We’ve gotten reports from individuals that US Marshals (not just local police, but a federal law enforcement officer) has come by people’s homes to perform the address verification.
The latest report has come to us from Brevard County. Have any of you experienced this? Other than verifying your identity, what else have they done or asked?
As A Kindly Reminder To All…Everyone should print out several copies of:
Caniglia v. Strom, a Recent Supreme Court Order…
And Keep Them on Hand
I believe FAC Told everyone to do so?!?
So US Marshall’s are riding with local PD. Not just the Sheriff. This just happened in Broward County. Normal detective who normally does compliance checks with 5 US Marshall’s. 4 total LE vehicles. I have been a registrant for 31 years and this has never happened before. I haven’t been arrested for any crime since my initial arrest when I was 16. I am not on any form of supervision for the past 26 years. So I am not a threat. Why such a presence? Is this the way compliance checks are going to be performed going forward? As far as I know US Marshals only chase non complaint registrants? Right? Am I correct that there is nothing in the registrant laws that say I have to answer the door for LE?
@ Reformed but harassed,
Am I correct that there is nothing in the registrant laws that say I have to answer the door for LE?
Correct. Unless there is a search warrant, they must leave within a “reasonable” amount of time after the initial attempt at contact.
However, Florida being what it is… You may get harassed (even more) afterwards.
Thanks for posting this, my 3 week police police check was 2 nights ago, at least i can have my wife aware of this, she used to get really upset when they show up with many cars,like a swat team going to arrest you, and your barricaded in your Condo …she just looks at them and laughs now….Great Wife !
Thanks again for posting, im in Broward County also, police call before they come,on my cell, thats fine, they come late so there’s,no interaction with anyone when they come…..been here 28 years, there here for about 4 minutes, and leave, does not ask for license anymore….its just really Stupid in my book….
So wait. Probation Officers n Parole Officers…. They do already know bout all dis????
I haven’t been on probation for over 17 years, the every 3-4 week check started last year in March, and is still going on, I expect to be called by my police check up officer in 5 days….
Rick
Rick what state are you in? That is total harassment. I was complaining of getting checked on 2 times a year. I have to register 4 times a year which is wrong according to my lawyer and the Cop who checks on me. But I have already sued FDLE once and won, but their revenge was so harsh I dare not challenge them again.
But yeah I think If I was getting checked on that many times not on probation I would burst into flames. Do you live in a city limits? I had that same issue when I lived in the city. I had city cops, county deputies, a marching band and everyone who cared coming to do compliance checks.
As soon as I moved away and live in a rural county, I get left alone other than 2 check ups and 4 times I have to go in person (supposed to be 2 times a year)
Im in south Florida,Broward County, living in a township city, i talked to a lawyer that supports FAC,He said there’s nothing i can do but file a complaint to the city police, internal Affairs division, but the repercussions could be severe, so i just let them call and come, in not going to move, a few years going to court to be removed from RSO list….
I was told by some other RSO’s they were being seen monthly also.
Last year we also had a Tag swapping going here,where they swapped your tag with someone elses, then do a house check and they ask you why is your tag on your registration different than thats on your car…..
I do a vehicle check every day before i move either truck, to see that everything is correct….
I bought special anti-theft bolts on Amazon so no one can remove my car tags but me..this was over a year ago when I installed the special bolts,haven’t heard anything about it since…..
Rick
LOL………….about that
If you think you are the only one on amazon that has those bolt remover tools, think again. When I worked in law enforcement, people would tell me how they put special locks, special this and special that.
Also some of the home break ins that are done professionally are guys who either use to be lock smiths or still are. Some of them get into that profession for a reason. We responded to many home burglaries that were done so well that not a speck of dust was changed.
In and out using a key to the front door made by the locksmith 2 weeks earlier. That in fact is what stumped us until the lady said “Funny because I just had a guy come install new locks for me a few weeks back”.
Your best defense is what you stated, check your tags every time you leave. I do that anyway because people do steal tags. Also if you don’t already have them, invest in a security camera. BEST evidence in the World for someone on the registry especially if someone accuses you of something to get you out of their neighborhood. Or in my case, two kids throwing rocks at my house and denied it. Cops came, video shown, kids busted.
