Sea Turtle Police demanded home entry!!!

**Tom at BV** · 06-24-2010, 09:44 PM

Something strange and upsetting happened to my daughter-in-law this evening in BMB. I want to prosecute this person who entered our gated community and banged on the door with such force demanding with intimidating warnings to inspect a turtle in our condo. This person was dressed in brown like a fish & wildlife ranger threating federal law & jail if we had a sea turtle on the premise. We purchased a pet land turtle in Destin (legal) yesterday afternoon for our granddaughter, she was excited about the turtle telling a few perple about her new pet turtle. Somehow this person heard about the turtle & tracked us down by our car license # getting our address, he came to the door without showing identification and bulled his way into our home. My daughter-in-law was terrified and let him in the house. He checked the turtle out and realized it was a land turtle and left. Was he ligit or was he a criminal??? I will be notifing the local police, etc. If I was there he would be missing teeth or eating lead. I am soo angry with the turtle police!!!! Who are these people????

Tom

**Alicia Leonard** · 06-24-2010, 10:31 PM

**30ABandMan** · 06-24-2010, 10:40 PM

The problem you had is an over zealous turtle volunteer. If they didn't show proper ID, I would not have let them in my door. Probably not even with, come to think of it. You now what you had bought and it was none of their business.

My biggest concern is that someone was able to get your address via your vehicle tag. If the person that came to your door was not a LEO, then there has been a violation punishable by jail for giving out that information. I know this because I used to be a supervisor of a SO communications center.

I love the turtles and admire the people who take care of them but they shouldn't, if they did, barge into your home.

**ChillPill** · 06-24-2010, 10:43 PM

What a disturbing incident to hear about. I'm sorry you are all having to deal with such an unnecessary stress at this time while on vacation. This man's actions are completely unacceptable IMO. Its a turtle. I wish the daughter in law had called the police instead of opening the door. Her safety and those of the children are far more vital than the identification of a suspected illegal turtle being harbored.

I do not know if the turtle watch people have uniforms aside from t-shirts. I'm sure someone can chime in and help you.

I hope this gets resolved quickly for you.

**TooFarTampa** · 06-24-2010, 10:46 PM

Wouldn't an adult sea turtle be far larger than a pet turtle and not something you could smuggle home? Or have I just seen Finding Nemo too many times?

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 02:00 AM

I would never let someone in my house unless they had a search warrant, and were law enforcement.

**jodiFL** · 06-25-2010, 04:25 AM

If I am not mistaken fish and game has alot more access than the sheriffs dept. They once came to my house because of a rumor and I was told they didnt even need a warrant like the sheriffs or police dept. As I said...rumor... it was because of something my 8 year old said on a school bus but once they talked to us they realized the situation and left... hopefully there wasnt a report to them of someone saying they just got a "sea turtle"..when they actually had gotten a "land turtle". It sounds like a case of a child not realizing what they were claiming and the consequences of that claim. As far as the "tracking of your plates"... yes they are a federal agency and DO have access to that information...they arent just "turtle police".. their job encompasses ALOT more than that.

**Tom at BV** · 06-25-2010, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by 30ABandMan

The problem you had is an over zealous turtle volunteer. If they didn't show proper ID, I would not have let them in my door. Probably not even with, come to think of it. You now what you had bought and it was none of their business.

My biggest concern is that someone was able to get your address via your vehicle tag. If the person that came to your door was not a LEO, then there has been a violation punishable by jail for giving out that information. I know this because I used to be a supervisor of a SO communications center.

I love the turtles and admire the people who take care of them but they shouldn't, if they did, barge into your home.

Thanks for everyone's concern. My daughter-in-law should not have let him in, but she was taken by surprise. I also forgot to say the intruder said someone called the turtle hot line and turned them in!!! I sure would like to get that "Hot Line Number___". I have more questions than answers and will take this to a higher level of authority

I wish I was there when this happened & it would be a very different story. He scared the bee-jeebies out of these women.

Can anyone give me the hot line #????

Tom

**kurt** · 06-25-2010, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by Tom@BV

Thanks for everyone's concern. My daughter-in-law should not have let him in, but she was taken by surprise. I also forgot to say the intruder said someone called the turtle hot line and turned them in!!! I sure would like to get that "Hot Line Number___". I have more questions than answers and will take this to a higher level of authority

I wish I was there when this happened & it would be a very different story. He scared the bee-jeebies out of these women.

