How Should I Respond to a Police Inquiry for an Unknown Person?

Question from Joe, How Should I Respond to a Police Inquiry for an Unknown Person?

Answer from AI:

If you’ve received a letter from the Boone County Sheriff’s Department seeking a person you do not know, it’s important to respond appropriately to clarify the situation and discourage further attempts to contact you regarding this matter. Here’s a general guide on how to proceed:

Understanding the Letter

The letter you received is an attempt by law enforcement to deliver court documents to an individual. It’s not uncommon for officers to leave such notices when they are unable to find the person at the address they have on record.

How to Respond

• Respond Promptly: It’s best to respond as soon as possible to avoid any confusion or further attempts to contact you.
• Use the Provided Contact Information: The letter gives you the option to call or email. Since you prefer to send an email, use the email address provided in the note.
• Be Clear and Concise: In your email, clearly state that you do not know the person they are looking for and that they have no connection to your address.

Sample Email Template

Here’s a basic template you can use to draft your email. Remember to fill in the blanks with your information:

Subject: Response to Document Delivery Attempt for Unknown Individual

Dear Deputy [Redacted],

I am writing in response to a notice left at my address on [Date] regarding the delivery of important court documents for an individual I do not know.

I would like to inform you that the person named in your notice does not live or work at this address, and I have no knowledge of this individual or any connection to them.

Please update your records accordingly to prevent any future attempts to deliver these documents to my address.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]

Additional Considerations

• Keep a Record: Save a copy of the email you send for your records. If you receive further communication or visits, you will have proof of your response.
• Follow Up: If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt or a response within a reasonable time, consider following up with a phone call to ensure your message was received.

Seeking Legal Advice

While a response to this type of letter is typically straightforward, if you encounter any complications or if law enforcement continues to contact you despite your response, you may want to consult with a legal professional for personalized advice.

For more information on how to handle interactions with law enforcement, you can visit resources such as the ACLU’s guide on being stopped by police.

Remember, this information is intended to provide general guidelines and should not be considered as legal advice for your specific situation.