Hi cherokeejack,
I’ve had a ring doorbell now for 6 years, its a very useful tool when cops come to call, my officer turns on his iPhone reverses it in his top pocket before he pushes the doorbell and tapes the whole thing, as we are doing the same…
I have a 30 foot notice before anyone comes to the door, with the chime of approach….
Some red locktight takes care of any attempt to remove the license plate, unless you have a propane torch in your vehicle,, to loosen it….both of our trucks have nut/bolts on them..
Glad to see you have a ring doorbell also, every RSO, needs one,…..
Rick
I didn’t even think of the office turning on his bodycam when he comes to my door. I guess I better stop coming to the door in my thong LOL
Reformed
I once saw 3 agents at my door. I did not answer. I went onto the FDLE’s website and searched myself for warrants, there were none. I did not answer the door. When my officer came by alone 3 days later and asked why I did not come to the door, I said I was not home and am NOT required to be EVER.
If you want to check your self for active warrants if you are in Florida, check this site:
http://pas.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/person/WantedPersons.jsf
Cherokee…CORRECT!….YOU DID THE CORRECT ACTION!
GOD BLESS YOU!….MAY EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE SITUATION!
NEVER EVER ANSWER THE DOOR UNLESS YOU ARE ON A STATE SANCTIONED AND COURT ORDERED SITUATION!
TruthandScience
To be clear, I do go to the door when I see it is the Deputy who verifies me ONCE per year ALONE. He is nice, just asks if I have any issues and I always make a joke and say “The whole World has issues”.
Then I don’t see him again for a year and he leaves me alone. Having said that, when 3 US marshalls show up at your door, having worked in Law enforcement myself, that is NOT a good time to open the door.
U.S marshalls have been known to manipulate themselves into getting into your home and doing illegal searches, then telling judges YOU welcomed them into your home because you had nothing to hide. Before you know it, they are attaching devices to your computer and you are being hauled away in cuffs because you did not report a dead cockroach in your kitchen.
All the BAD people out there on the run and the Marshalls are going after easy targets and low hanging fruit??? Got to love America.
Rick:
The Jehovahs Witnesses and satellite dish salesmen cannot show up at your door uninvited every day especially if you keep telling them not to. This is harassment. This is why they passed stalking laws and right to privacy laws.
Ask your attorney to read Allee v Medrano, 416 US 802 (1974); LaDuke v Nelson, 762 F2d 1318 (9th Cir. 1985) and Illinois v Pilliod, 540 F2d 1062 (7th Cir., 1976). Your attorney will tell you that these cases aren’t on point but tell them to keep in mind that the police need reasonable suspicion to stop you in street encounters. Going to your door raises it to a new level. And keep in mind if you give the police a no trespass warning that if they come to your door again that they will be trespassers. This won’t keep them from coming to your door for compliance checks because they have cause to come to your door. But it should cause them to keep these checks to only what the law requires.
If they call you and you invite them to your home that’s your personal decision. What I don’t understand is if they are doing compliance checks every month, are they letting people get away with crimes because they are tied down with compliance checks or should the city consider laying off police to save money.
I can understand your desire to fly under the radar but at some point you have to stand up and fight these laws. Flying under the radar makes sense if you are donating to FAC and participating in whatever campaign they have going on. If you are supporting FAC and similar efforts, I appreciate your efforts and say continue to fly under the radar if you wish.
I donate to FAC,and follow them daily, the lawsuits they have going on,I donate too, hopefully we can all get off the RSO sooner than later with there help….
Thanks Rick
Thanks Detroit, Just going to stay low for a few more years, and go to court, and get removed from the Rso List….
Hopefully……
Thanks Rick
Today I went to register. It is now at the Bervard county jail. You have to sit in an 8×10 close together People would come in with out mask and sit there for a while till a sheriff told them they needed a mask. Last year you waited outside. Are the trying to kill us off with covid-19
Rick:
The police showing up at your door every 3 weeks without cause is harassment.
Ive talked to two FAC Lawyers and they said they can show up every day for
a home check and there is nothing i can do about it, I could go complain to the police cheif, but then ill be on there Radar and I don’t need any more Harassment than I already have..
