KI Security very disappointing

[VortexJunkie]

My wife and I went to KI today and for most of the day it was a really great time. It was a beautiful day outside and the park wasn't very busy. The lines were all short, so we were getting frustrated that even on a slow day there were tons of line jumpers! Why jump a short line?!?! At about 6pm we were getting in line for Diamondback. A group of 5 were walking infront of us, but then most of the group didn't get in the line. It was two teenage girls, two teenage boys, and a man in his early twenties. One girl said to the girl in the white shirt, "just get in line and hold our spot." As we were walking into the que I said to the girl in the white shirt, "you should wait with your friends because I'm not going to let that many people cut infront of me." She wouldn't look at me or talk to me. One by one they started cutting in front of me, my wife, and everyone behind us. With each line jumper I was trying to talk to the group and tell them that they were being incredibly rude, but not a single one would look at me or talk to me. Finally after the whole group had cut infront of us, and by this point 25 people behind us, I said to my wife, "I'm getting sick of people cutting in line on a day when the lines are really short." The girl in the white shirt, still refusing to even look at me, turned to her friend and said, "I'll cut infront of whoever I want and if he don't shut up about it I'm gonna go back there and smack him in the face." This got my wife all riled up. So she said, "ooo I'd like to see her try that." I didn't want the situation to escalate, so I said very loudly for all to hear, "No one's hitting anyone. I said what I had to say and now it's over." We heard other people talking about it in our favor, but of course no one would back us up. We went ahead and rode Diamondback and were even on the same train as that group. When we got off the ride there was a security gaurd outside of the gate and we told him the story. He said, "you should have told the attendant in the station that they cut in line and they would have been kicked off the ride." I said, "that's good to know, but I don't care about them cutting. I'm mad that she threatened to hit me." That snapped him into action, I pointed them out at the gift shop below and we started walking toward them. They saw us with the security guard and high tailed it out of there. He asked us to wait in the gift shop and went outside after them.

A few minutes later he returned to the gift shop, walked right past us, didn't say anything or look at us, and walked right back out toward the Diamondback exit. We were like, "ok? what just happened? did he do anything? are they waiting out there to jump us now?" Then that girl and her friend came into the gift shop yelling at us for being "snitches" and threatening us again! I stopped my wife from tearing this girl into pieces and we walked out to find the security guard, who was standing right outside the door. We told him and he said, "what? I just told her to leave you two alone and to not start any more trouble. i can't believe she didn't listen to me." I saw the group making their escape down the midway toward the Crypt. I pointed them out, but instead of chasing them he called for backup. Another security guard and a park police officer showed up. None of them seemed to be concerned with finding the group, instead their main concern seemed to be calming us down and shutting us up. They essentially did nothing about it, but did tell us that "fights caused by line jumpers is becoming a really big problem and happens all the time." They said they would look for the group and give them a second warning, but i doubted them. We went to guest relations and they were totally clueless, but also admitted there had been more and more reports of arguements and physical fights caused by line jumpers. So they called the head of security over and I swear this guy was even less concerned than the other guards. I said, "we're just worried that we'll run into this group again and they'll start stuff with us again." He said, and i quote, "i guarantee they won't do that." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! I never thought those kids were actually going to hit anyone, but they can't walk around the park threatening to hit people so that they can cut in line!!!

I'm not trying to knock the park or Cedar Fair or to scare anyone. This is a warning to all.. If someone cuts in line or threatens you in the park do not go to security because they will only make matters worse. Had we not told on them then the story would have ended with us riding Diamondback despite our frustration. I just can't believe they quickly and blatantly disreguarded the guard's warning (loudly in the middle of a gift shop) and they still weren't dealt with. Next time I go to KI I'll let anyone cut in front of me and keep my mouth shut.

[Hoeter]

Sorry to hear about your experience today man. I can't believe that security caused trouble for you instead of helping you. This issue is getting out of hand.

[VortexJunkie]

correction: when i reffered to guest relations as "clueless" i didn't mean they are dumb. I meant they didn't have any answers for us in that situation.

[BavarianBeatle]

You're a very patient man.... Because the park is obviously aware of this problem and has chosen to do nothing about it, when (not if) someone gets seriously hurt in one of these situations, the lawsuit may cost them more than what they paid to build Diamondback!!

