Liv'smomLiv'smomBeach LoverInlet Beach245 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
Liv'smomBeach LoverInlet Beach245 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover15,240 views
On Saturday, my 2 and 9 year old little girls were playing in my front yard, when a Walton County Sheriff's deputy came by patroling the neighborhood. We live near the end of a cul-de-sac in an undeveloped neighborhood with my family as my only neighbors and my 9 year old is very responsible, so my husband and I don't think twice about the girls playing in the yard unsupervised, until Saturday. According to my 9 year old, who is actually my step-daughter, he stopped the car and asked the girls if they wanted to get into his car and turn on the siren. Now, my 9 year old's mom is really great and has taught her all about not getting in the car with strangers, but apparently never said anything about police officers, because she climbed right in with my 2 year old right behind her. 😱 I was really shocked. I couldn't believe that a trained police officer would invite 2 little girls into his patrol car with not one adult in site. My husband didn't seem to see any harm in it, but I think it was completely inappropriate. I told my 9 year to come in the house if that ever happened again, and that if it was a real police officer, he would understand. I'm wondering if anyone thinks I should persue this to find out who the officer was and find out what in the hell he was thinking or just count my blessings that nothing happened to them. Does anyone else think this was out of line? :idontno:
Replies
82
scrltbegonyascrltbegonyaBeach FanaticSRB1,091 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
scrltbegonyaBeach FanaticSRB1,091 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI'm not sure I agree...would you rather have them sitting at the local donut shop? They should be driving around making sure things are status quo. Being pro-active.
That is, assuming they are GOOD COPS, driving around doing GOOD things and watching for BAD INCIDENTS - not causing them.[/QUOTE]
Driving around making sure things are "status quo" doesn't mean you "invite" a little girl and her 2 year-old brother into your squad car to blow the siren. The fact that SoWal is peppered with "cartoon villages" doesn't mean that its police officers should become caricature cops from the 1950's.
The pro-active approach would have been for the cop to go up to the door of the house and gently remind the occupants that it may not be wise to have the young children playing unsupervised on the front lawn.
Another post hit it right on the head...many sad endings begin with a slow "grooming" process of the children to the point where they eventually willing go along with their new "friend."
Liv'smom, you've done the right thing by going with your gut and reporting this incident--give the kids an extra hug, say a silent prayer of thanks, and put it behind you.
Very much agreed. I realize one can never be too safe. I was born in Los Angeles County and spent half my life in Ventura County, CA. People here CANNOT understand why I lock the doors of my car and home EVERY time I leave it unattended (OR when I am in the house, in the car, etc - always) - even to run in the gas station.
Edited
Diane4145Diane4145Beach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL1,087 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Diane4145Beach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL1,087 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanaticscrltbegonya;160078]I'm not sure I agree...would you rather have them sitting at the local donut shop? They should be driving around making sure things are status quo. Being pro-active.
It's kinda hard to imagine a parent, with this viewpoint!:idontno: Are you one? An officer can do a great job and participate in his community, without this serious lapse in judgement! No matter how ya paint this, it's unacceptable in today's day and age!:nono1:
scrltbegonyascrltbegonyaBeach FanaticSRB1,091 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
scrltbegonyaBeach FanaticSRB1,091 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticIt's kinda hard to imagine a parent, with this viewpoint!:idontno: Are you one? An officer can do a great job and participate in his community, without this serious lapse in judgement! No matter how ya paint this, it's unacceptable in today's day and age!:nono1:
Do I have to be a parent to be concerned? I am in no way disqualifying the fact that it was a bad choice on the cop's part. I wouldn't want him soliciting car rides, siren thrills, etc to my children, my neighbor's kids or even my dog. BUT, I am saying that they have every right and should drive around to make sure things are good in the hood - given they are good cops with good intentions. As I said before, That is, assuming they are GOOD COPS, driving around doing GOOD things and watching for BAD INCIDENTS - not causing them
Edited
water babywater babyBeach LoverSeagrove50 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
water babyBeach LoverSeagrove50 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverHonestly, if the guy was just honestly being a 'nice guy,' I don't see any reason why he would be upset with you wondering about your child's safety. Think about it, you make a call informing your local police dept. about what happened, and it was completely innocent, no problem. He'd probably be glad you are a responsible parent. On the other hand, you don't make the call and it happens to someone else's child, with a less positive outcome. Which situation would you rather live with? Personally, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
InletBchDwellerInletBchDwellerSoWal InsiderPrairieville, La6,802 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
InletBchDwellerSoWal InsiderPrairieville, La6,802 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderWow! What a thread! After living in Inlet Beach for 6 years and vacationing here since 1977 this is home to me. The neighborhood has changed (IMHO)... the most in the past 2 years. (development)
To be honest I have never once been frightened in this neighborhood, and believe me there are some strange ones that live here full time. I have ALWAYS been happy with the Sherrifs presence in/on our street. They patrol the neighborhood, stop and talk to residents, etc. I always thought of it as a good thing and still do.
