When strangers come knocking

— With a survey taker going door-to-door for Research Triangle Institute to conduct a survey on drug use and health, Police Chief Keith Smith offers the following tips to Gentry residents when survey takers or salespersons knock on their doors:

◊ Never let a stranger inside the home or doorway;

◊ Ask for the person’s name and who he or she represents - most will have pamphlets or other printed material;

◊ Ask for identification showing agency or company affiliation;

◊ Ask for a telephone number to verify the information provided;

◊ Report any problems to a supervisor at the agency or company - reports may also be filed with local law enforcement and with the Arkansas Attorney General’s office;

◊ If unsure or doubtful about the person, close and lock the door.

Persons going door-todoor within Gentry’s city limits are also required to have a business license or permit and should be able to show the license, permit or a receipt for one upon request. If a person cannot produce one, notify the police department.

According to letters provided by Smith, Carl Watchorn will be going door-to-door taking a survey for the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Aletter verifying Watchorn’s legitimacy was from the U.S. Department of health and Human Services in Rockville, Md.

News, Pages 1 on 01/13/2010