Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I have observed the Bristol police report becoming  larger every week, with the majority of incidents being so called “concerned citizens” reporting what they feel are “large gatherings of people” violating social distancing guidelines. And what has really infuriated me is the number of complaints against people not social distancing at private residences, whether it be inside their homes, in their driveways, back yards, or patios.

While I'm completely aware of the governor’s executive orders regarding the pandemic, I am extremely disturbed about citizens becoming self proclaimed vigilantes, or as I refer to them, snitches or rats. It’s one thing for people to take personal precautions as they see fit, but when these so called do-gooders start calling police about people not social distancing in their own homes, yards, and driveways, things have gone too far.

Since these executive orders began, I have witnessed numerous gatherings of far more than five individuals, both in public and at private residences, and I have never even considered reporting these people to the police, and I have absolutely no intention of reporting anyone to the police in the future.

In addition, my advice to these do-gooders who feel the need to report gatherings of more than five people to the police, would be to consider applying for a position at one of the many law enforcement agencies in the state that are currently accepting applications, and if you’re fortunate enough to be hired, you can actually have some authority instead of simply being a snitch or a rat. To borrow a line made famous by our governor, I say to these misguided vigilantes “knock it off.”

Mike Proto
Bristol