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How to Live Safely in a Dangerous World 1996 by Loren W. Christensen Published by Desert Dese rt Publications 215 S. Washington EI Dorado, 71731-1751 870-862-2077
ISBN 0-87947-185-9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Printed in U. S. A.
Desert Publication Publication is a division The DELTA GROUP, Ltd Direct Direc t all inquiries inquiries orders to the above address.
All rights reserved. Except Exce pt for for use in a review, no portion this book may be reproduced by any means known or unknown without the express written permission the publisher. Neither Neith er the author nor the the publisher publish er assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse the information contained conta ined in this this book.
WARNING Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsi bility fo use or misuse of information contained this book. author and publisher specifically disclaim perus sonalliability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence o and application, either directly or indirectly, of any advice or information presented herein. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that he author or publisher ar engaged rendering legal or other professional service. legal advice or other expert assistance is required, services of a competent professional person should be sought. be certain items represented this Be advised that there book as to which th e sale, possession, construction or interstate transportation thereof be restricted, prohibited or subject to special licensing requirements. Consult with your local TF law enforcement authorities your area before obtainin or constructing such items.
DEDICATION book is dedicated to every crime victim suffered physical and emotional pain. May you find peace and strength to carry on This
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With love to Special Ones-Amy, Dan, Carrie, and G i n a - f o r being so tolerant of the hours I spend behind the desk partner Officer Steve Taylor keyboard. A big thanks to up with it Tuesday through Friday each week. A salute to my colleagues the Portland Police Bureau, too numerous to name, who patiently gave of their expertise when ever I asked them. A special thanks to Mary Otto, self-defense instructor and rape prevention expert with the Bureau, for making suggestions the overall project, and takin time Thanks to the photographers who helped behind
camera:
Sue Hill, Lana Deaton, and Gina McGriff. A special thanks to patient models: Amy S. Christensen, L. Christensen, Carrie L. Christensen, Leste B. Christen sen, Frances Christensen, Gina McGriff, Mark Whited, Rachel Whited, Kara Reid, Meghan Markantonatos, Sara O'Donnell, and Tom Hatch. old gray-haired guy is me.
e Of Contents INTRODUCTION
PART
CRIMINAL
TYPICAL STREET CRIMINAL - 17 BE LERT 22 MAKE A PLAN 32 YO
C A N ' T ALWAYS C O U N T
WITNESSES -
PART TWO - HOME &. NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY
BURGLARY - 41 WATCH MAKING YOUR NEIGHBORHO OD SAFE FOR WALKING SIDEWALKS SAFELY 81 AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES STREET GANGS - 95 VIOLENCE SCHOOL - 10 NEIGHBORHOOD
T THREE - ARMED SELF-DEFENSE IN YO KEEP HOUSE? HOME DEFENSE 125 CHEMICAL SPRAYS IMPROVISED SELF-DEFENSE WEAPONS 150 CITIZEN'S ARREST - 155 SIIOULD
PART FOUR
CAR S
AUTO THEFT
CARJACKING 162 WHEN YOU DRIVE ALONE - 169 DEALING WITH AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS - 180 PART FIVE - RAPE
ACQUAINTANCE R E - 187 DATE R E - 194 STAGES OF RAPE - 197 WOMAN RA E A MAN? - 209 THINK ABOUT THIS STALKING 212 A FINAL T H O U G H T ABOUT THE AUTHOR
21
S - 65
INTRODUCTION People are afraid. They are afraid of house burglars, car thieves, muggers, carjackers, stalkers, child molesters, high-rise snipers, freeway maniacs, rapists, armed home intruders, street gangs, enraged postal workers. Considering today's insane headlines, people are afraid for good reason. Last month twenty bodies were found buried backyard of a "quiet man's" East Coast home; last week West Coast, a middle-aged opened fir a playground full of school children; two days ago Florida, thugs pulled tourists from their rental cars and killed them; yesterday Sa Francisco, a walked into a high-rise and commenced a shooting spree that killed nine people. Sadly, these tabloid-like headlines have become almost routine and each new one seems to top last. Many middle-class neighborhoods are virtually under siege from car prowlers, graffiti vandals, burglars, and gangs. Poverty stricken areas have become war zones, where daily gunfire is as common as the inhabitant's rage and despair. Some observers insist that epidemic of fear sweeping this country is a result of media hype, while others argue that politicians are creating fear order to gain support for thei anti-crime platforms. Are the media and politicians really to blame or is the fear hard earned Ask a room full of adults how many have been burglarized, many have three quarters of the hands go up, and ask their cars stolen or broken into, and nearly every hand waves. many have Ask a classroom of children any major cit
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
seen assaults, stabbings and shootings, hands go p some cities every hand will raise. While media and politicians be adding fuel to fire, there are millions of people, that is, victims, are fearful as a result of firsthand experiences. Whatever cause, people are anxious about crime; survey polls show that concern about personal safety and home secu rity is foremost th minds of the American public. A recent Justice Department's survey showed there are over 6 million number considered people victimized by crime every year, conservative since many victims choose to report crime, even anonymously. Basic crime-all property violent crimes per 100,000 people-was 190 1960, 400 1970 increased the 1990s to about 600. Arrests for violent crimes committed y youths ha s increased by 91 percent since 1970s, and since 1985, murder rate by teens under 18 increased 92 percent, though the teen population remained constant. A projected increase of 23 percent teen population by the year 2005 will probably increase percentage even more. This brings up the issue of teens and capitol punishment. Though 77 percent of Americans support death penalty (according to a Time/CNN poll), many experts don't believe a positive effect deterring crime, especially among teenage population. Violent crime by 14-17 year-olds in creased by 124 percent, an age relatively unconcerned with threat of the electric chair, especially those young people who live violence everyday. Stranger to stranger crimes account for ever increasing volume of police reports cities large small. At one time, most murders were committed by number friends and relatives. But over the past few years, of murders committed by strangers increased over percent, and since quiet, sleepy communities are no longer immune to heinous crimes, fearful people are wondering if there is safe place. we are the throes of epidemic of crime, the question that to be asked is, why? Is our fascination with fire arms-there are over 200 million of them this country-or
LIVE SAFELY
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11
does the fault lie with the dopers, the sellers users of crack cocaine? What about television and movie violence? Is boob tube, as some so vehemently argue, really warping young, impressionable minds? is because so many of nation's children are being raised by single parents and abusive parents? Perhaps it's because we are middle of another crime wave know that historically we have had a surge of criminal violence the United States every 50 years or so, dating back to the 1800s. Are we riding the wave of another? know the justice system has problems. fact, sometimes seems as it's upside down, coddling criminals, treating job of policing difficult, some victims poorly, and making times impossible for officers who only want to protect people from the criminal element. prisoner population this country increased from less than a quarter million 1974, to over a million today. et violent offenders spend average sentence of two years behind bars and murderers serve less than 7 years. More police officers m a y o r ma be the answer. survey of eight major cities by World Report, News was found that more police officers didn't always mean fewer crimes. For example, Washington has the highest police population ratio of any major city, yet still has the highest violent crime rate. the other hand Houston reported a 22 percent crime drop during a two-year period when it hired overtime to create an equivalent of several hundred additional officers. Many cities around the country are fighting crime with concept called community policing, idea that brings community into a partnership to fight crime police and together. brings to crime fighting effort more resources, more minds, a recognition by everyone that crime is just a police problem the problem of every person community. Many cities have had positive results from com munity policing, still crime rages those cities people are still getting hurt by the criminal element.
12
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This book recognizes there are criminals
there want have been abused
to take from you, and hurt you. Yes, they as children, they may have watched too much when they were toddlers. But for our purposes here, we are going to leave conjecture as to they act criminally to those people have time to think about that. Yo bought this book because you want to learn to avoid them, and that's possible, you want to know how to survive your contact with them. Recognizing that the courts, prisons, police, all special programs with their weaknesses strengths can't do all, this book stresses that you have to take responsibility f your personal safety This starts with recognition that there are many situations your life where you can be victimized, if you go about your day carelessly, you increase your chances even more. Know this fact: most people become victims because they don't take extra steps avoid dangerous situations. It's also a fact that if you take cautionary measures, you will dramati cally reduce chance of being victimized. Here is good news: cautionary measures are difficult, though first some seem inconvenient. But once you have established them as routine, they will be part of your life style. This book is jam-packed with information to keep you your family safe every area of your life. If you become paranoid, especially after reading the true anecdotes sprinkled throughout, I apologize. But paranoia will pass hope fully advice will remain with you and be used. book addresses many issues that are topics 1990s. For example, avoiding a carjacking, eradicating drug what to do yo houses, surviving violence the schools, find yourself middle of a drive-by shooting. A relatively large section is given to date rape and acquaintance rape, a sometimes complex issue that is of special interest to today's young, single women. A section stalking follows because often leads to rape, sometimes murder.
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
11
does the fault lie with dopers, the sellers users of crack cocaine? What about television and movie violence? Is boob tube, as some so vehemently argue, really warping young, impressionable minds? is because so many f our nation' children are being raised by single parents and abusive parents? Perhaps it's because we are middle of another crime wave know that historically we have a surge of criminal violence the United States every 50 years or so, dating back to the 1800s. Are we riding the wave of another? know the justice system has problems. fact, sometimes seems as if it's upside down, coddling criminals, treating job of policing difficult, some victims poorly, and making times impossible for officers who only want to protect people from the criminal element. prisoner population this country increased from less than a quarter million 1974, to over a million today. et violent offenders spend average sentence of two years behind bars and murderers serve less than 7 years. More police officers or may be the answer. In a survey of eight major cities by World Report, News was found that more police officers didn't always mean fewer crimes. For example, Washington has the highest police population ratio of any major city, yet still has the highest violent crime rate. other hand, Houston reported a 22 percent crime drop during a two-year period when it hired overtime to create equivalent of several hundred additional officers. Many cities around the country are fighting crime with concept called community policing, idea that brings community into a partnership to fight crime police and together. brings to the crime fighting effort more resources, more minds, and a recognition by everyone that crime is just a police problem the problem of every person community. Many cities have had positive results from com munity policing, still crime rages those cities people are still getting hurt y the criminal element.
LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
This book recognizes there are criminals
want there have been abused
to take from you, and hurt you. Yes, they as children, or they have watched too much MTV when they were toddlers. But for our purposes here, we are going to leave conjecture as to why they act criminally to those people think about that. ou bought this book who have time because you want to learn to avoid them, and if that's possible, you want to know to survive your contact with them. Recognizing that the courts, prisons, police, and all special programs with their weaknesses strengths can't do all, this book stresses that you have to take responsibility for your personal safety This starts with recognition that there are many situations your life where you can be victimized, you go about your day carelessly, you increase your chances even more. Know this fact: most people become victims because they don't take extra steps to avoid dangerous situations. It's als a fact that if you take cautionary measures, you will dramati cally reduce chance of being victimized. Here is good news: cautionary measures are difficult, though first some seem inconvenient. But once you have established them as routine, they will be part of your life style. This book is jam-packed with information to keep you your family safe every area of your life. If you become paranoid, especially after reading the true anecdotes sprinkled throughout, I apologize. But the paranoia will pass hope fully advice will remain with you and be used. book addresses many issues that are topics 1990s. For example, avoiding a carjacking, eradicating drug houses, surviving violence schools, and what to do if you find yourself middle of a drive-by shooting. A relatively large section is given to date rape and acquaintance rape, a sometimes complex issue that is of special interest to today's young, single women. A section stalking follows because often leads to rape, sometimes murder.
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13
book also takes a hard look at shooting a home intruder. Though thought of having to defend one's home with firearm be abhorrent to some readers, nonetheless happens everyda this country. I don't preach one way or other on the issue, as a police officer investigated accidental shootings, I firmly believe that if you choose to have a gun your home, it's paramount you only know how to shoot it you know how to shoot to survive. Read book from cover to cover or look first sections that relate to your specific needs. There will be some techniques yo have heard before, and they are here because they still work. Some of the material will be new to you and will hopefully excite you, while other information will debunk what yo previously thought was right thing to do Please don't automatically discard a technique or a concept because doesn't go along with what you have always believed. Chew on it for awhile. It just might be the thing that saves you life. May you and your family be safe
14
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PART
CRIMINALS
THETYPICAL STREET CRIMINAL Contrary to what some people believe, few criminals attack you because they need fo d for their hungry children or warm clothes for their sick mothers. Survival is seldom motive behind their assaults, robberies, rapes break-ins. Instead, they are driven to hurt yo take from you to satisfy several other needs: they need to add your possessions to their ife style they have a psychological need to intimidate and have power over you; they need to establish or maintain criminal repu they need money to feed tation in their neighborhood; their drug habit. These needs are strong and they will do whatever takes to satisfy them. There is also the psychologically disturbed criminal who commits crimes solely fo pleasure gets from act. doesn't need your possessions nor doe have to hurt you, will just for the fun f it. He will assault elderly woman just fo joy of and do so without conscience or sense of remorse. will ignore pleas for mercy, though will take pleasure from hearing them narcotic addicts are dangerous individuals who are so desperate to get money or goods to feed their habit that they will hurt anyone who blocks their way. It's usually impossible to talk to them because they are either high or their brains are burned out. If you get into a physical confrontatio with them, they will fight like a starving animal. Generally, today's burglar, rapist, mugger, car thief and as-
LIVE SAFELY
18
There are hundreds wh
DANGEROUS WORLD
thousands street criminals like this in th taking intimidating is
sailant is not the sophisticated criminal
United
see television movies. reality, these predators rarely plan their crimes more than a few minutes before they do them, which dangerous. When they see makes them indiscriminate easy target they react almost reflexively, giving little or act. thought to your house looks like easy entry average burglar will knock on the door to see if you are home. When there is no
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A DA NGEROU S WORLD
19
answer kicks in, gets your VCR and exits a minute later. A street mugger will see old hobbling alon with a cane, face with a brick, kick the head, all for few dollars pleasure of and fo old hi wallet. No planning, no conscience. Motives Predators want immediate gratification they don't want to work hard for it. They always look fo easy mark, one that appears vulnerable afraid. Some criminals are more interested the respect they get from their peers than they ar obtaining stolen possessions. maintaining or establishing of their all-important reputa tion is paramount everything they do. Some criminals thrive high they get from intimidating people creating aura of fea the neighborhood. Their look, their demeanor and thei random acts of violence strikes terror people who are trying to live peaceful, normal lives. Street criminals get a rush knowing they are feared, a response they define as "getting respect." They look average people as wimpy suckers who are there to frighten, to take from to hurt. Mentally Unpredictabl There are some people who will shoot you because you bumped shoulders with them while passing the street, or they will stick you with a knife because the didn't like the look they thought you gave them. These are extremely dangerous people because it's always immediately apparent they are mental cases. Since they don't all wrap oil around their foreheads talk to aliens, they are always recognizable until yo are a confrontation with them and they suddenly explode your face example of such a person is motorist who begins thinks screaming and slapping hood of your car because you took parking place rational person thinks he has been wronged might grumble or wave obscene gesture
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TO LIVE SAFELY
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you. But when a person erupts into a rage over a minor incident, inciden t, it's it' s instan ins tan tly clear clear who you are are dealing with. Mentally Unpredictable might be dressed nicely and carrying a brief case case or even have a toddler tow, but when he erupts over some small matter, it's a clear indication you need to get away away.. Most Mo st likely anyt an ythi hing ng you say will fall fall deaf ears because you you are unable to penetrat pen etratee his brain. Your Psychology 101 techniques will work because you are dealing with a rational person. Th
meter maid ordered a
truck because the parked had ha d over ove r 200 20 0 dolla dollars rs unpaid unp aid parking tickets. Just Just as th truc tr uckk arr arriv ived ed,, the car car owne owner, r, a fifty-year fifty-year-old -old upscale woma wo man, n, powerfull power fully y dress dressed ed in a business suit, suit, carryi carrying ng a leather leathe r attach case, and a cellular phone, walked up and asked calmly what was going going on. on. When Wh en she was told that th at her car car was being bein g towed, she bega began n screeching screeching like a banshee bans hee and pushe pus hed d the meter maid and the from comi co ming ng nea driver, preventing them from car. When the th e police police arriv arrived ed and an d told told her he r the was a court order, she leaped on the hood onto the wind car, crawled shield shield and and kicked and swung attache case at the officers. It took three officers to get off the ar and into int o handcuffs.
Avoi Avoid d getting confrontational confrontat ional with a Mentally Unpredictable Unpredictab le person and never deliberately provoke further. Just a few years ago such a person would would rant and roar and maybe launch a sucker punch. punch . He still still does does that today, is also likely to open fire. go to his car, retrieve a gun r best bes t plan pl an of action is to get away. Let or at least think did, then leave quickly, keeping your eye case he decides to jump you when you turn your back. Profile Of A Street Street Criminal Cri minal
Police officers dress to show they are and so do nurses, mail persons and Bo Scouts. Street thugs, whether they be pett pe tty y thieves, thieves, drug dr ug users, users, or gang gang members, membe rs, also have a specific specific
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21
look to show who they are. Their dress, their demeanor and thei th eirr language language,, conveys conveys to everyone that they are different and special. They want you to believe they are tough, tougher than you, and that they are are your worse nightmare. Indeed, Indeed, they t hey be some of these things or maybe none of them all. illusion they create, however, can be quite convincing. Their baggy clothes, boots, headbands and spiked bracelets are adornments used to convince themselves, and you, you, that they are dangerous. To get a greater sense of power and an d invincibility, they associate with others who dress act the same way. They need the trappings of the clothing and they need the strength group provides them because they find world to be a frightening place. Individually many of them are cowards, as a group, or gang, they become courageous forc forcee to reckon reck on with. When people react to them with fear, reinforces what they believe ve about abo ut themselves. themsel ves. frightened so desperately want to belie looks they get, the way people move of their way as they strut down the sidewalk, all reinforce their belief that they are important, that they are somebody. They have experience being predators: breaking into your the sidewalk, verbally car, deliberately blocking your way harassing hara ssing your spouse, spouse, and so on. There Ther e is is a certain smoo sm oothn thness ess to their the ir actions and they have have an expectation as to you will react. fact fa ct,, they the y probably probably know how you are going going to respond res pond even before you do ou may think their clothing and other oth er ador ad ornm nmen ents ts are s even funny, and though you know most of them are cowards, yo must never forget that they are predators. For sure, much of what they are about is a facade, their numbers their access to weapons make your contact with them very dangerous.
