General Question

Pandora's avatar

NSFW I need advice from a cop or anyone in law enforcement about how to handle this situation. Rest is graphic.

Asked by Pandora (32398points) May 3rd, 2011

I was walking my dog along yesterday when I heard coughing several times and did not pay any mind till it seemed intentional. I looked by the childrens playground and noticed a man behind the fence masterbating and looking my way. Of course I quickly grabbed my phone and I was getting ready to call the cops when I wondered if this would be a 911 stituation. There were no children there and he already ran off to the woods when he saw me grab my phone.
He could’ve mistaken me for a kid ( I’m only 5 ft and from a distance I have been mistaken for a kid more than I can count)
Either way he is a perve. I didn’t have good visual because as soon as I noticed what he was doing, I looked away in discust.
Anyhow, back to the phone. I didn’t have the local cops number on my cell so I wasn’t sure who to call. I then ran to the main office and reported it. They said they would let the patrol know so they can beef up security.
Anyway, I am also worried. There are a number of children who go off to play alone at that park. What if this person is a child pervert.
Should I let the office handle it or should I inform the parents of the children I have seen roaming out alone?
The office did not release this information to the people living here and I doubt they will because parents will probably want to move.
I not sure what to do. I don’t want to get in trouble with the office once parents start to inquire and I don’t want a child getting possibly hurt.
And if ever I see something like this, do I call 911 or the local cops? He may not even come back. He probably thought I was calling the cops and that is why he ran off.
How can I resolve this and not get in trouble for it?
Thanks for any advice.

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11 Answers

BarnacleBill's avatar

People like this get their jollies from shocking you and seeing your discomfort. Flashers are not necessarily child molesters.

Pandora's avatar

@BarnacleBill I would’ve thought less of it if he wasn’t behind a playground. Doesn’t mean he isn’t warming up to the idea to possibly step it up either. There are plenty of places where he could do this and still be able to get away.

chyna's avatar

I would call 911. No sense in putting a childs life in possible danger even if it is just a perv. It could be something more.
edited to add: Oops, didn’t read the part about you wanting a law enforcement person to answer. I’m not.

Glow's avatar

Perhaps if you do call 911, they can up the security at this place. I mean, honestly, any kid and parent deserve to be safe than sorry.

Also, you might not NEED to call 911, but you can probably call your local police station. Sometimes, if you go to their website, they have certain numbers for certain problems listed there. So check out their website for numbers for calling 911, since 911 technically is only for emergencies.

WasCy's avatar

If you’re worried about the safety of children in the area (and especially if there are children in the area), then it’s an emergency. Don’t over-think this. Reporting a crime in progress (and public masturbation is a crime, however one feels about ‘nudity’) is a bona fide emergency.

Call 911 and be prepared to stay on the phone – and on the scene – to give the responding officer/s the assistance they will require, or it is just a waste of time. Don’t try to follow the man yourself, especially if he’s running into woods or a building nearby.

BarnacleBill's avatar

You could perhaps call the schools in the area and let them know. They most likely will send home a note to parents.

john65pennington's avatar

Here is my advice.

You notified the police already and thats a good thing. Next time you see a police car, stop the officer and advise him of what you witnessed. He is the beat cop and will more likely catch this person, than anyone else.

Chances are, this person is already known by the police and he could have outstanding warrants on him.

Go the office of the park and advise a person of authority there. Let the chips fall where they may with the parents and all the other things you are concerned about. We are talking about a possible sex addict and child molester.

You have made the right choices so, but go farther and at least tell your beat officer.

Its the correct thing for you to do.

Pandora's avatar

@john65pennington I’ll do that. Thanks.

cheebdragon's avatar

You have to report it to police, just in case the guy ever does something even worse.

Someone should get a paintball gun and hide in a bush or something and shoot the guy where it hurts the most….he won’t pull his pants down in public after that.

cheebdragon's avatar

Wait you live in apartments?

marinelife's avatar

You have done what you should do. Now let the professionals handle it.

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