BUT, I COMPLETELY understand your concern, and tommorow little IBD is getting a talk. I do let her ride her bike on our driveway when I am inside and this has raised me to think about how sad it is that our kids cant play like we used to.:(
I think the Sheriff's office should be called just to let them know.
Please let us know what you find out.....
To be honest I have never once been frightened in this neighborhood, and believe me there are some strange ones that live here full time. I have ALWAYS been happy with the Sherrifs presence in/on our street. They patrol the neighborhood, stop and talk to residents, etc. I always thought of it as a good thing and still do.
BUT, I COMPLETELY understand your concern, and tommorow little IBD is getting a talk. I do let her ride her bike on our driveway when I am inside and this has raised me to think about how sad it is that our kids cant play like we used to.:(
I think the Sheriff's office should be called just to let them know.
Please let us know what you find out.....
PaulaPaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
PaulaBeach FanaticMichigan but someday in SoWal as well3,747 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticLiv's mom. Definitely call the sheriff's department and let them know. And please tell us what the sheiff's office says about the situation and let them know the date and time and location so they can track down the officer.
We've told our kids not to go with a police officer or even a security guard even at a mall/school because they could be fake officers or security guards. They should go to someone in charge at the store/principal's office and they should call us first. We tell them we'd stand by them if they got in trouble for not going with a guard/officer. I don't really know what they would do, but we've done our best to warn them. It's too bad we have to think like this, but after reading about sexual abuse in the churches, schools, and some people posing as officers to rob people or whatever, you can't be too careful. And, there are convicted sexual predators living in too many communities, including in vacation communities.
Oprah did a show once where she went to a park while parents were with their kids and, while the kids were playing behind them in the play yard, she asked the parents if they thought their kids would go with a stranger. Most parents said "no" and that they had told the kids to stay away from strangers. in the background, one of Oprah's staff members pretended to be someone asking the kids to come to his car to see the puppies (or something like that). Most kids went, even as their parents were saying they told their kids not to go with strangers. It was a very scary show.
We've told our kids not to go with a police officer or even a security guard even at a mall/school because they could be fake officers or security guards. They should go to someone in charge at the store/principal's office and they should call us first. We tell them we'd stand by them if they got in trouble for not going with a guard/officer. I don't really know what they would do, but we've done our best to warn them. It's too bad we have to think like this, but after reading about sexual abuse in the churches, schools, and some people posing as officers to rob people or whatever, you can't be too careful. And, there are convicted sexual predators living in too many communities, including in vacation communities.
Oprah did a show once where she went to a park while parents were with their kids and, while the kids were playing behind them in the play yard, she asked the parents if they thought their kids would go with a stranger. Most parents said "no" and that they had told the kids to stay away from strangers. in the background, one of Oprah's staff members pretended to be someone asking the kids to come to his car to see the puppies (or something like that). Most kids went, even as their parents were saying they told their kids not to go with strangers. It was a very scary show.
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Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertHonestly, if the guy was just honestly being a 'nice guy,' I don't see any reason why he would be upset with you wondering about your child's safety. Think about it, you make a call informing your local police dept. about what happened, and it was completely innocent, no problem. He'd probably be glad you are a responsible parent. On the other hand, you don't make the call and it happens to someone else's child, with a less positive outcome. Which situation would you rather live with? Personally, I'd rather be safe than sorry.Well said. :clap_1:
yippieyippieBeach FanaticA local946 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
The Bubba Patrol at it's finest moment!
