In no case will a City of Murphy employee approach a residence without his or her city-issued identification badge, a uniform shirt or blouse with the distinctive three-tree logo and a city-issued vehicle, says City Manager James Fisher.
“Even when we get called out on weekends, holidays or after-hours, you will always be able to identify one of our employees immediately,” he said.
Recently, residents have reported the presence of an individual posing as an employee of the City of Murphy, appearing to inspect water meters. Reports are the individual was wearing what appeared to be a City of Murphy shirt, but was not operating a City of Murphy vehicle, and did not display an ID badge.
“We will inspect our meters on occasion,” he added. “When we do, we will either knock on the door or leave a door hanger to alert residents of the inspection. In any case, our employees will have a prominently-displayed ID badge and arrive in an official vehicle.”
There are some specific occasions when a City of Murphy employee will be on a customer’s property without resident contact, such as when checking a leak or disconnecting service, but they will always carry identification and wear a distinctive uniform with official markings.
Residents who see anyone on their property without their permission, and who are not identifiable through an official ID badge, should immediately contact the Murphy Police Department at the non-emergency number: 972-468-4236. Emergencies, of course, are reported to 9-1-1.
“Asking for a City of Murphy ID card can immediately determine the identity of the individual,” said Fisher. “But, often, discretion is the better part of valor, and a call to the police is wholly appropriate.”
