Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with crime

The Crack Is Thisaway. Deals!

radgardener — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:02:29 -0800

I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Very recently, this week or so, a crackhouse moved in next door to my apartment. My neighbourhood is otherwise quite nice. I have nice neighbours. All the houses are well-kept. It's a lower-middle class neighbourhood. We live in an apartment in the top floor of a two-story home. What should we do? I'm wondering what kind of things I can do besides call the cops? Last night some pimp-looking guy got his head bashed on the curb multiple times. I'm wondering if some sort of neighbourhood response is in order? When something like that happens, try and get as many people out of their houses watching it and yelling stop, or something like that.

But, I don't want to be a target.

Help.

Should we press charges against a kid?

Biblio — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:25:08 -0800

Should we press charges against a neighborhood kid? We just got back from vacation last night, and as we were unpacking, my 13 year old noticed some stuff moved around in his room. Upon further investigation, he found that a bunch of his prized Pokemon cards and toys were gone. At first I was skeptical, but then we checked in the playroom, and the safe I saw him putting his most valuable card in before we left was tossed on the floor, pried open and empty.

Then my husband saw that the cellar door was ajar and that the spray paint cans that we had kept next to the door were gone. That's when we noticed the spray paint on our plants and stone wall. We also found a half eaten apple in the cellar.

We called the police and they took the situation very seriously. When they asked if we had an idea who might have done this, we were unanimous: Justin. This kid has been trouble for 2 years, and seems to have an uncontrollable urge to take stuff from us, especially Pokemon stuff. He's stolen from my kids at least 4 times. In fact, just last month he walked off with something, lied about it when confronted and only confessed when my husband went to talk to him. 2 weeks later he still hadn't brought it back and I had to go get his mom involved...again. All of the neighborhood kids have had stuff stolen from them by Justin and he's usually in a state of banishment from at least one kid's house. We've given him more than his fair share of chances and he's shown no sign of improving. I know he has his share of issues - his dad is in jail and his brother is in foster care - but I've pretty much run out of excuses for him.

So the cops went to talk to him and some of the other kids and hopefully we'll get an update soon. They asked us if we wanted to press charges when the culprit was found and my husband was vehemently in favor. I'm not sure. On the one hand, my kids are freaked out about the situation and I want to punish whoever did this. But on the other, if it was Justin, we're talking about an 11 year old kid. I don't want to screw up his life forever. Well, any more than it already is. Would having to go to court be good for him? Or would it cement his path to juvenile delinquency? I need advice.

Freakonomics and MySpace abductions.

SirStan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:27:25 -0800

I live in Vermont. I work in a small town that has been directly affected by the recent Brooke Bennett tragedy (family involved 12 year old in sex ring and killed her, attempted to blame it on a MySpace predator) in an industry that is directly related to dealing with the aftermath. I am also reading Freakonomics, which amongst other things has persuaded me to look past media hype and compare numbers to actual relevant data. I have two questions 1. How many children a year are kidnapped/abducted that can be directly attributed to social networking sites online vs other baseline statistics (how many children's parents kidnap them, how many children are killed due to negligence such as not belting kids in).

2. (Completely hypothetical) Given say a $500,000 grant to promote child safety, where would the money most be effective in comparative ranking to "ZOMG MYSPACE" alerts and education.

Are online predators really any statistical danger, or just an easy and new headline.

Can anyone recommend a NYC criminal defense attorney for a disorderly conduct charge?

Anonymous — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:17:33 -0800

Can anyone recommend a good NYC criminal defense attorney to help me with a disorderly conduct charge? I am facing a disorderly conduct charge in NYC. I'm not going to elaborate on the details of the incident here for all of the obvious reasons. Suffice it to say that no blows were exchanged and that I was never handcuffed or formally arrested -- arrested in the sense of having the Miranda warning read to me or sent to Central Booking for processing.

I know that the charge is bogus and penny-ante, that I could probably resolve it by showing up, pleading guilty and paying a fine. But I don't want even this charge on my record; something that seems penny-ante at this point could become a more major deal down the road, perhaps impeding my ability to find work or travel to some countries. And more importantly, I don't think I was doing anything wrong. So I'm not going to plead out. I intend to fight this charge.

Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced defense lawyer in New York City who would be good for this? What sorts of rates would they typically charge?

Thanks in advance.

What's it like around Downtown Crossing (Boston)?

Perplexity — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:12:19 -0800

What's it like around Downtown Crossing (Boston)? We're thinking about moving to a building right at Downtown Crossing (on Washington Street, between Winter/Summer and Temple Place). How's the neighborhood? We really like the apartment, and the location within the city, but we're a little worried about the immediate neighborhood. It seems a little sketchy, and we weren't even there that late. Is it safe at night? Thanks in advance for any input, positive or negative.

