Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Ohio

Law enforcement's responsibility to protect and accurate reports

What can I do about local law enforcement refusing: to take reports, file accurate reports, refusing to file felony charges? Can law enforcement agencies be held legally liable for financial/personal loss that occurs due to failure to do their job of filing accurate report and prosecute?

I became a victim of identity theft and local law enforcement refuse to consider it a crime. I contacted them about the problems that were arising(being stalked and threatened)before the actual theft occured and they refused to do anything to prevent upcoming events and now they will not press charges. There is proof in their own correctional facility telephone recordings and still they refuse to consider the charges viable. Identity Theft is a Federal Felony. How do I get those charges filed? How do I find a attorney willing to help me sort this all out legally?

I realize this is actually 4 questions, but I need answers plaese. Thank You.


Asked on 12/25/03, 10:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Nidich Paul A. Nidich, Attorney-at-Law

Re: Law enforcement's responsibility to protect and accurate reports

In general, law enforcement personnel, like sheriffs, police, prosecutors, have wide discretion in whether to prosecute something. There also is some discretion about taking and filing reports, but that may be governed by local ordinance.

If you feel that identify theft is a federal offense, you can call the FBI to discuss it with them.

As far as finding an attorney who specializes in this field, you can contact your local bar association, search the web, use the yellow pages, or talk to friends. You might also get some help from the county prosecutor's office.

I have tried to help; although, this is not an area of law in which I have a lot of knowledge.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/26/03, 4:05 pm


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