In our hobby, it is unfortunate that sometimes we may find ourselves on the other side of the law. We of course did not intentionally break the law, but because it is sometimes at odds with our desire to explore, a minor infraction is sometimes necessary. The purpose of this tutorial is, to inform the individual what steps to take to protect the integrity of the team.
It would seem that in most cases explorers are caught together in the midst of an exploration. The immediate reaction is usually to try to find a good hiding spot and stick it out, or to try to evade capture together as a group. However, the best way to avoid being compromised is to keep moving. This can be problematic as in our hobby we are often going in to places that we do not know very well, or have few exits.
First, before starting any mission that may be construed as high risk, i.e. active security, alarms, workers, caretaker. Anything that may involve the possibility of capture, charges, and consequently the questions that follow. A rendezvous point should be established. This is an area back from the site where you will meet should you become separated from the group. It only takes a minute to set this up, the vehicle you came in, a big tree, something you all recognize as the spot to meet. If you want really want to do things right, a secondary fall back position should be decided on, as well even a third, a local coffee shop or 24 hr convenience store. If your rendezvous point is the vehicle, it may have been flagged and is being watched by authorities. For this reason, it is important to have either a secondary fallback position, or a rendezvous that is not the vehicle.
Next, omfg cops! Security! Old man Brown! We’ve got to get out of here! So you are now the hunted, it is good to try and stick together, but splitting up will give you the advantage. If you split up they cannot catch you all, some of you will make it to the R.V. point. If it is the vehicle, you want to insure the area is clear before proceeding. This can be an issue for other members of the group if they have not yet arrived, and you are their transport, or they are yours. If you are the key master, it may be wise at this point to take the vehicle and move to the secondary fall back position. It should also be noted that, a window of time be decided on at the start as to how long the rest of the group will wait.
At this point, communications can be key, it may be individuals that have not yet arrived at the R.V. point are still: a) on the run. b) Hiding, or c) simply unable to make either point. If you are not carrying radios hopefully you at least have mobile phones to communicate with. If this is the case and you can’t raise your comrade on radio or phone, it may be time to go, of course if you are worried about your friend/s you may want to walk back and do a reconnaissance. This may lead to your capture. If your conscience tells you it is necessary then you must.
So what now? Everyone got away but you, first off look at your shoes kick some dirt and say shucks. The man got you who ever he is. This sucks, be prepared to be verbally abused and accused of everything under the sun. The reason for this is to put you on the defense and scare you into talking. Assuming you have taken all the necessary pre-cautions, this is not a problem. You have a great story ready, and incidentally it is the same as everyone else’s in the group.
The Story, so this is how things happened, you were on line talking to some of your buddies in the forum, not any related to UE of course. You were actually in some cheesy forum like say,
http://www.clubvibes.com/index.asp You have taken the precaution of setting up an account using your first name and a fake last name. The reason for using a fake last name is; with the rise of identity theft, it is not wise to use last names for personal email accounts, and on-line forums. Soooo, when they ask you the names of your cohorts, you simply give them first names only. This will seriously perturb the attending officer, but you simply reply you never thought it was important. You see the way this all started was… You were online talking with some buddies about a recent episode of Law and Order, it featured something called urban exploration, you and your buddies whom you know from the forum, thought it would be fun to go out and try. You made plans to meet at a local coffee shop and then headed out. You were all in high spirits as you were trying something new and exciting. Of course, now you realize just how stupid it was. You may be asked, “Well if you are just a beginner why do you have so much sweet gear” or something to that effect, well you were a boy scout and as they say “be prepared”. At this point, you will obviously have to divulge your own identity, and it is highly suggested that you comply with all demands and be as courteous as possible. If you cope attitude, they will give you a hard ride.
The whole point of the story is that you are a T.V. watching dough head that got some lame idea in his head, went out to do it and were busted. So please officer have mercy on me. All those other folks ran off and left little ole me to be busted. I am an idiot. This way if any charges do come your way, only you will get them, not the rest of the group, and you will have been co-operative with the fuzz.
Pt. 2
Just come clean.
Stay tuned for part 3. T.L.
begin driving around a predetermined route to pick up the team members who fell behind. Looking forward to part 3. 
