What the hell is going on in Effort — specifically Sun Valley? (Monroe: section 8, transplants)

[truenamebrand]

Hi, everyone.

I’m looking for some general input/feedback, if anyone here lives in the area.

I live in the Sun Valley section on Effort, Chestnuthill township. Moved into my place over four years ago, and one of the main reasons I liked it was the relative seclusion and distance from all kinds of nonsense. Up until a few months ago I never saw state troopers in our neighborhood. Ever. Excluding the Frein fiasco, I saw maybe two cops in three+ years. Lately, however, it has been crawling with cops. To be 100% honest, this is disturbing to me. Not because I have anything to worry about, but I moved away from a police state for a reason.

This morning, I was pulled over for speeding (barely), and was promptly harassed by this trooper. He pulled me out of my car, telling me I smelled like marijuana. This was a blatant lie, as I haven’t smoked marijuana in YEARS. He kept insisting he smelled it and I was lying, trying to get me to let him search my car, which I did not give in to. After about 15 minutes of trying to bully me, he asked me if I knew of any neighbors who “were doing anything illegal.” He said, “you have to understand where I’m coming from with this area.” I do not know what, specifically he is referring to, but I had nothing to hide and he knew damn well, ultimately wishing me a happy thanksgiving and sending me on my way.

This is distressing to me, for several reasons. First of all, I do nothing wrong, I have a family, and I simply want to live in peace, free from being unjustly harassed by police. Second, it is obvious there has been something going on in the area, based on his little interrogation of me and the overwhelming police presence in general. I have a small child and would like to continue to feel safe where I live. I’m aware the neighborhood has a bit of a reputation from years past, but from what I’ve been told, it got much better. In four years I’ve had no issues in the neighborhood, aside from a small squabble with a neighbor who has since moved out. Never witnessed anything crazy or blatantly illegal.

Anyone have any clue what is going on in the area, that all of a sudden there are state troopers around every corner?

[Wells5]

I suggest phoning the Pocono Record and asking a reporter there if they know what's going on.

[boney89]

Well kid what shoot state troper on 33 was from effort.
No wonder they scoop area now

[truenamebrand]

Originally Posted by boney89

Well kid what shoot state troper on 33 was from effort.
No wonder they scoop area now

And that kid is in jail; it’s not like they’re still looking for him. Not to mention, the heavy police presence started months ago. It has nothing to do with that.

[DavidWebb]

If you do a search on the Sun Valley/Effort area here on the boards you'll find that there are no positive reviews about it. Sun Valley especially is not a desirable area to live because of the many section 8's that are dumped in there and city transplants that live there and think they own the neighborhood. Best advice you can get is to sell if you own the property and buy elsewhere. There are plenty of better areas than that dump!!

[padad1]

Sun Valley has long been known as the armpit of Effort. You also have to understand how different Effort is from other areas. Effort runs from sun valley, up the mountain on 115 to the brodheadsville border by the post office. Each area is completely different and has its pros and cons. I live near the brodheadsvile border and it is nothing like up the mountain or sun valley. Sun Valley got its rep because of the section 8, trailers and meth labs that were once there. Scum liked it because no one came in or out and it was very secluded (the same reason they like the private communities up North on the mountain). I cannot speak for how it is now as I have not nor do i know anyone that lives there. I can only say that I wouldn't venture there.

[Khal Z]

Someone should tell that idiot cop we dont live in Nazi Germany.

Whenever you get pulled over, lock your doors, put all your needed ID on the dash (so you dont have to reach for anything), turn on your cell and record the stop. Always.

Youre also only required to open your window enough to pass paperwork through it. Open it more and youre opening yourself up to false accusations of alcohol/pot,etc. Youre not required to answer ANY questions. Give them your ID, stay silent, let them ticket you, then call a lawyer.

If you think the cop is abusing his authority, ask for a supervisor (which will probaby be refused).

After that stop you should have gone directly to his dept and filed a complaint.

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by truenamebrand

Hi, everyone.

I’m looking for some general input/feedback, if anyone here lives in the area.

I live in the Sun Valley section on Effort, Chestnuthill township. Moved into my place over four years ago, and one of the main reasons I liked it was the relative seclusion and distance from all kinds of nonsense. Up until a few months ago I never saw state troopers in our neighborhood. Ever. Excluding the Frein fiasco, I saw maybe two cops in three+ years. Lately, however, it has been crawling with cops. To be 100% honest, this is disturbing to me. Not because I have anything to worry about, but I moved away from a police state for a reason.