Can anyone give me the hot line #????

Tom

Sea Turtle Watch

CALL the Florida Marine Patrol 24 Hour Hotline: (850) 233-5150

Might have been FWC - surely any LEO needs warrants.?

Please let us know the rest of the story.

**happy2Bme** · 06-25-2010, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Tom at BV

Thanks for everyone's concern. My daughter-in-law should not have let him in, but she was taken by surprise. I also forgot to say the intruder said someone called the turtle hot line and turned them in!!! I sure would like to get that "Hot Line Number___". I have more questions than answers and will take this to a higher level of authority

I wish I was there when this happened & it would be a very different story. He scared the bee-jeebies out of these women.

Can anyone give me the hot line #????

Tom

Ours is a world of guilty until proven innocent. Give someone a bit of "authority" and they think they're Rambo. I bet he'd have acted differently if a man answered the door. Sounds like this one needs a new job (or an up-close-and-personal attitude adjustment).

**ASH** · 06-25-2010, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by 30ABandMan

The problem you had is an over zealous turtle volunteer. If they didn't show proper ID, I would not have let them in my door. Probably not even with, come to think of it. You now what you had bought and it was none of their business.

My biggest concern is that someone was able to get your address via your vehicle tag. If the person that came to your door was not a LEO, then there has been a violation punishable by jail for giving out that information. I know this because I used to be a supervisor of a SO communications center.

I love the turtles and admire the people who take care of them but they shouldn't, if they did, barge into your home.

Please do not target the Turtle Walkers. (Bold italics above is mine)This was not one of them. All Turtle Walkers either wear a white or a blue shirt and it states South Walton Turtle Watch Volunteer right on it. I know because I'm one of them. The person who showed up in a brown shirt leads me to think Fish and Wildlife. They were on the beach on a 4-wheeler this morning while we were moving a Loggerhead nest and that guy wears a brown shirt. The shirt also has a badge on it.

You're very right to be upset about someone barging in like they did. Please let us all know what you find out as you track this further. I welcome any questions you may have about the turtle walkers that could help quell any doubts you may have about them.

**jodiFL** · 06-25-2010, 09:38 AM

Sounds like the scenario I outlined above is exactly what happened. As ASH said, this was not some "turtle police" or Turtle watch volunteer. This sounds like it was a F&G officer following up on a report of someone possessing an endangered species. With dead and dying turtles washing up on our shores due to that oil and it also being prime nesting season, sounds like he was just doing his job. I am sure that he would have been happy to provide his badge and other credentials if asked.

**scooterbug44** · 06-25-2010, 09:45 AM

Because "Uniformed Law Enforcement checking out a tip that the turtle we just bought was legal" is such a boring title.

P.S. Most of Sowal has or can easily get the code to your "gated community" - it's not like the Berlin Wall.

**Buz Livingston** · 06-25-2010, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by 30ABandMan

The problem you had is an over zealous turtle volunteer. If they didn't show proper ID, I would not have let them in my door. Probably not even with, come to think of it. You now what you had bought and it was none of their business.

My biggest concern is that someone was able to get your address via your vehicle tag. If the person that came to your door was not a LEO, then there has been a violation punishable by jail for giving out that information. I know this because I used to be a supervisor of a SO communications center.

I love the turtles and admire the people who take care of them but they shouldn't, if they did, barge into your home.

I hope it is clear that it was NOT an "overzealous turtle volunteer".

**scooterbug44** · 06-25-2010, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Buz Livingston

I hope it is clear that it was NOT an "overzealous turtle volunteer".

Most definitely not!

This was someone from the government acting on a tip - NOT A VOLUNTEER.

**TooFarTampa** · 06-25-2010, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Most definitely not!

This was someone from the government acting on a tip - NOT A VOLUNTEER.

It is weird though, and the manner in which the rep apparently acted suggests a lack of wisdom - or something. Turtles are in the early part of the nesting season right now, are they not? So the only turtles on the beach would not be newborns, they would be adults weighing anywhere from 100-400 pounds. So turtle stealing would be ... uh, UNLIKELY. It is one thing to check on a tip; quite another to act in the manner described.

