How often will officers/deputies check my residence?
Residences are checked as time permits. MCSO Deputies try to check the residence twice per day but will not normally check the residence during evening hours. Heavy call volume and the weather is also a factor.
What do the officers/deputies check?
They will walk around the residence and check doors and windows to see if they are secure.
What happens if a package is delivered while I am gone?
The officer/deputy may contact your emergency contact to take control of the package until you get back home. All package deliveries and mail should be forwarded or stopped until you return home.
I go to Florida for the winter each year. Will you check my house the entire time I am gone?
Absolutely. If you are unsure of your exact date of return leave that portion blank on the form and call when you return home. We will also check the residence for someone placed in long-term care until they are able to return home.
What happens if they find something wrong at my house?
Officer/Deputies will check the interior of the home and call the emergency contact person you specified in your request for a vacation house check. If possible, we will also contact you.
Who should I use as an emergency contact?
You should use someone you trust with a key to your residence while you are not home. Family members living in the area, a trusted neighbor, etc.
I have an alarm system in my house. Do I really need to sign up for a vacation house check?
Yes, the alarm does notify us if something goes wrong at the residence. Adding a vacation house check adds another layer of protection.
Can I leave a key to my residence with the police department if you need to enter my house during a problem?
Due to the number of different officers/deputies checking on the residence there is no way to pass a key around. Lock boxes, similar to those used by realtors, are available for purchase at your local hardware store. Combinations for those key boxes can be programmed into our dispatching software for future use.
Should I contact anyone upon my return?
Yes, please give our Regional Dispatch Center a call and let them know you have returned: (937) 225-4357.
