*bump*

How's this goin wes?

 

Sounds like they are trying to close the business by sending all potential customers away!! I would definitely let the owners of the restaurant who hired these "off-duty" cops to "secure" their parking lot know that they are not allowing their customers to enjoy parking their car and having a quiet dinner at their restaurant! Good for you for going back to get the info. on the disrespecting f*cker! Good luck and yeah--it sucks about the "your side of the story and their side of the story."
MAY

again--"Is this the land of the free? Are we in the USA?"

 

i say it's a no go...it really wasn't harrassment and you have no proof besides hearsay from your friend...it's going to be your word against the cops...it's not even worth your trouble

 

I emailed all of the local TV stations. I recieved an email back from the secretary of the biggest consumer investigator known in Houston (Marvin Zindler, local celebrity), I should be recieving an official form in the mail to fill out and send back.

I am going to write the official letter(s) this weekend. I'm going to call and verify who needs to recieve such a complaint instead of just sending it to the main address of each building/company. The letter should get sent out by end of week next week.

 

Forget filing a complaint. You'll only be waisting your time.

Take positive action. Make sure that blue Explorer runs over 50 pounds of ROOFING NAILS!

 

Wes- I hope your story gets some exposure. Those cops were definitely abusing their power. It's a long shot since you don't have any proof, but maybe if there's interest from any of the news organizations, they will set up a "sting". Good luck.

 

Don't just forget it. REPORT it and then forget it. These guys are subject to an internal discipline code that sets minimum standards for their behaviour. Cops have a difficult job but if they can't differentiate between respectable people out for a quiet evening and the dross we all know exists, then they've lost the plot. There's a time and place for zero tolerance attitude and it doesn't sound like that was it it.

Nobody detests cops like this more than the vast majority of dedicated ones who do their job with a little more dignity and professionalism. Their seniors don't know what's going on out there unless you tell 'em.

Make your report. It's often the sheer number of complaints that gets these guys subjected to internal discipline in the end.

 

Wes, one thing! These are security guards and no legal jurisdiction to arrest you for anything. They can call a peace officer and file a complaint of trespassing but they have no power to detain or arrest you. You committed no offence. You did the right thing by not becoming confrontational. Just take there name and file a complaint with the local sheriff or police. You can file a complaint for verbal assault. This would probably be a better approach.

Next time something like this happens, call the local sheriff or police. It's within their jurisdiction. Keep a note pad in the car and write down everything they say, in front of them. When they ask you why your writing just tell them that you want to quote them accurately when you report it to the sheriffs department or police. The only thing that they can do is detain you for the proper law enforcement authorities.

Remember, these guys are probably $6.50 and hour rent-a-cops. Most don't know anymore about the law than you. They are answerable to the law just like you are. They receive no special dispensation either. Hope that helps!

Cheers

Jeff

 

LOL... Well if their security guard pseudo cops, it's just Amateur Night. These guys should have some sort of very clear common identifying feature in their uniforms to clearly distinguish them from the police.

 

Heck, I just realized something! Tell the owner of the restaurant he missing a golden opportunity to expand his service and revenue. If people are using his parking lot then why doesn't he send his waitresses out and take orders like a drive through?? Welcome people instead of trying to run them off. All these people are potential customers!! What an ultra maroon! Such a closed mind. Wes suggest this to him and see how he reacts. If it's accepted he'll take up on the idea and your problem is solved because there won't be any need to run people off.

Cheers

Jeff