Maybe we are all just traumatized right now and it is presenting itself in odd and unpredictable ways. I feel like I learned something from this story, not sure what.

**30ABandMan** · 06-25-2010, 10:58 AM

I like this answer.

Sounds like the scenario I outlined above is exactly what happened. As ASH said, this was not some "turtle police" or Turtle watch volunteer. This sounds like it was a F&G officer following up on a report of someone possessing an endangered species. With dead and dying turtles washing up on our shores due to that oil and it also being prime nesting season, sounds like he was just doing his job. I am sure that he would have been happy to provide his badge and other credentials if asked.

**scooterbug44** · 06-25-2010, 11:39 AM

The description of the behavior is very much in line with how law enforcement deals with those trafficking in endangered species.

**NotDeadYet** · 06-25-2010, 11:46 AM

It is weird though, and the manner in which the rep apparently acted suggests a lack of wisdom - or something. Turtles are in the early part of the nesting season right now, are they not? So the only turtles on the beach would not be newborns, they would be adults weighing anywhere from 100-400 pounds. So turtle stealing would be ... uh, UNLIKELY. It is one thing to check on a tip; quite another to act in the manner described.

It would be unusual, but certainly not unheard of. Fact of the matter is that biologists still have a great deal of uncertainty about where small sea turtles spend their first few years. It is thought that many hang out in the sargassum mats, and as you know, sargassum frequently washes up on the beaches. From time to time sick or dead smaller sea turtles have stranded on our beaches. And, there is also the huge habitat destruction going on out there. It wouldn't be a surprise to see all kinds of sea creatures moving around.
I have seen FWCC officers on the beaches every day now since the oil got close. They wear brown uniforms, and as the name (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) suggests, they are not the "turtle police." They enforce fishing and hunting laws as well as endangered species laws.
And, we don't really know that the manner described is accurate.

**30ABandMan** · 06-25-2010, 11:56 AM

FWC are sworn LEO's and fall under the same guidelines as other deputies, DOT, etc. They can't just barge into your home and check for a turtle. Once the door was opened, he may have been rather insistant that he be able to see the turtle. I doubt he pounded on the door and shoved his way in.

As always, there are two sides. Often, exact events or words and actions are remembered only the way they made you feel.

**Murray Balkcom** · 06-25-2010, 01:40 PM

people can get shot for entering a home without permission. I'd say the person was lucky that he/she left with all their teeth.

**Alicia Leonard** · 06-25-2010, 02:01 PM

I'm glad he didn't come looking for these turtles at my house.

**Lake View Too** · 06-25-2010, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Alicia Leonard

I'm glad he didn't come looking for these turtles at my house.

I guess I better hide that alligator I got under my bed...

**jodiFL** · 06-25-2010, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

The description of the behavior is very much in line with how law enforcement deals with those trafficking in endangered species.

Does anyone here remember the teacher from Ohio (I think) that thought it would be cool to dig up and hatch the eggs for her class back home? Just the kind of mentor I would want for my kids. Entire clutch of an endangered species ended up dying in a plastic pail in some dumb@55es garage.

**ASH** · 06-25-2010, 04:11 PM

Yikes, I think the fine for tampering with sea turtle eggs is something like $10,000 per egg plus prison time.

**SWGB** · 06-25-2010, 06:03 PM

This doesn't sound like a FWCC officer, but some loon with a mental disease. I've known FWCC officers my entire life and they've never acted like that. In addition they wear a badge on their shirts, the first report doesn't mention that. They're also sworn LEO's which means that they also wear a gun and handcuffs at minimum.

**Minnie** · 06-25-2010, 06:27 PM

Could it have been a poser acting like an officer. It does happen around here, probably not common at the beach, but in these days and times anything is likely.

Just a reminder, never allow anyone in without proper idenification. Ask them through the closed door for the phone number to thier dispatch and call and verify who they are.

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Minnie

Could it have been a poser acting like an officer. It does happen around here, probably not common at the beach, but in these days and times anything is likely.

Just a reminder, never allow anyone in without proper idenification. Ask them through the closed door for the phone number to thier dispatch and call and verify who they are.

