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What can I do about a law enforcement officer intimidating my family?

My 19 year old daughter has a son and the father to her child comes from a family of law enforcement (His father is a detention center sheriff officer, his Aunt is a judge, his mother works for the county court.) My daughter and her childs father have had some problems with getting along as far as their child go (he wasn't even a part of the babys life for the first 6 months, by his own choice). He has been a huge bully and been more than disrespectful to our whole family. I went with my daughter to meet him yesterday and he immediately started an altercation with us. I had my daughter call his parents hoping they could diffuse the situation as we were unsure what to do, or why he was so angry. His parents were unreceptive to our request to help and his father, the Sheriff, proceeded to tell me "You are about ready to find out what kind of family we are. We work for the law, we are the law, and you would be a fool to mess with anyone in my family. You have no idea what we are capable of." First of all the only thing that was said before his son went off, was a request to meet somewhere else. That was it, so we were confused about where all the hatred came from. When I asked why the hate, he stated "I wear an officers uniform and you should respect that. As far as hate I am an officer of the law, I am trained to not have emotion." It was scary and bizarre. His son was arrested (in a different county thank God,than the one his family works for) for harrasement towards me, and domestic violence and harrasement towards my daughter. I am terrified of a law enforcement officer that throws his influence and power around like that. I am afraid for myself, my daughter, my grandson and the rest of my family. Can I file a complaint that will be on a permanent record against the officer? I just don't believe my family should have to live in fear of a family who obviously puts themselves above the law. Please Help! I am not exaggerating the situation, but because it was in a phone call, it is his word against mine. I did put it in my police report, and his son immediately told the police when they went to question him " My dad is a sheriff and my aunt is a judge" The sheriff informed him to not try to intimidate him because that would be a felony. Should I file a complaint in my county or his? Thank you all for your feedback

Public Comments

1. You should immediately file a complaint with internal affairs. If the situation is as you have stated, then an investigation will be initiated. You could also contact the local media, they are usually more than willing to get involved in a situation such as this. If, however, you are exaggerating the conversation and/or the circumstances, then you may be opening up more problems than you are prepared for.
2. If it were me, I'd take myself, my daughter and my child out of their jurisdiction, no matter what the inconvenience. Then I would go to court in my new jurisdiction (far, far away) and get a restraining order against the father of this child. I would also make sure your daughter has sole custody of the child. This family is apparently, from what you say, abusing their positions. You do not say where you live, so I'm not sure of your laws, but you should ask for a place to report the actions of the father of your daughter's child. Good luck!
3. i'm not an expert on law, but if you do file a complain, make sure you have solid evidence. Like catching them in the act. Witnesses. Maybe have a hidden camera if you truely are afraid of them. This is abuse of power. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080921143029AA2CtM2
4. I would seek advise from a lawyer about this situation and get him/her to do the following in the county where he was arrested: 1)File a restraining order to keep him and his family away. 2) File a complaint against the father to whatever authority would oversee his law enforcement agency. Move away from the jurisdiction they police.