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Careers: Police/Laws on verbal and psychological abuse
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Question
QUESTION: Hi,
What is one legally allowed to do, if verbally and psychologically abused?
For e.g. If faced with a physical threat, like someone threatening with a knife, there are laws, rules and procedures when and how you can defend yourself. www.UseofForce.us provides a clear explanation to the laws of self-defense. Similarly, can you recommend a website which explains the laws of self-defense when faced with verbal or psychological abuse?? That is what a civilian legally allowed to do if verbal abuse(swearing and cursing using harsh offensive words) is directed towards them?(like should one confront and take the perpetrator's names, ask them to stop -- or what??)
ANSWER: Good Afternoon Rim,
What state do you live in so I can research the correct laws..
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: California.
But a general information will work fine.
Thank You
Well in Cal and most other states there are no laws against speech. Its the Constitutional Right to freedom of speech that protects that. Even if its directed at someone as long as its not threatening its allowed and there really is no recourse other than to walk away. If the person follows or pursues the person to continue the verbal abuse, then it may rise to the level of "Stalking" that does become a crime. But that is a course of conduct that is repetitious and directed at a person, more than one occurrence.
If the person disturbs other people with the speech, like in a crowded area and it bothers others, it could be considered disturbing the peace which is when ones behavior bothers the people in the area and it is not covered under the normal course of ones daily work or life.
Walking down the street, screaming at someone in a residential neighborhood, could be considered disturbing the peace if it causes people in their homes to notice and come out or complain. Same in a downtown setting.
Police are exempted from being "disturbed" but yelling at a cop can disturb others and then meet these standards.
But as for the average citizen, there is nothing to do really but leave or walk away.
Hope this helps explain it.
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Answers by Expert:
Chris Wagoner
Expertise
I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!
Experience
I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.
Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..
Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.
Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.
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