Health, safety, and sight-seeing in Sao Paulo

JDHarper — Sat, 31 May 2008 06:06:37 -0800

What should I know before my trip to Sao Paulo? I'm taking trip to Sao Paulo next week, and I had a few questions as someone who has never been out of the United States before.

1. Is it safe to drink the water in the city? I know that everyone says "don't drink the water" in Mexico and in small villages, but the third biggest city in the world should have decent water filtration, right?

2. In my research I keep coming across people talking about the high crime rate in Sao Paulo. Am I really that likely to be robbed while I'm there? Are there particular parts of the city I should avoid?

3. I've been looking around the internet for stuff to do and see while I'm in the city. Any recommendations? I'll be there for the better part of a week, and I only know a handful of phrases in Portuguese.

4. Any other advice about going to Sao Paulo?

Someone stole the payroll stubbs! What do we do?

idledebonair — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:43:03 -0800

Someone stole the ADP envelopes from my work by somehow calling ADP and asking to change the address. Apparently all the perpetrator needed was the name and address of our company. What do we do now? 1) What do I personally do, as an employee, do to protect myself?

2) What should my boss do to protect us and the business?

How do I keep my rooftop apartment un-broken-in-on?

Anonymous — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:29:57 -0800

Parapet defense 101, or, how to discourage home invasion of an overly-fab rooftop apartment without turning it into a prison. My neighborhood is in the grip of a lasting wave of property crime -- not violent crime -- and is clearly a very low priority for the overtaxed police force. Our old-ass car was stolen last month, and last night at 2am there were people apparently going from rooftop to rooftop and our peaked (!) rooftop was repeatedly run (!) over. The ground floor apartments in my building have been broken into and looted while the owners were gone.

I moved here a decade ago when the neighborhood was safe, and my apartment has all kinds of nice features which are now liabilities: big skylights, big terrace with big terrace doors, roof access.

I don't think the crime wave is permanent. It has been closely tracking the diminishing economic health of the neighborhood, which is gradually showing signs of improvement. So, here are some givens:

1. Robbers here are not likely to carry firearms or come in prepared to do violence. The usual profile is a junkie or teen boy who wants to steal your stuff to resell if it doesn't look too difficult to get away with, i.e. no one seems to be home.

2. A thief who woke us up would probably tend to feel that they had chosen the wrong house. Our electronics are old and ugly (big 12-year-old CRT TV, too heavy to walk away with, and it's defective!), and we are unusually wealthy in aggro. Any attempt at entry would be loud and slow going unless executed by a Mission Impossible - style catburglar, which isn't what we're talking about here. But I have a good laptop, which is expensive and has expensive data on it, and of course the safety of the other resident and myself is priceless.

3. We don't just want to wrap everything up in security gating. Moving would be prefereable to waking up every morning in darkness and cranking up the cage doors before we can see the sun.

I would love to hear any advice on how to make our place more unattractive to the shitheels who may be casing it. I am considering moving, so it isn't necessary to point out to me that there is a lot at stake, OMG, get out of there right now! I'm not blasé. I'm also trying to see if there is any neighborhood watch possibility. But while I'm thinking about moving and neighborhood watching, I would also like to consider methods of jackass deterrence. My question is about practical ways of dissuading the kinds of not-super-violent, effort-averse thieves that we're plagued with around here at the moment. For instance, I was thinking motion detector that shined a very bright light when someone is on the terrace after 1am, to start with. I would be grateful for your ideas along these lines, particularly regarding the terrace, which is the weakest spot. Feel free to contact at bringing.arbalest.back@gmail.com. Thank you!

GRAND JURY YO!

madmamasmith — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:37:53 -0800

Do all misdemeanor cases get to bypass the grand jury? Is there such a thing as a federal misdemeanor? I know FEDERAL capital offenses must go before a grand jury and each STATE handles this differently, ie NY both sides and a judge, no grand jury. But I am confused on this process...help, test tommorrow!!

What does being a fraud prevention specialist actually entail?

Myles — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:25:18 -0800

Anyone here ever been a Fraud Prevention Specialist? What's the job actually like? I was doing some job searching and saw a posting for one, though it seems it's more geared towards online fraud and stuff. First here are the requirements:

Strong computer literacy and knowledge of computer software (MS Office).

Analytical abilities are required to perform investigations.

Ability to work independently and without direction, to take initiative, and to make decisions.

Must be able to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Fraud or investigations experience in a call center or fraud operations environment preferred.

Candidate must have an excellent understanding of Internet browsing, and experience shopping on the Internet.

