Bad Neighbors?

Question

I have these neighbors right across the street from me, they continually drink and deal drugs right in their front yard. The cops are called over & over and nothing is ever done about them. They are becoming more violent towards each other & my family, my kids can’t even go outside with out them threatening my children, my kids are 12 & 6 and when my oldest goes to the mail box they call her a whore and tell her “you better get your B*tch As* back in your house.” When we open up the windows to get some fresh air they start screaming at us. We’ve called the cops, they come and then nothing. We can’t join the neighborhood watch because they’ve already threatened us so many times we’re afraid that they’ll shoot us. We can’t even go outside without them constantly yelling and cussing at us (they know we’re the ones who keep calling the cops and that makes them angrier) What can I do when the Cops won’t do anything? I’m not even allowed to video tape them because it invades their rights.

Answer 1

You can Video them in the same way that a company can have security cameras. You can not use sound however. Or if you are making a video tape of your kids and they happen to be seen on it that is perfectly legal. The video taping only become a problem when it is hidden and undisclosed. If it is in the open it is OK. You should be able to check with law enforcement people or a lawyer in your area for the exact requirements. Also ever person has a right to quit enjoyment of their property. If things are as bad as described you might be able to instead of seeking criminal action seek civil actions but you would have to talk to a lawyer and work on building a well documented case in order for that to happen. Also if your neighbors are renting they may be in violation of their rental agreement by their actions. Also if the neighbors make threatening actions or words toward you or your family that can be considered threatening to assault and can lead to criminal prosecution. The websites below should help with locating some legal information.

Answer 2

If they are out in the public you can video tape anyone. You can take still pictures, you can write down license plates and vehicle descriptions anytime day or night. I had the same thing happen to us in California and my x-neighbor has an inmate # rather than a street address now.
Nothing works better than publicity. Get the press involved somehow if it's the local newspaper, TV, radio, letter to the editor, whatever, but you need to draw the public's attention to the problem. Keep good records of your calls to the police etc because when you go public you will need to be able to verify the lack of response with dates and times.
A good way to get things done is to remember that "your friend is your enemies enemy". Someone out there is the enemy of the police chief, mayor, city manager, city prosecutor, etc. If you can find that person and engage them in your problem they might take great interest not so much to help you but to shine a bad light on their enemy. The result will be good for you in the end.
We shut down the drug dealer by being out in the street taking down license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions. The customers knew what we were going to do with that information so they found another dealer pronto. Then we had a drive by shooting and there was no way for the police to ignore the problem then. They did an investigation, search warrant, arrest, prosecution, and finally a conviction and 2 six year sentences.
Good Luck !!

Answer 3

I don't see how video taping them from your own home invades their right. If they are doing something outside of their house you should have the right to tape them. It is out in the public eye i don't see how their right are being invaded. Think about look at all the celebs that get there picture take where ever they are and they get published and when you watch he TV show cop they tape that as well. So your telling that is you were to put up surveillance cameras that picked something up you can't us them unless you live outside the US i don't think you would have any problem taping anything from the comfort of your own home.

Answer 4

Why are you even entertaining it then? You're giving them food and 'borrowing' money, I think even I would keep on coming back for 'freebies'. What you need to do is first of all tell these people to 'kindly go away' the next time they knock at your door, and as for the noise and distruption, call the noise patrol. That's what they're there for. You have to be cruel to be kind! After all, what'll happen if you don't? You and the rest of your neighbours are going to have alot of sleepless nights! Good Luck.

Answer 5

Talk with a community service officer or crime prevention office at the police department. The patrol cops can really only do something if there is evidence of a crime. The community service officer may be able to come up with some ideas on how to settle the issues.

Answer 6

All these questions and how you have presented them need to be taken to the police. Do not call them and have them come to your home, because that will cause more discord. It would appear that you need to ensure that your tax dollars are being spent in your best interests. So go to the police station and discuss it there...the squeaky wheel eventually gets the grease...

Answer 7

Do you live in government housing? Or are they? It's not uncommon to have these types of problems.

Either move, or move. Really that's all you can do. And if you own, that's going to be tough to sell when you have jokers like that around!

Answer 8

Just shoot them and then feed the remains to hogs! People aren't aware that pigs eat people just as well as people eat hogs! If they're as bad as you claim no one will even miss them! People disappear so often, you would be amazed at how many times this happens! They wouldn't say word one to me! I hope this helps you!

Answer 9

Cops wont do anything.....apparently your not that street smart,and getting bigger bullies...or starting a war between them and there competition is out, so your pretty much down to one option.......sorry to say it, but its move...