Expecting an employee to simply report "suspicious" activity is perhaps reasonable. But expecting an unarmed and un-backed-up employee to actually make contact with the "Perp" is outrageously dangerous. And is probably illegal; as it definitely places the employee in harms way. I would presume therefore, that this particular employee was acting on his own. It should also be noted that anyone other than uniformed policemen approaching you could actually be dangerous as well.

Which ever way it was, I would have identified myself. And since both of us were on public space, I would have also demanded his identity as well, before continuing the conversation. Then, since there is no reason why he can't know what I was doing, I would tell him, and assure him it's just a hobby, an artful hobby, and that I was there lawfully and will do them no harm.

That should be sufficient - it always has been for me - and them - and even the UP police! Wish I could say the same for the Regional Park Poolice - but they seem to take their jack boots a little too seriously.

OPB