Professional demeanor in dealing with internal and external customers via phone and email is essential.

Two year degree preferred or prior experience in law enforcement and/or investigations.

And then the formal job description:

The Ideal candidate would review reports for potentially fraudulent transactions and manage calls on fraud issues from operational departments, investigating leads from internal and external sources with proper follow-up and documentation.

You would complete information requests and fraud tasks for assigned cases and provide superior customer service to internal and external customers.

You would also be responsible for making recommendations on how processes can be improved and policies modified. Answer policy questions and act as a help resource for the other fraud analysts.

I know it says it all there, but I'd like to get some input on those who were actually one. It doesn't sound too much that they're asking for, as far as basic requirements. It sounds interesting, and I'd probably apply, but I'd like some feedback first. Thanks.

How can I fight crime?

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:45:31 -0800

If I witness a crime in the subway, what is the best way to intervene safely and productively? Lately, I have been riding public mid-afternoon, when the highschool kids get out. There's a lot of loud horseplay, but twice in the past two days I have witnessed sexual assaults. In both cases it was a boy molesting a girl who very clearly did not welcome the attention, while the other highschoolers with them either said nothing or jokingly played along. Both times there were other (adult) commuters around, none of whom did anything (in fact, people tended to move away).

I had an overwhelming urge to intervene, but I didn't know what to do and was afraid for my own safety (I am a very small woman, <5 ft & <100lbs), in part because I could already see that noone else in the train was trying to help. I have been wracked with guilt about having done nothing, and I need to make sure that I am equipped to act next time this happens.

What is the most effective thing for me to do? How can I best ensure my own safety?

(FWIW, my cell phone gets no signal in the tunnels.)

I know the basics of money laundering. I need more in depth knowledge now.

reenum — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:26:15 -0800

I know the basics of money laundering. Now I want to read more about the various methods used in laundering money. I recently read a book called Crime School by Chris Mathers. He talked about the various methods used to launder money such as shell companies, the black market peso exchange, and smurfing.

I want sites, books, or articles that give true accounts of these methods at work, or a more in-depth explanation than that Mathers gave.

The Wire... what next?

fearfulsymmetry — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:19:45 -0800

The Wire's finished (wipes tear)... what do I watch/read/listen to, now ? So I'm looking for suggestions for television, films, books etc that have the same breath and depth that The Greatest Show On Television, Ever (TM) had. Also any music in the same vein that was used in the series would be good.

An obvious place to start is one of the several novels written by the show's main writers... but I'm wondering what else might be out there that I might miss otherwise.

Cold Case Investigation Resource

gm2007 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:09:02 -0800

I am currently working on a murder investigation ("cold case") for a journalism project that I am working on. I have access to a lot of witnesses and evidence. I am looking for the best resource (treatise, primer, etc.) to use in conducting the investigation.

Getting jail time in california?

SECONDHANDSMOTE — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:04:56 -0800

What would a person have to do in order to get a one year jail sentence in the California penal system. I'm working an idea, and I need someone to disappear. What sort of crimes could a person commit that would have a high probability of landing them in the slammer for a period of (around) one year. I'm thinking California, but I'm not set on it. Non-violent crimes would be useful.

Steer me to your nearest "bad neighborhood"...

jjjjjjjijjjjjjj — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:02:43 -0800

What is the "bad part of town" for your nearest metropolitan area... and what's the name of the most notoriously "bad" neighborhood(s) in that part of town? If you're catching a whiff of "chatfilter", it is not because I didn't diligently try to avoid or discourage it when formulating the question. I've kicked it around in my head for a week now, and haven't found a silver bullet to kill the possibility that answers might be a bit chat-tainted. I do have a very specific question I'd like answered, and I am not trying to promote lax conversation. That the thread may be used by some in chatty ways shouldn't indict the specificity of my question. abusus non tollit usum.

I am a cartographer. I've been thinking about "bad neighborhoods" lately and rolling some ideas around in my head. I am thinking about making something that might approximate an "Atlas of the Bad Part(s) of Town(s)". I'd like to get some "jumping on" points to guide my research of various cities.

My perception of "bad part of town" has everything to do with "prevalence of crime"--yours may not, but if you are using some other rubric as your principal justification, please note this.

I am very gracious for any information you can provide, from specific to the very general. It need not be exact, and a notional response (if fairly well informed) would be absolutely fine.

By way of example... the information for my city is as follows: St. Louis, MO - Bad part of town: The North Side - Notoriously bad neighborhoods: Hyde Park, St. Louis Place, the Ville, Carr Avenue.

