
Frightland began 18 years ago as a way to raise money for leukemia. It's now the largest and most popular haunted attraction in Delaware.

Roll said in a later Facebook post that while he doesn't agree with the policy, he respects the owner's stance. He's since removed the original post.


Read more: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/...#ixzz3onW3jT63
Follow us: @nbcphiladelphia on Twitter | nbcphiladelphia on Facebook

Roll and Ferera are both idiots.

[streaker69]

I wonder how Nick Roll feels about all those stores that don't allow regular people to not carry, you know, in case of emergencies?

[Manxdriver]

Huh!! Whoda thunk it? Cops carry their weapons for the same reason I carry mine, in case of emergency. So, if I'm not allowed to carry mine, it stands to reason they shouldn't be allowed to either. If this starts getting traction, it's possible we can get the cops on our side (THE CORRECT SIDE) in the whole 'no guns' argument.

To be fair, I should make that 'more cops on our side', as I know there are a few that already know and adhere to the laws.

[JrFreak]

"a policy designed to keep everyone safe"... lol soooo many LEOs are perps in mass shootings.

[Emptymag]

How did they know he had it if it was concealed?

[Carson]

How did they know he had it if it was concealed?

That's what I was wondering. Unless there was a metal detector, they would never know I was carrying.

[jthrelf]

That's what I was wondering. Unless there was a metal detector, they would never know I was carrying.

If they are this serious about their policy there was probably a pat down and the officer informed he was carrying and assumed it was cool to do so.

Any responsible carrier isn't going to draw and start firing if someone says boo in a haunted house. I get they are scary for 10 year olds, but come on...

[Holeshot121]

If someone in costume was to kill/injure someone at a haunted attraction, could you be sure it wasn't part of an act? I went to Shocktoberfest and Field of Screams a while ago, and there are costumed people all over the place terrorizing the crowds while in the common areas (not just inside the attractions). I can imagine situations where it would be obvious, but I can also imagine some where it would be difficult to tell.

[Gman106]

Ironically, Thursday was First Responder Appreciation Night...

http://frightland.com/


ETA: From the FAQ page...

Q - ARE THERE THINGS I AM NOT PERMITTED TO BRING TO FRIGHTLAND?
A – Yes, our security officers do a metal detector scan on each guest as they are entering the park. The following items are NOT permitted at Frightland: weapons of any kind, alcohol beverages, outside food or beverages, flashlights, or pets. No bags of any kind are permitted –back packs, purses, diaper bags, etc should be left in your car. Customers may wear costumes; however they are NOT permitted to have their face disguised by a mask or makeup. Cameras are not permitted unless cleared with us first. Strollers are only permitted in the midway area. No strollers are permitted in the haunted attractions.