They call, we set up a time, we meet, they don’t ask for my license, its hi and goodbye ……
Last month it was 4 weeks before they called…..
It was once a year, for the last 14 years….
“FAC Lawyers”?
FAC has no lawyers on staff.
That is true, i talked to them when FAC has call in with lawyers,who are there for answers we have, they do not work for FAC….
FAC has been blessed with A LOT of attorneys who have stepped up to help our cause.
Some names that come to mind are Val Jonas, Ron Kleiner, Jamie Benjamin, Jeanne Baker, Jeffrey Hearne, Gil Schaffnit and Florida Justice Institute, Florida Institutional Legal Services, the ACLU… who have busted their asses for us without collecting a penny in fees. These individuals and organizations are SAINTS!
Why is it that you cannot do anything about it? Because you are on probation or parole?
A person who is not on probation or parole could stop it immediately. And a person should stop it immediately. They should encourage LE to do some actual work and perhaps try to prevent some crimes. Or solve a couple.
What do you suggest ?
I know that getting mad and saying things to them brings out the worst in the police, and i just don’t want to start something where i live that would jeopardize my freedom and where i live by being arrested for infractions …
I’m not suggesting getting mad or saying anything at all to them. Quite the opposite actually, in that people should never interact with LECs.
If a person is not on probation or parole then he/she should live in a walled or gated property. One that is never opened for LECs. Then, you simply live a great life and completely ignore them.
If you are on probation or parole, it might be a bit harder. I expect you could still have a wall but you’d need to respond to legal probation or parole officers. I don’t think you’d have to respond to just any LEC that wants to show up. I’d think a person could get a court to set that, if necessary.
The Hit Lists aren’t acceptable. No American should be accepting them.
Jody Williams:
It sounds as if your husband has a good false arrest claim.
You can get arrested for failing to register a vehicle. The law allows it.
All of these should be called “Operation PR Stunt”.
That is all they are. Nothing but advertising, begging for more $$$$$.
Defund.
Semi serious question…
When a certain county makes it a point to conduct county wide information checks upon PFR’s… Is it with the intention to increase numbers of arrests in general or is it with intentions to show that monies specifically for those involved with the leo sex crimes unit isn’t going to waste?
Both? (I’m sure there’s a political angle to this as well, let’s consider that as a given here.)
Because, you know, not punishment and all…
Compliance stings are popular. They help sheriffs persuade county councils to approve their budgets and, in their view, also help them win elections.
Exactly right. The main purpose is propaganda.
If there is actually a law enforcement agency that thinks the Hit Lists are useful then that is a law enforcement agency that is clueless and probably generally doesn’t know what the F they are doing in a LOT of areas. In so many situations like that I have always seen that they have a ton of crimes that haven’t been solved. Some have even had cases of missing children that were active and unsolved. Yet instead of working on those, they are working on things that they ABSOLUTELY SHOULD KNOW FOR SURE ARE A WASTE OF TIME. Again, if they don’t understand that the Hit Lists aren’t needed and are in fact, actually counterproductive even, then they are lost.
But, because the “operations” are popular PR, that is precisely why good Americans need to put a stop to them. No one should be allowing them in any form. Shut down the made-for-TV, made-for-media “operations”. They have nothing to do with public safety or protecting children. They are advertising.
These criminal regimes need to get the message that the Hit Lists aren’t acceptable and they are an act of war. They are enemies of good Americans.
They are running raids in Brevard county, with S.O.R.T, Sheriff, local PD, Fdle officers and marshals. They ran it Feb 1-5th, covering Sebastian, Palm Bay, and Melbourne. We live in a privately owned complex in Palm Bay. There is a total of 5 sex offenders in our complex all but one was picked up on the same charge. “Failing to register an owned vehicle “. Over 60 were booked into the county jail all but a few were given a cash or surety bond of 5000. Told to go correct the error and shoe up in court. Most waited over 24 hours for first appearances. My husband is one that got picked up and one of the few held no bond. His probation officer is not violating him. The car not registered belongs to our son. He doesn’t go back to court until March 4th. He’s going to lose his job he’s had for 5 years. He was just told Wednesday before his arrest probation will back him getting off probation early. It’s a mess.