I am very appreciative for any information you can provide, and for any direction you can steer my research. The project I am envisioning will likely be U.S.-centric, but I am very interested, personally, in answers from all over the world. Thanks much.

Inconsistent Prosecution

yesno — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:42:32 -0800

Prosecuting someone for a crime that someone has already been convicted of? I read last year about a prosector who sought to convict someone of a crime, when he had already convicted someone else of the same crime. Logically, only one person could be guilty. I can't find anything on Google. Does anyone remember this incident I am referring to?

What cases have you seen of self incrimination or unflattering postings on the net?

bjtitus — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:21:12 -0800

What cases have you seen of self incrimination or unflattering postings on the net? What should teens know about their activities on the internet and how their lives might be affected by their postings on social networks, blogs, and other sites? I (a high school student) have been tasked with presenting on various dangers of the internet to teens. The list includes the dangers of pornography (a topic which I am not covering myself), bully/hate messages, self incrimination, and the use of information by colleges and businesses.

The goal is to make students aware of the dangers and to make them think ahead. We have head several cases of kids getting into trouble and even not getting into certain colleges because of internet activity.

I want to know your feelings about these topics and any cases you know of. Feel free to link to videos, studies, pictures, or anything that could help me aggregate information about these topics.

How smart is SmartWater?

roofus — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:26:13 -0800

How does SmartWater "forensic property coding" work? Specifically:

1. What is the underlying "DNA-style chemical" technology used to make and extract the code?

2. Why is it more effective than marking an item in indelible UV ink?

3. Has it ever been used to make a criminal conviction, or is it only effective as a deterrent?

Why the drop in incarceration for public order crimes?

painquale — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 21:43:18 -0800

According to these pages on the U.S. Bureau of Justice site, imprisonment for public order offenses suddenly fell by a third in 2002. Why?

More sex & crime, please!

ollsen — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 02:24:47 -0800

Robert B. Parker, Carl Hiaasen, Janet Evanovich, Tim Cockey, Patrick Quinlan, James Crumley, Elmore Leonard - NOW WHAT? Looking for crime fiction. Must be American, must be contemporary. Can be funny, dry witted or earnest and grim - as long as it is fun and exciting to read. Private Eyes or other lonesome hero types a plus. Not looking for "bad" pulp fiction (I know that the literary qualities of the mentioned writers can be debated - but I think all of them do not fall under the trash category.)
Please no classics like Chandler and co., no fantasy, no Sherlock Holmes etc.
I want to be right there among the crime in the streets of America.
Thanks! Looking forward to your input!

British mystery TV shows/movies?

gentle — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 18:26:51 -0800

Great British mystery television shows/movies? My girlfriend and I are both rabid fans of good, old-fashioned British whodunnits. Nothing like a rainy Sunday curled up in the sofa to watch an insufferable amateur detective line up a bunch of eccentric upper-class Brits by the fireplace to expose their innermost red herrings: Poirot, Miss Marple, Jonathan Creek, Cadfael, Inspector Alleyn, Sherlock Holmes, Gosford Park -- we have pretty much watched them all, including numerous Agatha Christie movie adaptations. What else is out there? Must be British, or feature mainly Brits; extra points for smoking jackets, quaint little villages in Dorset, vintage automobiles and funny little Frenchmen. (We don't like modern police procedurals that much, though; Inspector Morse is all right, but not quite our cup of tea.)

When was police line tape first used at crime scenes in the US?

kittens for breakfast — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 22:03:35 -0800

When was police line tape first used at crime scenes in the US? I figure this doesn't require much explanation -- I'm talking about the yellow POLICE LINE - DO NOT CROSS tape you see in movies all the time. It's certainly been in use as far back as I can remember, but when was it introduced?

Mugging...not a police matter?

LittleMissCranky — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 19:05:47 -0800

A friend was robbed outside her home. The recording at the police department says that they won't come out for offenses involving less than $5000. This can't possibly be right, can it? This evening, my friend was confronted by a man who got out of a car, said he had a gun and took her stuff. She has now seen the same car drive by her house twice since then. Her husband says that he just has to file a report on the police website. This seems totally ridiculous to me...is this right, or is there some misunderstanding? What should be done?

Looking for Toronto police stats.

rupeh — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:18:33 -0800

I am looking for sites that publish Canadian police internal investigation and conviction statistics, Toronto in particular. I would like to settle an argument with a friend who is under the impression that our local force is so corrupt that the number of its members convicted of a crime is disproportionately low compared to other agencies around the world. Given that there will always be a few rotten apples and that the blue line will exist in every agency these numbers should be relatively uniform when compared to similar cities.

I would also be interested in any other sites with (free) statistics on local crime - Toronto in particular.

Thank-you in advance