Do you or your manager ever receive calls from your members about a domestic violence problem between other residents in your community? How about speeding in the public streets? What about the wild party with all the noise and disturbance at 2:00 a.m.? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?! Well, you’re the Association, after all; ENFORCE THE !@##$@@ COVENANTS!! TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM!!

Yes, the Association probably has restrictive covenants that may prohibit these behaviors, and many others. They may say that the Association has the power, and maybe even the duty, to provide for the health, safety and welfare of its members. You may even have rules that prohibit these and other things. So, what are you going to do about it?

You’re going to call the police, or tell the complaining member to call the police; that’s what. While the Association can do many things to benefit its members, it is not a panacea for all ills. And it is certainly not as well equipped as trained law enforcement to deal with these and similar problems. While the Association can try to impose fines and seek court assistance to try and dissuade or stop similar future behavior, it does not have the ability to immediately intervene and stop the problem. In addition, law enforcement personnel are trained to handle domestic violence, or a radar gun to catch speeding traffic, or the drunk, belligerent party goer. And, unless your manager or board member has special training in dealing with volatile situations, they risk personal injury to themselves while potentially exacerbating the problem.

So, why call the police when your Association can handle the problem? There is no reason not to call the police in these and similarly difficult situations. Leave the enforcement to the professionals. And if necessary, the Association can then take advantage of its ability to seek court assistance, or impose fines.