Q&A for How to Get Rid of Drug Dealers in Your Neighborhood

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  • Question
    Can I post a sign on my land saying "No drug dealing here"?
    Community Answer
    You can if you want, but a drug dealer is already breaking the law, they're probably not going to be deterred by your sign.
  • Question
    I have a new phone, and apparently the number used to belong to a drug dealer, because I am getting scary text messages from people in my area code. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Contact your phone provider, explain the situation, and request that they give you a new phone number that has not been previously used, or at least one that has been inactive for a long time.
  • Question
    Who do I report illegal drug activity to?
    Community Answer
    The police. Also the landlord if it's a rental, and their bank if they have a mortgage.
  • Question
    Can I legally shoot a drug dealer?
    Community Answer
    If you are legitimately in fear for your life, yes. Otherwise, no. Witnessing someone committing a non-violent crime is not a license to murder.
  • Question
    How do I handle a drug dealing neighbor who I am afraid will hurt me if I report him?
    Community Answer
    You can send an anonymous tip to the local police and they will not disclose that you sent them the tip.
  • Question
    I know someone who is a drug dealer, how can I tell the police?
    Community Answer
    You can contract them online or by calling anonymously. You can also contact your local DEA office by submitting an online tip or calling their line anonymously.
  • Question
    How can a mayor help with drug dealings when a police officer can't?
    Community Answer
    A mayor can write and propose new policies that the police can then enforce. The police are bound to uphold the law.
  • Question
    What if the dealer is just selling weed and is just trying to live?
    Community Answer
    It's your choice what you want to do about that. You're not under any legal obligation to report someone dealing drugs, so feel free to just ignore it.
  • Question
    What can I do if I have called the police several times, but nothing seems to stop the drug dealers?
    Community Answer
    Go higher. Contact the mayor's office and explain the situation. Be as noisy as you can regarding the lack of police action. Get some friends and neighbors to visit the police station and insist that they do something about it. Remind them that you are a tax payer (unless you're not) and remind them that they are supposed to protect and serve. Learn your personal rights and insist upon them. If all else fails, consult a lawyer.
  • Question
    How do I identify smells produced by chemicals from someone I suspect?
    Community Answer
    There really isn't one way, but some people can smell odors better than others. Some drugs have distinctive odors, meth for instance when it is getting cooked smells sweet but if it's just the individual chemicals it doesn't.
  • Question
    My neighbor is a dealer but is also a good friend. How do I stop him from dealing?
    Community Answer
    There is not an easy answer to that. You have the choice of leaving him alone or calling the police.
  • Question
    Will I get arrested if I used to buy from the drug dealer?
    Community Answer
    Only if they find evidence of the substance and that you bought it from them. The longer the time ago it happened, the less chance of it being an issue but that all depends on the context.
  • Question
    How do you get rid of a halfway house for people just getting out of prison?
    Community Answer
    I suppose you could attend town hall meetings and express your concerns. The halfway house is likely sanctioned by the state, however. Halfway houses may make you uncomfortable, but they are often necessary for former inmates' reintegration back into society. Instead of trying to shut it down, your efforts would likely be more effectively placed into either moving away or turning your fear and anger into compassion.
  • Question
    What can you do if your neighbor is selling drugs?
    Community Answer
    Report him/her to the police. Do not confront him/her about it, because the person may become violent..
  • Question
    Who do I contact when there's someone dealing drug across the street from me?
    Community Answer
    Call your local police's non-emergency phone number. Keeping a log of activity helps the police greatly.
  • Question
    Can you tell me how the Mayor could help with the drug dealer problem when the police officers can't?
    Community Answer
    Most mayors chair the Police Board. They can fire the Chief of Police if his subordinates do not do their jobs.
  • Question
    How do I report someone for drug dealing?
    Community Answer
    Call the police.
  • Question
    I am pretty sure the people across the street are dealing some kind of drug. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You need proof. Make recordings, photos or other proof to back it up. If you know it for sure, go to the landlord or the police and inform them.
  • Question
    I live in Newark, and I'm surrounded by drug dealers. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Contact the police. If nothing happens, talk to other people in your area to see if they have similar feelings. If you have to pay a monthly HOA fee, complain to them. If not, either move or make the best of your situation. If you have children (especially teens), tell them about the dangers and risks of drugs.
  • Question
    Can I petition to get someone who has been arrested for dealing drugs out of my neighborhood?
    Community Answer
    A petition will not work for many legal reasons. My advice is talk to someone who works in the recovery field. They are trained on how to address these kinds of issues with law enforcement.
  • Question
    How do I run from drug dealers?
    Community Answer
    Running lets them know that you are intimidated by them, so don't run from them. If you see suspicious activity, calmly walk away without making any eye contact. Only run from them if they are running after you, or are physically or verbally trying to hurt you.
  • Question
    What do I do if I suspect my roommate is using drugs and the landlord is turning a blind eye?
    Community Answer
    There's not much you can do if all you have is a suspicion. If you do obtain evidence of your roommate's illegal drug use, then you can contact the police. If the environment/situation makes you uncomfortable, you should either talk to your roommate about it or find different accommodations.
  • Question
    How do I remove drug dealing squatters from a home?
    Community Answer
    Call the police first and discuss options with them. Plan and write an eviction notice, then serve it on them. It may take some time for them to be removed from the property though, so be aware of this and budget for it.
  • Question
    Why would someone call the police on a suspected dealer if there are no disturbances, harm, or threats generated?
    Luciana Hemphill
    Community Answer
    Many people fear that crime, gang activity and violence is linked to drug activity. Therefore, they feel obligated to protect their families and communities. Other people may want a strong, positive and drug-free neighborhood. Many parents may want a drug free environment so that their children won’t get roped into drug activity. Also, dealing drugs is illegal, so disturbance or no, it is breaking the law.
  • Question
    If I report to the police about some drug dealer, and don't want people to know that I reported, is there any way that can happen?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    If you don’t want to share your name when calling the police, you can say that you want to report anonymously. Be aware that they may know who you are from your calling device being registered in your name, so suit a written or web form report.
  • Question
    What do I do if the landlord is operating a drug hub where I live?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    You should first gather evidence that your landlord is secretly running a drug smuggling operation. Once you have obtained significant evidence you should file a police report.
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