Yes, personal safety and proper procedures by law enforcement are much more important than well-being of a species of ocean reptiles, however near-extinct they might be.

**Minnie** · 06-25-2010, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

Yes, personal safety and proper procedures by law enforcement are much more important than well-being of a species of ocean reptiles, however near-extinct they might be.

I would not think one would jeopardize the other in any way.

**Tom at BV** · 06-25-2010, 10:23 PM

Thanks SoWal for your comments and help. I've been busy trying to figure out what happened to my daughter-in-law & our 5-year old granddaughter's turtle encounter with the F&W officers.
Here's a more acurate story.

My daughter-in-law was startled & frightened with a loud banging on the front door. she looked out to see an official looking uniformed person. A stranger in uniform is not a normal visitor so she opened the door in fear of an emergency. With an intimiditing agressive voice & said an anonymous person called the turtle hot line # that we had a sea turtle on the premise. My daughter-in-law can't remember clearly, but thought he did say he was a fish & wildlife officer. He did not show any identification or explain himself to calm her fears. He insisted he had to come inside to inspect the turtle. He used his F&W official position to get permission to come inside so she reluctantly said OK. It frightened our 5-year old who started to cry thinking he would take her pet turtle away. He came into our home & inspected the (small about 2" dia.) turtle & then declared it was a land turtle. He went on to say if it was a sea turtle, it's a federal crime with jail and a huge fine. No apology, then left my very shaken daughter-in-law and crying 5-year old. I am sure if a man answered the door his attitude would be different. What a jerk.
I wondered how he got into our gated community and learned Police, Fireman & Fish & Wildlife officers have special gate codes to enter any gated community. I also understand from our maintenance dept. they constantly come into our complex turning off lights then remove anything they feel will harm the sea turtles. They don't ask, they just tell you with their superior attitude. The other issue that bothers me is the person who turned in the complaint to the sea turtle hotline #. Why didn't they approch our granddaughter & ask if her pet was a sea turtle? This was an excited child telling everyone about her turtle when they were at the kiddie mall. Real sicko person taking down the car license # so they could track us down!!

I also called Sharon Maxwell at seaturtlewatch.com some one suggested I check out. Sharon checked her hot line and there was no phone call logged into her hot line # so it must have been too another hot line#. It's a beautiful web site and a wonderful turtle web site everyone should look at. I have a renewed respect for the turtle volunteer's and apologize with any thoughts I had. Thank you for protecting these wonderful creatures.

Summary:
Thanks everyone for listening, I was just protecting my family & hopefully this never happens to your family. I am here in Michigan and getting a phone call from a frightened family member made me want to jump on a plane to kick some butt. We love 30-A & SoWall.

Tom

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by Tom at BV

Thanks SoWal for your comments and help. I've been busy trying to figure out what happened to my daughter-in-law & our 5-year old granddaughter's turtle encounter with the F&W officers.
Here's a more acurate story.

My daughter-in-law was startled & frightened with a loud banging on the front door. she looked out to see an official looking uniformed person. A stranger in uniform is not a normal visitor so she opened the door in fear of an emergency. With an intimiditing agressive voice & said an anonymous person called the turtle hot line # that we had a sea turtle on the premise. My daughter-in-law can't remember clearly, but thought he did say he was a fish & wildlife officer. He did not show any identification or explain himself to calm her fears. He insisted he had to come inside to inspect the turtle. He used his F&W official position to get permission to come inside so she reluctantly said OK. It frightened our 5-year old who started to cry thinking he would take her pet turtle away. He came into our home & inspected the (small about 2" dia.) turtle & then declared it was a land turtle. He went on to say if it was a sea turtle, it's a federal crime with jail and a huge fine. No apology, then left my very shaken daughter-in-law and crying 5-year old. I am sure if a man answered the door his attitude would be different. What a jerk.
I wondered how he got into our gated community and learned Police, Fireman & Fish & Wildlife officers have special gate codes to enter any gated community. I also understand from our maintenance dept. they constantly come into our complex turning off lights then remove anything they feel will harm the sea turtles. They don't ask, they just tell you with their superior attitude. The other issue that bothers me is the person who turned in the complaint to the sea turtle hotline #. Why didn't they approch our granddaughter & ask if her pet was a sea turtle? This was an excited child telling everyone about her turtle when they were at the kiddie mall. Real sicko person taking down the car license # so they could track us down!!