BEALERT "BE ALERT WHAT TH
WORLD NEEDS IS MORE LERTS,"
reads a poster. "Pew street crimes can occur without the element prise," prise," a street criminal's cr iminal's axiom.
sur-
most people fail to see until Danger is all around us, it's too late. Their eyes be open, they can't see with space, or they them because their thoughts are somewhere are so naive that they are oblivious to danger.
"I easily stalked and attacked one victims," says a convicte conv icted d rapi rapist st,, "She "She was distracted distracted by b y he r portable portable headset. attacked another woman who was leaning against ca a parking garage. "She was staring blankly into space," says, "So I just crept up behind her. Perhaps Perha ps you have ha ve live live your neighborh ne ighborhood ood for several years routinely make a four-block walk to grocery store. Chances are you have walked stretch hundreds of times without any problems, problems, and as a result, result, you stroll along with more concern than you were were walking from your yo ur bathroom. Yo are so so caught cau ght up he mundane act of walking to and from, you do by rote, paying little attention to your surroundings. When you are new to a neighborhood it's just as easy to be oblivious to the signs of danger because tendency is to see
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23
only the beautifut tree-lined tree-lined streets the trendy shops. shops. Yo are so caught up the new forest, you are unable to see what is lurking behind behi nd the trees. trees. Whether you are new to area area or you have simply s imply become complacent your old neighborhood, pure luck be only thing that has ha s kept ke pt you from becoming a victim, especial especially ly if you are always always cogniz co gnizant ant of of your actions. you have been harassed, taunted, pushed, punched, robbed or worse, be thankful, because others, others, hundreds hun dreds thousands f others, othe rs, have ha ve your luck. appear harried or distracted are are good good targets," says says a convict conv icted ed purse snatcher. snatcher. "[ like to go after a woman who has little kids a big big purse. The kids ki ds distract purse is easy to grab." "Women
you do to be be more mo re alert and aware aware of your surroun sur round d ings? First, know that most people people become victims because they t hey are too casual their daily activities, too routine, too blase'. Secondly, know that you can ca n reduc chance of being a victim vic tim by 95 percen per centt if you are alert and an d ment me ntall ally y prepared for for dange danger. r. What
"[ couldn't have grabbed a single purs pu rs alert, says on convict con victed ed purse snatcher snatcher
victims
been
Be Like The Boy Scouts A good oy Scout is always prepared, so should you be. Yo wish all day you didn't have to live this way, reality is you do. Times necessitate your being mentally pre pared so as to detect and a nd deal deal with any variety of dangers that suddenly arise. To be prepared, you must be alert to your surroundings. you are not, that cellular phon ph onee you carry carry that chemica che micall spray spray rape whistle, pistol, and knife, won't do you any good. you are aware of danger until it's right your face, you will never get the chance to reach for for a weapon weapo n or take evasive evasive action.
LIVE SAFELY
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Left. - Be cautious be in so focused that yo are oblivious to your surroundings.
Below. - This woman ha her back to a tavern and has set her purse he ca on th trunk as she concentrates on reading the magazine.
Left. Be alert to
such situations and don't ge ou
the car.
OW
LIVE
SAFELY
A DANGEROUS WORLD
Four Stages Alertness There are four stages of mental alertness, beginning with total unawareness, escalating to highest level of concentration and absorption a situation. While some people instinctively fluctuate between one mental stage and another as the situation dictates, others fail to make the shift or even realize there is a need to do so. Let's take a look what these mental stages are you can make them work to keep you and your loved ones safe. Stage This stage is the most dangerous because there is no awareness. A person Stage goes about day recognizing or comprehending the dangers around him. He is so caught up his daily routine that is oblivious to common safety sense, as though were trusting a guardian angel to watch ove him. even thinks about crime, it's when he thinks "it always happens to someone else." People Stage leave their cameras their dashboards, their bicycles unattended, and their car motors running as they dash into convenience stores (some even leave their babies car). They are the ones who walk to a dark bus stop with their purse straps dangling from their fingers, and walk from the bank counting their money. They never look ahead, behind, left or right. Even if they did, they would recognize dangers anyway.
fenny decide to take her lunch break in he car. She got without glancing in the back, spread her lunch out on the ca seat, and found her place her paperback. Suddenly an arm came over the backseat, wrapped tightly around her neck and the point a knife touched the side he face. The attacker then forced her to drive to a nearby wooded area where raped her. Stage 1W Stage Tw is one of caution: there is no specific danger,
LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
you sense a need for relaxed alertness. Yo would be this stag night as you walked to your car acros unlit parking lot, cognizant of places you couldn't se , such as behind parked cars, behind dumpsters, and into dark alleyways. Since you have a heightened awareness of the potential for danger, you would be keenly aware of everything everyone around you. ou know what is "normal" for a given situation therefore your attention would be drawn immediately to anything of the norm. Your senses, particular your vision hearing, would be tuned to a higher level of perception as you made your way across the parking lot. ou would continually look and listen, giving attention to any impressions of danger.
The convicted mugger says always passed up women couldn't catch off-guard. "If they were looking around, surveyin their surroundings, I looked for someone else. I liked women who fumbled through their purse and paid no attention as walked up." Watch two veteran police officers talk the street. They seldom look each other because one is always looking over the other's shoulder to see is walking up them. It's a survival mechanism honed by years spent the street. Stage Three Stage Three, your perception of your surroundings is acute. Because you are mentally prepared, you have recognize signs, and you are beginning to think tactically. For example:
• It's late night and you stop at a convenience store for a quart of milk. Two gang members enter, their portable stereo blaring. ne of them punches clerk and the other grabs a case of beer. Then they see you. • You and your date are walking to your car. As you round
LIVE
SAFELY
A DANGEROUS WORLD
corner, you see your car door open and your stereo
27
removing
• You are a tavern having a beer with a friend there are two, large, drunk shooting a noisy game of pool. to use restroom, biggest steps When you get your path gives you evil grin. Stage Three, your senses are telling your brain that confrontation is likely. Yo see problem, sense danger, are aware of everything everyone around you, all degrees. Yo quickly check to see if there is avenue of escape, other people there are potential weapons available, around you are friend or f
"One victims screamed and ran," says a rapist, "She would have gotten away she would have known where she was. I knew, though. So when she ran into a dead end alley, went right in behind her. Another woman knew exactly where she was. When a would-be mugger approached her, she turned around and went right back into what the mugger thought was just a dance studio. Bu was actually a kung-fu studio where her brother was teaching classes. After a few minute the studio, the mugger was grateful to see the police arrive. Stage
Four
begun. you-know-what fan. tw gangsters rush you before you leave that convenience store car prowler looks up and sees you, climbs of ca drunk moves toward you; bar swing pool cue. Stage Four you will be able to react instantly because you have been alert to the danger signs. ou will easily flow into whatever action you choose: fl , defend or attack.
Though there was no available backup, the lone police officer
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choice o enter the bar where dispatch told three soldiers were attacking a lone male. the officer, a karate black belt, walked up to the entrance, mentally told himself to relax, be alert and be prepared for anything. listened outside the door and heard lots yelling and cursing. He closed moment to let his pupils dilate and adjust to his eyes for darkness, th en slipped through the door stood with his back to the wal1. Immediately a l e soldier lunged at with a wild punch. The officer blocke easily and responded with punch to the abdomen, dropping th to his knees. the second soldie attacked with a "haymaker" punch, the officer side stepped an slammed a roundhouse kick into his midsection, dropping him, too. The third soldier approached apprehensively, the office took chances and sidekicked before could attack, knocking backwards through a kitchen doorway. When you have been
Stage Tw or Three, you move easily into Stage Four because you have been alert, cautious have seen danger signs. Though the 105 pound woman was carrying grocery bags as she walked to two suspicious car, she was aware arms, she flung the moving her way. When they reached for bags their faces one with purse, and ran back into the store. A person walking about Stage is ripe for picking time since he is unaware of danger around him. By notices it, if ever does, will take too long to make transition from Stag to Stag Four. It's virtually impossible for a Stage person to gain control of a dangerous situation if doesn't even know situation exists. Panic And Paralysis Fear cause you to react with panic and paralysis. Faced with the car prowler, you might "freeze," be unable to
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respond to threat; you might even off and leave a loved one to face danger alone. There have been cases where panic paralysis have over come highly skilled martial artists and well-trained police of cers were caught off guard. When suddenly confronted with a dangerous situation, the Stage One mind is so taken by surprise it can't make transition to Stage Three or Four. mind shuts down Gripped with shock and panic, is unable to react all. Stage 1W In today's dangerous world, your mind should always be Stage Two, except when comfort of your home a few other places where you are free of danger. Your senses should always be activated, reaching to detect and evaluate poten tial dangers. Stage Tw gives you edge and a confident demeanor that actually discourages problems. Let's examine a situation to se two people, a Stage person you, a Stage Tw person, handl angry motorist, common situation that results assaults shootings everyday. motorist feels he has been leaps from off, vehicle the red light. Stage person is unaware angry motorist has left his car until he is startled by shouting his window. Dumfounde guy is so angry and making such terrible threats, laboriously climbs from his car stands directly behind door where angry into his knees. Realizing he has forgotten can easily sla baseball hat, the Stage turns back reaches across his seat to retrieve it. With his no his pointy head, the Stage with the beet-red leans back against his car asks the face why is so angry. This infuriates even more suddenly becomes quiet and clenches fists; Stage man, however, doesn't notice. fact, is so oblivious to danger of situation, he fails to see the man's hairy, large knuckled fist rushing toward naive face. Be In
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IN
DANGEROUS WORLD
Is this scenario unrealistic? No. occurs all time because many people fail to identify the most blatant signs of danger. Stage You, however, are operating throughout your day Two. Since you are aware of your surroundings, you immediately se your rearview mirror get of his car angrily approach yours. Yo automatically begin thinking tactically: should you lock your doors or should you get out? Though your best option would be to lock your doors and drive off, let's say you have pulled into a parking lot and doesn't get until you do Detecting his rage, you apologize for whatever offense you committed, knowing that sometimes a quick apology, even if you are sure what you supposedly did, will diffuse a situation. This time doesn't. Since car is directly behind yours another is front, there is no avenue of escape. Aware there are passing cars the lane just inches away, you ask the to step over to sidewalk. Though construe your request as a challenge to fight, the risk of your getting over is greater if situation turns physical street. While moves toward the sidewalk, you make note of his age, physical size, probable physical condition, carries himself, and the possibility of a concealed weapon. Yo also note if there is anyone else hi car, if there are passing pedestrians, and if there are any environmental objects that might be useful to you, such as mail boxes, fire hydrants, parking meters. s you step onto the sidewalk, you stand a little further than arm's reach from to create just enough distance to give you more time to react. As rants and raves, you concentrate eyes, though you see his hands and feet your peripheral vision. is going to choke you, will probably look your neck, if he is going to kick you in the groin, will look there first By watching his eyes, you minimize chance will take you by surprise. During your entire contact with man, you are cool, calm control. Often a cool demeanor face of a person
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has lost control of his, will have a calming affect. Additionally, when you are control of yourself, you will be better able to control someone else. But even if this technique fails, your calm mind will help you better assess events as they unfold with your words Even if you were able to control demeanor, you continue to watch as you both return to your cars Don't drop your guard just because appears he has gotten control of himself. There have been many cases where confrontations appear to be over, only to have one of participants leave and return with a gun. Remain Stage Three until you are both back your cars you have turned right and he turned left Only then yo return to a Stag Tw state of mind. Being alert is a personal responsibility that yo must incorporate into your daily routine. Yo must know what is going around you, and you must have a plan as to how you will respond event you suddenly come face to face with threat to your safety.
MAKEAPLAN As well as maintaining a constant awareness of your sur plan roundings, it's also important to have a well thought as to what you are going to do a violent or potentially violent situation. Having a plan takes the edge off element of surprise and helps you react more smoothly. Most people give som thought as to their day's agenda, such as which route they will drive, where they will park which street they will walk down, which bus they will catch, and where they will have lunch. Because their day is least loosely planned, they carry their activities with some degree of flow. But when their routine is abruptly interrupted by a purse snatcher, mugger, rapist, or a gang shooting, they react with fear, confu sion' panic, anger, and disbelief. They react poorly because they hadn't given any thought to suddenly being the object of a violent act; they hadn't made a plan. "Any plan is better than no plan" is axiom with much validity that is used often the military police work. Here is another way to express that applies to the issue of self-defense: you devise a plan as to you would react you were suddenly a dangerous situation, you will respond close to that plan a real situation. There are many ways a crime can happen an would be impossible to plan a response for every variable. But you don't have to. you just think about a situation general terms, there is a far better chance you will do what is right than if hadn't thought about it at all. takes very little time and effort to plan a response. To begin,
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think about the different areas
your life where there is a potential for problems, such as your parking structure, your bus stop, where you walk downtown, when you come home late night. To plan a response, think of what could happen these places. • There is a suspicious looking your parking structure • While you are waiting for a bus, walks toward you.
standing
shadows
unsavory looking
• While shopping downtown, you see three gang members walking toward you. you pull into your driveway at night, you notice door to your home standing open.
front
U sing the many ideas techniques illustrated throughout this book, you should develop a basic response for each of these very common but dangerous situations. Yo add variables pertinent to your particular situation. Let's try using your bus stop with that unsavory person walking toward you. • Your plan is to always be aware of your surroundings, all 360 degrees. Remember, it's rather difficult to react to a threat if you ar even aware of it. person walks toward yo your right side, your plan is to switch your purse, brief case, or packages to your left hand. you normally carry chemical spray, you plan to have your free hand. there is a telephone pole, street sign or fire plug, you are going to move to the other side so there is something between you and threat.
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Left. You se this as return to your car. What is your plan?
Right. If yo were already aware the sign,
yo could quickly position yourself so it will be be
tween you and th threat, thus giving yo time and space re act.
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the person begins to verbally harass you, your plan is to go to open mini-grocery across street . spite of the measures you have taken thus far, let's say doesn't he walks to you and demands your money. show a weapon, your plan is to spray run. yo don't have spray or he threatens with a weapon, your plan is to toss your money, wallet or purse one direction then other. That's about it Yo
add or subtract any variables depend in the particulars of your situation. Go through plan several times your mind, especially while at bus stop. the event you are accosted, your reaction will be somewhat programmed and therefore smoother than if you were to try to think and respond under the influence of shock and surprise It's easy to make a similar plan for all areas your life where there is a likelihood you could be victimized. There is planning proces should you nothing complicated abou make responses complicated. Think of this way: respond ing to a threat is a form of fighting back and fighting should never be complicated. When an assailant attacks you has the whatever form element of surprise hi favor. ou still be surprised shocked when suddenly confronted by someone who wants to when you have thought about hurt yo take from you, possibility of happening and planned a basic response, your reaction will be more polished less likely to get you hurt. been said earlier, your safety is your To repeat what responsibility. Never sit back comfortably the false belief that you will be OK because as you shall see next section, you should never count others to come to your aid.
CAN'T ALWAYS
COUNTON
WITNESSES It's been nearly three decades since 38 people New York city stood by without helping or even calling police as a woman named Kitty Genovese was stabbed to death. case is still discussed today as a glaring example of people helping people. But there have been other cases. Tersey In December 1993, a young woma Trenton, was kidnapped from a private club. After the kidnapper pushe the hysterica woman into his car, a motorist pulled over to le leave the lot. When the kidnapper returned to the club to get his bicycle, a passerby stepped over to his car to investigate screams coming from the trunk, walked quickly away. Later, the kidnapper shot the woman to death then buried her in an empty lot. As in the Kitty Genovese murder, one called the police during the incident, or even came forward later to talk with them.
Every year one or two blatant cases of witness' apathy are press and discussed talk shows. Thousands reported phenomena by psychologists, of pages have been writte many of whom have spent years researching why happens. It's purpose here to examine the many reasons
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37
people refuse to help others, it's important to know an mind that many times good people will choose keep to get involved, no matter how overt brazen a situation. In fact, sometimes more witnesses there are, greater chance no one will come forward. other hand, there are people will get involved, sometimes at great risk to their own lives. For example, dozens of people risked life limb to help rescue others during the World Trade Center bombing Ne York. Jetliner crashes often bring the best of people helping people. bottom line is you don't know what people are going to do so you need to always think and act as you are your own. Yo need to take responsibility for your own safety. Should Yo Involved? When you witness something happening, it's important to know that you will be under he same psychological influences feel urge do something, that effect everyone else. there be stronger forces holding you back. Here are a few ways you overcome these forces Keep open, objective mind as to whether or you are really needed. Know that your mind play tricks and interpret situation as less serious than really is.
the situation is clear, ask your help is needed. Be aware that if the answer is yes, you will fee that you should do something. the answer is no, for some reason you can't ask, you will have to rel your gut instinct to decide what to do • Accept that it's OK to be wrong your decision. Most bystanders fail to take action because they are afraid of being embarrassed by being wrong. You just might be, on the other hand, you migh t be right and save someone's life. • Sometimes a loud "Stop!" will stop
incident because
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the suspect been made awar that his actions are being witnessed. your judgement call was wrong, you will probably get explanation. you are right, your shout save someone. are all this life together. Most of us want to live peacefully, go to work, enjoy our families strive for personal success. But there are people there who are predators, want to take what is ours and hurt us just for pleasure and po er. There is something terribly wrong with standing by as these predators pre others.