[tycoonrebel7188]

I'm sorry to hear of your experience with security. But like it has been said before, you should tell a ride operator about the line jumpers. It is cause for removal from the park. I've seen a few occassions this year where the ride opps at a ride did not allow the jumpers to ride and escorted them out of the line.

[CoasterXtreme]

VortexJunkie I am really sorry to hear this has happened to you! I to have had many issues with line jumpers and I travel to both Cedar Point and Kings Island about 50 times a season. Ever since I had a group of people threaten me at Cedar Point. I no longer call them out in line.

This is how I have handle this issue for the last few seasons. I have both parks main number stored in my phone anytime there is a line jumper I just call the main number and ask to speak to Security office. I explain what is going on what the people look like and ask them to please send someone to the ride. That way no one knows who turned them in and you have not a problem....If other people around you complaining about the same issues give them the phone number to the park and ask them to do the same, Problem handled and no one knows who did it. It is a much safer way and people are more likely to say something when they are not being singled out!

Hope this helps....I know it helps me!

[towerkid]

Back in the days of Paramount King Island (RIP), the line jumpers would of been out the park

[Radar]

It really amazes me the dramatic difference between Cedar Point and Kings Island in the way security handles issues, considering they are owned and operated by the same company. Cedar Point has been on top of things, removing line jumpers and reporting their identification information to their main office so that if they are caught again, they have a record of their first violation. I have personally witnessed many line jumpers removed by both ride operators and security at Cedar Point, and have yet to witness a single removal at Kings Island this year. The security presence is also much heavier at Cedar Point. You can stand at any spot in the park, spin in a circle and see no less than two security or police officers within easy shouting distance. At Kings Island, you are lucky to hunt one down with a lot of effort and it is a rarity to see them just strolling the park.

It's disappointing to see this, and the effect that security, or lack thereof, has on the overall behavior of park guests. The general populace of the park has gotten more rude and inconsiderate of other park guests and of park rules this year. I can understand that security is one of the most expensive departments to staff, but why can Cedar Point manage to have their department so well staffed and Kings Island have theirs so apparently understaffed?

[CoasterXtreme]

Cedar Point has it's own Police force made up of Bonded and non bonded officers. Bonded officers have gone through Police Academy and are certified officers through the state of Ohio. Non bonded officers are not certified through the state and have not gone through the Police Academy I do believe Kings Island does not have its own police force and they sub-contract out to Mason, all the rest of the people are not bonded and really have no power, which makes up most of Kings Island Force!

[MrTools]

The first half idn sound too bad due t the security officer going after them but indeed it wen down hill from there, and you couldnt have done anything becase the situation you were in would have made you the bad guy. But never let them line jump you, at lest try to block the que so they cant get pastand when they do go streight to the ride ops and hey will almost always have the problem fixed.

[Raptor66]

On a more positive note, yesterday I did witness from Coolangatta Racer two individuals escorted out of Boomerang Bay by security and loaded in the back of a police cruiser, reasoning unknown to me. At least they are capable of something. I seriously doubt it was line jumping though.

[Diamondback FOF]

...This is how I have handle this issue for the last few seasons. I have both parks main number stored in my phone anytime there is a line jumper I just call the main number and ask to speak to Security office. I explain what is going on what the people look like and ask them to please send someone to the ride. That way no one knows who turned them in and you have not a problem....If other people around you complaining about the same issues give them the phone number to the park and ask them to do the same, Problem handled and no one knows who did it. It is a much safer way and people are more likely to say something when they are not being singled out!

Hope this helps....I know it helps me!

I would've never thought about that. I like that idea .

On a more positive note, yesterday I did witness from Coolangatta Racer two individuals escorted out of Boomerang Bay by security and loaded in the back of a police cruiser, reasoning unknown to me. At least they are capable of something. I seriously doubt it was line jumping though.

Yeah, I doub it was line jumping. Probably theft or some kind of assult or something along those line.

[fryler87]

VortexJunkie,

I support you 100%, but I wouldn't put all the blame on KI security. Sadly, parents aren't as disciplinary to their children as they used to be and more of today's younger people have a false sense of entitlement which, in their eyes, gives them the right to do things like this. I would blame poor parenting for this, something sadly out of your and my control. Additionally, in today's "instant/get it now/no waiting" world, younger people have less and less patience to wait their turn like many people rightfully do.