I also called Sharon Maxwell at seaturtlewatch.com some one suggested I check out. Sharon checked her hot line and there was no phone call logged into her hot line # so it must have been too another hot line#. It's a beautiful web site and a wonderful turtle web site everyone should look at. I have a renewed respect for the turtle volunteer's and apologize with any thoughts I had. Thank you for protecting these wonderful creatures.

Summary:
Thanks everyone for listening, I was just protecting my family & hopefully this never happens to your family. I am here in Michigan and getting a phone call from a frightened family member made me want to jump on a plane to kick some butt. We love 30-A & SoWall.

Tom

That sounds like something straight out of the movie Brazil.

**Deli Love** · 06-25-2010, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

Yes, personal safety and proper procedures by law enforcement are much more important than well-being of a species of ocean reptiles, however near-extinct they might be.

The Safety of my family comes before anything. If you think I have a near extinct animal, knock on my door, show ID and respect. I love turtles but I love my children and grand children way more.
Why wouldn't you show proper ID? Why strong arm your way in.
Knock knock
"Who is it?"
"Game and wild life." (show ID)
"Oh my what is wrong officer?"
"Do you have a turtle here?"
"Why yes we bought it in Destin!"
"May I see it?"
"Well yes you can."
Now I ask you, How much harder would that have been?

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by Minnie

I would not think one would jeopardize the other in any way.

I'm saying don't let anyone in your house over cold-blooded guilt.

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by Deli Love

The Safety of my family comes before anything. If you think I have a near extinct animal, knock on my door, show ID and respect. I love turtles but I love my children and grand children way more.
Why wouldn't you show proper ID? Why strong arm your way in.
Knock knock
"Who is it?"
"Game and wild life." (show ID)
"Oh my what is wrong officer?"
"Do you have a turtle here?"
"Why yes we bought it in Destin!"
"May I see it?"
"Well yes you can."
Now I ask you, How much harder would that have been?

I'll go along with that and I would probably go get the turtle and bring it to the door.

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 11:15 PM

Originally Posted by Minnie

I would not think one would jeopardize the other in any way.

I'm saying don't let anyone in your house over cold-blooded guilt.

**Minnie** · 06-25-2010, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

I'm saying don't let anyone in your house over cold-blooded guilt.

Honestly, I am still not following you.

One I would never own a turtle of any kind, two, I totally support the preservation of sea turtles and have been very active in doing so, and personally think no one should drive on the beach in case it does harm to their nesting, but I am never going to open the door to anyone, regardless of thier uniform or believe who they say they are without verification.

We have had to many pretend too be officials around here for my comfort.

As I said that might not happen at the beach but times are strange lately.

To Tom, I would be calling the local agency and complaining, they need to know that they were a little over zealous in thier investigation based on hearsay.

**LuciferSam** · 06-25-2010, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by Minnie

Honestly, I am still not following you.

One I would never own a turtle of any kind, two, I totally support the preservation of sea turtles and have been very active in doing so, and personally think no one should drive on the beach in case it does harm to their nesting, but I am never going to open the door to anyone, regardless of thier uniform or believe who they say they are without verification.

We have had to many pretend too be officials around here for my comfort.

As I said that might not happen at the beach but times are strange lately.

To Tom, I would be calling the local agency and complaining, they need to know that they were a little over zealous in thier investigation based on hearsay.

I'm saying my life liberty and pursuit of happiness is much more important than a bunch of ******* turtles, and if I follow the story correctly some thug violated said rights.

**Minnie** · 06-26-2010, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

I'm saying my life liberty and pursuit of happiness is much more important than a bunch of ******* turtles, and if I follow the story correctly some thug violated said rights.

Then we are in agreement.

**LuciferSam** · 06-26-2010, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by Minnie

Then we are in agreement.

That's what I thought all along. I regret any misunderstanding.

**Minnie** · 06-26-2010, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

That's what I thought all along. I regret any misunderstanding.

We are cool, I have shingles right now and I am on meds, so my thought process is delayed at best.

**LuciferSam** · 06-26-2010, 12:50 AM

Originally Posted by Minnie

We are cool, I have shingles right now and I am on meds, so my thought process is delayed at best.

