AboutRobin Sexton Expertise Questions dealing with Police and investigative procedures, criminal investigation for all classifications of crimes, Interview and interrogation techniques, crime scene procedure. Police techniques and procedures. Can not answer specific questions about specific cases.
Experience Member of the Michigan State Police for over 30 years. Over 20 years as a Detective. Conducted numerous investigations from Homicide to dog bite. Internal investigations. Investigations in prison enviorment. Majority of career has been spent in rural areas of Michigan
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science degree. Long list of professional training
Question My Mom put up a chain link fence (4 ft) in the front of her property for privacy. On a good day, approximately 10 kids in the neighborhood are always hanging around next door playing soccer, pushing and leaning on the fence, climbing it etc.. My Mom has alzheimers so this truly frustrates her on a daily basis. I've tried to nicely tell them if they are going to play ball in the road near my Mom's house, they can but if the ball lands in her front yard, to please do not climb the fence. They nod but it happens again and again. Not only are they trespassing on private property, they are damaging the fence by grabbing a hold of it and pushing it back and forth, leaning on it etc. In a few years, the fence will have to be replaced or fixed & who will eat the cost? My Mom. I've tried calling the local authorities but the dispatcher advise, as long as the kids are NOT on my property, they can play in the road and not much can be done. I've thought of installing bard wire in the front but due to laws etc, I can't? I was advised to talk to the parents, the problem is I don't know where these kids live. The all congregate to my neighbor's house everyday. My neighbor does not understand or speak English so there's a communication issue as well. Any suggestions as to what the next step could be?
Answer Kelly,
Ugh, no one likes these neighbor issues. Reason is because the deal with keeping the peace and where one persons rights end anothers begins, always difficult. I understand the issues your mother has and the frustration it causes you and her. You have done very well so far. Lets clarify some things. Who will eat the cost, your mother but you already knew that. Installing barbed wire ? Unless there is a zoning restriction or some other ordinance it may be legal however not real affective. Same with a electrical fence, just in case that crossed your mind also. Your best piton is to renew your efforts to contact the parents. Most parents really want their kids not to be a problem. The effort will be not just to prevent the ball from going in the yard but to give them access so that when the ball does go in they have a way to retrieve it with out a lot of problem. Very little can be done criminally. One last thought, landscaping may be a long term answer. Strategically placed rose bushes, raspberries or other thorny plants may work.
