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Question
There is a neighbor a block down the street that is constantly calling the police on everyone, especially the kids residing at our end of the street, including mine. She calls when they ride their skateboards, bikes, play football, handball, volleyball, anything and everything! The police have been out due to her calls so many times it has become routine. She recently gunned her vehicle and swerved at several kids skateboarding, so the neighbors called on her. There were three adults who witnessed this incident, but the police said they could do nothing, there was no proof. Three adult witnesses is no proof? My husband and I have been trying to stay out of the fray and ignore her hoping she will get tired of this behavior, but I am afraid someone will get hurt. The police say they must answer all calls. Isn't there a limit? Is there anyway to get a copy or count of all the calls she has made and take it to the City Council or a Judge to stop this? An answer would be greatly appreciated.
Kimberly,
Obviously I don't know for sure but I think what the officers are telling you is that they cannot make an arrest because they did not witness the crime which is the case in all misdemeanors in most states. There must be a way that you can, as a private citizen, file a criminal complaint (or whatever the mechanisim is in your state) against the woman who you are having trouble with. The officers who responded to your call must have told you that. If they didn't contact them at the station and ask how you do that in your state.
There is no limit on how many times a person can call the police. Its how seriously that the police take the call is what is in play here. You can simply ask the police department how many times she has called the police but what would be the purpose of that? What are you going to use the information for? That would be the first question the department is going to ask you. If it is for reverse harrassment then you are going to be refused in a second. If they refuse to provide the information then you, as a private citizen, can file a Freedom Of Information Act request with the department and they must provide you with the info in a reasonable amount of time but be prepared to provide a good and reasonable reason why you need the information.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | I appreciate your response. After articulating my question to you, it made me realize I needed to speak with someone IRL, so I went to the police station and talked with them. They are aware of this person (interesting)and are going to check the call logs and see how many times she has called, say over the last year. If it is excessive, and they didn't give me a number which constitutes excessive, they will have a talk with her. Due to the fact she is calling on the non emergancy number, they are required to respond to every call no matter how meaningless or obsurd. They also informed me I could do as you suggested, request the information and file a formal complaint or charges. As for me wanting the number of calls, it was out of pure curiosity.. how much is too much? I am not a litigious person, so had no intent on using the information for a legal battle, I would even understand the calls if we lived in a high crime area. However, I don't want an angry woman, or some Hatfield and McKoy battle going on and an innocent child getting hurt. Our wonderful Lone Star State has laws on the books regarding eating a hamburger in public on Sunday or keeping a mule in a second story walk up, but nothing about an abusive neighbor playing the system just to incite more anger in an already angry society. I was hoping there was some obscure law that might quash this problem and shut it down without the ole metiphorical bloodshed. On your last paragraph, the sentencing, etc. I hadn't even thought about jail for anyone, the situation is preposterous enough. I am not a student, the closest I want to come to a courtroom or law professor is my once weekly dose of Jack McKoy on L&O. Thank you again for your expidicious and informative response. | ||
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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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