These “law enforcement” people are criminals.
I don’t actually understand why these criminal regimes SUPPOSEDLY want to have vehicles like your son’s Registered. It seems entirely idiotic. I had all of my children’s cars Registered and the law enforcement criminals followed them all over the place. And for what? To waste big government resources, I guess. The people they were following were not PFRs and thus, according to the lying criminal regimes, they were 100% safe. Idiocy. But that’s big government for you. They aren’t the smartest around.
I’ll tell them as many times as they like – if I intend to commit a crime, I promise I will never use a vehicle that they know anything about. Promise. So why are they arresting people for stupidity? In hopes that the people will retaliate? That’s what I hope. Many magnitudes in excess.
And I’m supposed to care when cops get shot? Nah. I’ll care about people who aren’t harassing families.
Sorry for your mess, it’s difficult to deal with, ive been hammered by local police dept for the last year, evey 3 weeks they show up, ive been off probation 19 years and there always looking for ways to arrest you….My probation officer said they would back me up for early Termination(1998). We went to court and the prosecutor said no way and so did the judge. Thousands of dollars wasted on what Probation said would happen……
I do and follow everything on the 3 white pages i sign for, I don’t want to be arrested because I didn’t follow the state rules, as STUPID AS THEY ARE…im still under the states thumb, untill i get of the RSO in a few years…
So now I find out why they are following my sister and my niece.They are nurses and they tell me the cops follow them all the time even to work and watch to see who gets out is there a way to sue them ? And if so who is the attorney to contact because now they are watchful and my brother in law says if they follow him he going to stop and lay into them and I don’t want anything bad to happen because they are being followed
I had a visit from a U.S. Marshall riding along with a Brevard County Sheriff and Probation officer on Halloween 2020. The U.S. Marshall had paper work on me in his hands to verify my residence and all vehicles. We have several vehicles, trailers and so on. One of my tags did not match up with his paper work. I informed him that the DMV recently sent me a new tag in the mail for no reason. He said I was in violation and if he came back again and it was not fixed that I would be going to jail. What they are checking for is any non-compliance. To anyone on the registry it may not seem like a big deal. Someone who I know was arrested a few days ago in Palm Bay for failing to update a new vehicle to the residence. We have 48 to do so, or it’s a violation on our part. We need to make sure everything is in good order and have copies to prove that. By doing so, this can save you from lots of trouble. It kind of sucks that they are out looking to find reasons to lock people up on the registry. I hope this helps all to see how important it is to make sure they have all the proper information.
PFRs do need to follow the laws (only since they are weapons of war). However, no PFR should be allowing these “checks”.
Give the criminal regimes what is required, in writing only. Do it ONLY at the times and places it is required. Do not allow additional “checks” or “verification”. Do not interact with the criminals.
Bay County – I see that USMS just helped the sheriff net 38 arrests, a few for actual crimes but most for registration failures (mostly internet accounts).
Meanwhile in Gotham
There are some REALLY BAD people out there. Fugitives that have killed people, terrorist etc. Maybe some of these resources could be used to solve a “CURRENT” or ongoing crime, NOT going after people with crimes they paid for and served their sentences decades ago.
It is like shooting fish in an aquarium.
That’s what smart, moral people would do. Big government won’t. They chase the $$$$$ and what is easiest.
“For the children”.
AMEN!
My Last Compliance check occurred in the Fall of 2019; Since then, I have filed a lawsuit against the AG of the jurisdiction in which I reside;
Subsequently, some of my colleagues are employed by the USMS…..Ironically, some of them, the other day, saw me and asked to talked to me…all they said to me was, “WE, and They are not going to fck with you again”….my response was, “REALLY?”….I JUST walked away and DID NOT LOOK BACK; Later that Day, One of ‘THEM’ texted to me and said that HE was ‘sorry’
I do not trust any of ‘THEM’
My pursuit in the lawsuit will NEVER EVER END!
I’ve had two incidents with US. Marshals.
