Like most predators, lions usually target weak, ill, or isolated prey. Why? Because a kill is more likely and the risk of injury to the lion(s) is minimized. The same is true with human predators. In most cases, they are looking for an easy hit. What can one do to avoid becoming a victim?
- Be alert to your surroundings. Are you alone? Is it dark? What kind of area is it? Don't be afraid to cross the street or turn and walk the other way if you see or sense danger. Run if need be. Many criminals are too lazy to pursue when they can easily target someone else.
- When driving alone at night, always leave sufficient room between you and the car in front of you so that you are not trapped if someone approaches your vehicle on foot. If you are being carjacked, do not try to save your car. Give up the keys and, if you can, try to run away while screaming "fire." Even police officers that practice regularly at a gun range know that it can be difficult to hit a moving target. Better that then to allow the criminal to take you to crime scene number 2, i.e., an isolated area where you can be raped and/or shot execution style.
Also, check your mirrors frequently to ensure that you are not being followed home. If you discern that you are, drive to a public place and call 911. If someone "bumps" into your car in an isolated area, you may decide to turn on your hazards and slowly drive to a safer area before exiting your car and exchanging documentation. It is a good idea to avoid routines when driving and performing other functions. Vary your activities, the route, time, and so forth. Don't be predictable.
- If a stranger asks to use your phone at home, offer to make the call for them. Don't hand them your cordless phone because you can't dial out for help if they keep the phone on-line. Look out the window to see who is there before you open the door. If you are not comfortable, don't answer the door.
- Be careful if a stranger approaches you on the street with a question. They may be trying to distract you in hopes that you will let your guard down.
- When riding mass transit such as the subway, always stand. It's easier, psychologically and physically, to move away from potential danger. If you notice that the subway car that you're riding in is emptying out, consider moving to one that is occupied by more people. If you sense that you are in imminent danger, don't hesitate to get off the train and catch the next one. If you do get off the train, be alert to whether the platform is isolated or not. Otherwise, the perpetrator may just get off with you.
What else can you, as a Security/LE officer, add to the suggestions above?
- Be alert to your surroundings. Are you alone? Is it dark? What kind of area is it? Don't be afraid to cross the street or turn and walk the other way if you see or sense danger. Run if need be. Many criminals are too lazy to pursue when they can easily target someone else.
- When driving alone at night, always leave sufficient room between you and the car in front of you so that you are not trapped if someone approaches your vehicle on foot. If you are being carjacked, do not try to save your car. Give up the keys and, if you can, try to run away while screaming "fire." Even police officers that practice regularly at a gun range know that it can be difficult to hit a moving target. Better that then to allow the criminal to take you to crime scene number 2, i.e., an isolated area where you can be raped and/or shot execution style.
Also, check your mirrors frequently to ensure that you are not being followed home. If you discern that you are, drive to a public place and call 911. If someone "bumps" into your car in an isolated area, you may decide to turn on your hazards and slowly drive to a safer area before exiting your car and exchanging documentation. It is a good idea to avoid routines when driving and performing other functions. Vary your activities, the route, time, and so forth. Don't be predictable.
- If a stranger asks to use your phone at home, offer to make the call for them. Don't hand them your cordless phone because you can't dial out for help if they keep the phone on-line. Look out the window to see who is there before you open the door. If you are not comfortable, don't answer the door.
- Be careful if a stranger approaches you on the street with a question. They may be trying to distract you in hopes that you will let your guard down.
- When riding mass transit such as the subway, always stand. It's easier, psychologically and physically, to move away from potential danger. If you notice that the subway car that you're riding in is emptying out, consider moving to one that is occupied by more people. If you sense that you are in imminent danger, don't hesitate to get off the train and catch the next one. If you do get off the train, be alert to whether the platform is isolated or not. Otherwise, the perpetrator may just get off with you.
What else can you, as a Security/LE officer, add to the suggestions above?
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