This morning, I was pulled over for speeding (barely), and was promptly harassed by this trooper. He pulled me out of my car, telling me I smelled like marijuana. This was a blatant lie, as I haven’t smoked marijuana in YEARS. He kept insisting he smelled it and I was lying, trying to get me to let him search my car, which I did not give in to. After about 15 minutes of trying to bully me, he asked me if I knew of any neighbors who “were doing anything illegal.” He said, “you have to understand where I’m coming from with this area.” I do not know what, specifically he is referring to, but I had nothing to hide and he knew damn well, ultimately wishing me a happy thanksgiving and sending me on my way.

This is distressing to me, for several reasons. First of all, I do nothing wrong, I have a family, and I simply want to live in peace, free from being unjustly harassed by police. Second, it is obvious there has been something going on in the area, based on his little interrogation of me and the overwhelming police presence in general. I have a small child and would like to continue to feel safe where I live. I’m aware the neighborhood has a bit of a reputation from years past, but from what I’ve been told, it got much better. In four years I’ve had no issues in the neighborhood, aside from a small squabble with a neighbor who has since moved out. Never witnessed anything crazy or blatantly illegal.

Anyone have any clue what is going on in the area, that all of a sudden there are state troopers around every corner?

I lived very near to that area over 20 years ago....Sun Valley was always known for low life druggies and basically bad people. Drugs started coming into the Poconos about then...I cannot speak for now, but back then we had a friend who was a state cop. He'd stop by to visit us on occasion.
Monroe county is huge, and the mob found it a great place to bring drugs into. You can land small planes in the area, with no problem.

Sorry but it's true....and I'm certain that is what the cop meant by, you've got to understand where I'm coming from.

I'm surprised you haven't had any break in's.

I can't speak for now, just guessing, but...drugs are all over now....

I moved out when it started getting really bad....however, I miss the area, it's beautiful....

Oh, and believe me when I tell you, you don't know half the things that are going on b/c it never makes the papers. but it's not just there, it's all over now.

They've opened the borders to all kinds of stuff....and it's their own fault....

best thing to do, is ignore what happened, and hope all goes well by you and yours....

[cremebrulee]

Originally Posted by DavidWebb

If you do a search on the Sun Valley/Effort area here on the boards you'll find that there are no positive reviews about it. Sun Valley especially is not a desirable area to live because of the many section 8's that are dumped in there and city transplants that live there and think they own the neighborhood. Best advice you can get is to sell if you own the property and buy elsewhere. There are plenty of better areas than that dump!!

was hoping it wasn't still like that...

[truenamebrand]

Originally Posted by Khal Z

Someone should tell that idiot cop we dont live in Nazi Germany.

Whenever you get pulled over, lock your doors, put all your needed ID on the dash (so you dont have to reach for anything), turn on your cell and record the stop. Always.

Youre also only required to open your window enough to pass paperwork through it. Open it more and youre opening yourself up to false accusations of alcohol/pot,etc. Youre not required to answer ANY questions. Give them your ID, stay silent, let them ticket you, then call a lawyer.

If you think the cop is abusing his authority, ask for a supervisor (which will probaby be refused).

After that stop you should have gone directly to his dept and filed a complaint.

I thought about filing a complaint, believe me. But ultimately, what good would it do? His word of “smelling marijuana” vs mine. And when all was said and done, he didn’t even write me a ticket for the 51mph in a 40. I would imagine their reaction would be, “He didn’t even write you a ticket, so what are you complaining about?”

Also, I am aware of what my rights are, and in an ideal scenario I could put the window down a crack and not speak to him, but we all know that’s just asking for even more trouble. Defy his “authority” and end up with something planted on me and a trip to Monroe county jail. Seeing as I had absolutely nothing to hide, and all my past experiences with state troopers here in PA have been how we expect police to behave, I was completely caught off guard. (For the record, I’m originally from New Jersey, and in comparison to the way NJ troopers treat people, PA troopers have been a pleasant surprise.)

I appreciate the responses from everyone and even though I haven’t had any problems to date, I’m considering looking for a place elsewhere now.