The 1st occurence was two plain clothes individuals who were obviously nervous when I recited the law to them. I also advised them their threat to arrest me was unlawful and baseless. Never seen those two Gomer Pyles again.
The 2nd occurence was two in SWAT gear that interrogated my fiance at my home when I was at work. The state made a clerical error by one digit on my address. My lady set them straight and they left.
They do periodic sweeps in sorna complaint states.
CJ
Many years back when I was still working, I bought a new vehicle. I registered it with the sheriff’s office as required. It wasn’t until 5 months later I noticed the dealer had put the color of old vehicle on the new registration. I had to have them correct it.
When I finally brought it up, I just knew I would get popped. The guy said “ok” changed it and never asked / noticed why I waited 5 months to correct it.
What is even odder, the compliance check deputy never mentioned it either when he came by the house, and the color difference was major.
I do not have time to read all of the comments concerning the U. S. Marshalls doing compliance checks, so forgive me if anyone has already brought this up.
Marshalls are being used throughout our country on compliance “sweeps”. In fact, I do not read of any of these sweeps being done only by local law enforcement. Counties and cities do not have the manpower. The U. S. Marshall’s Office now has task forces within their agency that focus on these sweeps. Talk about a waste of money!
Vote for smaller government so that the tax money they collect will actually be used for public good, and not this unnecessary stupidity.
The registry is popular among many who otherwise proclaim their belief in small government. That complicates efforts to defeat the registry through the ballot box.
Candidates should be forced to answer – do you think big government Hit Lists should exist? Anyone who believes in Hit Lists supports big government. Simple test.
Hit Lists should be a central issue for any politician that claims to not love big government. We need to call such politicians out literally every single day. Every single time they mention “smaller government” or “big government”.
Hi, who is Ron K? An attorney?
Ron M. Kleiner. Yes.
https://floridaactioncommittee.org/attorneys/criminal-attorneys/
Yes. I have had a US Marshal come to my door to verify my address, and yet I was told by my usual officer that this would be happening, but was just told that it would be by someone else and not him.
Would be helpfully to those answering ‘yes’ to include their original charge. Thanks…
You mean they’re picking and choosing by original charge?
Of course they are. Someone caught pssing in public or a teenager with an underage girl/boyfriend is not getting the same level of scrutiny as someone busted with a Library of Congress sized collection of kiddy prn or a serial rapist…
This is why we need FAC and NARSOL etc to write official letters to the USM and demand that they issue their criteria for making in person visits to the homes or workplaces of RSOs. Thanks.
Derek:
You are an honorary floridian. I’m sure the homeless registrants appreciated your Christmas visit. The Books have made your honorary status official.
It would have been nice if the rally in Tally had become an annual event. Perhaps, registrants in Florida should hold a rally in Tally each year.
@ Detroit:. I am with ACSOL in California. We go to our state’s capitol, Sacramento, each year (COVID allowing) to lobby our representatives, oppose or support legislation, etc. It makes a big difference when it’s real people I’m their offices, not just letters and phone calls. (But, please don’t get me wrong, letters and phone calls are also great – especially when lawmakers are overwhelmed by the volume of messages they receive.)
Derek posted a survey on compliance checks on his website. Anyone interested should go to oncefallen.com and read his survey.
NEVER OPEN THE DOOR FOR ANY OF THESE CLOWNS!!!
NEVER SIGN ANYTHING!!!
RECORD ALL LE VISITS TO YOUR HOME!!!
I’m not a Floridian but I had my fairly well noted visit by the USMS back in 2013. The young Marshal looked fresh out of the academy and pounded on my door like he was searching for bin Laden. He was armed and dressed like it too, in full goon squad hear, only missing a riot shield. Beside him was a Sheriff’s deputy who looked reluctant to be here. Either that or he was the convincing Jeff in the ol’ Mutt and Jeff routine.
The USMS was acting like a jerk so I treated him accordingly. He tried telling me he needed to see my bedroom to confirm I lived there. Not being “on paper”, I asked him for a warrant, and since he had no warrant, he was denied entry. I also had no problem letting him know he was “number 1” in sign language, if you catch my drift. I only signed a paper from the Sheriff’s office that I read first. Marshal threatened to come back next week, and I replied, “You can come back every day of the week for all I care but the only thing you’ll see without a warrant is this middle finger and this door slamming.”
