Assistant Chief Cory Tchida
Have you (the department) ever had to respond to a call you realized was really only to test your response time? Or just to scare someone?
I can’t think of a case here where that has happened but it does happen. Nationally there have been instances of what is called SWATing. That is where someone untruthfully reports that something really bad is happening at a particular location that generates a response from a SWAT team. It is incredibly stupid to do this and it is a crime. It can be considered 911 abuse and or making a false report.
I am a grumpy neighbor. But I’d like to know at what point an officer would agree I was justified calling the police on someone/something “disturbing the peace”? E.g., complaining about neighbor shooting fireworks on July 4th vs. fireworks every Tuesday.
This is highly situational and depends on many factors. If you have a relationship with your neighbors, I would always suggest trying to be neighborly first. If you don’t have a relationship or maybe have reasons to be fearful, it is ALWAYS okay to call us. We are very diplomatic when trying to resolve neighbor disputes because we understand when we leave, neighbors still have to be neighbors. If a grumpy neighbor keeps reporting something that doesn’t have merit, we will diplomatically address that as well and help mediate.
What are some things that the movies and television never get right about law enforcement?
Some things? Movies and TV rarely get anything right about law enforcement. I love Blue Bloods, but it is a great example. In the show Danny shoots someone almost every episode. In the real world, and contrary to what many think, most police officers go their entire careers without firing their weapons in the line of duty.
What are all those things on your bat-utility belt?
Speaking generally what they are is a future back problem in progress. Our officers carry pepper spray, an expandable baton, a Taser, a handgun, handcuffs, handgun magazines, a radio, a flashlight, and a tourniquet. I am not sure of the exact weight but it feels like a 1,000 pounds on your hips over time.
Send your questions about law enforcement in general, or Georgetown police specifically, to the Chief at [email protected]