One distinct experience I had was at King's Dominion last year in the line for Dominator. Although no words were exchanged (reservation is something my parents spent endless time teaching me as a child), a mother and her two children who happened to be in line right behind us agreed that it's something that is inexcusable.

It sounds like park security tried to reform the situation but wasn't completely effective in what they're likely supposed to do (which may be wrong, it's my best guess). It won't be long until people really start taking things into their own hands, and I won't guarantee that I won't be one of those people. Being a rug that line jumpers walk over is frustrating and if there's nobody who will do something about it, the only thing left is to take matters into one's own hands. I have zero problem standing up for what's right in this situation, and if that means being threatened of assault, so be it. I refuse to get pushed around and refuse to see others get pushed around because I and they follow the rules that make everyone happy.

This isn't a threat to the park to 'do something about line jumping, or else.' This is a warning to the park that these situations are more and more prevalent, and there are many guests who will NOT accept this kind of behavior and WILL bestow it upon themselves to take matters into their own hands.

[SOB_TOM]

I will be honest with you guys, I have never had an issue with a line jumper, for this reason: When someone tries to get around me in a line, or jumps in front of me through a hand rail, I don't ask them to move, I don't point out how rude they are. What I do is DEMAND they move, and if they do not, no matter if other people back me up or not, I report it to the ride ops.

Thats the problem I see right now from these stories (and no, Im not trying to point blame to anyone. That group was the one in the wrong.) No one wants to talk to the ride op because they do not think that anyone will "back them up." REPORT THEM PEOPLE! How is the park supposed to help out with this if you don't tell them about it at the ride?!? Let me go ahead and tell you guys the truth: Information from GR does not filter down quickly to the ride/stand very quickly (if at all,) so tell the ride ops, ALONG WITH GR so that all parties know to make this better!

What I am about to say next is not supposed to hurt anyone's feelings, but it might, so read with caution.

What I am seeing/hearing on these boards with the line jumping experiences are sob stories, "make me feel better" comments, and horrible ways to approach this situation. For once, I want to hear a story that has this line in it somewhere, "I reported it to the ride operator instead of waiting to get all the way to the front to GR." Can anyone actually say that?

Tom, who hates to rant, but is tired of people not taking the direct route and reporting it to the PROPER people.

[Beast79]

Back when I worked in Rides I would flash out my associate ID and tell them that I'll have security here before they could make it on the ride. Worked all the time and yes always report it to the ride op so they can take care of them before the board the ride. The ride ops will then take the oppoperate steps have security do what they do, in five years in rides I only had on security guard let them ride.

[CoasterXtreme]

...This is how I have handle this issue for the last few seasons. I have both parks main number stored in my phone anytime there is a line jumper I just call the main number and ask to speak to Security office. I explain what is going on what the people look like and ask them to please send someone to the ride. That way no one knows who turned them in and you have not a problem....If other people around you complaining about the same issues give them the phone number to the park and ask them to do the same, Problem handled and no one knows who did it. It is a much safer way and people are more likely to say something when they are not being singled out!

Hope this helps....I know it helps me!

I would've never thought about that. I like that idea .

On a more positive note, yesterday I did witness from Coolangatta Racer two individuals escorted out of Boomerang Bay by security and loaded in the back of a police cruiser, reasoning unknown to me. At least they are capable of something. I seriously doubt it was line jumping though.

Trust me just calling the main number works, I have already had one line jumper removed today just by calling the main number! It is the safe and effective way to do it!

Yeah, I doub it was line jumping. Probably theft or some kind of assult or something along those line.

Sorry for this post was trying to post on my Iphone at the park.. Didn't go through for some reason!

[markr]

Back in the days of Paramount King Island (RIP), the line jumpers would of been out the park

Actually, since Cedar Fair took over, I feel that at least the issue of line jumping is being addressed. There may still be a long way to go but I think there have been a lot of improvements such as more police officers/security where they are needed.

As to line jumpers being out of the park in the paramount days, are you serious? Security during those days was an absolute joke. As bad as the issue of line jumping may be now, it was ten times worse under the previous owners.

[gad198]

I know it's been mentioned before in some other threads, but wouldn't the "grab a ticket as you enter the line and give it to the attendant at the end of the line" bit work well in preventing these type of things from happening? They had this in place when I jumped in line for X2 and I thought was a fantastic deterrent; one that didn't require superfluous security, cameras, etc.

[SOB_TOM]

When I was a ride op, I had several people escorted out of the park in shiny bracelets that were connected by the Mason Police for linejumping.

