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PLACE: BETHPAGE, NY 11714
I live next door to an ex-cop, a drunk who stays up until 2AM every night. Two years my girlfriend was approached by him as he ran up to her car yelling one summer night before she left my house and hit her car with a broom or SwifferŽ. She drove away calling me crying. I don't remember the date of the incident and was not present for it. Last night (7/20/09) he was pointing a red laser which appeared to be attached to a small handgun from his window (approx 20-25 ft) at the center of both of my friends heads and eyes. We remained calm and waved at him. I asked "Hello, is there a problem with me and my friends here?" We stayed our grounds (never left my property) and continued to smoke our cigarettes. He did not reply and stood there switching then between a really bright flashlight and the item with the red laser attached. He has buddies in the the force that would believe his story before they would question me. It seems as though I can't win. I am afraid to approach him to question him. Both of my friends told me on their way out in agreement that if I want to see them that I will have to visit them because they refuse to feel that there lives are at stake because of some crazy ex-cop who could kill them for no reason and most likely get away with it. WHAT DO I DO?
Two years ago a crime was committed. Your friend should have called the police when it happened. It is too late now. It does not matter what his former profession was.
Now a crime may have been committed. I would say that it would have to be investigated because your description of the shining of the flashlight is rather vague. But you are assuming that nothing is going to be done. Unless you call the police nothing will be done.
Then you should have told me that you had contacted the police and that they had checked out the situation. You conveniently left that out and then in your response you chose to be rude to me.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 3 | Clarity of Response = 2 | Politeness = 9 |
| Comment | Not the answer I was looking for - I called the cops and because he is retired from their precinct they brushed off my story with "We checked on him and he showed us the laserpointer/flashlight combo and claims that he shined it back only after light came in through his window. I know he is lying and this won't be resolved with complaints. I also know that he has hidden firmarm(s) in his house and lied about that too - I have decided to arm myself in case this escalates - your opinions suck - I'm buying a gun. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. Only a judge could answer a question like that. I am also NOT a probation officer or parole officer so I cannot answer questions that relate to parole or probation. Also please keep in mind that every state has different laws. If you are planning to ask a question about a specific law or criminal charge that pertains to your state only it could be difficult to answer. I also cannot give you legal advice on what to do or what not to do in court. Retired police officer with 26 years experience. Worked in the patrol division as well as over 14 years in the detective bureau. Investigated a wide range of crime such as murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, missing persons, and other very sensitive crimes. I am available to answer your questions about criminal law and especially as it applies to police work. I taught at the police academy for several years and am especially knowledgeable about search and seizure. Any question about criminal law is welcome! Please don't ask me to do your homework or ask me questions that obviously come from your teachers or professors. I also do not do online interviews or surveys. Young people need to gain face to face interviewing skills. Local police officers usually are very agreeable to assist in these assignments.
Experience
I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience. I investigated almost every type of crime including murder, rape, theft, missing persons, fraud, and domestic abuse. I am very knowledgeable about search and seizure and taught at the police academy for several years on a variety of subjects. I can answer questions that a lot of attorneys cannot since they do not have "street experience".
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree in Criminolgy from the University of Maryland.
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