Sorry to hear about that. I'm not saying I was so clear about what I was saying either. I know when my Dad had shingles a cup of coffee (caffeinated) helped a lot.

**SWGB** · 06-26-2010, 01:07 AM

Tom, I'm not doubting that this could have been an officer, but it seems very odd and out of character. I strongly urge you or your DIL to file a complaint with their inspector general:

FWC - FWC Inspector General

If that doesn't get results then contact the Governor's office. I can guarantee that in an election year you would get results and fast.

If someone did call in a complaint then there is a record of it and the officer that was dispatched. If it was an officer then they should be reprimanded for that kind of behavior.

Also it's not necessarily a gate code, some gate systems respond to the "chirp" or fast on and off of the officers siren. In a life or death emergency those are generally the better option.

**Tom at BV** · 06-26-2010, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Tom, I'm not doubting that this could have been an officer, but it seems very odd and out of character. I strongly urge you or your DIL to file a complaint with their inspector general:

FWC - FWC Inspector General

If that doesn't get results then contact the Governor's office. I can guarantee that in an election year you would get results and fast.

If someone did call in a complaint then there is a record of it and the officer that was dispatched. If it was an officer then they should be reprimanded for that kind of behavior.

Also it's not necessarily a gate code, some gate systems respond to the "chirp" or fast on and off of the officers siren. In a life or death emergency those are generally the better option.

SWGB,

Very wise suggestion, I'll quietly take care of this with the proper authorities. These officers need adversity training handling this emotional balance of people & turtles! They have a difficult job, but people are more important than turtles in my opinion. When you hear the boo, hoo's of a crying 5-year old calling her grandfather on the phone, saying he was going to take my turtle and put my Mamma in jail. Enough said

Tom

**GoodWitch58** · 06-26-2010, 07:21 AM

I agree with SWGB; very unusual behavior for an law enforcement officer, but not completely unheard of, unfortunately.
I would advise to call the local sheriff's office (267-2000) if anything like this ever happens. We have had "wannabes in uniform" around here.

**NotDeadYet** · 06-26-2010, 07:59 AM

people are more important than turtles in my opinion.

I'm sorry that this is what it comes down to for you, Tom. In the end, this is how most people feel, even though it was a person who misbehaved, not a turtle.
We need both - turtles that live in healthy oceans, and people who know how to behave. Until we understand that it is not either or, not "us" or the turtles, we won't get anywhere towards fixing the things that are broken. Apparently the person who came to the door doesn't understand this either. Too bad it made you think you had to choose.

**30A Skunkape** · 06-26-2010, 09:24 AM

Maybe this officer was the proverbial bad apple. To date, I have yet to have an unpleasant encounters with any of our uniformed officers in Walton County

Except those red shirts in Seaside, but I think we ran them off

**Dia** · 06-26-2010, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

Maybe this officer was the proverbial bad apple. To date, I have yet to have an unpleasant encounters with any of our uniformed officers in Walton County

Except those red shirts in Seaside, but I think we ran them off

psssst - they wear blue now

**Murray Balkcom** · 06-26-2010, 10:13 AM

Badges and/or uniforms don't give people authority. Anyone can go to ebay and buy a real badge, and anyone can go to a uniform store and buy any official looking uniform for firemen, police, rescue, Fish and Wildlife officer, etc. Never ask the guy banging on the door for the number for his dispatch, because he may give you his accomplice's number and convince you that he is legit.

If you are ever put into a situation where anyone is demanding permission to enter your house, lock the door, don't open it, and call 9-1-1 and they will quickly tell you if it is a real officer on the other side of the door.

**30A Skunkape** · 06-26-2010, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Dia

psssst - they wear blue now

Well, they have been put on Prozac or something. Not near as brownshirtish anymore.

**BeachbumAggie** · 06-26-2010, 10:54 AM

I agree to call the Fish and Wildlife department. I work for the gov in Texas and our agency does go to citizen's homes for investigation purposes but we train our staff to knock, explain who they are and who the represent and they have to be allowed in. The person who scared your family, if indeed a true gov official, needs to be reprimanded for his behavior. I'm sure Florida deals with these complaints on staff very seriously, I know we do here. I'm so sorry that your family had this experience.