[74Gibson]

It can be said that kids do not reveive appropriate discilpline and that's why they disrespect and misbehave but it doesn't change the immediate situation any. KI has these people attending and they are responsible for maintaining order in their park. Yes kids should behave better but if they don't someone has to do something. It is un unfair and unfortunate cost of operation for amusement parks.

I agree with SOB_TOM. We and the GP should do something about it, unfortunately many are scared and you can't blame them. CF's responsibility is to help us feel safe reporting line jumping and trust that action will be taken and we will be protected from retribution. I am not afraid of a physical confrontation (though I avoid them at all costs) and I'm certainly not the only one. Like Terpy said, unless they address this it's only a matter of time before a fight breaks out and CF has a multimillion dollar settlement.

Coaster Xtreme, great idea calling the main number. I'm programming the numbers after I post. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

[VortexJunkie]

Yes talking to the ride ops seems to be a good idea and also the idea of keeping the phone number to security to make annonymous calls was a much better idea. As I said I didn't realize the proper procedure was to alert the ride ops until after we spoke with the security guard. Half of the group actually line jumped in between two que sections where the "no line jumping" sign is located. It would be helpful if the "no line jumping" sign gave directions on what to do if somone is line jumping.

I've said on here before that I don't think it would be cost effective for the park to hire staff to watch the lines to make sure no one jumps. I think the line jumpers are so confident because they know the majority of people feel helpless in confronting them or reporting them. People think, "I don't like that they cut in line, but I don't want any trouble so I'll ignore it and hope someone else reports them." Which is fully understandable and I don't blame anyone for thinking that way. Perhaps a possible solution would be for the park to set up a line jumper repot line for guests to make annonymous tips on line jumpers or any trouble makers for that matter? Maybe security cameras on the lines for proof when there is a report? If the park knows this issue is creating violent situations then I would think they want to do something to prevent any more problems.

And as for the comment about blaming the parents.. I agree 100%. The fact is that the same parents that don't care to teach their kids anything, including manners and self respect, are the parents that drop their kids off at the park for the day to get them out of their hair.

All said though, the main reason I titled this post by questioning KI security was not because of the line jumping. It was because it seemed to me that the violent threats were not taken as seriously as they should have been. Especially when there were plenty of witnesses. I know it was a rather small, teenaged girl making the threats, but if the roles were reversed and I was threatening people - a 6'4" man over 200 lbs - I think they might have taken it more seriously. A small woman can cause just as much damage as I can if she decides to grab a weapon. But I could be wrong and if I've offended anyone by questioning the actions of KI security then I apologize. They were all very kind and just doing their jobs, but it just seems like there should be more they can do in these situations.

[FlightofFear123]

VortexJunkie I am really sorry to hear this has happened to you! I to have had many issues with line jumpers and I travel to both Cedar Point and Kings Island about 50 times a season. Ever since I had a group of people threaten me at Cedar Point. I no longer call them out in line.

This is how I have handle this issue for the last few seasons. I have both parks main number stored in my phone anytime there is a line jumper I just call the main number and ask to speak to Security office. I explain what is going on what the people look like and ask them to please send someone to the ride. That way no one knows who turned them in and you have not a problem....If other people around you complaining about the same issues give them the phone number to the park and ask them to do the same, Problem handled and no one knows who did it. It is a much safer way and people are more likely to say something when they are not being singled out!

Hope this helps....I know it helps me!

I love this idea!

and sorry about your experience Vortex.

[SOB_TOM]

And Vortex, please don't think that I was jumping on you for this post: Its that a lot of people on these forums (and in the GP as well) expect others to step forward and take initiative, so it aggravates me to the point where I can hardly hold it in anymore. If people were to take initiative and make the park as safe as it can be, these types of situations would not come up. For example, a lot of crime happens in Over the Rhine, can we all agree on that? Well, a lot of people avoid that area because they do not want trouble. If the good folks living in Over the Rhine would step up and start reporting problems, then that area would get a better reputation than it has now.

As for the security guard, most incidents are taken DEAD seriously, however for threatening, I believe they need at least one other witness outside of your immediate party (especially a little girl threatening a 6`4 guy, trust me I know, Im 6`6,) to take serious action. The most important thing in those cases is to go ahead and take a mental step back and disassociate yourself from the anger and feelings, and then go about your day.

