False accusation

[KIRBYCWB]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? maine I am an animal control officer who has been falsely accused of cutting a fence in order to let loose some puppies owned by a disgruntled puppy mill breeder. The state police officer who took the report knows that it is false but took it anyways. What can I do to make sure that this person doesn't get away with this? Thanks for any advice you can offer. Do I have a case against her?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[Hot Topic]

How does the officer who took the report know that the charges made in it are false, and why do you think he or she has the legal right to decide what reports h/s will take and what h/s won't?

[quincy]

Police are required to take reports and investigate the complaints made. Complaints made to the police are considered privileged and cannot be used as the basis for a defamation action. The reports are not true or false statements, but statements that require investigation into their truth or falsity. Reports made to Child Protective Services are, likewise, privileged.

If the police determine the puppy mill breeder knowingly filed a false report against you, then THEY could take action against the breeder for filing a knowingly false report. Chances are they won't, however.

Filers of false police reports are generally not prosecuted because, one, it is hard to PROVE the person filing a complaint KNEW it was false and, two, unless a lot of time and money went into an investigation of the report (ie. such as with a false kidnapping report or lost child report), it is not worth the state's time, energy, and expense to pursue such an action.