PART
HOME NEIGHBORHOOD
SAFETY
BURGLARY Th minute they pulled into their driveway, Sam and Ba ba knew something was wrong. They said later that they both had they a "feeling" something was wrong with their house. Then approached the front door, their worse fears were confirmed: th e door was ajar and had been splintered. Their home been burglarized. Barbara gripped Sam's arm as they made their slowly through each room their home. The living room been ransacked: the television and Sam's coin collection was gone, tw Barbara's priceless antique dolls been thrown into fish tank. Unreadable graffiti had been spray painte onto the living room wall and over several family photographs The three bedrooms had been ransacked, clothes and personal items tossed about, dresser drawers pulled ont floor, and the contents closets strewn about. Even their children's rooms been violated: toys, stuffed animals and clothing ha been handled. Barbara's sewing room was a shambles and her sewing machine was gone. Al the books in the den been pulled from their shelves, artifacts they had brought back fro China had been broken, and Sam's favorite leather recliner ha been shredded wit some kind cutting instrument. Barbara called 911 to report the incident, then she Sam the porc sit, wait for the police, and cry. went
There is nothing unusual about Sam's and Barbara's burglary. In fact, over four million other families experience the same thing every year the United S t a t e s - a conservative
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estimate since Justice Department surveys suggest that more than half of all burglaries go unreported. Just as bad as the loss of personal possessions is psychological impact the victim families
"/ couldn't even stay in the house for several days, Barbara says. "When Sam was at work, stayed with friends. " Sam immediately went out and spent hundred dollars on double locks, window bars, motion detector lights an alarm system. "We look at everyone in the neighborhood differently, now, says. "Who would have thought could happen to us this nice neighborhood. Burglars also steal their victim's peace of mind. Everything their home represents-safety, peace, quiet, love, sanctuary, refuge from outside world-all comes crumbling down when burglars penetrate. T here is a sense of personal violation when thieves enter this private domain and touch personal, cherished belongings. victim called feelings, "psychological rape". And the psyche heals slowly. Though most people think home burglaries happen night, the truth is that 60 percent occur during hours of daylight when people are work and school. Especially alarming is 13 percent of all residential burglaries, thieves encounte that someone home. A third of those encounters result victim being assaulted and/or raped. Burglars C hoose A Home Crime prevention experts say that 95 percent of burglaries homes are cased first. This may involve no more than walking by house day before, or driving through neighborhood to note potential easy targets. Polished, professional burglars, wh make up a small percentage overall, case targets by jogging through neighborhoods, or knock doors, acting as salespersons or fund raisers. But 25 percent of cases, suspect was a neighborhood teenager. Just as there are many burglars, there are many ways they
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43
choose their targets. Some burglarize only affluent neighbor hoods, some favor middle class homes, and others live poorer sections of their communities, burglariz homes within walking distance. Most often they choose homes where they think there might be VCRs, stereos, TVs, jewelry, cash, guns. Some burglars tell police they look for houses where position of trees, shrubbery, garages or anything else, prevents neighbors from seeing them work. Other thieves cruise a neigh borhood looking for empty garages, unmowed lawns, uncol lected newspapers, mail, empty recycle bins left the curb. Some burglars look for expensive items windows. They may not be impressed with your bowling trophies displaye sill, they like to see computers, VCRs and portable televisions through front picture windows. you got it, don't flaunt it. Homes obvious disrepair are often targets. Burglars figure the house looks a little rundown, owner probably ha made effort of makin secure. So you buy a fixer upper, fix the outside first to make look cared for secure. a study of Philadelphia suburbs, was found that burglars struck 40 percent more often within three blocks of major thoroughfares, to take advantage of close escape routes. Nation wide, studies sho that four of burglaries occur corner homes, providing thieves with at least three escape routes. Breaking into a home is most often a crime of opportunity, committed by young, inexperienced males looking for easy fast entry. They look for unlocked window or a flimsy, easy-to-force door. But 45 percent of burglars find that victims make easy for them because they leave their doors windows unlocked, sometimes open. There are many burglars are all sophisticated as they choose a home. Dope addicts, desperate for their next fix, give little or no thought as to they select their victims. They will break into single-family houses, apartments condos, and boathouses. They will steal from your downtown apartment, your suburban split-level, and your rural house with
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country ie live or where
TO LIVE SAFELY
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WORLD
doesn't matter what kind of a dwelling you is situated.
Crime Of Opportunity Here are a few things people crime.
do that
helps
burglar do
• Hiding a key under mat. What an original idea. A burglar will never think of that, right? Wrong. They find keys under mats, flower pots, window ledges, loose bricks, mailboxes, all places people believe are clever hiding places. family hid a key a tree fifty yards from thei home, through they told of its existence, a burglar used to get their door. Leave your extra key with a trusted neighbor. • Burglars look for a note the door to inform friends family they have left. Sometimes people leave revealing notes, such as, "11:10. I've gone to store. Be back thirty minutes. Go in, door is unlocked." Don't leave a note, even a cryptic one. will fool a burglar, even if he can't figure out what the note says. After all, would you leave a not the door you were home? • People their names their house or mailbox. don't Sure, you are proud of your home and your family, your name over door. And since mailperson usually refers to the address your mail, there i need to your name mailbox either. Burglars see your phone address your house, look name book, then call you. you don't answer, they burglarize your home. • A ringing telephone. burglar uses this technique will dial your phone from nearby. When it keeps ringing, assumes there is no one home. Some burglars let phone continue ringing as they enter your home, feeling safe as long as they can hear it. an answering machine
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can't come to leave a message saying, phone right ... " Never leave a message saying you are home.
• A ladder left against side of you house is invitation for a burglar to gain access to high windows or a second story level. Other objects left agains side of house, such as old tires, boxes, trash and so on, make easy to get in. Keep the ladder the garage keep sides of your home clear. Burglary Business average take of personal property home burglary is $1,000; nationwide, burglars' annual take adds up to 3.4 billion dollars. Burglars will keep your cash, your jewelry, eve that rare, sentimental piece grandmother gave you, will end scattered all over tow pawn shops and unscrupulous jewelry stores. Teenage burglars from the neighborhood will keep som of goods, then sell what they don't want. Some burglars work with a fence, selling stolen property for a small percentage of value, or trading for drugs. Many fences are drug dealers have another fence to sell to or trade with. Sometimes your property ends u of state and even of country. Burglars will sell your 19 inch television for $ 7 5 -$100 dollars it's good shape. Your VCR will bring about $100. Since guns are a valuable commodity, they sell easily the street. Your .38 revolver will get much more than $30, while your 9mm, semi -automatic will bring $150. Make Your Home Visible
Before we examine what you can do to your house structur inexpensive ways to ally, let's take a look at some simple tighten security of your home. want privacy, you need to be selective as t Though yo shrubbery and fences That big hedge that prevents the neigh bors from seeing you sunbathe nude the backyard, also keeps a window. solid fence them from seeing a burglar craw
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burglar ma no have Left. considered this house until he sa th ladder conveniently left under window.
Below. - This fenc offers lots privacy bu neither th neigh a passing car can see a bors
burglar climbing through side window.
Left. wire fence keeps th og in an allows others the vulner view able windows.
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47
that gives you so much privacy for your patio barbecues, keeps
neighbors and a passing patrol car from seeing a burglar kick your sliding glass door.
"High walls and high hedges protect says one active burglar.
from being seen,
So that neighbors and passing police
see those places where burglars typically enter, your yard greenery should be kept more than two feet high, or low enough so as low, usually to cover a window or entryway. Fences should either be of heavy wire type, or wood, designed to allow visibility. Whether you should design your greenery and fencing to allow visibility is often a difficult choice. Yo would like to have privacy, you would also like observant neighbor to call 911 when a burglar is seen going through your side window. It's your choice Vacation Vacationers are favorite targets of burglars, August is their month to prowl. Thieves will cruise neighborhoods look ing for signs that people are vacation: unmowed lawns, empty garages, uncollected newspapers and overflowing mail boxes. Your best is to get someone to houses for you. yo can't, there are other things you can do to increase security of your home while you are gone. When Yo
• Inform police, especially beat car hood, that you are going to be gone.
your neighbor
when yo • Tell trusted neighbor when you are leaving are corning back. Give them a key so the get lights the evening and morning. Ask them to the trash can pickup days and to collect your newspapers and mail. Tell your newspaper person to stop delivery, know that newspaper carriers have been ar rested for early morning burglaries car break-ins.
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
• Have your lawn mowed by someone you trust to know them to water it, too. you are of town. you are gone winter, have someone shovel snow off your walk or your neighbors to park their extra car home. so looks as someone is
your driveway
least two timers an d set them to turn a radio various times.
lights
• Lock your garage since it' most often a weak entry point. Make sure little door is locked and slide bolts big door are activated. • Call forwarding will fool a burglar into thinking you are home. • Never leave a message your answering machine that says you will be of town for two weeks. And turn down the volume phone ringing can't be heard from outside. Your home is your castle yo don't have to live fortress. Yo do, however, need to evaluate your home as to best ways to secure and to detect weakness problem areas. cost There may be costs involved, so you need to weigh against repercussion of lost possessions and loss of your family'S sense of security. Doors, Windows An Lighting Burglars en ter through doors more than other entry point they lov when home owners leav them unlocked, which time. Burglars also love rickety, flimsy they do 70 percent of doors that lets them get with minimum of effort and noise. about Weak doors usually take only one kick to force open, two seconds of time. Crime prevention experts say that yo delay a burglar for 90 seconds, will give up. Typical Problem doors-Your front door is probably
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49
strongest, its light-weight construction and single bolt, makes a one-kick, possibly a two-kick door. That side base ment and small garage door are thin, flimsy, and usually secured by a sliding latch, making a one-kick door. yes, many of little doors that lets Fifi come and go as she likes, are big enough for a small child to crawl through to unlock door for bigger burglar. Sliding glass doors are commonly locked with a light-metal latch which even the weakest burglars open with a tug. Even if the metal is strong, sliding glass door are normally back or side of house, allowing burglars luxury of taking lots of time to work. Solutions. Get metal or solid-core, hardwood doors for front, garage, basement and back doors. They should be 1 3/ inches thick, fit tightly and have hinges the inside so a burglar can't remove hinge pins from outside. doorjamb should have a good metal strike-plate, held place by , three-inch screws. Install single-cylinder dead-bol locks with one-inch bolts, which can be locked on the outside with a key and inside with thumb knob. Doors that would never be used in an emergency, such as a fire, should have both sides with key. double-cylinder dead bolts that lock For safety, hang the key close to the door of sight of a burglar. A sliding glass door be made more secure with a sturdy length of wooden dowel laid the track to prevent door from opening. Next, twist a screw into the top of the door abou two inches from open end and angle to a point where door just barely close. Now the door cannot be removed by lifting from its track. Securing Windows masking Breaking windows is noisy, so some burglars tape on the glass or cover a window with a towel to suppress noise. Most burglars, however, avoid breaking glass becaus of its distinctive sound. Prying the window is much quieter and, unless the window has been reinforced much easier.
H O W T O LIVE SAFELY
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Above. - A wooden dowel laid in the track your sliding glass door is the best secu rity measure you can buy for under $5.
Above. - The key-in-knob lock is still common even in new houses although a burglar ca ff with a ham easily knock mer or heavy wrench.
Below. - This common lock is much less effec tive than it looks. It can be easily picked and it's configuration may weaken some doors.
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51
Left. - The surface-mounted dead bolt is easy to install. Its b olt can be vertical, horizontal or both. This one has a thumb turn on the inside while there are others mod els that have double cylinders, ne cessitating a key for both sides.
Right. - This cylinder dead bolt is compact and protrudes only a little from the door. It comes in single and double cylinders. A double cylinder deadbolt lock requires a key for both the outside and inside. Most crime prevention experts don't recom mend them because of potential risk in case fire. If you have any in stalled, ensure that all family mem bers know where the key is located.
Right. - A single cylinder horizon tal dead bolt loc requires a key for the outside and has a thumb tur on the inside. Th steel should be case hardened so can't be sawed by a burglar.
Thumb turn
52
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standard double-hung windows are the easiest to force open because of their near useless thumb-turn locks. best way to secure this type of window is to first close it, then drill a hole each corner, slanting downward through the top of lower frame and partially into the bottom of upper frame. insert a big nail or eye bolt into hole which is big enough to let you pull the nail and out. When the nail is in, windows are immobilized. For you fresh air buffs, raise the bottom window a ew inches, stick the drill into the holes that already exist he bottom window, and drill two more short holes into the top window frame. Use the same nails to the bottom window open thus letting fresh breezes preventing a burglar from opening window further.
One inexpensive way to secure windows is to drill an oversized hole through both sashes, then slip a large nail, eyelet, or bolt into the hole.
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SAFELY
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Basement windows are a favorite entry point for burglars. They are usually located sides or back of houses are frequently concealed from view by shrubbery or fences. Window bars are excellent form of good physical and visual security. Window frames also be screwed shut permanently, out and crawl glass is big enough, a burglar break through. Be careful about putting bars upper floor windows because they prevent you from getting case of fire or some other emergency. Windows deemed
especially high security
risk-small panes
a door near inside doorknob lock, windows the back or side of the house which could easily be broken-can be replaced with Lexan or Plexiglas, a see-through glass-like unbreakable material. Lighting Besides Mrs. Henracker, your nosey neighbor, lighting is f your best deterrents to burglars ou want your neighbors the neighborhood patrol car to be able to see as much of your house as possible, front, sides and back. One method to deter mine you have sufficient light is to circle the outside of your house at night, stopping ever few feet to look at your watch. there is a place where you can't see dial, that's where you need light. For sure you want to light all entry points, especially back doors corner by the fence where you keep garbage can-where intruder can hide th shadows-should also be lit. Consider mounting floodlights at each corner of house, then cover them with a wire mesh o a burglar or a vandal can't break the bulb. Electrical wires should be high enough so as to be cut.
and wife returned home one evening to find a note threatening to kill them pinned to their front door. When the husband surveyed the house found the exterior lights broken out and the telephone lines cut
LIVE SAFELY
A DANGEROUS WORLD
Consider installing motion detector lighting
rear of
house so they will automatically turn
front when
someone enters within their range. A more expensive option
are sodium-vapor lamps that light automatically when goes down, then turn off dawn. What To
When
Break-in Happens
matter what precautions you take, there is still a possi
bility your home burglarized. For your safety help police, there are definite things you need to do. unless you are absolutely convinced burglar Don't go there is is gone. sure, play safe and go to a neighbor's house to call 911. Tell police you will be waitin neighbor's, or you will be standing across street from your house. Don't go into your backyard look around. You into the burglar or police might mistake you for ba guy.
Responding to a burglary call, the officer rounded the back corner the duplex and came face to face with a holding a gun. The officer instantly drew his gun and shouted at th to drop his and lay on the ground. The held onto his weapo and tried to speak, but the officer, who later said was a hairbreadth away from pulling his trigger, shouted again a to lay down, which finally did. After the officer had gotten his gun and checked his identification learned was the homeowner. The officer, responding to a burglary alarm call, rounded the back corner the house as walked out the back door. The saw the officer and quickly identified himsel as th homeowner. They talked for moment about the alarm system, then the offered to show the officer inside. they bega to enter, the suddenly pulled a gun fr m his waist an attempted to shoot. The surprised officer struggled briefly wi th before was able to draw his service weapon and fatally. The shoot turned out to be the burglar.
LIVE SAFELY
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Left. - This woman has come home to find he home burglarized. She should not go in.
Right. - Ho would you like to be this officer and have to decide if the man an armed burglar an armed homeowner?
55
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
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When you do go into your house, don't touch anything
police determine there are good surfaces to check for fingerprints, although unlike the movies, usable prints are found less than 2 percent of burglary cases. Tell the officers of any big items missing, then as you can mail them more complete list later after you have more time to inventory for smaller things. Know that shock of having your home invaded make difficult to determine your loss there is vandalism, take photos. Create a file of complete police report and photos and take them to your insurance agent. frightening statistic shows that 500,000 burglaries hapevery year when the home owners are house. Sometimes the burglar knows there are people present, other time home owner's presence catches the burglar by surprise, resulting a hostage situation, rape, assault murder. Sometimes burglars are shot by the home owner. you wake up and hear a burglar your home, avoid mind that most burglars are going to be confrontation. Keep nervous and want to avoid detection. yo go to him, or them, force a confrontation, they most likely will fight. they brought a firearm, or have stolen yours, things could get ugly. Your best plan is to get your family of house fast that's impossible, get everyone one room stay there. Call 911 immediately, tell them there is a burglar your house and you are held the northwest corner bedroom worst of the worst happens, and you wake up to see a burglar your bedroom, pretend to stay asleep. Statistics show will attack he thinks he is being detected. Some cat burglars only want the thrill of taking your possessions from under your nose as you sleep. Let them have their thrill, so you survive to tell the tale to your psychiatrist. (We will get into a more detailed explanation as to to defend your home later)
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Home Alarms
A good alarm system, conjunction with good locks, light in and other safeguards discussed this chapter, is probably best step you can take to reduce chance of burglars breaking into your home. Happily, few thieves possess knowl edge of to disable electronic system, or would ever take time to try. home that has window Burglars say they won't go to stickers or a yard sign that proclaims the home to be alarmed. As one burglar stated, "Why should I when there are so many houses that don't have systems?" He's right: nine of American homes are alarmed. least expensive system 200 - 400 dollars, the most expensive costs over 20,000 dollars. simplest systems alarm outside the house, whil sound more complex and expensive systems send a signal to the police station or a central monitoring station, which costs a monthly fee of 20 - 30 dollars. monitoring station wil then call you to make sure it's a false alarm, then phones police. Most alarms use a magnetic system that cost 50 100 dollars per each door or window protected. Some homeowners choose to sensors only on the doors, then place infrared motion detector a central location, such as a hallway. Warning-Keep in mind that alarm companies are business of selling you their equipment. Though most compa nies ar honest and offer a quality product, there are others who will pressure you to buy more than you want or need. They quote frightening crime statistics and tell you every window an door should be alarmed. It's wise to have least three reputable alarm companies estimate your needs Some companies have been accused of doing a poor job of monitoring and other unscrupulous security companies have gone of business, taking their monitoring stations with them as well as their clients' money. Check their references. A company that been business for a long time is always a good sign. Make sure the alarm company's monitoring station operate
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24 hours a day and has a standby battery for power failures. Check to see if their equipment has (Underwriters Labora tories) approval. System There are several considerations you need to think about alarm system, such as once you have decided to invest your financial situation, your life-style habits, and the particu lars you need in an alarm Choosing
Alarm
• How much money do you want to spend a system? There are relatively inexpensive, bare bones ones and ther are elaborate, complex systems costing thousands of dol lars. You also need to decide you want to buy or just lease • How many break-in points does your house have? more you have, the costlier your system will be yo want to alarm each one. But if you have just one, say the door to your 15th story apartment, you be wiser to invest a good locking system. • Who will be operating your alarm? electronic equipment confuses you, you want to get a syste that is simple to operate. your system will be operated by two adults and a twelve-year-old child, choose one simple enough for child to understand. • How will audible alarm be received by your neighbors? If a siren is activated at your home, will the neighbor you have been feudin with for years even call 911 ? Do you liv close proximity to others who will be angered by your false alarms? of more important considerations i reputable is the alarm company? As mentioned earlier, be cognizan of unscrupulous salespersons try to sell you more alarm alarm features than you need. Will they install today, give you lots of promises then disappear tomorrow?
