Member Submission: Information asked during address verification.
Members have been writing in letting us know that officers are asking interrogating questions during the address verification, including information that is not even registrable (see below). Remember to only identify yourself by showing your ID and that’s all. You do not need to answer any questions! We STRONGLY suggest not to.
Use common sense. If it’s something benign, like “how’s your day going?” it’s harmless, but if they start quizzing you on items you reported or ask for other information, politely tell them you provide all required information at registration and you are not going to answer their questions without an attorney present. If you don’t have the confidence to say it, prepare a card to leave by your door and hand it to them.
Below is what a member reported to us.
Hello. I want to pass on what happened to me. Maybe you can offer some help and send it on to the registrant community. Last night I was awoke by a loud banging on my door. It was 10:30PM; I go to bed early. It was the XXXXXX Police saying this was a check in. There were 2 cops, only one wearing a mask. I, unfortunately didn’t get their names. I went to wake up my wife so she could witness this and to get my ID. I also grabbed a notebook so I could write down what happened. We were both scared and very startled, being woken up suddenly. I handed them my ID and they asked the following questions:
What was a good time to find me? I told them earlier, say 8PM
What was my phone? At this point I told them, “You have that info.”
Was I on probation? I told him, “You know that.” He said, “You don’t have to be a jerk about this.”
What was my wife’s name and number? I asked why he needed that. At this point I was scared and angry. Every time I objected to answering the remaining questions he would say he didn’t have this info and they would just get it this time then next time it wouldn’t take so long, or he would berrate me, saying “don’t be a jerk about this.
Questions continued: Do I have kids? How often did they visit? What was their name? I can’t see how this is a question they’re allows to ask but, I’m sorry to say, at this point I just wanted this over with. My wife told me there was nothing I could do just answer the questions
What are your emails? I handed him my receipt from my last registration. He said “This is really helpful.” Again they said they didn’t have this info.
Who is my internet provider?
Do I smoke?
Am I right or left handed?
I feel almost ashamed that I couldn’t have pushed back more during this. But I don’t know how to deal with this level of stress. I’m not trained to handle being on the opposite end of these intimidation tactics. My question is: Did I need to answer any of these questions other than do I live here? Do I have to answer the registry questions. Has anyone else experienced this with XXXX Police? Do I have any recourse to complain about this. I’m worried they’ll now try and intimidate my wife and the parents of my grandchild.
Thanks for your help
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Does the OP know for sure if they were actual law enforcement? Stuff like this makes me glad we have a locked gate at the end of our driveway.
We all need to know what jurisdiction this is. For some reason, that detail is all too often left out of these member submissions. Jurisdictional issues such as this need to be tracked and monitored.
Know that, without a warrant and not under supervision, you are not required to answer the door for any version of law enforcement… Ever. They have the right to huff and puff but only for what it’s considered a reasonable amount of time. Meaning, about 3 to 5 minutes then it’s time for them to leave. Get their actions on video, witness, audio, etc and when it becomes (blatant) harassment report that to either a superior or a lawyer.
Please, PLEASE remember that you are an American citizen and you still have rights while living here. Inform yourself, inform others. Be POLITE when you tell LEO’s to come back at a reasonable time.
Hopefully there are advocates out there to raise cane about what these “officers” do – contact state legislators, federal representatives, criminal reform organizations, ACLU, etc….
Re: Tallahassee Police, specifically LSCO;
Last time they came for a verification, the paperwork of the visiting officer was incomplete making me think what was already submitted was less than accurate. He made me second guess myself and I had to call FDLE to verify everything. Not sure if tgese are head games or incompetence, but it is frustrating, especially when my info just doesn’t change. My advice is not to get testy with the visiting officer, because he doesn’t know you from Adam, and is just there to verify the info. Every officer is going to have a slightly different take on how to do their job and some are even going to come off as dickish. Nature of the beast. I usually give my ID and inform them there are no changes. They still run down a list of internet identifiers and vehicles, phone numbers, etc. Nods and uh huhs, then a solid have a nice day. Keep it pleasant and they won’t be so apt to become frustrated with you. It sucks for you, but this guy has to do this all day. It shouldn’t have to be done at all.
“My advice is not to get testy with the visiting officer, because he doesn’t know you from Adam, and is just there to verify the info.”
His ignorance and poor planning is not my problem, it’s his. Your statement is another way of saying, “he’s just doing his job.” Too f-ing bad he chose poorly at career day. Never be polite or helpful to any Legally Entitled to Oppress (i.e. LEO) who engages with you. Ideally you won’t even engage.
Never give any information at your door except your name! If they continue or get nasty ask for a supervisor or have someone in the home call the police and ask for a sgt on the scene asap! Refuse to answer anymore questions till a Sgt shows up and then some questions you are not required to respond to. No where in and sentence orders does it state you have to give up your right to remain silent. Name is all that is required. Film the event! In Washington State we have folks going to registrants homes acting as police and has even murdered some registrants. Judges here allow death threats, hate crimes, perjury and even planned murders only get second degree charges!
Be safe and if necessary go back to sentencing judge and get everything they can do to you in writing from him in an order. Can even limits time for checks. Next time waive at them from a window as its late and you are in bed.