imported post
simmonsjoe wrote:
Snip...
I would never clear my house if nobody was supposed to be there and I thought someone unauthorized was. Grab the cell phone and call 911. Observe your house till they arrive.
If I am in the home alone, or everyone else is with me, I would not investigate an intruder, rather I would set up a defensive shooting line and wait. Dial 911 asap.
If there are others home, and not with me(asleep in their beds) I WILL investigate unusual noises/ suspicious circumstances.
I know the police can't protect me or mine, but they sure as hell can go into danger when I don't have to. That IS their job! (To investigate crimes). And it IS protecting me because I don't have to put myself at unnecessary risk.
...snip
I agree with simmonsjoe on this one.
I had done some facility planning for the City of Santa Ana PD, interviewing most job functions throughout the Dept. about what they do. One comment from a burglary detective stayed with me. He said that burglars can very dangerous like cornered animals. He said if I ever came home and suspected someone in my home, that I SHOULD NOT GO IN and investigate. Very dangerous business - unlike armed robbers who don't mind confrontation, burglars do mind and get CRAZY. He recommended I get the PD to come clear the home.
In the early 80s, I had that opportunity, as I came home from an evening out, to a wide open front door. No cell phones yet, and the PD was only a few blocks down the hill. So, I went down to the Police Station and the front desk officer sent a canine unit right up to clear the house (Small town - less than 10,000). They did that and all was good. Nothing was missing or out of place. All good.
When the things are not right, don't go investigate
IF YOU DON'T NEED TO. It can be very dangerous. Law Enforcement Agencies have better tools (especially dogs) for the job
if they are available. Now, if you don't want them clearing your house for other reasons, that's a different matter.
