Cops at the property, what the heck do I do?

Question

Not looking for official legal advice here, but what would you do if you found out that there were 5 cop cars surrounding one of your properties trying to gain entrance? I am remote in another state, but told my manager to give the cops the keys to enter if needed so they don't have to bust down the door.

I have no idea what they are there for at this point but I am preparing for the worst.

What would you do?

I have no idea what they are there for at this point but I am preparing for the worst.

What would you do?

Joel Owens · Answer

Give the cops a box of donuts. While they are eating call back your property manager to discuss further! HA

Just kidding... No legal advice of course. Make sure not stale donuts.

John Koontz · Answer

@Joel Owens true, we love donuts. If they're free, we don't really care if they're stale.

@Tim Johnson wait until everything is said and done, then have you or your PM reach out to the officers or substation responsible for your address. Ask them what the issue was. As long as you come across as being concerned about being a good neighbor and wanting to keep a good property, they'll appreciate it. Try to open up a line of communication with them so they know to come to you or your PM when there are issues or they need info.

Tim Johnson · Answer

PM got in touch with the police - wish I could make this up... apparently the tenant, alone with her child, was scared by a contractor knocking on the front door - so she called the cops. The contractor had arrived as scheduled and tenants were already notified the day before, but tenant was scared because she thought it was someone else at the door.

And it wasn't five cop cars - it was one cop at the door responding to her call, and two down the street waiting to backup just in case.

So, today has significantly improved: no-one was murdered at the property! It was a misunderstanding and miscommunication. Very sketchy situation, regardless.

Dick Rosen · Answer

If you have a good PM you shouldn't have to do anything but listen and read the reports from the PM.

Deanna McCormick · Answer

I'd call police dept and let them know your owner and ask for incident report details.

Account Closed · Answer

Maybe they are looking for this guy..

Melissa McGuire · Answer

I could be wrong here but why would she be afraid of someone knocking at the door.  Is the rental out in the complete sticks???Has no one ever knocked on her door before.  Why would she be afraid.  There is something rotten in Denmark.  Are there any neighbors you know who could tell you if lets say a 6 ft 5 inch heavily tattooed muscle bound color flying man showing up there with regularity?  Maybe there's a domestic situation going on.  You should be able to look at the "blotter" that a list of every call the police received which officer responded for what reason and the outcome of the call. In that you may be able to glean some sort of nugget of info as to why a knock at the door scared this lady.  I mean this is only if you can. Otherwise no harm no foul, but if it were me I'd want to know what was up.Just one girls opinion. Best of luck

Melissa McGuire

Mike Cumbie · Answer

At this point your tenant could be hostage by someone that just robbed a bank.

I'd wait to have some real info before worrying about evicting. You may have a tenant in harm's way and that's worse.

Good luck!

Linda S. · Answer

I'm with @Deanna McCormick,  it's your house, you have the right to know what's going on-- directly from the police!   I wouldn't waste my time with the PM, as they'll just get the info from the cops, cut the middle man out and figure out the issue ASAP.

Be ready for a vacancy, sounds serious!

Cops at the property, what the heck do I do?

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