No one has to take an intellegence test to become a deputy around here. Of all people, the law enforcement should never approach a child like that. It is all over the papers about child abductions, etc. If the deputy had an sense, he would realize it would frighten a parent for him to do that!!
If he really wanted to show the children his patrol car, then he / she should have come knocked on your door, or ask the children to go get you.
There have been several deputy's get in trouble for various things.
I would trip over the furniture to get to the phone to report this person!
No one has to take an intellegence test to become a deputy around here. Of all people, the law enforcement should never approach a child like that. It is all over the papers about child abductions, etc. If the deputy had an sense, he would realize it would frighten a parent for him to do that!!
If he really wanted to show the children his patrol car, then he / she should have come knocked on your door, or ask the children to go get you.
There have been several deputy's get in trouble for various things.
I would trip over the furniture to get to the phone to report this person!
Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert...
If he really wanted to show the children his patrol car, then he / she should have come knocked on your door, or ask the children to go get you.
There have been several deputy's get in trouble for various things.
I would trip over the furniture to get to the phone to report this person!
Better still, have a Sheriff's Unit at a fair or other public event and allow kids to see all the bells and whistles in a public forum. Maybe even bring a fire truck.
It ain't rocket sience.
Update
Good morning everyone. First, let me say wow. Thanks to all who took an interest in my post. Your concern and feedback were staggering. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to put in their two cents. Also, I would like to remind everyone that the incident I wrote about was not witnessed by anyone but a 9 year old and a 2 year old. I believe that it went down the way my 9 year old said because I know her to be a truthful child. No one else here is expected to believe that this is what happend beyond a shadow of a doubt, as you don't know her. I am only saying this because I saw mention of having a law enforcement official read all of this and I want everyone to understand that I did not witness any of this myself. I don't want to make anyone out to be a bad guy, I just want folks to be aware. Anyway, here is what happened;
I called last night at about 6:30. I relayed the story to the dispatcher as it was told to me by my 9 year old. His response was very guarded, understandably. He asked me where it happened, if anyone else was around, etc. I explained that I wasn't upset or looking to persue anything, I just wanted them to be aware. He said that he would have his sergeant call me. Although the dispatcher did not say so, I could tell by his response that it was highly out of the norm. He kept saying things like, "if this is what happened". I was not in the least bit offended, I understand their position. So about a half hour later the sergeant calls. He says that he will have to find out from the weekend supervisor who was on patrol in our neighborhood that day and he would deal with it as seen fit. (On a side note, I got my days mixed up because of the long weekend. This actually happened on Sunday. ) I tell him that is fine, I'm not trying to point any fingers. No harm was done, again I just want them to be aware that it could have been blown way out of proportion by someone else. The sergeant, was more forthcoming with the inappropriateness of the situation. He said that the officers do sometimes blow their sirens for kids on the street, just like truck drivers do, but that if this is what happened he doesn't agree with it. I told him that I didn't want to get anyone in trouble, that I had let my girls know why this was not okay and I just thought he should do the same. I explained how it was difficult for me to teach them about not getting in the car with strangers no matter how they are dressed if one of his uniformed officers was inviting them into his car. He said he understood my position completely. I thanked him for calling me back and he was very gracious about the whole thing. I think all in all it was a good thing. I don't know whether I will be contacted again. I told him I didn't need to know who this officer was and that I do appreciate their presence in the neighborhood. Thanks again for everyones concern.
