thoughts on handling this

[Nullifier]

So it was brought to my attention about some guys that are posting video of them selves harrasing protected wildlife in a preserve. One of them is actually a confirmed local Gov employee.

This really gets me made becuase it could have an effect on my buisness if the wildife ever decides to strike back on the wrong person. We are talking about gators here. Any way I plan to let the state wildlife officers and local officers know about it on Monday. However I have thought about sending the video over to my contact at the local news channel to see if they will do a story on people like this that conduct illegal activity and post them selves with names in credits for the world to see. Especially while wearing thier local gov employment shirts while doing it.

I really do not wan't people this stupid working in our local rescue department but am undicided if I should try and go so far as to push the issue that far. I am not afraid of repercussions from these nuckle heads but how far of a push is far enough?

If the park service decides to get involved they should be banned for life from the area at minimum. If the D.A. gets involved there could be fines and jail time. Should I push for thier gov jobs to be lost as well?

I have never been this fired up but when I see something illegal in my area that could possibly end up with a danger to my customers I get well amped to say the least. I mean these guys are the dictionary rednecks.

 

[olympiccop2002]

I would let the local authorities know about it and let them take the enforcement action needed. Most of the time the other repercussions from the enforcement action will dictate if they keep the job or not. I don't see how it is your responsibility to try to get the person fired or in trouble at their workplace. If you were given a ticket for speeding would you like the officer to go to your boss and try to get you fired for it when it doesn't pertain to your job? Now if your job was to not speed and you were given a speeding ticket then there would be a problem. The rescue job doesn't have anything to do with the pestering of the alligator. Just thinking out loud here...

 

[jcbrandon]

Somebody who breaks laws, and video tapes it, and includes their name, and publishes the video... has no reasonable expectation of leniency from the law, or from concerned citizens.

 

[off.track]

do you have a link to this video so we could judge for ourselves?

 

[dzzz]

Your not a witness, so from the legal/government point of view you won't be involved. I suggest you point out the tape to them, and then give it some time to see if you're satisfied with the response.
As long as justice is done there's no reason to take a high profile.

 

[Nullifier]

do you have a link to this video so we could judge for ourselves?

Yes I do and I will post it after I get with the parks and cops. I do not want this thread to be discovered and then they are tipped off before the ball is rolling.

 

[Nullifier]

I would let the local authorities know about it and let them take the enforcement action needed. Most of the time the other repercussions from the enforcement action will dictate if they keep the job or not. I don't see how it is your responsibility to try to get the person fired or in trouble at their workplace. If you were given a ticket for speeding would you like the officer to go to your boss and try to get you fired for it when it doesn't pertain to your job? Now if your job was to not speed and you were given a speeding ticket then there would be a problem. The rescue job doesn't have anything to do with the pestering of the alligator. Just thinking out loud here...

I totally hear you. I guess it is one of those things where I believe that when you are wearing part of your uniform that ties you into a particular organization, then you are representing that organization if your on duty or off. Since these guys are dumb enough to wear the uniform then I suspect that the p.r. dept of the organization or their boss would be very interested. I know I would. Now if they were not wearing the work colors then this part of it would not be an issue.

 

[off.track]

could it be that this "uniform" is just a t picked up at some random used clothes store?

 

[Nullifier]

could it be that this "uniform" is just a t picked up at some random used clothes store?

Sure it is possible but unlikely. I will try to get confirmation of his employment on monday.

 

[stevenmd]

Sure it is possible but unlikely. I will try to get confirmation of his employment on monday.

No, don't endanger yourself in any way. If he is impersonating a government employee, I am sure there will be other charges to contend with for him. I say notify the proper authorities and the news media concurrently, then step aside and let whomever do their job. You have a family to think about. Don't do anything to put yourself in harm's way unnecessarily.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Have you considered making a DVD of the incriminating video and sending/mail it in to the proper authorities by way of an "anonymous tip"? You could include a link to the website video. This way you don't have to send in an email tip.

This way, you don't have to become personally involved.

This is how I would handle it, especially if I owned a business. You could become a target of their anger if they find out who you are.


.

 

[Mr. Leary]

No, don't endanger yourself in any way. If he is impersonating a government employee, I am sure there will be other charges to contend with for him. I say notify the proper authorities and the news media concurrently, then step aside and let whomever do their job. You have a family to think about. Don't do anything to put yourself in harm's way unnecessarily.

I agree. This should be handled by the authorities. Your involvement should end with making the issue known. That is not ruling out the press.... what they can do could be worse than the wrist slap these yahoos might get from the authorities. It might also ensure that action is taken (No sheriff wants a very public violation of the law to go unpunished, especially if he wants to keep his job!). As far as seeking out these individuals on your own.... see above quote!

 

[jh504]

Since I am a government employee for a county EMS agency I will give you my opinion. Definitely turn it in to the proper authorities however you decide to do it. Then, I would also turn it in to the EMS director, or chief, or whoever the top official is over this particular agency. If they are engaging in illegal or offensive actions while representing a professional organization then that organization deserves to know about it. I would even consider writing a letter to the agency, along with the evidence, telling them how it made you feel.

It burns me up, personally, when idiots from my agency, or others, act like fools while representing us. It is bad for the whole department.

(EDIT) I would also leave the press out of it for right now, and wait to see if anything is done. Bringing the press into the situation will be detrimental for the entire department. I would give them the chance to enact their own descipline first.

 

[Mr. Leary]

(EDIT) I would also leave the press out of it for right now, and wait to see if anything is done. Bringing the press into the situation will be detrimental for the entire department. I would give them the chance to enact their own descipline first.

That sounds better.... then if nothing is done, tell the press.... and save a copy of the video for evidence later.

 

[stevenmd]

(EDIT) I would also leave the press out of it for right now, and wait to see if anything is done. Bringing the press into the situation will be detrimental for the entire department. I would give them the chance to enact their own descipline first.

I respect your opinion here; however, we will have to agree to disagree. First, historically, government entities do a rather piss poor job of regulating and disciplining themselves. Second, the public has a right to know - that is a fact proven by the Supreme Court. Third, nothing like a public outcry to really motivate actual action.

Again, no disrespect to your opinion.:friday: