Threats at Home

[Socaliente]

I've only been LE for a couple years so I havent had to deal with it personally, but today I was informed that one of my buddies, who is a Correctional Deputy, found a note on his car reading. "I Found you homie dont let me catch you slippin" The car was parked in his driveway. I know we can take all the precautions in the world to seperate our personal and professional lives, but like today, someone will recognize you. What advice do you guys have for this situation. It is obviously a threat and should be taken serious. I already told him he needs to start carrying 24/7 if he hasnt already. I dont walk out my front door without something. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[TRICKSTER]

Report it to his local PD and work. Probably was followed home, you really need to pay attention and vary your route. Be extra careful and beef up any home security. I have an alarm system, dogs and security cameras.

[9mmepiphany]

Something many new officers aren't aware of at the simple things, like 1) being aware of the cars normally on your street, 2) being aware of cars around you when out and about, 3) knowing when people are paying you unusual attention, 4) varying the routes, times, you travel to and from your home and 5) parking your vehicle out of view...yes, in the garage.

These are all simple things that cost almost nothing, are highly effective and yet always seem to take a back seat to hardware solutions...not that there is anything wrong with additional lighting, cameras, high end locks/door frames and a loud dog. There really isn't much you can do to hide where you live if you own a home or have utilities in your name

[spammusubiboy]

All you can do is keep your head on a swivel, pay attention to the cars behind you and take different routes home. Travel out of uniform or with a cover shirt/jacket. Also have your info taken off the websites that allow you to type in a name and see where they live and the info on who they live with.

[Ron-Solo]

He needs to report this to his supervisors immediately!

And what the guys said before me is spot on. He needs to focus on his surroundings YESTERDAY!

[Wickedflava]

For all LEOs. I would (if you have not already done so) clean up your Internet laundry by contacting those websites and requesting them to remove your personal info. I would also get a PO Box and try to use that address as often as possible for any correspondences. I defiantly would fill out that confidentiality paper work from the DMV. And try to advise your close ones (specifically the ones who have direct ties to you) to do the same. Also, when going to your POV at night or whenever, I try to check the back doors to see if the car has been tampered with. In fact every time I secure my car I always check the back and front door to make sure everything is good to go. Once you establish this as a habit it helps

[9mmepiphany]

I would also get a PO Box and try to use that address as often as possible for any correspondences. I defiantly would fill out that confidentiality paper work from the DMV.

None of this will do any good if you own a home or are connected to any utilities

[oddjob]

What the others here said is very good advice. Its been my experience that if someone wants to find you there isn't much you can do about it.

I didn't worry too much about the suspect who left a note. Its the guy/gal who DOESN'T leave a note that I was concerned about. One of the cops I know had gasoline dumped on his car and it was set on fire in the parking lot of the department. No note..... just the fire.

If he/she has family make sure he/she has a plan if confronted with suspects. Doesn't have to be a good plan, but just a plan. I told my wife just to run away towards a more crowded area (people) and let me deal with the situation (easier when I don't have to look out for my wife) in a public setting.

At home its;
1) Grab a weapon
2) Call 911 (hard line if possible)

With today's technology I would mount one of those hunting type cameras that will snap a photo upon movement in the driveway. To be honest the most important thing to do is document....document.....document!!

[Notorious]

A good camera system is not that expensive and is a necessary component to a good home security system. Other than that, all the internet cleaning and hiding won't do you much good if someone is dedicated to finding you.

[IA300]

Something many new officers aren't aware of at the simple things, like 1) being aware of the cars normally on your street, 2) being aware of cars around you when out and about, 3) knowing when people are paying you unusual attention, 4) varying the routes, times, you travel to and from your home and 5) parking your vehicle out of view...yes, in the garage.

These are all simple things that cost almost nothing, are highly effective and yet always seem to take a back seat to hardware solutions...not that there is anything wrong with additional lighting, cameras, high end locks/door frames and a loud dog. There really isn't much you can do to hide where you live if you own a home or have utilities in your name

Very good advice, I have been followed home from work on two occassion that I picked up on. Nothing wrong with grabbing some curb on the side of the freeway. If they catch up again, a nice long drive to the nearest PD while calling 911 to give your location.

[nastyhabts26]

Like Joe Biden says shoot your 12 gauge shotgun through the door.
Go to your balcony and let loose with both barrels into the air, that will scare the bad men away.

[NuGunner]

Report it to his local PD and work. Probably was followed home, you really need to pay attention and vary your route. Be extra careful and beef up any home security. I have an alarm system, dogs and security cameras.

Amen +1

[Notorious]

Like Joe Biden says shoot your 12 gauge shotgun through the door.
Go to your balcony and let loose with both barrels into the air, that will scare the bad men away.

Since you are in the car, you don't have a balcony, unless you drive a double decker bus... but you can always point your gun out the sunroof and let off a few rounds.

[Socaliente]

Well I got an update, a coworker of his (Another Correctional Deputy) saw him doing yard work and thought it would be a funny prank. He came forward after hearing my buddy was going to contact his local pd. Needless to say he has been reemed by many sworn deputies about how this is a pretty stupid prank to pull. I myself had some choice words for him.

So I guess its a good ending. Hopefully lessons learned.

[Notorious]

That deserves a blanket party. Sorry, it was beyond stupid to do that to someone.