3 ms·

Okay, okay, already: What the heck are the rules, the real rules? Obviously, everyone needs to know the rules. I need to know the rules, that is, the real r

by graycat 12y ago

Okay, okay, already: What the heck are the rules, the real rules? Obviously, everyone needs to know the rules. I need to know the rules, that is, the real rules. E.g., what am I supposed to do in routine interactions with the police? I'm just a Ph.D. applied mathematician and software guy writing code and gathering data for my start-up I hope people will like; the project is for nothing illegal, immoral, objectionable, offensive, politically incorrect, etc. But if the project works, then I'll have to get out from where I am now, get out from behind my desktop computer writing code and gathering data, get out into the community, have a light truck for my business, rent office space, contract for routine services, say, water, electric power, Internet access, telephones, trash pickup, hire people, get business insurance, a bookkeeper, an accountant, a lawyer, make some use of consultants, do billing, handle revenue, pay taxes, etc. I will need routine police protection against vandalism and theft, etc. And maybe there will be police walking a beat near my offices. So, then, I may have some interactions with the police. Then, I need to know what are the rules. What are the real rules?

logfromblammo 12y ago
Hire a private protection business, including physical site security devices that send alarm notices directly to that business, and NOT to the local police. You have to pay for the local cops, but there's little they hate more than handling multiple false intrusion alarms from small businesses, and they have no legally enforceable obligation to protect you or your business. That won't stop them from sending you a bill for responding to a false alarm, even if they arrive 6 hours after receiving it. Aside from making your first line of defense private security, make offsite backups for all your business records, and refresh them regularly. Insure your business against damages from typical property crimes, and against potential liabilities for visitors to your premises, and follow your agent's advice on things to do that will decrease your premiums. Hire a registered agent so that legal documents do not arrive via deputy at your regular office. The best interaction you can have with the cops is to never need one or see one. Second best is to be assisted by a cop that acts with honesty, respect, and professionalism. Beyond that, results will vary drastically according to your locale. Rule number one is to not have routine interactions with the police. (Unless you're running a doughnut shop, I guess.)
- graycat 12y ago
  MANY thanks. That's a keeper. I'll index it so that I can find it when I need it. Some of what you said I'd guessed but didn't know the details or the level of importance you made clear. E.g., I suspected that I needed business insurance, but I've been unclear on all the reasons why. The rest, I didn't know. Yup, I'm learning now. Partly I was wondering if it was expected and required and in practice permitted to make gifts, say, cash to the local police. I very much hoped not, and would have checked with a street-wise, SMB lawyer. Your advice of just do not have routine interactions with the police sounds about right. Thanks.

by graycat 12y ago

logfromblammo 12y ago

Hire a private protection business, including physical site security devices that send alarm notices directly to that business, and NOT to the local police. You have to pay for the local cops, but there's little they hate more than handling multiple false intrusion alarms from small businesses, and they have no legally enforceable obligation to protect you or your business. That won't stop them from sending you a bill for responding to a false alarm, even if they arrive 6 hours after receiving it. Aside from making your first line of defense private security, make offsite backups for all your business records, and refresh them regularly. Insure your business against damages from typical property crimes, and against potential liabilities for visitors to your premises, and follow your agent's advice on things to do that will decrease your premiums. Hire a registered agent so that legal documents do not arrive via deputy at your regular office. The best interaction you can have with the cops is to never need one or see one. Second best is to be assisted by a cop that acts with honesty, respect, and professionalism. Beyond that, results will vary drastically according to your locale. Rule number one is to not have routine interactions with the police. (Unless you're running a doughnut shop, I guess.)

graycat 12y ago
MANY thanks. That's a keeper. I'll index it so that I can find it when I need it. Some of what you said I'd guessed but didn't know the details or the level of importance you made clear. E.g., I suspected that I needed business insurance, but I've been unclear on all the reasons why. The rest, I didn't know. Yup, I'm learning now. Partly I was wondering if it was expected and required and in practice permitted to make gifts, say, cash to the local police. I very much hoped not, and would have checked with a street-wise, SMB lawyer. Your advice of just do not have routine interactions with the police sounds about right. Thanks.