If you see someone doing something illegal do you report it?
By jillhill
@jillhill (37354)
United States
April 11, 2009 7:35pm CST
The last few days when I have went to work I have driven by this house...well in the second story window is a very bright light....like a heat lamp or something. This morning I could see that they were growing plants up there and I am not one hundred percent positive that what they are growing isn't illegal. I have a friend that is a police officer and I mentioned that they might want to drive by that house early in the morning. They don't even have curtains up. I am only guessing as to what they are growing...but I don't think they should be growing something in their upstairs. So if you were in the same position, would you have reported it or not gotten involved?
5 people like this
21 responses
@onlydia (2808)
• United States
13 Apr 09
Well, it is spring now maybe it is plants for the garden. But then you never know. You do know that it is illegal to be looking in peoples windows right?
Yes I mite of said something to him after I made sure that what I had sone by looking in was not illegal. You have a good day. Your friend onlydia
Yes I mite of said something to him after I made sure that what I had sone by looking in was not illegal. You have a good day. Your friend onlydia1 person likes this
@onlydia (2808)
• United States
13 Apr 09
You be careful OK. Plus I was picking on you. I live on the Northside of Minneapolis. So we kind of deside what is worse calling the police or getting shot. But then when it is something I know they will never know then yes I do call the police. You have a good day. Your friend onlydia
1 person likes this
@Adoniah (7513)
• United States
12 Apr 09
In your case you do not have any proof that they were doing something illegal. I do not think that I would have reported them. I mean if they were doing something illegal would they have been doing it in the open like that?
If I saw a crime being committed, I would report it immediately and try to stop it if possible. In fact, I did stop my neighbor from getting robbed, and another neighbor from getting attacked. If I knew for sure that there was illegal activity going on somewhere I would report that too. But I would have to know for sure.
I would not want to waste the time of the police or endanger myself unnecessarily.
Shalom~Adoniah
1 person likes this
@oaty_oats (25)
• United States
12 Apr 09
I envey you. I mean, by stopping something bad happening to both your neihbors, you know you have made a differance in their life, and for that I enevy you.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
12 Apr 09
Because where I live winter is almost six months long, in this case No I wouldn't report this because just about everyone I know here starts their flowers and even veggies in doors or there just wouldn't be a garden at all. However lucky you that you have a police officer friend. I did stop one day for gas and there was a car load of people getting gas at the same time. They were drinking and sped off in a hurry. I did call the police that time. (911) and I think everyone should it's everyones safety. Thank You.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
12 Apr 09
Yes that kind of language wasn't necessary and in his best defense maybe he wouldn't have answered that way if he wasn't drinking, my guess it probably wouldn't have made any difference. If he was ignorant enough to have that child in those dangerous situations than obviously the bottle was the most important thing. Thank Goodness you reported this situation, you may have saved that child's life on that day!!!
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
13 Apr 09
I have been in the same position but the plants were in a bathroom. I did not report it as some of the police are so corrupt in my country that I was scared to report it.
1 person likes this
@rocketsky (1013)
• China
14 Apr 09
it is our responsibility to do that inorder to protect other people.
I think i will do that if something happened to me .
i am not person who dare to say something or do something
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
13 Apr 09
Yep, I would report it without making any accusations. I wouldn't want to get involved with it beyond making a call. Wouldn't want my name used. I'd be afraid of retaliation on the part of who I reported. No reason why the police can't investigate it from your tip. You're being a good citizen.
@Harshgowda (10)
• India
12 Apr 09
Sure if i fell that some illegal activities are going on anywhere will surely inform police or higher authorities.
@skyla26 (284)
• Philippines
12 Apr 09
for my own view. there are lot of risk to report if there is illegal activities that you will found. but you need it to report secretly for you to be safe. if you will not report we didn't even know what is their mind and it can cause harm to the others.reporting will stop all their illegal activities they made.
@smartjack (520)
• India
12 Apr 09
no i wont do that, since by doing this 1 could fall into trouble and problems.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
26 Apr 09
I am not rat , The only thing I would do is make sure my number of my address is visible so if there were a raid the Cops will get the correct house.
@kellys3ps (3723)
• United States
12 Apr 09
If I saw someone doing something illegal I would definately report it.
@tamildude3 (409)
• India
12 Apr 09
Well in your case you have a friend who is a cop. So you have informally reported to him. THat would do. As long as you are not certain its better not to report. And all the criminals have a good connection with cops. So think twice before reporting as it might affect you in long run.
@mira91 (985)
• Singapore
12 Apr 09
Ouuuu, sounds so mysterious..If i were you, i'd go on a secret mission to investigate it..muahahaha ok, i was just kidding, so please put your spy tools down..Well usually for me, i'd like to keep my nose off other people's businesses. But if something i see worries me, or that it may affect me, i'd report it to the authorities...Most of the time i will, but sometimes, if the crime looks like it's a waste of authorities' time, then i'll just ignore it..^_^
Just an opinion though..take care~
@ReVeRb1080 (43)
• United States
12 Apr 09
I would only report it if it effects me directly. Minding your own business is something I think is very important.
@scncanzi (1)
• China
12 Apr 09
I think you should really report them,though they are no signs of crime,and you will find no evidence of their crimes,maybe the police investigation after they do no crime,but also is a false alarm,but have you ever thought about,assume they are preparing to crime? Or they prepared to rob, a lot of people would hurt if you impeach them,can avoid more damage.
