OK, bear with me here for a sec. I am brainstorming.

With the Real Estate market here really hurting, I have recently begun working for banks; taking pictures of their newly foreclosed properties. With out going into a lot of detail part of this means going into vacant homes three or four times a day to show the bank the condition of the interior of the home they now own. Most of the time there is no problem.

Occationally (about 1/3 of the homes) the homes are in poorer neighborhoods with gang activity and/or transients. I have three choices: don’t do it, have the police clear it first, or just go in and do it anyway . By refusing to do these I stand to loose about $2,800 a month and future business from the banks (especially the future business on the GOOD homes that I want to keep doing.), so while my safety is WAY more important, I like/need the money . I am with a police officer, and when he can, he’ll come out and clear the homes, but realistically, the cops would (have already started to) get sick of it if I called them twelve or so times a week to do this for me. So that leaves me with just doing it.

My biggest fear is that they will hear me, hide in a bedroom, and I walk in on them. I am now stuck in a vacant home, with no time schedule, and potential criminal(s). Rape and worse has happened to many Realtors in this situation.

Now for the dog question. I do take my doggie with me and just let him run loose in the houses with me. The problem is he has no purpose; he’ll just go in, sniff a little and follow me around. I have been considering training a building search (Leerburg DVD) but before I do I want to clear some issues. Quinn does have a sport background and does a great bark and hold, and that is the problem I foresee. Some dumb seventeen year old, trespassing, wannabe gangsters, smoking pot, will not take the stand and freeze position. They will run or fight, and this may trigger a bite.

Do I train a building search with a find and bark? Can I train major bite inhibition and keep him in sport training with out affecting the bark and hold (situational training)? Do I leave things as they are and just HOPE that he’ll do the right thing?

Just brainstorming so please don’t be too hard on me. I have not taken any steps yet, so looking for ideas from PP trainers, LEO, and sport trainers. We really don’t have any trainers nearby, and the K9 trainer, for liability reasons wants to stay out of it. I know that there is major risk and liability with anyway I proceed. Ideas?

If you have him on leash or staying with you and you can restain him if someone runs, I don't see a problem. If someone attacks you and he bites them I still don't see a problem. If he is all over the house without you that is where you have the potential for trouble.
You might also ask the police officer or a lawyer what he thinks about the situation.
Nice looking dog, too.

Jessica,
That job is not worth the risk.

It places you in possible physical or legal danger - yes, you can be raped.....or worse.
And if you have a dog along and it bites some homeless guy hiding in one of those "empty" homes, you can ( and likely will ) have a major lawsuit on your hand.

Absolutely *not* worth it. And you've now posted:
"I know that there is major risk and liability with anyway I proceed. Ideas?"
If something bad happens that statement would be used against you by a smart attorney.

Really, if you were my sister I'd tell you it's not worth the risk.

Im with will, If you are going into houses that are that dangerous then no its not worth the risk.

Hi Jessica,

I worked as a realtor for many years and that was always one of my greatest fears, being raped ,tortured or murdered going into vacant houses and open houses alone. Not to get off the dog subject, I always brought someone else with me. If that was not possible I at least carried pepper spray. Maybe you could be licensed to carry a gun.I guess it depends on the state? I have a 9mm & I also have a stun baton, it gives a pretty good volt.

Although the police may help you a couple times, they wont be your personal bodyguard or run around clearing buildings for you all the time. They will come to eject unwanted persons in a vacant home if you call but it may be too late for you by that time.

Howard

Thanks everyone.

Will, that is about what we have agreed to here at home. Guess I am just looking for a final decision. With my boyfrieind working PM shifts he can usually go now, but with his detective spot, he won't always be able to.

I guess like Debbie said, just keeping him with me and on a leash with no extra training is the safest if I have to go, and I only go after giving Rob a list of the homes and expected time of completion.

Lisa, I do have a gun (.45 XD) but our Sheriff will not sign any permits to carry in our county. But I take my keychain pepper spray everywhere. We have even given classes at our board office on how to use it!

Howard, I know, that was kindda my point. I would never expext them to. It's great being with a cop, and having so many friends in the department. But I can't hide behind their backs or take them away from more pressing duties.

I will miss that extra income...

Carrying a gun is legal on private property. A foreclosed home is property of your employer, the bank. It may be a violation of bank policy, however.

You just have to legally transport through public TO the property.

Edit: AFAIK, being not from California.

Another idea is inquire about paying for a police overtime detail. It may be something like a 2 hour minimum at $40.00 (or more) per hour, but...I have no idea if that would decimate your profits.

 Quote: JessicaKromer

Thanks everyone.

Lisa, I do have a gun (.45 XD) but our Sheriff will not sign any permits to carry in our county.

Good gun...Bad Sheriff.

I would teach the dog "defence of handler" like in NVBK (sory guy's) the dog is ordered to be expecting danger and to react to any contact other than a handshake as if you're attacked.

He'll be ready to bite, at your side and he'll warn you if he sences another person pressent.

Greetings

Johan