After they left, I decided to go for a walk, took me a few minutes. They were still outseide so I grabbed my camera and the Marshal ran out of his car and tried preventing me from taking a pic. In was on the phone with a fellow activist, who recorded the conversation.
I tried fighting this in federal court but they said I upheld my rights by denying entry so they failed to hear my argument the very act of compliance checks constitutes a search and thus a warrant should be necessary.
Anyways, in 2017, different USMS/ sheriff’s deputy combo stopped by and knew better than to mess with me. I still gave them a lecture that compliance checks are harassment and they should take care of the real drug problem in the neighborhood.
If you’re not on probation/ parole, you shouldn’t cooperate with these compliance checks aside from signing anything you’ve read along with some representation/ witnesses if you have it. Record it if possible. Maybesomeone here at FAC can advise you on what you can and can’t do during these harassment operations because I don’t want you to get in trouble on my account. But, it was satisfying making these LEOs squirm.
Derek,
Read the SCOTUS case of Florida v. Jardines (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/569/1/) for a good explanation why LE can approach one’s door. Yes, their presence is a 4th Amdt. “event” (for lack of a better term) but it’s considered reasonable….initially. The moment 1) they realize nobody is answering the door or 2) you tell them to leave, they must leave–promptly and directly. If they delay, they are almost assuredly conducting a warrantless search.
The difference between Jardines and compliance checks is that Jardines was directly targeted for investigation as a suspect for drugs, so a drug sniffing dog was brought for the purpose of detecting those drugs. They are searching for an item, not a person. By contrast, compliance checks are blanket searches of all registrants in an area with no targeted suspicion brought on by any purpose other than a status-based one.
I am not obligated to answer a knock or doorbell, and I don’t unless I recognize who it is through my peephole. Even then, if I’m not sure, I ask who they are, who sent them, and what do they want.
From my understanding, US Marshals should not be at your door unless they intend to arrest you as non-compliant.
https://www.usmarshals.gov/duties/factsheets/sex_offender_ops.pdf
As for local offices, Floriduh is divided into three districts:
https://www.usmarshals.gov/district/navigation/fl.htm
Here are the phone numbers:
https://www.usmarshals.gov/contacts/districts.html
Those districts are broken down into divisions. Generally, the Marshals are located in major cities where there is a federal courthouse:
https://www.usmarshals.gov/district/fl-n/locations/index.html
https://www.usmarshals.gov/district/fl-m/locations/index.html
https://www.usmarshals.gov/district/fl-s/locations/
Well…the US Marshal overseas all sex offender units. In some counties, Brevard being one, they allow street deputies to perform check-ins– vs your assigned detective. Sometimes those are not being done or not being done “correctly” for obvious reasons. The USM “has to” come in and get it cleaned up. I spoke to my detective about them making visits and he explained how they are actually over all state and local registrants– as is FDLE –just within the state of Florida obviously. Don’t get me wrong, I would have mad questions and some definite fear if someone from the US Marshal office showed up at my doorstep. Just out of the unknown even… I’m glad I saw this post and was able to ask my Detective in case something like this does happen, I can hopefully understand.
“I spoke to my detective about them making visits and he explained how they are actually over all state and local registrants–”
Can you please provide a US Marshals website link to verify this statement?
Everything I found on their website states they only investigate non-compliant SOs and SPs.
Never in Union County. But to my knowledge they don’t do any type of verifications, address or otherwise.
I got more cameras and microphone at my house than the pentagon. Everything said from start to finish will be recorded. I don’t play with these guys. But if I feel any nonsense at hand. I got Ron K’s number on speed dial. I won’t say anything I domt have to.
Of coarse federal law enforcement show up they don’t have anything to do . There aren’t any real crimes to work on.
Makes me wonder if the two FBI agents who sadly lost their lives following up on a supposed child porn lead was an actual crime or a fabricated one like so many are.
What a waste of time ,money and even precious lives. There needs to be a re-evaluation of resources. What a waste. If it was an actual crime there are much better ways to take care of it than guns a blaring.