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Call Better Business Bureau to see have been filed against company.
S9
any complaints
• Does system come with warranties? so, long do they last? Do they cover part labor? expensive warranty expires? are average repair jobs after easy is system operate? Are the instructions easy to follow? You don't want a complicated system to operate, especially you are trying do so under stress. additional features be added to basic system to reduce chance will be defeated by a smart burglar? Call your police department's burglary detectives to see if burglars ever defeat alarms your area so, do they do it? long do you have to wait for service? Since company might tell you one thing do another, for references. • Does system have long will last afte
emergency back-up battery? AC power loss?
will you be notified if system breaks down? long does usually take for notification? long do malfunctions last? False Alarms Your alarm system links you to emergency response or more police cars system that when triggered will get dispatched to your home. False alarms, usually caused homeowner carelessness, wastes valuable police time, taking officers away from valid emergencies exposing them needless risk as they hurry to your "emergency." Many cities are homeowners imposing heavy fine for their false alarms In the same way traffic tickets get motorists to look or two false-alarm fines impels their driving, homeowner to do something about false alarms.
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Here are some of the most common ways homeowners cause false alarms some simple things you do to prevent them. • Homeowner forgetfulness is probably one of leading causes of false alarms. owner comes home, tired from a long day work, or distracted by other concerns, walks through door, oblivious to fact the alarm was just tripped. A few minutes later, to embarrassment, finds police officers his front back yard-police officers find no humor responding to false alarms. prevent accidentally setting o f your system, use som kind of creative reminder to help you remember your house is alarmed. For example, a decoration of some kind by key hole to remind you the alarm is on. • Pets, especially cats dogs, left alone a house will wander about set of alarm. Every police officer tell stories of peering through a window on an alarm call and seeing a Fido or a Fifi strolling across a living room carpet. prevent this from happening make a rule never to leave a inside when the alarm is set. a picture of your dog or your canary by the door or by the alarm box to help you remember. Open windows, which you should be leaving open when you leave your house anyway, allow wind currents
which move things plants, curtains, lo e sheets o paper s your alarm beam best prevention is to develop a habit of always closing your windows when you leave. This is especially important if you occasionally forget to set your alarm. • Mail slots which are within your alarm beam, be triggered when the mail drops through. Test the alarm
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61
when it's first installed to ensure the mail drop is
the beam. • Floating balloons will eventually drift across your alarm beam. Though yo always be aware of it, there are subtle air currents moving about your house strong enough to carry a light balloon from, say, your child's upstairs bedroom your downstairs living room then across your invisible alarm beam. room prevent this problem, keep party balloons which is alarmed, then shut door to close them in. Open interior doors are also susceptible to moving air
currents. Whether they move from air currents, a shifting of the house, or some other-world spirit, open doors will often move enough to cross alarm beam. best prevention is to make sure your interior doors are shut before you activate your alarm. • People, without a doubt, set off the most false alarms. prevent people from setting off false alarms, ensure family members, relatives, friends, neighbors, domestic help, repair persons, know how your system works. Far too much valuable police time is wasted responding to alarm calls where legitimate people have entered a home are unfamiliar with the alarm's operation. Keeping Your Alarm System In Shape following maintenance steps will help prevent false alarms ensure your alarm is reliable.
• Replace the main battery to your system every three to five years. Check with your dealer for more details. Test your alarm every month to make sure it's
good
working order. • Routine periodic checks by your alarm company are impor tant.
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Inform your alarm company of
changes you have made structure of your home. Alway them know have acquired a or dog • Ask your alarm company what ar the most common ar mistakes people make when operating system using. Barking Dog Alarm
Even a little rat-like, lap dog be a dete rrent to burglars puts a raucous fuss. But if you don't like dogs, or your audio tape of a apartment manager doesn't allow them, ge barking do bell rings, connect to your doorbell When tape starts. Burglars like to ring doorbell to see if anyone is home will be discouraged to go further. also a big dog dish and leave front steps Yo and paint your ima ginary dog' name Smear a little dog foo side: "KILLER." alarm system is
of best defenses against burglars. pays to learn as much as you about them, then shop for best system for your specific needs. Once alarm place, make every effort to have a false alarm.
NEIGHBORHOOD
WATCH That nosey neighbor
is always peering through blinds is actually a form of neighborhood watch concept. go much further and enlist But you efforts of everyone your neighborhood to kee eye for suspicious activity. About 19 million people throughout country are organize into watch programs in an effort to create a safer environment their neighborhoods. Neighborhood watch organizations teach people to observe and report crimes. They also help foster a common bond among neighbors, giving them a sense of community, a feeling of pride respect for their neighborhood, all of which creates a positive sense of well being, lower crime rates, higher property values. It's easy to start a neighborhood watch group your neighborhood. First contact your local police departm e n t - m o s t sponsor a neighborhood watch program-and as for their help. Request a date and time for officer to meet with your group Send fliers around your neighborhood announcing date, time and location of your first meeting, then about a week before, either send more fliers, or make door to door contact to encourage people to come. At meeting, listen to the officer's suggestions as to to make your homes and neighborhood safer. Learn what is the best th considered suspicious activity and find fastest way to report to police. Discuss as a group how
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you will look for each other. Make a of your neighbor hood with every participant's phone number by their house that you can have a phone tree to contact one another regardin future meetings, emergencies, and to just make new friends Contact these addresses for more detailed information to start a neighborhood watch where you live The National Sheriffs' Association
1450 Duke St Alexandria, VA 22314-3490 The Na tiona l Crime Prevention Cou ncil
Dept. F-1 1700 K S NW Washington,
FI
20006-3817
MAKING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
SAFE
KIDS
goes without saying that our children are our most precious commodity. loving parents, we will do anything to make their lives safe and secure. But spite of our efforts, seems that now, more than ever before, children are becoming victims of crimes. Look at the daily news and you can easily see that terrible crimes to children occur anywhere at anytime, even most seemingly safe environments. A twelve-year-old sixth grader was in school hallway putting book locker when stepped up behind her. He took the arm and mumbled only three words: "Come with me." To frightened to resist, she left with the stranger, walking with along the crowded halls, th door, across busy street, and into motel room where she was brutally raped. Later, when th fallen asleep, the girl was able to crawl a back window an make back to schoo1. The suspect was subsequently apprehended.
absolute brazenness of rapist the above situation, shocked family, neighbors and authorities. "Is there no place for children to be safe," they cried. Indeed, if a predator will simply walk into a busy school, pluck a young girl of a crow of children teachers, how safe are our children when they
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are a block away playing a park? How we protect them teach them safety measures without creating a sense of anxiety, paranoia and fear There are good techniques r teaching children safety while at the same time scaring them to death, that is only half of what you need to do. Yo also need to take measures to ensure that your neighborhood is as safe as you possibly make it, and you don't have t do alone. By working collec tively with other parents, neighborhood organizations and the police, yo be a strong, driving force to make positive change your neighborhood. same successful techniques used by neighborhood watch groups can be used to make your neigh borhood a safer place for your children. First, know that educating your children about safety is critical. Studies show that when children understand good, basic safety information, there is a 90 percent less chance the will be victimized. Let's take a look at some ways to empower children to be safety conscious. Teach Your Children To Feel Good About Themselves Children have been belittled, criticized and made to feel worthless and incapable, will act that way when they are awa from home. Their posture, attitude and demeanor will convey uncertainty and a lack of confidence. Predators of young chil dren specifically select the weaker looking ones over those appear confident and self-assured Conversely, children raised with positive reinforcement that they have value and are special and capable, will carry them selves with greater self-assurance, be more alert, be quicker to respond when trouble arises. Children should know that what they learn wil make them part of a safety network of people-family, neighbors, teachers, police-who are working to make their neighborhood a safe place. This will give them a sense of togethernes their safet consciousness, rather than thinking they are there trying to avoid evil strangers all by themselves.
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Guidelines For Talking To Children About Crime
Children get a mixed message when you tell them to talk to strangers, yet you talk with people grocery line, at the post office and the bank. It's better stress safe behavior with strangers, such as don't get a car with them; don't take don't follow anything from them; don't le them touch you them anywhere. This gives children some flexibility over a situation rather than just tellin them to never talk to people. Talk To Your Children About Television impact of television violence is still being debated, there is question children are affected by what they see tube. difference between fantasy and reality can be many are hurt and killed every confusing to some children year emulating programs. Since you can't completely control what your children see, it's important to diffuse some of things they have seen. Fo example, tell them Superman is just a regular man, actor, only looks like is flying because television people use special wires and special cameras. Unnecessary you say? Know that children have been hurt, some killed, leaping off roof tops trying to fly like Superman. Tell them horror movies are scary because of music, lighting, the actor's special makeup. Without of that, what they see would be si ly they see police dramas, explain that actors are really shot the blood is only pretend. Tell them that when camera stops, the actors get up, go home and see their families. fact, they will probably be another program next week. Then emphasize that a real gun-like the one yo have-will really kill someone. Don't soft pedal this message. It's imperative that children know that real guns kill.
A seven-year-old boy named Sam brought a .357 handgun school to "scare" fason, another seven-year-old been arguing with. first brandished the loaded weapon on the crowded playground so his friends could see it, then ap
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proached fason, gun at the rea y. Luckily a teacher intervene and the gun was taken away from him. Later, Sam told the police gotten the gun from under his parent's mattress. Children Are Going To Break
Rules many times you tell your child spite of to ride his bicycle to park by himself, will probably do least once. How you react when a safety rule is broken is important. you discuss the situation calmly as to the rule was established what the first place, and tell risk was was violated, he will only have a greater underwhen standing o rule, he will be more comfortable telling you if breaks again.
The eleven year old boy was told could never ride his bicycle to the corner convenience store himself noon hour, unbeknown to his parents, rode to the store and bought a candy bar. That evening, while watching the 'clock news the family learned the clerk at the store ha been shot twice during an early afternoon robbery. Frightened, the boy admi tted gone to the store. The parents, upse been so close the violence, glad had admitted his actions, talke with they about the rule. Due to their calm demeanor, and the supportive news story, the boy never broke that rule again. Teach Them Don't Scare Them moment Yo can start teaching your children safety rules they are old enough to understand. r some childre that be the age of three, for others might be five. Yo want to start as young as possible so the rule becomes part of their ingrained behavior. trick is to teach children to be saf without making them fearful of everyone and everything their world. Perhaps the best method is to keep the rules positive. That is, rather than emphasizing the negative, emphasiz what child should do Don't say, "Never walk home from school alone because you
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might get kidnapped by a mean man
will hurt you." Instea say, ''Always walk home with other kids so that all of you will be safe together." r rules will also be more convincing if you emphasize th positive. "There have been some dangerous things happen that alley and I don' want you to cut through it. It's safer yo walk down Miller Street come home." With this approach child understands that the alley be dangerous. But if you say something like, you walk down that alley a mean old will pull you into his garage hurt you," you will create fear your child a mystery about the alley that just might tempt him. Then he does go down and a mean old doesn't attack him, he start to doubt your rules and feel confident to go down the alley again, and again. Here are some safety tips that have been around since we were children are still good. Remember, teach rules a positive way so your child is frightened and the rules become part of his routine behavior • Familiarize your children with the block homes your neighborhood, around the school, and any other place your child plays. Ask the school for a list of block homes it supports, or check for a list from your local Crime Preventhere are block homes your immediate tion Office. area, you might want to consider introducing yourself your child to them. That way they get to know you and your child and you get a chance to see what kind of a person lives block home. • Children should know their address, phone number parents' names. Instruct your child to gi address and phone number only to school officials or the police • Children should never get a car with a stranger, or woman. Teach your children that if occupants of a car should try to cal them over, they should away, preferably the opposite direction the car is headed.
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Teach your children to avoid gang neighborhoods. But
you live a gang-infested neighborhood, your children should never walk by themselves. Tell them to never stare a gang, ac most gangs consider a challenge. They should go around block, go back to where they started, go to a store, a Block Home, or any public place where the call someone for a ride. • Children should walk against flow of traffic to make it difficult or impossible for someone a car to follow them • Children should be taught to pay attention to their sur roundings. They need to stay alert aware of who and what is around them. Predators look for a child walks timidly looks lost, sad or confused. • Children should drop everything they have their hands run. Teach your children that they need to run, they should drop their backpacks, books, notebooks and coats so they easier faster. Since may be difficul for them to leave their things, you need to emphasize that emergency, they won't get into trouble for doing it. • Children should know difference between a wrong touch and touch. They should be taught to say no to any adult touches them in a way that makes them l scared or uncomfortable. Children should know to tell their parents they are touched a wrong way • Children should be taught to un to a safe place when trouble. They ca to a block home, a police or fire station, a store, a restaurant, any public place where there are other people and a telephone. • Children should shout, "This is father (mother)!" children only cr struggle, onlookers think th child is simply having a tantrum. • Walk with other children whenever possible. Predators look fo lone straggler. Arrange f r your children to walk
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Above.
Children
it's OK to drop their things so they ca run faster from danger.
Left. Teach your children to be their sur alert roundings.
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from school with other children a group.
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• Use a code word. Your children will find this fun. Devise a code word that only you and your child share. a couple a car tells your son they are supposed to pick up, for code word. they don't know it, he should go with them. • Stay aler a bus and sit close to driver. Your childre should know where they are goin where they get off. If they insist reading the bus, tell them to make practice of looking up every minute or so to evaluate their surroundings. They should never sleep and never close their eyes while listening to their head phones. a strange starts to hassle them, they should draw attention to situation by calling to the driver or moving over by him. • Never help adult stranger. This rule can be confusing to very young children, especially when we tell them to be important rule because it's polite adults. But it's common technique used by child predators. Teach your children that a stranger should never have to ask a small child to help them carry groceries into a house or to wal behind garage to help look for a lost kitty. Helping thei parents and select relatives is OK they should know that a stranger or a slight acquaintance (remember, 80 to 85 percent of all child molestations are committed by someone child knows) should have to ask them to go someplace else to help. Make a strict rule that they always ask you before they go anywhere with another person, even across street. Carrying Valuables
• Children should never wear valuable clothing, jewelry or carry a lot of money. Your child look good that expensive jacket he get assaulted and robbed of it.
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He should be taught to never flash wads of money or dad's expensive watch. • Teach your children to surrender whatever robber wants. Robbery, taking property by force, is common schools today. Instruct your child to g ve up whatever robber wants, especially he has a weapon • Remember as much as possible about the stranger. Using the guide provided this book, teach your child to remember descriptions. Use cars and people child is familiar with to compare against the suspect is vehicle. "Was the taller or shorter than dad?" "Was the car like ours or Uncle John's?" • Kids should know their address phone number. It's amazing how many seven, eight and nine-year-old childre don't know their address, telephone number, or their par ents work number. Children as young as five years should e able to memorize this information, and can if you make a game f learning it, giving them praise when they almost get right and lots of praise when they can finally repeat back correctly. Place a list of emergency numbers by the phone-police, fire, ambulance, close relatives-and teach your children when to use them. Consider getting a phone you program to quick-dial emergency numbers and teach codes to your children. Rehearse with them to call emergency numbers, what to tell the operators, and how to answer their questions. Teach your children to never give a caller their name or address, especially when you are not at home. Consider telling them to answer the phone when alone, or to just let the answer machine take call. Devise a signal so they know it's yo calling-for example, let ring once or twice, hang up, then call again. Your children should know who they le th house when you are gone. doors should be kept locked all times
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SUSPECT VEHICL
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DESCRIPTION FORM
________
License Number Make Color
No.
Model
Body style
Vehicle y e a r _
_ _ _ _ ldentifying marks_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ occupants.
Race
occupants
______________ What did they do? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Others observations
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SUSPECT DESCRIPTION FORM
Sex
Race
Hair color Coat
Ag
Height
Weight
Facial hair Shirt
Pants
Shoes
Hat
_ _ _ _ Limp
Tattoos
Speech peculiarities,
Glasses
Eye color
_____________ Other observations _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ What did _______________ WEAPON
s/he
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your child should be instructed to use peep hole or window to see who is there. home It's most important to teach your children street safety a way that does frighten them. Make them feel that learning and practicing safety measures is important to your family to the neighbors, school teachers, police. When your children understand that many other people are concerned about safety, they will f el part of a neighborhood effort. Surveying Your Neighborhood For Spots Either take it upon yourself to survey your neighborhood or involve a cadre of concerned neighbors. objective is to look for dangerous locations and potential problem areas, such as a gang house your children have to pass the way to school, street corners where older kids hang out, abandoned buildings that act as a magnet to street toughs, and any other place that might attract, tempt or somehow harm a small child. Ask your children to point out problem areas; they probably know of places you haven't even considered. Once dangerous locations have been pinpointed, talk with your children and with neighbors as to best ways to deal with them. For example, to avoid a gang house, find a different route to school. volunteers to act as safety patrols street corners where older toughs congregate. Talk to the owner of empty buildings or to city officials about abandoned buildings your neighborhood. Getting other parents and neighbors involved adds eyes, ears and ideas to effort of achieving a safer neighborhood for children. Since you can't always be with them, it's good to know there are other people there who care, too. Make agreeother parents to look for all ment with neighbors children. Call each other or the police something looks suspicious. Getting Rid Of Neighborhood Drug Houses Drug houses are houses, apartments or condos where drug
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Would you want your children walking past this neighborhood hot spot?
are sold and/or manufactured. They establish themselves poorest neighborhoods as well as the more affluent. Though they usually begin quietly unassumingly-a deliberate effort to avoid complaints that will bring police-the quiet matter of days of them moving in, is always short-lived. foot and vehicle traffic increases, followed by loud parties, fights shootings. Every large city is plagued with drug houses; some cities have dozens. Even small towns rural areas are immune to this modern day problem, one that creates fear and anxiety a neighborhood, and reduces its livability. Here are a few obvious indicators that a drug house is operating your neighborhood. house/apartment/condo is rundown shades are always closed yard is
maintained
There is heavy vehicular traffi There is heavy foot traffic
• Visitors stay for less than
minutes
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• Some visitors appear to be gang member • Activity
the house goes
24 hours a day
• Strange odors emanate from the house (possible drug manufacturing) Many people think they have to tolerate a drug hou se because
there is nothing they do about it. true. Eradicating a drug house is possible, there is one way to do it. requires some creativity by you, your neighbors police. Working With Police Once you have established that a drug house is operating your neighborhood, you need to begin immediate steps to get rid of it. of first things you do is make appointment to talk with your local police narcotics division officer patrols your neighborhood to tell of your suspicions. Don't be surprised if they are already aware of other house have been monitoring its activity hand, they be unaware, so the more detailed information yo supply, the faster they can get to wor problem. It's important to know that when you talk to police, you should expect them to simply go arrest everyon drug house. It would be great if they could justice system doesn't work that way. police need to investigate matter, gather evidence through observation o location, make undercover drug buys, and conduct many other important legal requirements before they can act. Additionally, police are probably working other drug houses are overworked, overwhelmed, understaffed to meet the volume of complaints they receive daily. But informing the police is a start. Here is type of information that can help them.
