Ask An Officer

Question:  There are adults and sometimes teenagers selling door-to-door in my neighborhood.  I don’t want them knocking on my door.  How can this be stopped? 

Answer from Officer Fred Stoldt, Patrol Division:  Door-to-door peddling and soliciting may be legally conducted within the City of Euclid and there are approximately 20 laws that address these requirements.

The first ordinance that would directly answer this question and should provide for your request would be ordinance - 757.13 Peddling Forbidden Where Sign Prohibits.  If you display in public view a sign which reads “No Peddlers”, “No Solicitors” or similar statements, even a lawfully permitted solicitor is forbidden to knock on your door or ring your bell.  Premade signs may be purchased through local retailers for a small cost and affix easily to your front door without being too obtrusive.        

Ordinances 757.02 and 757.04 state that all door-to-door solicitors must obtain a license or permit through the Euclid Police Department or obtain clearance from the City of Euclid Law Department stating that they are exempt.  Should they meet these requirements, they may be permitted to conduct such business within the City of Euclid and Ordinance 757.10 states that they are required to display such proof upon request.  Keep in mind, that even if lawfully permitted they must still adhere to all of the rules and ordinances of the City of Euclid. 

Should a solicitor ignore your posted sign, fail to provide their credentials, or simply “gives you that bad feeling”, close and lock your door and immediately call the Euclid Police Department at 216-731-1234 to report it.

Question: I was told Euclid Police have a Community Policing Unit.  What does this unit do?

Answer from Officer Jennifer Kroczak, Community Policing Unit:  The Community Policing Unit focuses on proactive police involvement in the community.  We strive to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for Euclid residents.  We offer programs to benefit all residents, from small children to senior citizens.  Safety Town is where preschool children learn safety lessons about fire, pedestrians, traffic, water, guns, and poisons/drugs.  Safe Routes to School addresses the issue of children walking/bicycling safely to school.  Euclid PAL (Police Athletic League) continues to break down barriers between youth and police to reduce juvenile delinquency. Euclid PAL sponsors basketball open gym, Junior Police Academy, and Hooked on Fishing for fourth grade students.  Cop-A-Question is a meeting conducted the second Thursday of each month at our senior center.  Many seniors have concerns regarding their personal safety and scams which target seniors.  Euclid police provide answers to help our seniors avoid being victimized.

Community Policing Officers can also be available to speak at your neighborhood or business meeting.  We can address a variety of police related issues, based on your organization’s needs.  For more information on the variety of services available to Euclid residents and businesses:  Contact Community Policing Officers at 216-289-8320.

If you would like to submit a question to Ask An Officer, contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department: email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.

Kate McLaughlin

I am the Community Policing Specialist at the Euclid Police Department.

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Volume 5, Issue 3, Posted 12:40 PM, 04.11.2014