Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Washington

duty of the state to protect the welfare of citizens

My son who is 8 is being repeatedly harrassed by a neighbor bully.

I have tried to communicate with his parents to no avail. IE: ''your kids the one with the bloody nose , why is that MY problem''.

In the last episode this ''bully'' brought a few friends/relatives and gang style attacked my son , they also caused damage to my vehicle out of anger.

I called the police naturally , they came out and told me they couldn't do anything about it because the ''bully'' is under 11 years old and the ''policy'' is not to ''report'' or ''take any action''.

I went to the police station and insisted on a report so that i could now begin to document a pattern of abuse, they reluctantly agreed after some initial disuasion.

I am at home with my son from the time he gets home from school till he goes to bed,i have to be with him at all times when he is outside and i have been forced to limit his movement outside so that he can never be isolated and assaulted again.

While watching him play i frequently have to ask those kids to stay away from my apartment and to stop throwing rocks and sticks at or near my son.

This has gotten ridiculous, i visit my sons school regularly so i can monitor him at recess, (the bully and relatives attend the same school.


Asked on 3/31/07, 1:07 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: duty of the state to protect the welfare of citizens

The situation sounds like it has gotten out of hand. I don't know what is the matter with your local police. You need to get a protection order on your son's behalf. Your local district or superior courts can help. What county are you in? Contact me directly to follow up on this question.

At your service,

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Answered on 4/02/07, 11:16 am
Jeanette Burrage Law Office of Jeanette R. Burrage

Re: duty of the state to protect the welfare of citizens

I agree with the other responder that you probably will want to get a protection order from a court. The bully and his parents will have to be notified of the protection order and if it is violated the police will probably be more likely to respond. Someone at your local court house should be able to guide you in how to get a protection order.

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Answered on 4/07/07, 7:12 pm


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