• Address of • Dates
house time of activity
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• Description of
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occupants
• Description of vehicles belonging
house
• Indicators of gang activity • Excessive vehicle
foot traffic
Occupants of house walk routinely to
curb
exchange somethin with occupants of cars • Foul odors (could indicate a drug lab • Visitors
occupants display weapons
• Description of cars and license plates of the occupants visitors • Which days activity
week and times of the day of
greatest
• Presence of underage juveniles anonymous tip to the police is better than tip, information from named citizen will usually get more attention. you are concerned about being identified as complainant by the occupants of the drug house, ask police to come to your house to keep your name confidential. Instead, either talk with them on the phone, or go to police station person. Yo will get much further with the police if you approach them a professional manner: organized, specific with your with empathy as to information, difficulty working within the confines of a justice system that sometimes seems upside down. No matter how frustrated you are, don't tell them they are doing a terrible job; don't tell them who you know city hall; don't tell them you are going to burn the drug house to the ground. Be polite, persistent and ask what be done. Once you have established a good contact within police department, keep and try to contact that person every time. Don't waste time; you don't want a reputation with the
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police as being a chronic complainer. Contact you have good information.
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Enlist Help Of Others presence of a drug house is solely your problem. There is power numbers, so include your neighbors your effort. everyone together to share information about problem, then discuss ways to eradicate house. Invite your neighborhood police officer to the meeting for legal advice and what to find police department an cannot do. you have a neighborhood association and a crime prevention person, invite them as well. They may have dealt with similar problems elsewhere and they can tell you what methods have been successful the past Encourage all of your neighbors to write letters to police, mayor other city officials. Keep your text rational and credible, backing your concerns with factual information. et ters signed by several neighbors may get faster results. Many drug houses have been closed because they violate city unkempt house, overgrown yard, garbage thrown codes. into the back yard, syringes scattered about the street, beater cars parked the sidewalk can be reported to the city as a nuisance. Check with the tax assessment office to see i house is being rented. is, call the landlord and pressure to take action against the renters, then advise that that he is aware of the problem, he could possibly be libel for illegal activity the premise.
presence of a drug house is a blight to your neighborhood brings with a criminal element and a great potential fo violence. There is no one method of eradication that works every time. one fails, try another. Know that yo find yourself pitted against the justice system, , county and state government, and miles of red tape that will try all patience yo muster. But you must remain persistent.
WALKING
SIDEWALKS SAFELY It's almost an understatement
that
city side
be dangerous. Though it's worse night, there ar countless incidents everyday where innocent people are ver bally harassed, pushed, struck, spit on, robbed, raped killed. walks
Th looked normal enough as walked along the crowded sidewalk each noon hour, except for the six-inch long knife carried concealed in his palm. nonchalantly randomly maneuvered through the congested sidewalk, jabbed the blade into the backs shoppers. He continued his assault for several days, and the time was apprehended, over a dozen people had been injured streets are dangerous and random incidents of violence are as common as rain, there are many defensive measures you take to increase your chances of getting through your outings safely. Though
Dress To Run
mini skirt Women: would you rather from danger high-heels, or a blazer, slacks comfortable shoes? Men: do your tight jeans, that long overcoat, those heavy boots restrict your movement?
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Be cautious of wearing clothing that restricts your ability to run or defend yourself. Where To Safe Walk
old advice was to always walk along curb to avoid being grabbed by a mugger. advice, based crime studies, suggest it's a better idea walk down middle of sidewalk. That way muggers purse snatchers hide between parked cars, or leap from slow-passing ones, or ride by bicycles, can't reach grab your bag or punch face. There are times when you should walk next to a building, such as when there are dangerous looking types clustered next to curb. Though you will least be safe wall side, be aware of doorway inset corners where assailant could be waiting for you to pass. ou see advance that there is a threat sidewalk, cross street, or consider walking around the block.
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When walking along deserted streets
night, consider walking down middle of street. This allows you to see threat everything around you gives you time to react comes from the sidewalk or between houses. However, know threat approaching occupants that if easily see you. Don't become complacent just because you are your mind that one third of all street mugneighborhood. Keep gings occur within four blocks of the victim's home. Eye Contact "Don't look him," mothers warned us as we walked past unsavory type "Don't make eye contact." Though once considered sage advice, we know that predators look for people appear to be lost their world, oblivious to their surroundings. But even when you are oblivious to what is going on, avoiding eye contact with others create impression you are. you have noticed someone looking you, make brief ey contact. Predators tend to avoid someone looks like they might make a scene respond assertively. They want their victims to be meek and mild, so they pick people shuffling along sidewalk, looking store windows, listening to headphones. you notice someone staring you, don't stare back and don't assume a defiant attitude. Instead, giv them a quick look on that communicates that you know they are there yo won't be taken by surprise.
"Only two kinds people stare at other people," says a Chicago policewoman. "Nuts and police officers. If you want to be safe on the street, make eye contact-stare at them directly. They're goin to think you're a or a cop and the won't mess with you. Usually the criminal has a tremendous instinct to pick on. Street people are expert at singling out the weak."
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Left. - If yo notice some one staring at you, make com brief eye contact municate that yo
he
Right. - If he starts come toward you, gesture fo him to stop and say in commanding voice, "Hold it. Can I help you?"
there.
know
LIVE
Yo
Ar
In
SAFELY
85
DANGEROUS WORLD
Charge
This can be hard for some people to do
works.
Say you are walking along a sidewalk already noticed leaning against a c , suddenly pushes away begins walking toward you. yo your head down hurry past him, as so many people often do, you won't be able to see if comes behind you or anything els might do. Instead, try this. Stop, hold your palm and say firmly, "Hold it. I help you?" this befor gets within ten feet of you. Maintain eye contact and wear a serious facial expression that conveys you are afraid yo mean business. will probably stop and be taken back by your no-nonsense demeanor. Maybe all he wanted were directions your response startled him. Sorry Charlie But if wrong intentions, your strength, which yo conveyed your tone of voice, your demeanor, and your facia expression, more times than not, will change his mind. Buddy System works swimming and works when walking on the sidewalk: take a buddy with you and reduc chance of being a victim by 80 percent. Assailants prefer their victims be alone. Waiting Fo Bu Know that longer you stand street waiti ng bus, greater chance you will targeted by assailant. possible, time your arrival the bus stop so you have to wait only a few minutes on street corner a long delay can't be helped, try waiting inside a business or get a buddy ride with you; two people waiting are safer than one. bus, to get a seat clos to the driver. Read if When you want, look every two or three minutes evaluate your surroundings. you feel uncomfortable with anyone bus, don't read. Never sleep bus.
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
Carrying
DANGEROUS WORLD
Handbag
Some experts suggest that you carry your handbag slung across your chest diagonally, to mak hard for a purse snatch er to take away from you. problem with this method is that a thief see only bag how securely it's attached to you. When he runs by and grabs it, you will go too. you are lucky, your will strike the pavement first; you are lucky, your head will hit. Try carrying your strap purse under your coat. Then if you want to sling over your shoulder you because can't be seen by a thief. you prefer to carry outside your coat, sling over one shoulder so rides waist level under your arm, front strap with firm tension. then hold To prevent thieves from reaching into your purse, don't carry one with open pockets, or carry so the open pockets are against your body When walking with a buddy, carry your purse between two of you to make more difficult for a thief to get to it. you are carrying a purse without straps, carry under your coat. you prefer to carry outside your coat, tuc your armpit and clutch firmly with your hand. ou might even try carrying upside down with your hand the clasp. event someone grab it, you can snap open and spill contents onto the ground. Few thieves are going to bother to search through your valuables. Keep your purse your lap when using a public restroom. Never set the floor hang from a door hook where a quick-handed thief can grab it.
The uniform police officer stepped into the restroom stall, unhooked his pistol belt and set by his feet as sat down. hummed and read his newspaper, a hand quickly darted under the stall door and slipped his pistol from his holster. Pickpockets With the daily news full f slaughter and mayhem, incidents of pickpocketing rarely get reported, though they are there
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87
Left. - clutch purse can be tucked snugly under the arm.
strap purse Right. can be carried over your shoulder and under your coat.
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H O W T O LIVE SAFELY
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Left. - A purse with open side pockets should be carried with the pockets against your body.
Right. - Carr your purse between yo an your friend.
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89
everyday relieving people of their hard -earned money. As al ways, they prefer crowded places, such as supermarkets, athleti events, ticket lines and subways. To jacket pocket or a snug front-pant's pocket Yo also place a comb wallet's fold so that tooth will catch your pocket if wallet is pulled by someone doesn't know how. Be cautious of letting people "help" you. That person offering to pick up your spilled packages just be removing your wallet. you know you are going to be a crowd, consider carrying your money and credit cards your pockets. Since pickpockets usually focus wallets, this allows you to carry your transactions without showing potential thieves where you keep yours. When The Robber Is Armed you have the misfortune of facing armed robber, give your money, your coat, your shoes, whatever wants. As angry be, your money and credit cards indignant as you are not worth dying for. Avoid talking to the armed robber Don't give reason to get angry. Don't cuss, plead, or show pictures of your what he asks for while you memorize what kids. Just give looks like. Yo will be frightened for sure, tr see beyond his weapon to note his race, height, weight, clothing any outstanding characteristics. your" gut" tells you he is going to shoot you, throw your money to one side and then run the opposite direction. Odds are will go after your money and let you go does shoot, odds are will miss because you are running away. Scary? Yes. Bu if yo don't run, you will make a much easier target fo to hit. Really Want To Go Into That Neighborhood? you are going into a particular neighborhood for illicit Yo
90
your instinct tells yo th on direction and run in th If
purse rather than you.
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mugger is going to hurt you, throw your purse in opposite direc tion. Chan ces are he will go for th
reasons, know full well that you are most likely going into of thieves, or worse. People wh go where there are street prostitutes or where drugs are sold are ripe ready victims. policeman this way "Many people become victims because they ar the wrong place the wrong time, and they are the wrong place because they want be. These are people, often from the suburbs, come into town to illegal drugs, solicit a prostitute or engage illegal gambling.
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
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91
The love vice combined with their lack street smarts exposes them to predators lookin for an easy mark. Before these walking victims know it, they get robbed, assaulted and killed since they are places where they shouldn't be, they usually lie to the police or withhold information, making difficult to capture the perps. After Yo
Have Been Robbed
Call 911 immediately and tell them you have just been robbed. Since most citizens erroneously call a house break-in a "robbery," expect the police operator to clarify that you really mean robbery. Then, as calmly as you are able, give a good description of the suspect and the direction fled. credit card companies as soon Be sure to notify your bank as you are able. For that reason, it's always a good idea to have all of your credit card and checking account numbers listed somewhere separate from your wallet.
AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES As if were a cruel joke, many ATM machines are placed poorly lit desolate locations, such as isolated corner of a shopping mall or a poorly-lit side of a bank. It's no wonder three people get robbed at ATM get injured that on A pregnant Los Angele woman went to a bank located a semi-dark, tree-shrouded area. After she retrieved money, stepped from the shadows mumbled threat eningly, "Give what you got. She immediately activated car alar began to toward it. But the robber, feeling comfortable in the isolated location, fatally stabbed in the stomach. Without a doubt, the money machine is one of
better inventions to come along, it's one that breed problems when it's used without caution. Thieves and muggers know ATMs are a way to get quick money, especially if the customer looks like easy mark. best way to avoid being victimized ATM is to abstain from using at all. Instead, use checks, credit cards, or get sufficient cash to last you between bank visits. But of course life never runs smoothly and there are times when you have to use them. When you do, follow these safety tips.
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TO LIVE SAFELY
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DANGEROUS WORLD
machine only during daylight hours. Eighty percent of
robberies happen at night.
Park your car close
don't get out until
area looks
safe. aware of area around ATMs. Look for anyone anything suspicious before you approach. Avoid machines secluded or poorly lit areas.
Be
• Know what business you are going do before machine to minimize the transaction time.
go
a suspicious person approaches while you are using immediately terminate your transaction an leave. • Stand close to the machine so others can't see your transaction. Immediately remove cash, receipt, card.
Stand close to the ATM to conceal your transactions.
LIVE SAFELY
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• After your transaction, get into your car and lock Don't count your money
doors.
way to your car.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Don't write your bank card or anywhere will be apparent as to what is. Don't tell anyone your
number. A bank employee will does, immediately tell a super-
never ask you for it. visor.
number so • Choose a word or a name for your will be easier to remember. Never use part of your Social Security Number or your birth date since thieves will try those numbers first.
• Know where your card is your bank it's stolen. you are robbed stay calm so you of suspect and never approach
else," said a for someone Think of with caution.
all times. Immediately notify
money machine, don't resist.
to think clearly. a good description getaway car; call police.
anyon
who had
goes to an with someone been arrested for robbery. 'Tll wait
is alone. ATM device as a potential crime scene.
STREET GANGS street gangs are forming every day young people ar joining them alarming rate With easy access to firearms a collective gang mentality, a seeming disregard for human life, presence of street gangs rapidly changing fabric them. In fact, of many communities and the way people live street gangs have already made some communities virtual wa zones, with the sound of gunfire fillin air every night as ever increasing number of young people fall victim, way or annual statistics are shocking: another, to gang warfare. hundreds dead, thousands wounded. Ne
Their Mind-set
Though there are many psychological
sociological rea sons young people join gangs, for purposes here we only need to consider their need for power. It's what they are all most cases, it's what they lacked before they about, became involve gangs. They need to conti nuously reinforce fact they are powerful, they seek this reinforcement by trying to instill fear and intimidation others. They dress to show their power. Skinheads shave their heads wear military clothing to only show they are to frighten people. Other gangs wear what they believe in, distinctive colors or oversized clothing to send a message are dangerous to be feared. that they are gang members non-gang person, gang member's baggy pants, exposed To underwear, oversized shirts backward hats looks silly. But matter ridiculous outrageous their look is, keep
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mind that their appearance is most important to them. It's a
big part f their identity and they take very seriously. Don't criticize their look They will take well.
"The gang is everything to them. Street gangs don't have recruit; they're running around looking under mattresses for recruits; kids want to join. A lot them are born int it I've been at christenings where the baby being baptized is wearing gang colors. Yo go to a gang member's funeral, the casket is draped in the gang's colors. The gang mentality is entrenche their brains, It's who they are," says a gang task force police officer. most common types of gang activity Let's take a look what you can do to keep from getting hurt. Know that there is right answer as to what to do when you suddenly fin yourself of below situations. Sometimes people respond ways that could be more wrong, they get through situation unharmed. other hand, some times a person will do everything right will still get hurt.
Shootings Although injured that fall from gang shootings are mostly other gang members, innocent people get injured killed all time. Gang members rarely consider their surroundings when they execute a drive-by shooting. fact, many could care less about innocent people getting as they spray multiple rounds house or street corner where they think their target be. Though most gang shootings happen night, more more are taking place during hours of daylight.
Two cars, each containing six SE Asian g ng members, slowly drove down the quiet residential street in the early afternoon sun. As they approached the target house, the shooters leaned the ca windows, sprayed the house with automatic gunfire then continued on down the street. the corner they stopped
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SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
97
reloaded their weapons, then drove back, the shooters agai leaning the windows and hosing the house with bullets. This time a neighbor, unrelated to the disagreement between th shooters the target house, ran out onto his porch began firing at the passing cars with his semi-automatic handgun When all the shooting was ov , hundreds rounds been expended, miraculously on been hit Bullets don't come with names attached to them. They keep going when they miss and eventually drop when they right of energy, or sto when they something or someone.
What To
When
Families
live
Gang Shooting Erupts
gang infested neighborhoods routinely gather basements and backrooms when gang gunfire explodes outside their homes. Though this is a sad commentary times, it's nonetheless best way to protect your family from stray bullets.
Whenever shots are fired the sprawling, gang-infested apartment complex, which occurs two or three nights a week, the young, single mother automatically gathers two toddlers hallway and shields them with body. ou hear gunfire outside your home, resist the natural go window or door to look out. Instead, retreat impulse opposite of your with your family to basement or house or apartment, then call 911 remain secluded until safe to resume normal activity. deem When you are outside, know that buildings, asphalt, sidewalks cars have a of distorti ng sound of gunfire. salvo of shots that sounds as they ar coming from your left actually be coming from behind. you scramble behind shooting is parked car, you side where going on. Cover also be several feet away, or a half block away, even yo make that far be of anyway.
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However,
location of absolute: it's right ground is there beneath you. ground, flatten out, evaluate Drop to situation to determine where shots are coming from. If cover is just a few feet away, crawl to it, don't run. Running only exposes think you, shooters draw the attention of are part of rival gang. Cover is anything that stops or deflects a bullet, such as parked car, a steel mail box, corner of a building, or a fire hydrant. Concealment is anything that hides you from shooter, such as a tree branch with big leaves a bed sheet hanging from a clothes line When given a choice, choose cover. Once you have established good cover, stay there until the shooting is over. Don't ge into "the grass is always greener
Take cover behind a car's wheel will provide good protection shootout.
if
caught
in
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TO LIVE SAFELY
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WORLD
99
somewhere else" mod needlessly expose yourself by dash ing from cover to cover. Change position only shooters are moving your way. Even then, consider moving only minimum, say, to crawl under a car scramble to other side of a mailbox. What To When Encountering Gang Members Gangs lik congregate street corners, front yards, park other ing lots, school yards, bus stops, shopping malls, places where non-gang teens gather. It's a time for them to socialize, sell drugs weapons, plan crimes, just carry as young people do. But act of congregating creates a ripe atmosphere for violence. It may erupt from within the gather argument result of exchange of words o ing-usually over a member of opposite s e x - o r come from outside gathering, such as a passing car load of rival gang members.