See federal law codified under 18 USC 2250(3): Whoever is required to register under SORNA…and…”knowingly fails to register or update a registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act;
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.” US Marshall’s therfore have jurisdiction IF AND ONLY IF you meet the SORNA requirements. This may be why some RSOs are visited and others are not.
Federal jurisdiction
That’s why SORNA should be seriously re-evaluated . Officers risk their lives, every time they go knocking on doors not knowing what’s behind that door. Is it reasonable to put their lives on the line on the hundreds of thousands of individuals that are proven to be no risk to anyone. Train them to know the facts and carry out their duties with fewer chances of harm to them or anyone else.
If the officers would unitedly speak up , politicians might listen.
I’m up here in Michigan so I know it’s not particularly relevant to the overall conversation in Florida but I have experienced a visit from the Federal marshals. About 8 years ago I arrived home from dropping my kids off at school to find a black suv with two marshals sitting across from my house. They didn’t come on my property at all. The conversation was brief as they just verified that I was who and where I was supposed to be. They did inform me that I was living within a 1k ft school exclusion zone and I politely told them that I was grandfathered in as I had bought my house before any of this horseshit had even become a thing….I also informed them that my kids attended said school…they looked surprised that I knew my rights and simply said ok and left. It has never happened again since and I only ever get a once a year visit from my local PD. It was disconcerting to say the least to see them in their black suv and black Marshall windbreakers…..
@ DavidM: Oh, you are so wrong!! The US Marshals certainly DO have something better & more important that they need to be doing – they need to be locating and arresting all of the insurrectionists who attacked Capitol Hill on January 6th!! THAT IS WHAT THEY SHOULD BE DOING!!
But maybe that’s just too challenging for them….. a bit too difficult ….. too much work. 😩
Or maybe those insurrectionists are just really scary!! 😳 Goodness me, they might actually have guns or other scary weapons!! 😱
No, best to be safe ….. so much easier to ride along on compliance checks of non-violent Registrants. 🙄 Pathetic.
and they could be looking for all the looters across the country that tore many major city’s apart over the last year or so also.
Not here in Santa Rosa County so far.
Same for me. Santa Rosa County only has sheriff office show up for compliance. I had a new one recently that was a total dick. Asked my sister if he could come in and look around. She said no. Then they gave the old “If you don’t have anything to hide, why cant we come in?” Spill. (I was at work at the time)
Then he called my cell phone and said if I didn’t show up at my home by 4pm the next day (near the end of his shift) he would file me as non-verified and out of compliance, thus having a warrant issued. I told him I worked until 6 pm every weekday and couldn’t make it. So I called into the sheriff dept myself when I got home and asked for the current officer to come out and verify. He came, didn’t ask to come in or for me to step outside. He simply looked at my ID, handed it back, and said have a nice day.
Never heard back from the dickhead.
Occasionally you will run across such ‘Richard craniums’.
Oh my, any additional info on this visit? How was their demeanor, questions asked, did they pertain to just the info submitted to/by Sort, or were they digging for more?
They better not come to mine with that b.s. and I’m serious too.
I haven’t experienced this yet. However back around ’06-’07 time frame I did have US Marshalls show up at my job verifying I was at work and was working where my registration said I worked. It was then that I learned I was not the only registered SO working for that company. Apparently they was eliminating potential suspects from the SO registry of a kidnapping or murder or something of that nature, that happened around that time frame or atleast that’s what my PO told me when I report the law enforcement contact to him. I have never had a US Marshall show up at my residence. They might be doing the same thing though if they are showing up at people’s residence. Just another reason that the SO registry dilutes their investigative process in tracking down the perpetrators of a heinous crime. But hey Florida loves to waste tax payer money that way. One day they hear a pop and that’s when their heads will release from their rear ends and figure out how much money is being wasted that could be used for better purposes. Well hopefully. Ignorance is bliss lol
@ Tim P.: I had the opposite happened to me. A bunch of police cars showed up in my neighborhood. Apparently, a neighborhood kid, 12 or 13 years old, had been reported missing by the parent(s). So I asked one of the cops what was happening and he told me a kid had run away and asked me to please keep an eye out for the missing kid and let them know if I see him!! 🙄
Yeah, no thank you! Not interested in any of that craziness! 🙄
Nothing to report from Bob in Brevard County. If it happens I will report it. By the way, the registration office has now moved the the Brevard County jail. I reregistered there on 1 Feb with no problems.
