Police no help with noise complaint
I am a veteran that lost over half of my hearing while serving our country. I went to Wheeling freedom fest on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 and I found it very enjoyable. Probably one of the best events I have gone to.
On July 4th I wanted to go to bed at 11:00 p.m. and I could not sleep because I could hear the music from the Wheeling fest and I live more than 3 miles from there. It was so loud I felt like I was next to the stage. I know I cannot be the only one that complained about the noise.
I called Wheeling non-emergency number and they said to call the village hall on Monday and complain. I then called my local police, which is the Lake County police, on 911.
The officer that answered the phone was very rude to me and said this was not endangering my life and I should not use 911 for this. He said I should call on the non-emergency number and he would then talk to me. I asked for the non-emergency number and he kept ranting away. I then asked him for his name so I could report him. His attitude changed and he then gave me the non-emergency number but not his name.
I called that number and guess who answered by his name? Officer Kinsley. I told him my problem with the noise and he said to call Wheeling, there is nothing he could do.
I said I called Wheeling and got nowhere. He stated again there is nothing he could do.
You would think that my local police would be able to call the Wheeling local police and tell them they are receiving complaints about the music being too loud. But my local man Kinsley refused to do anything. I stated I would get ahold of the news media and see if they could do anything and Kinsley said have a nice night and hung up.
There should be some type of class for diplomacy that the people who answer the phones at a police department have to take to be courteous and respectful. All I received was an attitude that you should not be bothering me with this.
Well thanks a lot, Lake County police, for all your help. In the future if you need help for something I hope I can return the favor.
John Billis
Prairie View