Good morning everyone. First, let me say wow. Thanks to all who took an interest in my post. Your concern and feedback were staggering. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to put in their two cents. Also, I would like to remind everyone that the incident I wrote about was not witnessed by anyone but a 9 year old and a 2 year old. I believe that it went down the way my 9 year old said because I know her to be a truthful child. No one else here is expected to believe that this is what happend beyond a shadow of a doubt, as you don't know her. I am only saying this because I saw mention of having a law enforcement official read all of this and I want everyone to understand that I did not witness any of this myself. I don't want to make anyone out to be a bad guy, I just want folks to be aware. Anyway, here is what happened;
I called last night at about 6:30. I relayed the story to the dispatcher as it was told to me by my 9 year old. His response was very guarded, understandably. He asked me where it happened, if anyone else was around, etc. I explained that I wasn't upset or looking to persue anything, I just wanted them to be aware. He said that he would have his sergeant call me. Although the dispatcher did not say so, I could tell by his response that it was highly out of the norm. He kept saying things like, "if this is what happened". I was not in the least bit offended, I understand their position. So about a half hour later the sergeant calls. He says that he will have to find out from the weekend supervisor who was on patrol in our neighborhood that day and he would deal with it as seen fit. (On a side note, I got my days mixed up because of the long weekend. This actually happened on Sunday. ) I tell him that is fine, I'm not trying to point any fingers. No harm was done, again I just want them to be aware that it could have been blown way out of proportion by someone else. The sergeant, was more forthcoming with the inappropriateness of the situation. He said that the officers do sometimes blow their sirens for kids on the street, just like truck drivers do, but that if this is what happened he doesn't agree with it. I told him that I didn't want to get anyone in trouble, that I had let my girls know why this was not okay and I just thought he should do the same. I explained how it was difficult for me to teach them about not getting in the car with strangers no matter how they are dressed if one of his uniformed officers was inviting them into his car. He said he understood my position completely. I thanked him for calling me back and he was very gracious about the whole thing. I think all in all it was a good thing. I don't know whether I will be contacted again. I told him I didn't need to know who this officer was and that I do appreciate their presence in the neighborhood. Thanks again for everyones concern.
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,473 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,473 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminThanks for posting and being reasonable with them. I hope the SO sees the responses here.
A lot of people still see this place as Mayberry and I'm thankful for that. And it is compared to the big city.
A lot of people still see this place as Mayberry and I'm thankful for that. And it is compared to the big city.
Thanks for posting and being reasonable with them. I hope the SO sees the responses here.
A lot of people still see this place as Mayberry and I'm thankful for that. And it is compared to the big city.
That's kind of how I still see it. I've only lived in one other place and that was just on the other side of Lake Powell at Pirates Cove. It's hard to let go of the past. When you have the opportunity to grow up in a place like this, you want the same for your kids.
ShallowsNoleShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ShallowsNoleBeach FanaticPt Washington4,279 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticLiv's Mom,
Just chiming in here at the ending - I didn't see your thread yesterday. You did the right thing by reporting the incident. I can assure you that your complaint wasn't taken lightly.
As the wife of a WCSO deputy, I'm shocked and embarrassed. As a mom, I would freak. Deputies are supposed to be friendly, but not THAT friendly. Plus, play with his siren? The sirens are so loud that, up close, they scare most kids. Especially girls! :shock:
I'm hoping it was just one of the younger guys, who doesn't have kids and doesn't understand how strange his actions may seem or the fear a mom has for her childrens' safety. And I'm hoping his intentions were innocent.
Meanwhile, I'm going to ask my spouse if he did any patrolling in Inlet Beach Sunday afternoon. :confused:
Just chiming in here at the ending - I didn't see your thread yesterday. You did the right thing by reporting the incident. I can assure you that your complaint wasn't taken lightly.
As the wife of a WCSO deputy, I'm shocked and embarrassed. As a mom, I would freak. Deputies are supposed to be friendly, but not THAT friendly. Plus, play with his siren? The sirens are so loud that, up close, they scare most kids. Especially girls! :shock:
I'm hoping it was just one of the younger guys, who doesn't have kids and doesn't understand how strange his actions may seem or the fear a mom has for her childrens' safety. And I'm hoping his intentions were innocent.
Meanwhile, I'm going to ask my spouse if he did any patrolling in Inlet Beach Sunday afternoon. :confused:
Liv's Mom,
Just chiming in here at the ending - I didn't see your thread yesterday. You did the right thing by reporting the incident. I can assure you that your complaint wasn't taken lightly.
As the wife of a WCSO deputy, I'm shocked and embarrassed. As a mom, I would freak. Deputies are supposed to be friendly, but not THAT friendly. Plus, play with his siren? The sirens are so loud that, up close, they scare most kids. Especially girls! :shock:
I'm hoping it was just one of the younger guys, who doesn't have kids and doesn't understand how strange his actions may seem or the fear a mom has for her childrens' safety. And I'm hoping his intentions were innocent.
