[Scotswife]

than why did the dispatcher feel it was necessary to urge him to stop following?

I know I’m ticking off people here, but obviously I’ve got a big problem with someone taking it upon themselves - when they ARE NOT law enforcement - to follow someone.

I don’t see this “following” business as harmless, and in this case - it set the stage for the rest of the evening.

[Cboldt]

-- than why did the dispatcher feel it was necessary to urge him to stop following? --

I listened to the call, and the voice wasn't in the nature of "urging." That said, this is the same standard advice always give by law enforcement. Don't get involved, call the police. It's more for the protection of the eyewitness.

-- I've got a big problem with someone taking it upon themselves - when they ARE NOT law enforcement - to follow someone. --

So, you would NEVER follow a person who just stole the stereo out of your car.

-- I don't see this "following" business as harmless, and in this case - it set the stage for the rest of the evening. --

This following business is usually harmless. The police do it all the time, watching what's going on and sometimes following cars when they suspect DUI, etc. Even non law enforcement people do that (follow, to maintain visual contact until the law arrives).

I agree, sometimes it ends badly. Especially when the person being followed over-reacts with unjustified violence.