Twelve Latino gang members stood on the sidewalk socializing. A dark sedan pulled and two black gang members got out, one armed with an Uzi submachine gun. The black gangster pumped twelve rounds toward the crowd, amazingly only one person was struck. the car sped off, several Latino gangsters gave chase on foot, firing their handguns into the back th car. Gang members like to wal groups of three, ive, ten. They which their presence, savor the attention they get, ay their look, and their numbers intimidate people. Say you are walking to corner store when see six or seven young people gathered sidewalk ahead. As get closer, you notice they are all wearing oversized jackets, baggy pants slung low black rags tied around their their hips, foreheads. There is no argument you have right as a tax-paying citizen to walk down the sidewalk through a cluster of rough looking gang members. This is mentioned because there are many people become indignant when it's suggested they
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HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS
WORLD
alter their course. If you are of these people, just have to swallow your indignation use a little common sense to ge through the next few minutes. could best decision go street your way. make is to simply cross Let's say you are refuse to change ornery character for them. Chances ar will be able to pass by without incident, gang members to move aside fo don't expect you. You will have to walk along wall step off curb get by them. It's just right maybe you ar angry to do that. you got by them safely and now ar your way. Bu what if they decide to toy with you a little?
The elderly black woman was shuffling along the sidewalk unaware the fifteen skinheads drinking beer on the porch an old house. she passed, the skinheads encircled her, of them taunted and harassed her with racial epithets. brandished basehall bats and postured as they were going to strike her. She was eventually able to pass, was traumatized for months the experience. Since you don't know a gang will react to you, it's wisest to simply cross street. Some people might think of as al costs is backing off, it's just good common sense, a couple of additional minutes to your journey. Gangs Party their homes, Gang members love to have parties their apartments, around their parked cars, which always involves loud music, shouting, fighting and other forms of disruptive behavior. Usually as party wears on, and the effects of alcohol starts to take affect, t he participants spill into street to fight, race their cars, sometimes fire shots into air or each other. Rarely will a gang part start seven quietly before midnight. Usually it will begin about midnight and keep going What
When
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until
peters
A DANGE ROUS WORL
around dawn or until someone calls
10
police
ruckus. Never go to the party site and demand they quiet down. complain about
After the funera a gang member, over 100 young gangsters gathered at a house mourn and drink. Dozen of them spilled onto the lawn, sidewalk and street, yelling, brawling and racing their cars through the quiet residential area. A neighbor for from across the street came out onto his lawn and calle them to quiet down. Immecliately was struck with 40 oz. beer bottle, knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly. The party went on, his injuries both physical and mental, required months of recuperation and therapy. It's
better idea to call 911 dispatcher if yo
situation.
police handle can remain anonymous; it's
complaingang members don't know you are absolutely must look window, do so as ant. discreetly as possible. universal characteristic among gangs that they will seek revenge against witnesses, complainants, causes them problems. anyone
best that
What Ca
ou
When Gangs Come
Your Neighbor-
hood? When gangs begin
move into community, yo cannot hope that someone else does bury your head in the sand something about it. Everyone must get involved before gangs become mainstream as they have already many communities country. around • Report all crimes sign of activity.
gang activity. Call 911 first you wait too long, problem even more difficult to eradicate. entrench, making police rely your information.
• Organize a block watch. Neighbors should organize enhance their strength and share information. Gangs
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know there is strength
A DANGEROUS WORLD
numbers; neighbors
se
sam e principle. Be visible. Neighborhoods where people work and play their yards, walk their dogs, pick litter, other words maintain a visible presence, are less likely to have criminal gangs moving about. Take pictures. Neighbors can take photos and video foot
ag of any activity. Don't risk your safety fo
pictures.
Paint out graffiti. Painting over graffiti works more times
than not.
sends a message that neighborhood belongs to people who care about and are going to stand still for gang activity. involved with young people neighborhood. People should volunteer their time to schools, churches, parks and neighborhood community centers. tells young people that older people care an want to be involved with them. Be aware and stay informed. People are ignorant issue have their heads clouds, won't see early warning signs of gangs their neighborhood. Knowledge is power.
VIOLENCE SCHOOL
school is immune to violence. Shootings, stabbings assaults are happening middle-class neighborhood schools as well as poor inner-city schools where, sadly, we have become almost desensitized to such bloodshed. 17 -year-old student in Texas fired multiple rounds at his classmates as they were returning to class fr()m an athletic event. Six people were rounds and a seventh person was trampled stampeding students were fleeing the shoot ing.
several students stood on the steps Portland, Oregon, lhey were fired upon in car.
their high school in gunman passing
During recess at a Columbus, Ohio middle schooL a 13-year old shot another in the head. A study of South Side Chicago high school students between ages of 13 18 found that nearly 50 percent seen a stabbing, 61 percent witnessed a shooting, 45 percent ad seen someone get killed 25 percent experienced all three. When a group of graders fro worst neighborhood Orleans were asked how many ad seen a
HO
TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS
last 24 hours, every hand went up. When asked
WORLD
many
ever seen someone killed, half raised their hands. Although there have been numerous shootings schools throughout country, good news is that there have been ew deaths. But firearm incidents are rise it's just a matter of time until more students are killed. than ever More students are carrying guns to school before. study found that any given day the United States, there are 250,000 handguns elementary, middle waistbands, jacket pockets, high schools. They can be found purses, backpacks, and lockers. Making a bad situation worse is fact these guns are the hands f young people have little or experience their use. In a classroom Los Angeles, a teenage reached into hi school bag and inadvertently discharged a high-calibre handgu was carrying with his school books. The wild bullet struck killed another classmate. Although there are some parents wh are indifferent or oblivious as to what is going on, most are frightened over such incidents feel hopeless as to what they do Psychological Effect With so many students carrying firearms, with school officials conducting downs and searching lockers, with students concentrate the doors, metal detectors directly intask of learning? Even students who are volved firearm incidents f l insecure unsafe halls classrooms. Some are too frightened to even go restroom by themselves. Parents are worried too. Some say they send their children off to school with the gnawing realization that today could be da when shots are fired school parking lot or playground. Those parents wh can afford are taking their kids of public schools and sending them off to private ones.
LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
Students, would never otherwise give a passing thought to guns, are carrying them to school for protection.
"If I think I' going to get shot," said ''I'm going to try and shoot fi st. "
on
15-year-old boy,
Compounding the horror are parents
supply their chil dren with firearms to carry to school. "It's for son's self-de fense," said one mother. What Is Causing
Violence? As with many of society's complex issues, there is ne answer. general, we sa that what is happening schools is a reflection of what is going outside of them. That is, society become violent schools are part of society. Without question, many children are directly or indirectly taught that violence is a solution to problems. They hear from their parents, they see television, the movies, they see happening their neighborhoods schools. Some grow believing that way to prevent violence is to use firearms. Some see guns as a tool to compensate for their sense of inferiori ty. .357 I feel like I' 6-foot-4, an weigh "When I've got 10 pounds," says a 14-year-old middle school student. Guns are easily accessible. Students bu
sell them on he street, school, they get them from their homes. fact, getting guns at home is quite easy, considering there are over 200 million firearms United States. Gangs Disputes over gang activit
drug dealings are leading causes of shootings school. Some shootings are so blatant o violen that it's simply amazing more innocent bystand ers are killed.
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TO LIVE SAFELY
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WORLD
Misconceptions About Firearms Young people see Schwazeneggar, Stallone and other action heroes running through hail storm of bullets, then emerging victorious without so much as a scratch. They believe if their heroes do it, then they can. Most teens can't comprehend for some it's especially hard to compretheir own death, hend another young person's death by gunshot.
"How can that little hole kill someone!" m e m b e r asked hospital nurse.
15-year-old gang
young people understand
reality o real pain physical destruction caused by a firearm when for most of them their concept of violence, especially shootings, is what boob tube. they see
Teaching Your Children What To As soon s your children are old enough to understand, teach issue soft them that guns are dangerous. Don't cloak words. Make it clear that guns kill. Teach them hurt that if they see someone school or neighborhood with a gun, they should leave area immediately tell a responsible adult or call 911. They should know never stay to handle it. the situation a fight breaks out at school, they should watch go as kids are to do. Two decades ago, after school fight just that, a fight. But times are different now. Today, with growing proliferation of guns schools, it's common for someone to brandish one fire rounds. Tell your children that missed rounds don't automatically drop to ground, until something
them. When
a crowd, it's often stops bullet. innocent person incident your child school, talk witnessed discuss listen about the situation. Don't lecture, experience. Discuss incident so your child learns from good things did and talk about what could have done
LIVE
differently. If praise him.
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107
was threatened and used his brain to get aw
Schools Yo must become involved your children's school Don't sit back and wait for other parents to handle problem because they might be sitting back too. Yo r children's lives ar risk. involved and work to make your school a safer place. Here are some measures already working aroun country. What
• Metal detectors. Yes, it's come to this. fact, over one fourth of major urban schools are already using them. All students must pass through one or two doors where metal detectors scan their bodies and their bookbags for weapons. • Uniformed guards or a police officer patrolling hallways and school yards a quieting effect trouble makers. • Prohibiting bookbags lockers been successful some high-crime schools. fewer places guns be concealed, the fewer opportunities for angry student to settle a dispute with a gun. • Shooting drills are conducted many schools. Somewhat like air raid drills of 1950s, s tudents practice diving r cover as if they were hearing gunshots. Implement peer discussion groups. Form a group to discus
issues such as conflict resolution techniques, resisting peer pressure, television violence, and crisis intervention. Implement a school emergency plan. Parents
school officials should talk about how to notify police, ambu lance, and parents event of emergency. Ensure that there is a way to notify teachers and administration student in
halls with a gun.
• Establish clear behavior rules. Work with school to establish absolute rules and the repercussions for violating
HO
10
them.
You
test No
DANGEROUS WORLD
the rules to send a clear message that be tolerated violations will be dealt with police and school.
want
guns won't swiftly by used to be
TO LIVE SAFELY
only to worry about their next whether or they would have a date for he prom. they have to worry about gettin shot in hall. must act now. that students
PART THREE
ARMED
SELF-DEFENSE
SHOULD YOU KEEP HOUSE? "I always do burglaries with a gun in anyone tries to stop I'll kill them."
waist band. If
decision of whether to keep a your house is your neighbor, your best friend or that only you can make, your mother. Only you. For some it's easy decision, while for others it's one that be as emotional as is intellectual. you are still thinking about it, consider following questions that need to be answered. • Will a gun be a danger to • How familiar
with a firearm?
• Where will I kee What kind of
• Will
children and their friends?
gun? should I get?
presence of a
cause friction with a spouse?
• Is a firearm the best defense fo • Which
is safest to have
particular needs home?
Which gun is best for home defense?
• Could I actually shootlkill someone?
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OW TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
These questions and others must be answered intellectually, rather than emotionally.
morning you discover someone
time to rush broken into your garage is biggest handgun yo lift. It's an important family decision that should be given time to weigh carefully. Let's say you have considered all questions argu against a have decided to ments fo home get one. next decision you have to make is what kind of best fit your needs. Which Gun Is Best?
yo firearm experts which gun is best for home defense, you will get different answers. Some will advocate various types of shotguns, others claim revolvers offer all that is needed, while the semi-automatic enthusiasts will claim theirs is best. What about bullet caliber? Though some homeowners be lieve it's necessary to have a large, elephant-stopping caliber to defend their family, larger many police officers think caliber is best for their job, case studies show that's not always true. The transient was still holding the bloody knife used on the pregnant woman when the officer rounded the corner on foot. The officer drew his Sig Sauer, .45 caliber, semi-auto to drop the knife. When the ordered the lunged, the officer fired a round into his upper body. The jerked back, but instead falling, advanced, slashing the air with hi knife. The officer fired again and the twisted around momentarily from the chest hit, then turned back, and bega backing the disbelieving officer across the parking lot. He ired again, and again, but still th moved forward, still slashed the air with the knife. until th ninth hit with the .45 caliber bullet, did the drop fatally to the sidewalk. A study made by the
York City Police Department
LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
you decide handgun for your home, analyze your needs then choose from. research the many models If
looked more than 6,000 shoot ings over a ten-year period bullet, study revealed that placement of caliber, that wa most important factor determining effectiveness of a shooting. Your Considerations of first considerations you need to make when for your needs is weapon's choosing best reliability. You might have a that could knock socks off if doesn't fire at the crucial elephant, result could be deadly-to you. want to, moment • Reliable ammunition is also important. Don't test fire type of ammo keep another type your gun. Test-fire does what yo want do. the same ammo to ensure Choose
weapon
room. Remember, dark.
shoot accurately
can't
most
semi -dark
sights
afford. Many people believe expensive will somehow make theIll a better shot. same people These ar think a new, gold-plated barbell set will build bigger muscles than rusted Choose
weapon you
LIVE
SAFELY
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setting their garage. so. All you need is a moderately priced weapon you can shoot with confidence and skill. ammo is just as important as cost of cost of weapon, maybe more. Since take a of shooti sho oting ng practice before before you become comfortable comfortab le w your new gun, you need to consider whether yo afford its ammunition. You like size of a .45 caliber, practicing with big ammo s going to to cost co st you a lot mo re than smaller .22 ammunition. As a result, you y ou practice as much as you should.
• You You need to to evaluate your bullet's bulle t's penet pen etra rati tion on power. power. You want it powerful enough to stop intruder, yo don't want to pass through your bedroom wall and into your child's room. But the choices are always clear. For example, example, bird shot sho t fire fired d from a shotg un excellent stopping power close range and is less likely to pass through walls. But many home owners feel a shotgun is too cumbersome for their needs. A powerful handgun, however, is much greater distance accurate a big bullet pass through intruder and continue through interior inte rior wall size of
frame and grip is important consideration. Though a .45 caliber caliber looks looks impressive impressi ve and a nd hits like a rhinoceros' fist, be too big for your hand the other hand, recoil be too great. .3 doesn't butt fits your as hard, the recoil is minor hand like lik e a glove glove • Should you choose a revolver revolver or automatic? Many police depart dep artment mentss are are going going to automatic auto matic they the y do do cost cos t more, he ammunition is generally more mor e expensive expensive,, and an d they t hey are more complicated to use. you choose automat ic-there are many excellent ones market-you will need mo re practic than wi a revolver revolver to get famili fam iliar ar with its safety mechanism, loading and unloading procedures,
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its different types of malfunctions. And remember, statistically, you will have do these things darkness . There is no need to be overly concerned about
cealable your gun is since you will be stashing your home, carrying under your jacket jacket
conaround
• Choose a gun large enough so you see the barrel darkness. you are holding a small derringer your you r fist you be able to see where you are aiming. With longer barrel, you can use your peripheral vision an available light to ensure your is where should be. Also, intruder is better able to see a large barrel and hopefully hopefully be be intimidat intim idated. ed.
"If a homeowner gun and shoot him, hi m, I'll wait until If doesn' doe sn'tt give give I' stupid. "
doesn't have the drop on I'll draw says a burglar. "If does does have hav e the t he drop drop on does something careless, then shoot him. an opening, opening, I'd let le t the cops cops tak away.
Practicing With Your
Buying a gun, loading it, and sticking a dresser drawer without ever shooting or familiarizing yourself with its specifics is a bad idea that just might come back to haunt you. Finding yourself face to face with an armed burglar is wond er where the th e safety safety is located or whether yo time to wonder a round chamber. intricacies of of gun handling, loading shooting should be practiced long before you ever have misfortune of depending your firearm to defend yourself or your yo ur family family Find a shootin sh ooting g range range a quali qualifie fied d instru ins tructo ctorr to teach you safety, to load unload, foot stances, positions, how to engage the target. Your goal is to be hand grips comfortable with your gun and skillful its use. As one on e great marksman said, "The differenc differencee between betw een master shooter and average shooter is practice."
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After a few lessons shooting paper targets, you are now prepared confront any low-life that dares threaten your family, right? Wrong. Though shooting paper targets will go a long way toward familiarizing yourself with th weapon mecha mec hanic nicss of shooting, you y ou will will still be a disadvantage a real situation unless you practice specific exercises geared toward real combat. Remember this: you practice is you will will perform perfo rm a real real situatio n. Keep Simple As every fighting-art form, all concepts and techniques fists, sticks or guns, must be simple. Fighting, whether it's with fists, is too explosive, too violent, and too fast to use complex and intricat intr icatee techniques. r response must be immediate, simple to th point. Here are some common elements found real shooting situations that you need to keep mind when practicing. Most shootings occur within 10 feet, rarely over 20.
• Shootings are fas fast, t, furious and an d last only onl y a Most shootings shootin gs occu
the dark or
w seconds.
poorly lit conditions. condi tions.
• You will be completely focused on the threat and will be oblivi oblivious ous to sights an d sound so undss around arou nd you. you. • You will probably thrust your weapon jerk furiously trigger.
arm's length
• Becaus Becausee of stress and tension , your ability to perform smal moto mo torr skills will be be reduced • You will probably fire multiple times but think you only fired fired onc o ncee or twice obvious us that real When you exami ne these points, it becomes obvio shootin g situati ons are miles miles apart from from when you were shooting shooti ng paper targets. targets.
way you practiced initial techniques
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you learned range: range: stan s tandin ding g straight strai ght up, up, aimin aim ing g car caref eful ully ly taking lots of time to get your front sites target, proper breath control, and squeezing trigger slowly, don't overlap to actual combat. Unfortunately, too many people stop their training this point. Those are just basics; now it's time to look at a t trai tr ainin ning g f r real you practice is you will will perfor a real situation situ ation order to respond a comba t mode, mode, you must practice for combat repetitiously until he movements are ingrained subconscious subconscious mind. It take time commitment, just like it di first learned to hand le that other dangerous dangerous weapon, when you first your yo ur ca car, r, it's time well worth effort. Actually, all takes is about 30 minutes out of your day, 3 days a week wee k for for a month, or until the movem ents become natural Let's look some so me easy e asy exercises exercises that will begin to cond itio you physically for a real shooting situation. They are rarely taught shoot ing classe classes, s, they ought to be. ou even practice some of them right the comfort of your home. Mirror
bedroom or hall mirror is without a doubt of best training aids you use to improve your shooting technique. U nli ke your loya loyall frie friends nds,, or your paid sho oting otin g instrucinst ructor, the mirror will give you false compliments. reflects back exactly exactly what you are doing, giving yo immediate feedback of good and bad technique. Practice all of following techniques over and over, and minor corrections as your reflection dictates. make major mirror will miss nothing. Strength Exercises Using
Mirror
Here are two strength developing exercises that will solidify your combat stance and the same time ingrain correct shooting postures into your subconscious subconscious mind. Though overall strength is always of value, developing muscles of your legs and arms are especially important for establishing what is called a "locked position." With practice of following
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Left. - Some instructors still teach such anti quated techniques as
this upright shooting
stance.