Now Im not giving a free pass to the KI "rent a cops" because that was shoddy work, and I do expect better of them. But I was just trying to give a helpful tip for next time.

[The Interpreter]

...Like Terpy said, unless they address this it's only a matter of time before a fight breaks out and CF has a multimillion dollar settlement....

That would have been Bavarian Beetle. Terpy, til now, has not posted in this thread. Terpy would point out that unless something is done, fewer people will eventually come to the park, and many nickels will be lost, not just in a potential lawsuit like Mr. Beetle mentioned, but at the parking tolls, gate, food stands and merchandise locations.

[westcoaster]

what about ride ops that see smokers do nothing and since Cedar Fair i've seen less security I was there today, and people smoking all over nick central, I never saw one security guard today around park no joke!!! and they don't care about smokers, line jumpers .

Why does Kings Island have metal detectors???

and also:

security was better inforcement and more out there under paramount:

[The Interpreter]

Simple answer: Paramount Parks installed them. Cedar Fair has not yet done so to this day at Cedar Point...

[TOPGUN1993]

I've came to notice security has become more lax at the front gate. They use to always go threw my camera bags now they hardly ever do.

[CoasterXtreme]

It can be said that kids do not reveive appropriate discilpline and that's why they disrespect and misbehave but it doesn't change the immediate situation any. KI has these people attending and they are responsible for maintaining order in their park. Yes kids should behave better but if they don't someone has to do something. It is un unfair and unfortunate cost of operation for amusement parks.

I agree with SOB_TOM. We and the GP should do something about it, unfortunately many are scared and you can't blame them. CF's responsibility is to help us feel safe reporting line jumping and trust that action will be taken and we will be protected from retribution. I am not afraid of a physical confrontation (though I avoid them at all costs) and I'm certainly not the only one. Like Terpy said, unless they address this it's only a matter of time before a fight breaks out and CF has a multimillion dollar settlement.

Coaster Xtreme, great idea calling the main number. I'm programming the numbers after I post. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks It really is the best way to handle it.....As it happen to me today and NaNa NaNa Hey Hey Goodbye!

[BavarianBeatle]

I will be honest with you guys, I have never had an issue with a line jumper, for this reason: When someone tries to get around me in a line, or jumps in front of me through a hand rail, I don't ask them to move, I don't point out how rude they are. What I do is DEMAND they move, and if they do not, no matter if other people back me up or not, I report it to the ride ops.

Thats the problem I see right now from these stories (and no, Im not trying to point blame to anyone. That group was the one in the wrong.) No one wants to talk to the ride op because they do not think that anyone will "back them up." REPORT THEM PEOPLE! How is the park supposed to help out with this if you don't tell them about it at the ride?!? Let me go ahead and tell you guys the truth: Information from GR does not filter down quickly to the ride/stand very quickly (if at all,) so tell the ride ops, ALONG WITH GR so that all parties know to make this better!

What I am about to say next is not supposed to hurt anyone's feelings, but it might, so read with caution.

What I am seeing/hearing on these boards with the line jumping experiences are sob stories, "make me feel better" comments, and horrible ways to approach this situation. For once, I want to hear a story that has this line in it somewhere, "I reported it to the ride operator instead of waiting to get all the way to the front to GR." Can anyone actually say that?

Tom, who hates to rant, but is tired of people not taking the direct route and reporting it to the PROPER people.

I must disagree with you to an extent. Talking to ride operators (who, as their job title indicates, are there to operate rides), should not be the proper procedure. These are not "sob stories." IMO, they are legitimate issues brought up by people who paid to go to the park, and feel that they did not get their money's worth. It is the responsibility of management to provide a safe environment and protect their paying customers from punks and thugs. And if they don't, they will have fewer paying customers who don't fall into those two categories and more who do.

[CoasterXtreme]

what about ride ops that see smokers do nothing and since Cedar Fair i've seen less security I was there today, and people smoking all over nick central, I never saw one security guard today around park no joke!!! and they don't care about smokers, line jumpers .

Why does Kings Island have metal detectors???

and also:

security was better inforcement and more out there under paramount:

When I was at the park today I heard several Ride Host/ Sweeps ask people to please put out there smokes...I am a smoker and I always smoke in the area that is allowed... Rather do that then have it taken away altogether. If I can do it so can all the other guests this does really peeve me, but I did see park employees stepping up!