Meanwhile, I'm going to ask my spouse if he did any patrolling in Inlet Beach Sunday afternoon. :confused:
No he didn't seem to take it lightly at all. He was borderline skeptical, which is of course understandable. If you find out through your husband who the officer was, please don't post anything eluding to his identity. I'm sure as an officer's wife I don't have to remind you of the importance of discression. If it was a mistake, I don't want him to suffer any embarrasment over this whole thing. Thank you for the support.
If this works, this is the new face of neighborhood watch.:clap_1:
InletBchDwellerInletBchDwellerSoWal InsiderPrairieville, La6,802 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
InletBchDwellerSoWal InsiderPrairieville, La6,802 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderThanks for posting and being reasonable with them. I hope the SO sees the responses here.
A lot of people still see this place as Mayberry and I'm thankful for that. And it is compared to the big city.
I think of it as mayberry,:wub: in a coastal sort of way...
If this works, this is the new face of neighborhood watch.:clap_1:
love the new neighborhood watch!!!:wub: toooooo cute!!!
I think of it as mayberry,:wub: in a coastal sort of way...
love the new neighborhood watch!!!:wub: toooooo cute!!!
Her bite is far worse than her bark.:razz:
sunspotbabysunspotbabySoWal InsiderSanta Rosa Beach5,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
sunspotbabySoWal InsiderSanta Rosa Beach5,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderYou don't need correcting, the officer in question does. I think I would go higher than Ralph with a report. Sometimes these things are listened to and that's as far as it goes, and they hang up the phone laughing. You need to have a DOCUMENTED COMPLAINT on file with the State Police. That way nothing can accidentally get "lost" or swept under the rug in the sheriffs dept. Child predators come in all shapes, sizes, professions, denominations, colors etc in every corner of the world. Don't let this go!
GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
I am a Mom and a grandmother to a 3 year old. Last night I could not sleep for thinking about this situation.
The thing that bothers me the most is that when this law enforcement person saw two small children playing alone in an isolated area--he apparently did not immediately go to find the responsible parents and make sure they were in fact paying attention to their children; instead, he engaged these children in what IMO was a totally inappropriate activity.
Regardless of whether he was acting innocently or not--as a parent I would be much more interested in knowing that Sheriff Johnson had a talk with him and let him know what his priorities should be in that situation.
Believe me, if this official is innocent, he will appreicate being better informed so that he does not get himself and the Sheriff's Department in a difficult situation; if he was not innocent, then hopefully he will be relieved of his duties and someone else's children will not be potential victims.
The law enforcement officials work for us--the public --and we should hold them to the highest standards, especially where children are concerned.
Believe me, they can get out of line. I had it happen with my 13 year old son once--and I and my son, ended up with a public apology from the chief of police; the officer was reprimanded; and my son saw his Mom stand up to the authority figure who was so obviously out of line. We all learned from that experience and my son learned to question all authority and to stand up for himself.
IMO no parent need worry about getting an adult person in trouble for behaving inappropriately around children, regardless of whether or not the behavior was innocent.
I say call him on it, and let him explain to the parents what his intentions were! We'll all sleep better once that is done.:!:
The thing that bothers me the most is that when this law enforcement person saw two small children playing alone in an isolated area--he apparently did not immediately go to find the responsible parents and make sure they were in fact paying attention to their children; instead, he engaged these children in what IMO was a totally inappropriate activity.
Regardless of whether he was acting innocently or not--as a parent I would be much more interested in knowing that Sheriff Johnson had a talk with him and let him know what his priorities should be in that situation.
Believe me, if this official is innocent, he will appreicate being better informed so that he does not get himself and the Sheriff's Department in a difficult situation; if he was not innocent, then hopefully he will be relieved of his duties and someone else's children will not be potential victims.
The law enforcement officials work for us--the public --and we should hold them to the highest standards, especially where children are concerned.
Believe me, they can get out of line. I had it happen with my 13 year old son once--and I and my son, ended up with a public apology from the chief of police; the officer was reprimanded; and my son saw his Mom stand up to the authority figure who was so obviously out of line. We all learned from that experience and my son learned to question all authority and to stand up for himself.
IMO no parent need worry about getting an adult person in trouble for behaving inappropriately around children, regardless of whether or not the behavior was innocent.
I say call him on it, and let him explain to the parents what his intentions were! We'll all sleep better once that is done.:!:
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