According to the U.S marshals Government wedsite, this is their duties they are tasked with:
Judicial Security, Fugitive Operations, Witness Security, Prisoner Operations, Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System, Asset Forfeiture, Service of Court Process, and Tactical Operations
If this is true, we need FACs help in advocacy. Unlike local LE, US Marshall’s do not wear uniforms. How are any of us to know for sure that the man/woman at our door claiming to be a federal agent really is one?
Food for thought, but wouldn’t you prefer they not wear uniforms? Less embarrassment.
I get your point about them minimizing embarrassment by not wearing uniforms but I for one need to know who is at my door. At least with local LE, I can call the Sheriff’s Office to verify the name of a deputy (if I don’t already know them). Frankly, I for one am not embarrassed anyway.
The Deputy who comes to check on me arrives with full tatical S.W.A.T gear, Heavy body armor that reads SHERIFF on front and back and all his equipment.
He does however drive an unmarked SUV. Whenever the neighbors ask me if everything is ok, I tell them they are following up on a crime. That is true, it is just that the crime is from 30 years ago LOL
I agree with that,i have a police officer show up every 3 weeks for a home check, in full uniform…..very Annoying
Sad part is there’s nothing i can do about it….
You need a wall around your home.
Personally, I would put an end to that immediately.
In that case ALWAYS ask to see the ID of anyone present.
Show me your department issued identification not a badge and keep your hands where I can see them.
Ask for ID!!
Has anyone reached out to the US Marshall’s Office about this? My fear is that anyone can come to my door claiming to be a Marshall, even with credentials. But how can any of us verify who thst person really is? At least with local LE, I can call the non-emergency number and verify a deputy or other cop.
I believe the US Marshals lacks the jurisdiction to enforce any local or state laws at all, and you could theoretically tell him to shove it and shut the door on his / her face.
They may say they have the right to come, then demand to see proof, in the US Constitution, show them then the 4th Amendment that says they don’t without a warrant and the 6th that says they need to provide you an attorney during any and all questioning by them. Then remind them that under Miranda V. Arizona, you have invoked your rights.
You may refuse to leave your home. You may refuse to allow them inside your home without a warrant. Inform them that they are trespassing on your property and you demand them to leave at once.
They may want to “inspect” your id, and inside your home, you are not required to “open your door to give it to them”. This is a trick.
Overstepping their limits is a normal thing, but should you open your door to them, then they could argue that you allowed them inside and push their way inside. A screen door or storm door removes this, if it is kept locked.
If they invite you to come outside of your home, refuse. If they ask if they can come inside, refuse. Record everything from the get go, and stream online to someplace.
You would be shocked how many times videos “accidentally” get deleted by cops when it looks bad.
This is a good time to put a good password on your phone with a 10 to 15 characters, with a 3 times erase protocol in place.
Do not volunteer anything, don’t be helpful… answer everything with yes or no. Nothing else! Do not give them any information not required by your reporting agency. Nothing! Do not talk about your online activity, where you go to socialize, emergency contacts (they will use to harass them), etc… nothing. They want to “verify”, stick with your law requirements, and say “You are not the reporting agency and I do not have to answer any of your questions. I demand to have an attorney present and to remain silent until an attorney is present”.
Educate yourself.
Also, File to REMOVE their Qualified Immunity Status so You can Sue them in Civil Court and you can basically RUIN THEIR LIVES FINANCIALLY…remember, most of these clowns only have Indemnity up to $10K; so costs above this amount must be paid personally out of these clowns own pockets……RUIN THEM FINANCIALLY!
Happened every time in Texas. Not just one but 3 of them, 3 State LEO and 1 city PD.
Deputy came by last month Jan. As normal just asked for my I’d I said no again he got upset for nothing I’m right he’s wrong my picture is on the paper in his hands and moter vec has controll of id’s not deputys But no marshals yet