Right. Whe th
gu is held in depressed ready, it can be brought up on target faster and more accu rately than lowering it th from th side
head.
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Left. - To strengthen your legs, practice holding this crouched combat stance fo several repetitions 30 sec onds.
Below. - To strengthen the arm po sition, tense all the muscles both arms or sevral repetitions of seconds.
Left. - After about three weeks yo will notice a greater strength in your legs and arms.
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easy-to-do exercises, you will be able to assume a good combat position like a well-oiled piece of machinery. When you are suddenly threatened, you naturally lower your body into a crouch, what is sometimes called a "fight or flight" position. It's automatic response whether you are empty handed, holding a pizza, or clutching a semi-auto pistol. Since it's natural, here is to make stronger for shooting. Begin by assuming a crouched, staggered foot position, simi la a boxer's stance. To strengthen this position, you simply bend your knees until you begin to fe l significant stres legs. Hold that position for seconds, muscles of straighten to rest for seconds, then lower yourself again for another seconds. Repeat for 6-10 repetitions, 3 times week, say, Monday, Wednesday Friday. To strengthen your arms, you practice easy very effective exercise he same time you work your legs. Begin by gripping your unloaded g un your shooting hand support same grip palm of your other hand, probably you learned range. Now, extend both arms as if you were going to shoot then lower your body into your shooting crouch. Tense your hands, arms, shoulders, chest, back and stomach as for six seconds. hard as you Since legs are larger stronger than arms, you will hold crouch, working your legs, for seconds while you tensc all other muscles for no more than 6 seconds. Each repetition will go like this: drop into your stance, raise your arms and tense all your muscles. Lower your arms after 6 seconds to let them relax, hold your crouch fo another 14 seconds to keep working your legs. Some people like to use wrist weights add resistance - u s e no more than 2 or 3 pounds-when they practice exercises. When the weights are removed after a couple of weeks, the gun feels virtually weightless lock-on is stronger than ever. how fast you will get results with these Yo will be amazed simple exercises. Yo r muscles will condition to the stance your brain will automatically assume correct shooting posture.
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21
this stance whenever you shoot
strong stance that is based
range. It's a good, your natural reflex.
Where To Shoot
important one. When considering a human being as a target, there are two myths that must be immediately dispelled. First, don't even think about trying to shoot the gun of suspect's hand, or shooting only to wound leg. Those are small, mobile targets that even under ideal conditions are when you are frightdifficult to hit, let alone darkness ened of your wits. never forget this piece of reality: when ou miss that small target, your bullet keeps on going until something or someone stops it. When you have to shoot at human being, you are doing so because your life or someone else's life is stake. In other words, if you don't shoot, someone close to you might die. at the easiest target to hit, the one Therefore, you must with least possibility o bullet missing and continuing somcwhere. Specifically, you must shoot largest mass: chest or abdomen. second myth is that the assailant is going to drop instantly when your bullet hits him. Though happens movies, reality assailant will probabl stumble back from impact then come right back you. A frequent comment uttered by police officers citizens involved shooting incidents is "I shot the chest several times say this are wouldn't go down." People incredulous because movies have conditioned us into believing bad guy will always fall. But realit be a nightmare, that especially when assailant shoots back spite of three rounds fired into him. There are a number of reasons for this. suspect is under influence of drugs or alcohol senses be too dulled be affected by bullet's shock power. A mentally deranged or enraged person also be impervious to bullet's shock. This
be
unpleasant topic for you,
it's
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Left. Would yo really try to shoot th the un ou intruder's hand as he stood in front of your child's bed room?
Right. - Unlike i th movies, people ho have been
shot don't always th instantly fall ground. Though this intruder ha been shot in th stomach, notice hi gu is still pointed at you.
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continue firing rounds into such a person is a waste of
time, valuable time that might be used by suspect to shoot you. solution? Shoot the head. A gruesome thought? assailant hurting your family is a Yes. Bu thinking about worse thought. Shooting someone in the head is a necessity to stop threat. Know this: most head shots are going to drop attacker, no mental condition. matter what Training For A Head Shot
It's easy to incorporate head shots into your training, whether you are range or dry firing front of your mirror. popular dril the firing range begins by shooting twice at the suspect's belt. Two bullets to this area a tendency to cause more damage and have greater stopping power than chest hit. Double tap (shoot two quick rounds) to torso, pause a half second to observe target over your barrel, then fire two head. advantage here is that once you are rounds to line with larger target, you have only to raise your weapon vertically to target with head. Some instructors advocate one or two shots to torso, lower weapon to observe the damage, then, if there is still a threat, raise weapon again to shoot the head. This is a good way to practice because takes too much time to lower raise your weapon. It's better to shoot twice to abdomen, keep your pointed at the target, then observe over your gun barrel. Then if you need to shoot more rounds, all you have to do is raise your to the head. Time is critical shooting situation. Don't waste unnecessary moves also practice this simple dril your mirror home. Yo your reflection, pause, Drop into your stance, dry fire twice to your reflection's head fire two more then raise you rounds. prospect of having to shoot someone is frightening to think about, and thinking about shooting bullets into some-
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one's head is even more unpleasant. To
able to do so, it's absolutely paramount accept reality that have to do to save yourself or your family. Left. - Practice in the mirror and at the range shooting two quick rounds to the torso.
Right. - Two rounds to th head.
HOME DEFENSE "We call them animals," says the East Coast policewoman. "They're just opportunists. They'll do anything. They go up and down apartment hallways knocking on do . Whe they get and a woman is there, they'll rape her. It's just an after thought. It's just, 'Well she's there, she's vulnerable, I might as well take With these animals, these opportunists, somebody i home, it's goin be a rohbery, a rape, a homicide. Pray that you never have defend your home. If have a choice, call police because they arc trained, experienced, right equipment, are more likely to act professionhave ally objectively. the other hand, you probably have little experience, have only a gun, since it's or no training, your family risk, you won't approach your home situation objectively. Bu what if police are too long coming, or you are police available, or alert situation where there ar them? ou have to do something, and you best know how. Before Yo
Fire That First Shot
that you have decided
home gun, bought it
practiced with it, there are still a fe things you need to consider before you start pumping rounds inside your home. First of all need to dig deep inside yourself and ask yo yo even do it. Take all of question emotionalism ac think of terms of what it will be like Calmly objectively yourself your really shoot someone
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home? Imagine their blood splattering all over your walls sofa, hearing their dying cough as their life twists writhes to nd your living room rug. Will you ever again be able to walk by that place your home where a human being die your hands? What if you kil him in your child's nursery your bedroom? Will those places ever be the same to you? Answer these questions, not with some puffed up bravado, with honest consideration. you have strong inhibitors about taking another's life there is possibility you might hesitate or freeze a critical moment, you need to strongly reconsider getting a gun. When intruder are standing there with your hand on his, a moment of hesitation could cost you your e. Another thing to think about is you wake up you are kind of person is extremely groggy when you awaken, do you want to be making shoot/don't shoot decisions at that time? Every year innocent family members are shot by other family members are too quick trigger. It's absolutely imperative that you are fully awake have correctly identified target before you engage with a firearm. Are you capable of doing this?
The off-duty policeman was sleeping be when the sound footsteps the room awakened him. In one swift move, pushed off the blanket, snatched his gun from the nightstand, his wife jammed the barrel into the startled fa returning from the bathroom. also need to consider dangerous a shootout your home could be. It's worth mentioning again: bullets that miss keep right on going-through walls, over baby cribs, windows to your neighbor's house Control of your gunfire is critical; avoidance of having to shoot all is paramount. ou
Preparing Yourself Mentally To Shoot this country who, There are lots of naive people
spite
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of daily news stories, are under the delusion that every perso is kind and caring and would never eve hurt them. Wrong!. have conscience, There are indeed bad people, people feeling whatsoever about hurting you, your spous absolutely your children. These predators know the difference between right and wrong, will hesitate to do horrible, dastardly things. They will shoot you, they will stab you, they will torture you, then go about the rest of their day as if they done nothing more than swat a fly. After forcing their into th home, the three gang members gathered the mother, father and their three-year-old the gangsters asked the parents into the living room. One where they kept their money. When the parents refused to answer, the gangster grabbe little and sliced off one his fingers. "Now," said nonchalantly, holding the bloody knife over another the child's fingers, "Where do ou keep m o n e y ~ "
If you have never been arou nd violence, you must accept fact that world is a violent place and violence can happen to you. Accept the reality that some people can't be reasoned with; they only be stopped with force. Accept possibility your home. that yo might have to hurt or kill someone intruder breaks in, you should be outraged. This is When the time to be thinking how unfortunate is plight of intruder must have homeless, or what a terrible childhood had, abused by his father h must have been, so that other choic to steal your possessions to get drugs to feed arm. entered ou must be thinking self-defense This person your home, your sanctuary. No one a right to enter your very private space unless you ask them. How dare this animal, this predator, enter your home and violate your right to peace dare threaten the safety of your life and your family's danger of must think like a mother bear whose cubs are
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hunters: you must be ready to strike, ready to kill. Yo must rear up take fight to him. situation calls for you A word about hesitation: Don't. element to defend yourself, you must do so swiftly Yo want of surprise; you want to take off guard so quickly that does, will be too late. doesn't have a chance to react, or if It's important to use enough force to get job done. movies, bad guy always falls over after one shot. reality, however, will probably continue to advance even shoot weapon after he has been wounded. When you pull threat trigger, know that yo must continue pulling until stops. One shot might do it, or might take ten.
The burglar, armed with two rifles, advanced on the officer fired multiple shots into th man, one round tearing big portion his heart. The burglar turned ran around the building, a short hill and across a lawn, then continued for 150 yards before what was left his heart gave out. When fell to the ground, was still clutching the rifles. be aware of using force where you shouldn't. yo over do it, that is, shoot flees, you might find intruder as the intruder yourself trouble with District Attorney. surrenders after you get drop him, yo shoot what must be done, anyway, you will most likely be arrested. don't get yourself trouble fo using excessive force It's important that your family knows to handle shoot your firearm. Since you might be home when intruder comes incapacitate you first, talk with them about your home-defense philosophy. Teach them what legal aspects are help them get as mentally prepared as you. ou must
Saferoom A good home-defense plan includes having a saferoom your home where you gather all of your family place. When they are all room, you eliminate chance of
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accidentally shooting a family member who was going to the kitchen for a snack. Make sure everyone your family know which room is saferoom young understand its basic concept. Teach children about to frighten them. such a way as most obvious choice is the master bedroom where you will likely be when midnight intruder breaks in. works best when all of your family's bedrooms are on the same floor so they have easy quick access to yours. event of intruder, everyone gathers th master bedroom takes cover behind bed or a large closet. Some home-defense experts favor kitchen as a saferoom. Stoves, refrigerators cupboards full of heavy kettles will better stop or deflect bullets than clothes closets, mattresses a drawer of underwear. Whichever room you choose, needs to be close convenient for every family member. police where your family is hiding When you call 911, tell intruder is. where you think have a cordless phone or a cellular, that's even better. Phones are invaluable tool
This family has gathered behind the bed in the master bedroom. Note th portable phone.
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for your home security, might want to have one
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as inexpensive as they are, you every room of your home.
Ca Yo Get Out Of The House? best Perhaps getting your family of your house is response to intruder. Is there a door or window that everyone get to easily quietly? Consider having everyone gathe saferoom first then escape outside. be hiding or acting as Be alert for other intruders who lookouts your yard. Also keep in mind that dashing from police. Even yo house could cause deadly confusion with were unable to call 911, a neighbor have witnessed break-in and called. police could be taking position outsid your house when they suddenly see shadows dashing from back. There have been many cases where mistaken identity resulted police officers shooting homeowner homeowners shooting officers. Whether to leave your home or remain your safe room is make given all a decision only you elements of situation. When Yo Go Looking Fo Intruder It's advisable for you to go looking about your house for intruder. Most likely are trained is anyone else your family. Your best plan is to play safe le police do it. But if situation is such that you have to search, you must go forth with great caution. First, gather all of your family saferoom listen fo noise. Was that door to squeaking open? Was that sound of a kitchen chair being pushed acros the linoleum floor? Try to determine by sounds there is more than intruder where th ey are your home. yo start to leave your bedroom you hear a noise, your best plan is to return to bedroom, stay with your family wait for police a position of advantage, such as behind a bed or large dresser. into Bu for whatever reason YOll choose to proceed
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house, you need to do so a combat-ready mode. Don't stroll about whistling, flipping lights or calling "who's there?" Remember, you are taking fight intruderj move accordingly. Always maintain good balance There is little tactical advan tage to bending ove waist as you were movin through a tunnel. Such a position be detrimental should the intruder jump you from the shadows. Instead, assume upright crouch described shooting exercises, stepping forward front foot then bringing up rear foot with Avoid holding your by your ear like some corny cop, a position that blocks your field of vision to side. Instead, hold downward a 45 degree angle, what police call "depressed ready." Studies show that holding a high then lowering onto a target is less accurate than bringing from depressed ready onto the target. And since weapon is next to your face, you have a greater field of vision Know that most bullets penetrate interior walls. corner wall will conceal you but it won't stop bullets. So if you peak around corner and the armed intruder sees you, stepping back behind wall won't protect you should start shooting. yo rush about your house like a madman, you increase chance of missing intruder, error that could be fatal. Check each room carefully before you move to next. a hallway, don't pass a room without checking it. When pie" (see diagram), When you approach a corner, "cut keeping your gun at depressed ready. Stay away from other side. case the intruder is hugging wall corner It's imperative that you move cautiously, quietly, cover. Shooting
Think about this fact: In shootouts,
bullets miss their New York City Police Depart intended targets. A study b ment found that only 25 percent of bullets fired by police officer 11 percent of shots fired by bad guys their target, most
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Left. - Never hold th gu by your ear, as seen on TV co shows.
Below. - This bent over position places the home defender ff bal ance. If an intruder suddenly burst ut of th side door, the intruder could easily knock him over.
Left. Stay upright, knees bent, gu at th depressed ready.
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Left. - Never pass a room without checking it.
Right. - You don't have be against corner see around it.
Intruder
"Cutting the pie" works best when yo are 4-5 feet away from th corner. As yo slowly inch your wa out, more an more of hallway is revealed th room you. Since yo are back from the corner, you will see th in truder before he sees you. Once yo have moved forward, try not because ou will give to back up your slice.
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theirs. Interestingly, study found there was clear-cut relationship between a police officer's shooting score range and his skill a real battle. moment stress of cause you to Be aware that have tunnel vision. Yo will see only intruder, thin wall window behind him, his side, open door to your child's room. Tunnel vision is a phenomena that happens to even most experienced police officer functioning high-stress situations. the situation has been ideal, you have been able to set yourself to give yourself time to observe determine threat level. For example, from inside your closet or from behind your dresser you see intruder, a gun hand, moving toward your child's room. r gut instinct tells you that if yo call to will with intention of distracting him, turn you. If you let contin ue into your child's shoot room ... well, you are going le that happen. Yo decide to shoot. Yo want to take advantage of your first be your only element of surprise. Zero shot since it the trigger, intruder and make a slow deliberate pull aiming fo largest mass of his body. Double tap him. drop him, shot mayor with two shots odds increase. Yo are going to be excited After you shoot, stay behind co probably more so than any other time your life. But you control. Never rush over to see badly must stay still be able to shoot you, or intruder is hurt because there be a second intruder who is that yo shot partner. Stay behind cover, evaluate situation, and collect yourself you can reach phone, call the police and tell them what taken place. Stay the phone with dispatcher le coordinate your actions with arriving police cars. you are occupied with intruder, have a family member call police. It's a good idea for caller to describe what you are wearing and your location home. Be sure to tell
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If you have either talked the intruder down onto the floor or you have shot him, keep your weapon on him. Ca1l911. (Fo rthe sake th photo other family members are visible. In reality they would be hugging the floor out of sight.)
