So what happens when your family is targeted in a Safe2Tell report?

UPFRONT- This is just a general question based on hearing these calls come across the scanner, nothing relating to my family.

So it's 7pm, your family has just finished dinner and you get a knock at the front door...

"This is Deputy Joe Friday from the Johnston County Sheriff's Department. We have received a Safe2Tell report about your son concerning potential school violence. Can I please come inside?"

How do these encounters usually proceed? What are your rights? Can you refuse entry? Can you tell them to pound sand? Do they need a warrant? Are allowed to tear your house apart looking for a "weapon"?

Susie Q overhearing and panicking about your son talking to his friend about going to the range this weekend doesn't seem like probable cause to have much more than a discussion with the parent(s) outside in the yard.

Just curious on your thoughts or experiences.

My perspective.

In any circumstance, the wisest choice is probably to step outside and shut the door behind you. Start recording audio or video, and to the extent they ask YOU questions, politely ask e.g. "Am I legally obligated to answer your questions? Is my home or person being detained?".

Little harm in asking them questions. "Can you please explain the nature of the report?".

If ultimately, they think they have probable cause and/or a warrant, it is STILL the best course of action in any case. Virtually all evidence in any kind of action is circumstantial, and most of it is usually uttered by a suspect, friends, or their family members. There is nothing positive that you can say, or an officer can believe, that can ever be used to assist anyone in a court of law (literally it is hearsay) while all negative statements have a hearsay exemption (against interest) even if taken entirely out of context. So to guard against a B.S. charge from an overzealous prosecutor, and an innocent person getting crucified on out of context small talk, always STFU.

But, in the interest of public safety, do inquire about the nature and extent of the report so you dig into it yourself.

Don't talk without a lawyer present is my opinion. Video below explains why.
I wouldn't even answer the door.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-7o9xYp7eE

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Originally Posted by FoxtArt

My perspective.

In any circumstance, the wisest choice is probably to step outside and shut the door behind you. Start recording audio or video, and to the extent they ask YOU questions, politely ask e.g. "Am I legally obligated to answer your questions? Is my home or person being detained?".

Little harm in asking them questions. "Can you please explain the nature of the report?".

If ultimately, they think they have probable cause and/or a warrant, it is STILL the best course of action in any case. Virtually all evidence in any kind of action is circumstantial, and most of it is usually uttered by a suspect, friends, or their family members. There is nothing positive that you can say, or an officer can believe, that can ever be used to assist anyone in a court of law (literally it is hearsay) while all negative statements have a hearsay exemption (against interest) even if taken entirely out of context. So to guard against a B.S. charge from an overzealous prosecutor, and an innocent person getting crucified on out of context small talk, always STFU.

But, in the interest of public safety, do inquire about the nature and extent of the report so you dig into it yourself.

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Almost every Safe2Tell I've handled is about a child threatening suicide. 99 percent of them are nothing since some other kid probably overheard the kid being checked on. It's merely a welfare check and no you aren't required to let LE inside. That being said, it always astounds me how everyone on this board thinks that cops are just out to get them all the time. Man, a cop is following up on some stupid Safe2Tell, that he doesn't want to be involved with anyway and wishes the system was never made. Now, instead of getting to all the other other BS paperwork he's accumulated all shift he has to spend an ungodly amount of time convincing you why this public safety matter should be taken care of now. Just think of how many times an active shooter happens and someone yells, "The police were warned and did nothing." All those cops have command staffs that remember that too so this officer gets to spend his evening investigating other options, talking to detectives about getting a warrant, all because "he's out to get you." Or you could just go with him inside and talk to your potential active shooter kid that you didn't realize was about to shoot up a school because you never go into his room and find out if he needs to be placed on a mental health hold or not.

These reckless reporting shit had to stop without having a consequences. Or everyone will do anomyous SWATing of people they do not like.

Waste of time and tax $.

If someone is going to report something, they shoukd have enough evidences.

I mean I can report a dude who had 2 55gal drum and some electrical wire at his garage. Idiots watch too much movies.

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Originally Posted by MrPrena

These reckless reporting shit had to stop without having a consequences. Or everyone will do anomyous SWATing or people they do not like.

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Safe2Tell is anonymous

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

Safe2Tell is anonymous

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That will make it an open season for punk and bitch to lie to authorities.
" that guy has 2- 55gal water drum, and his social media had some metal plumbing pipe and some wires!!!"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KevDen2005

Almost every Safe2Tell I've handled is about a child threatening suicide. 99 percent of them are nothing since some other kid probably overheard the kid being checked on. It's merely a welfare check and no you aren't required to let LE inside. That being said, it always astounds me how everyone on this board thinks that cops are just out to get them all the time. Man, a cop is following up on some stupid Safe2Tell, that he doesn't want to be involved with anyway and wishes the system was never made. Now, instead of getting to all the other other BS paperwork he's accumulated all shift he has to spend an ungodly amount of time convincing you why this public safety matter should be taken care of now. Just think of how many times an active shooter happens and someone yells, "The police were warned and did nothing." All those cops have command staffs that remember that too so this officer gets to spend his evening investigating other options, talking to detectives about getting a warrant, all because "he's out to get you." Or you could just go with him inside and talk to your potential active shooter kid that you didn't realize was about to shoot up a school because you never go into his room and find out if he needs to be placed on a mental health hold or not.

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I appreciate a view from the LEO side of things, and this is not intended to be a LE bash fest.

If you go the Safe2Tell website, there is ZERO information for individuals/parents on the receiving end of a report.

In the scenario illustrated in this thread, the son is not an active shooter threat, just a responsible and non-criminal shooting sports enthusiast, like the members of this forum, who happened to make a statement to his friend about going to the range.

What would be the depth of such a report investigation?

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Originally Posted by MrPrena

That will make it an open season for punk and bitch to lie to authorities.
" that guy has 2- 55gal water drum, and his social media had some metal plumbing pipe and some wires!!!"

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Despite the obvious feelings of LE, believe it or not cops realize this and go to people's houses and tell them what they are investigating. I've had parents tell me their kids are fine and are aware of any issues the child is experiencing. Sometimes the reports are BS sometimes they are overly dramatic. Once in a while they turn out to be legit and a parent had no idea their child was experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or thinking of killing someone.

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Originally Posted by BushMasterBoy

I wouldn't even answer the door.

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I think most responsible citizens will answer the door if LE knocks.