police that you have a weapon and it's trained he intruder. the intruder and When the police arrive, keep your don't make any sudden moves. Realize that as police enter an into this scenario, they will see one person with another person bleeding all over floor. Since they probably don't know you, they might think you are burglar, which makes you a threat to them. Immedia tely tel them it's your house downed that person is intruder, then do whatever they say. They will probably tell you to drop your weapon, lay down floOf,
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they might even handcuff you. Go along with their orders; will only take a few minutes until they iron is who. Know that you will be interviewed by police taken to police station. Though yo shot defense f yourself human being, causing your family, you nonetheless shot injury or death. Even situation look dried to you, it's always a good idea to call attorney. Supplementing Your Gu Here are a couple of other weapons you use to supple ment your gun. But using them requires some thought. Chemical spray is a popular item sold for self-defense, hair spray, oven cleaner, deodorant sprays (spray, roll ons) are also effective. ou simply hold your hand and the spray other, giving you option of spraying assailant first before you start blasting with your gun. environment decision to spray first could be based intruder are in. For example, you might confront your child's room, a place you definitely would want to avoid having to shoot. Spray give you additional seconds to change your position. yo might choose to spray first because you have strong reservations about using deadly force. Spraying give you a little more time to evaluate the situation to determine greater force is necessary. with But there are some negatives to supplementing your chemical spray. Most police officers experienced with spray relate least story of dousing themselves or other officers. intruder, your If you spray yourself just as you confront situation will be bleak. When shopping for a chemical spray, some of the newer types with canisters designed with look lids that make it next to impossible to spray yourself. A second negative is that you could get confused under stress shoot when yo intended to spray or you spray when you should have shot. The police officer was eating a hotdog at a sidewalk deli when an armed ran around corner. The officer called for
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halt and d p his weapon. As the holdup complied, the officer realized was only pointing his gun at the his hotdog as well. to
final consideration is the possible legal hassle could find yourself should you shoot someone with your gun when yo the option of chemical spray your other hand. number one question you will be asked by the police district attorney will be: if you ha a less lethal form of self-de fense immediately available you, did you resort to gun? What appears to you be a clear case of justifiable self-defense, suddenly get twisted around court. More chemical spray later. Besides spray, you also fill your empty hand with hammer, club, vase, knife, or any other type of device with which yo poke, stab hit. Though such devices will do job just might prevent you from having to shoot someone, you have to yourself if additional weapon might ge wa or, as with chemical spray, make matters confusing. you decide to supplement with chemical spray or a clubbing weapon, give some advanced thought as to how they will be used. Practice some dry runs. Remember, you practice is you will perform a real situation. Should Yo
A Flashligh t? Police firearm instructors teach a variety of positions which the flashlight is held on hand while the other hand holds a gun. Each position one or more good points and one or more bad. A position taught by many police departments for a long time to side has the shooter extending the flashligh arm's length, while aiming the gun with th other hand. This wa considered a good stance because positioned light away from officer so that if to shoot, would gunman shoot at the light. Over the years, however, many instructors have discarded technique for three basic reasons: they
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discovered lacked accuracy due to problem of coordinatin light gun; made one-hand shooting mandatory; because of spread arms, position a tendency to throw some shooters off balance. Another method is to hold the gun and the flashlight side by-side, pointing with both. This allows better coordination of same hands, thus keeping light beam and the gun argument against this is that objective. flashlight is held directly front of your center mass, a place where yo want gunman to shoot. A third position which is being touted now, is to cross your arms front of you wrists. Your shooting hand is top, your flashlight hand underneath, the light held with over hand grip. shooting is supported flashlight so that light beam and bullet trajectory line up As with the last position, gun and light are held front of body mass, exposure is reduced if you fluctuate light. That is, press light button for a second, then release it. With light out, take a side step to left or right, duck, or move to another position of cover. Activate light again for a second, then release move again. button especially effective technique when firing. Light This is your target shoot, turn of light and quickly change position in the dark; activate light and shoot, again move under the cloak of darkness. Even though light briefly reveals your position, you move when the light goes out. Then when element of surprise. yo turn again, you have created When the intruder a flashlight, you have some advan watch as tage. From your cover position, you moves about flashing position. beam and giving away to use flashlight since doesn't know location of your furniture, doorways, or hallways. Since you do, darkness is your friend
Startling Him With A Lightswitch use a light switch same way a karate fighter uses ou intruder is a yell. When area with a ceiling light that
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Th
flashlight ar provides support fo th shooting ar th gu an th light are both pointed at th target. The light beam should be flicked on an off.
yo control from your position behind cover, turn it on suddenly to freeze. Though the light will b shout for harsh on your eyes too, the intruder will have to deal with it startle factor as well as its brightness. ou should be least feet away so you have time to react event charges you. Coming Home To
Intruder
you see signs of entry as you arrive home, don't rush since advantage of cover as you enter intruder will have door. through It's better to go to neighbors call police, or your passenger to call while you park a location that allows intruder's car is to watch your house. driveway, consider blocking with your car, then dashing to a place of cover to watch. your arrival been quiet the intruder may know been detected. This will give you time to call 911 and take a good observation post. you see thief leave your home with your property, that you have called consider shouting police. ideal reaction is will drop items and flee. worst reaction is will panic take a shot at you. you decide to shout, do from behind cover. intruder as Don't shoot is leaving your home. Most homeowners shooting burglar state laws frown are
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posing a threat to human life. This is especially true if house. intruder is outside Answering
Door
It's
a good idea to ignore the doorbell pretend you ar home. Although most of the time you will be avoiding meeting a salesperson or a religious zealot, there be that one time when it's a burglar. your peephole, window, or intercom to see wants you. it's a stranger asking to use phone, don't in Instead, offer to make call while waits outside porch. Intruders often pose as delivery persons, ut ility workers, even police officers. Always them to show their ID at the window or peephole, never hesitate to call their companies verify their legitimacy.
Responding to the doorbell, the woman looked through peephole and three uniform police officers standing on porch. When she opened the door, the three men, stolen the uniforms earlier, forced their in, tied up home. went about burglarizing When
repairman is scheduled to come to your home, have
a friend come over f r coffee or use the ruse of asking worker to speak softly so as to awaken a day sleeper. If you feel uncomfortable answering a midnight knock your do r, take your gu with you. Stand with your left side to door hold the gun along your right leg, or stick your back waistband, or just hold behind your back weapon will be of sight i it's your elderly neighbor, will be ready to go if it's intruder. more Don't make your home-defense pla n complicated. simple is, more smoothly you will perfor under stress. Talk over your plan with your family ensure that everyone your home who is old enough to handle your weapon do so with confidence skill.
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Top. - Consider answering th
door with un sight held ou behind your leg.
Bottom. - Answer th door with your gu tucked into your waistband.
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14
14
HO
TO
LIVE SAFELY
What To Sa When Yo
Go
DANGEROUS
Drop On
WORLD
im
make
"Pardon sir, you're standing where about to shoot." "Prepare to meet your maker, dirt bag. "Move I'll make your head lonesome for your shoulders." Clint Eastwood growls these things all the time, usually through clenched teeth and just moments before industrial sized gun pumps steel into some low-life's body. These are cute expressions, and a little funny, are they really the words yo want to say to someone you have your gun sights these little phrases come back to haunt yo criminal court? When you are forced to use a firearm, it's because you have no other choice. It's a matter of life or death, a time to get clever with your verbiage Let' say you are pointing your gun at a you just caught coming your front door carrying your stereo. Yo shout, "Move barf bag and I'll blow your head W" He hesitates, your stereo still tucked under his arm. "Come on, scum bucket," you growl. "Do something so blow you of your skivvies." drops your stereo, makes a move toward his jacket, and you f re three rounds into him. yes, there are two neighbors watching. When the police arrive, the neighbors say they heard you tell the burglar to move so you could shoot him. Then you did. Later they tell the jury the same thing. Then when you get the stand, you have to convince them you really shot self-defense even though you told to move so you could shoot him. Sure they were just words uttered during a stressful moment, they will end up being critical to your case because they lend doubt to your claim of self-defense. yes, burglar survived shooting and is going to sue you. He claims all wanted was your stereo, that he had no intention of going for his gun. He says you told twice that when if moved you would shoot him, stereo slipped from his grasp, thougl1t you would do exactly what yo
TO LIVE SAFELY
HO
A DANGEROUS WORLD
14
went for threatened. a desperate act of self-defense against you There have been many times when criminals have claimed self-defense shootouts with the police. They said they were frightened because officers' demeanor and words were threatening to them. Some criminals have their cases. Without a doubt, shooting a human being is a most trau matic experience. It's bad enough having to go through the police investigation, grand jury, dealing with traumatic stress problems that occur even when a shooting is justified. be doubly traumatic your choice of words during incident confuses situation, resulting your being a sus pect a wrongful shooting. Choose your words carefully, words that are easily under stood give clear direction. Phrases like "hold it," imme"Freeze" are ambiguou lack the punch that gets diate response. Informed law enforcement agencies have found that fewer words are more effective. Perhaps best choice is simply, explosive "D" sound that "Don't move." It begins with linguists say immediately penetrates the brain. fact, York Police Department used the phrase for over 20 years, finding that short, direct command gets response they want.
Know that when your mind is busy thinking up a cute phrase your mouth is uttering words, your reaction time will time takes to mentally change gears be reduced because o Let's say you are holding a suspect gunpoint and suddenly lunges for your gun. First, your eyes see threatening move then send a message to your brain, your brain has to recognize action as a threat, decide how respond, then send a message to your muscles to take action. reaction time takes longer, espe When you are talking, command,
"Don't move" is better because your brain
suspect's reaction. Keep
concentrate
short and easy to understand.
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
DANGEROUS WORLD
you need give multiple commands, pause between to give suspect time to understand, and yourself time to react. "Don't move." (pause) "Hands up." (pause) "One step to left." (pause) "Stop." (pause) "Don't move." Leave cute stuff to Hollywood.
CHEMICAL SPRAYS Chemical sprays are probably
of the best means of non-lethal self-defense the market. When they work, they are excellent tool to stop aggressor without causing injury so you fight or flee. momentarily debilitating It's important to know, however, they are all equally effec none are 100 percent effective tive every person sprayed. Chemical agents have been used for hundreds of years to repel enemy forces. For example, around 300 B.C., the Chinese burned a blending of red pepper and oil pots upwind of enemy armies. Ancient Japanese warriors would throw rice sacks filled with red pepper to burn their enemies' ey s, noses mouths. Other types of chemical agents were used during Civil War, World War I, II, and Vietnam, to slow, debilitate kill. In the 1970s, police departments began using a considerably less lethal type of chemical called Mace. It aerosol irritant found to be effective on most people except thos under influence of narcotics. the early 1980s, popular Oleoresin Capsicum wa made available to police agencies become a popular choice of law enforcement general public. note semantics. If you choose to research further into terms "tear gas" chemical sprays, know that "mace" have become generic names for what is actually chemical spray. Let's look briefly at the most common types of chemical sprays.
• Chloracetophenone is commonly called "CN/, a tear gas
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TO LIVE SAFELY
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Germany well over 100 years ago. For the past developed several decades, as been used by police, particularly for riot control. causes extreme tearing, involuntary closing of eyes, burning sensation on the skin, lasting about 20 minutes. About of persons are effected by their intoxication or because they ar either because mentally deranged. First Aid involves getting recipient flushing eyes with cool water. into fresh air
• Orthochlorobenzamalonitrile, "cs/, is an instant irritant to the eyes causes a burning sensation to skin within two seconds, both effects lasting around 20 minutes. There are a few significant problems with CS that has made unpopular with law enforcement. There is a lingering contamination which makes
if
impossible to remain and function
difficult area.
There is a high percentage of incidents where the spray is
ineffective. poor structure of canister causes officers to accidentally spray themselves. There
be injuries from CS, especially skin blistering.
• Tincture Oleoresin Capsicum, "OC/' is called "pepper spray" because it's made from resin of cayenne pepper While CS are chemical irritants, pepper spray is inflammatory agent. organic work, must be sprayed directly into attacker's eyes, nose or mouth. It causes severe shortness of breath, involuntary closing of the eyes, extreme tearing, headache, and sometimes nausea.
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SAFELY
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"Over counter" sprays have never been known to be lethal when used outdoors. However, there is a possibility that death could occur if a person was caught a confined space where the contamination was so intense replaced most of oxygen. Here are some other conditions that effect chemical spray. the stream hits the attacker's chest or hair, the effect will
be minor, if anything. you are spraying outside, inside a small room.
effect
be less than
weather is
windless, effect will be more significant than if it's cold windy. the contaminated area, assailant remains effects will be greater than if is removed to where get fresh air.
Though advertisements for chemical sprays often claim that
a sprayed assailant will drop immediately, reality be quite different. While some people will scream, cover their eyes fall to ground, others will be affected only mildly, a fe will be affected all. There is way to tell by looking someone they will be sensitive or tolerant. To Never warn an attacker that you are going to spray him. ou don't want to focus canister or try to get away from you. Instead, surprise him. police are taught to spray with their weak hand, leaving if necessary. Though their strong hand free to go for their you probably won't have a your hip, you still want to spray with your weak hand so your strong hand is free to block, grab or strike assailant. Never allow a potential assailant to get closer than 10-12 feet When a person moves toward you in what you perceive to be
48
HOW TO
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A DANGE ROUS WORLD
threatening manner, warn to stop when he gets to edge of your 1O-12-foot safety line. ignores you command and intends to harm comes into your space, yo only assume you. Spray now. all wa because just might Don't extend your grab your canister. Bring can to eye level, bent, then spray. Watc spray pattern adjust your as necessary. Always for face, specifically his eyes, nose and mouth. Let walk into stream. Side step if you need keep the stream pointed his face. turns his head away, follow around, continuing to spray until he backs off agony or drops to ground. Police spray one-second bursts because they have other weapons and their training to fall back on. Yo most likely don't so you should spray until the attacker i longer a threat Since area is going to be contaminated, don't stand around and admire your work. Run and call 911, or just keep assailant is of sight. running until First Aid you should get a blast of spray, get of contaminated area immed iately and into fresh a . G ently spray face and eyes with cool water; a mist works best. Allow 30-40 minutes for complete recovery and know that it's going to be a miserabl 30-40 minutes. Carrying Your Spray Your spray is a weap on that needs to be accessible don't carry bottom of your purse or trunk of your car. Most violent encounters are sudden and you won't have time to rummage around where you think you left it. Carry canister your hand when you are a potentially dangerous place or situation. For example, hold ne hand while you unl ock your car door with other. Maintenance
Check your canister periodically
r damage and to make sure
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TO LIVE SAFELY
A DANGEROUS WORLD
nozzle is dust free unclogged. Be careful about storing it in your car since interior temperatur es reach 120 degree or more, and most sprays lose their effectiveness that tem perature. Some sprays, like pepper spray, must be shaken every two or three days. effective self-defense weapon that is low Chemical spray is conceal, when used correctly, cost, easy to carry stop aggressor tracks. Left. - Hold chemical spray in your weak hand so you can use your strong hand to block, grab, or hit. Keep your shooting arm bent, and always aim for the eyes.
Below. - Have your spray ready as you unlock your car door with the other hand. Stay alert.
IMPROVISED
SELF-DEFENSE WEAPONS Part of being aware is being cognizant of common items that be made into instant weapons event you have to defend yourself. Most people don't carry guns and knives their person, are they highly trained martial arts. But there are common items just lying around that instantly b made into effective, indeed deadly, weapons. But before you can use them for self-defense, you must first know they exist. damsel distress is still a common theme movies. cliche scene always has the poor female cowering her home as the assailant rattles the doorknob at helplessly front door. She gasps a shadow passes across a window screams a scraping noise the back door. Trembling and hugging herself, the audience is to believe that she is completely defenseless. . She is standing next to a table lamp that would leave a nice dent in an assailant's head. When she scurries across the room, she passes by a desk where she keeps a letter opener, stapler, scissors, potted plant, coffee mug, and assortment f pens. Then she desperately fle s into the kitchen where she again fails to notice a virtual arsenal of weapons, such as knives, pots pans, cast iron skillets, cups, coffee pot, meat cleaver, other kitchen helpers. a panic she runs throughout house, never once con-
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SAFELY
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Drano under side ring the bleach sink, he pantry, hedge clippers garage, fireplace poker living room, dozens of other weapons available every room of house. Look Around Yo
Right Now
you use your imagination, you will quickly discover lots of weapons within easy reach that can instantly be turned into effective, some cases, deadly weapons. your pocket be used to gouge arm, scrape a face, or poke ribs. contents make it assailant That coffee cup stool your fee think twice abou continuing to bother you attacker's deadly knife are resting be used to ward of slashes.
The woman was in her kitchen ironing and watching televi sion. She turned at the sound the screen door opening behind and aw a l rg charge through the door toward her. Without hesitation, she swung the iron up and into his surprised face. Street Walking Down attacker's face, your brief case to block a blow smash head or groin; your pocket or strike be used attacker's to poke, stab scrape; your comb rake across face; your be flicked into someone's eyes; your umbrell smash poke trip; your lunch box groin, your heavy boots kick shins.
The wino advanced aggressively toward the middle-aged the snow-dusted sidewalk. She told several woman times to leave her alone as she backed up, still advanced. Realizing was moving her toward an alleyway, she quickly pulled off one her gloves and snapped it whip-like into the man's eyes. As screamed and staggered back from the ragin pain, she ran off to get help.
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
your bag of groceries
throw into
assailants face, or
a couple of head blows from makers of Campbell's Tomato Soup.
take
of soup
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give
The elderly struggled with the young street assailant for several seconds at the side the grocery store. Twice, the assailant pushed the older against a large, open, trash dumpster, hurting his back each time. When the assailant pushed a third time, the old managed to twist aside so assailant banged into the dumpster. Then, before the assailant could recover, the old pulled the heavy dumpster lid down onto his fingers. best defense against someone getting into your car while
are inside, is to simply keep doors locked. some attackers, bent getting you, your purse, or ar itself, will break their wa through a side window. all he wants is your possessions, have them. still your ca horn as weapon, just to toot couple of times (people are used to hearing short toots), blast away for as long as takes to draw attention to your predicament. Remember, most criminals don't like attenmentally tion noise brings. But there are others, especially don't care; these ar ones deranged, will have to fight. pop can, cigarette your dash, lighter, screwdriver. And while you are fighting, your shoulder or your head to keep honking your horn. many items Look around your work space could job. operate a steamshould you be attacked roller ar potentially chainsaw for a living, baddest town. If are a seamstress, ar dude slouch either. professional chef with cleaver, th carpenter Either is with hammer, electrician with tool belt, secretary with mail opener, boxboy with box cutter, so on.
Confronted an assailant, the the semi-automatic pistol carried
reached nervously for his waistband. When his
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15
Left. -
gardener uses a shovel a tres deliver nasty blow passer's leg.
Below. - This woman uses a commo iron to strike an intruder.
Right. - A man uses a can soup thrust into an assailant's face.
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TO LIVE SAFELY
shaky hand wrapped around the grip,
trigger and sent
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accidentally bullet through his genitals.
he
Carrying a your person is option, though most people would rather not. Guns are expensive, require consider able training, and they are inconvenience to try to conceal under your clothing. There is also possibility you could get arrested for using one. Remember so-called York subway "vigilante" who shot three attackers? was ar rested charged with carrying a firearm. Some people argue that being arrested is a consideration when comes to their safety and their family's. They live by axiom, "It's better to be tried by six than to be carried by six," meaning six jurors six pall bearers. mind that besides guns, knives Just keep chemical spray, there are always lots of potential legal "weapons" around you.
CITIZEN'S After all this shooting, hitting, spraying, poking with pins, this is a good time to comment on your right to make citizen's arrest. obvious question is, yo make citizen's arrest? do you want to take chance? What Yes you can, appears to be a simple, Constitutional right, could turn into situation that could get you sued, hurt or killed. Keep in mind that when a person breaks law, he wants desperately to avoid detection and to avoid detention. So when about it, you see someone commit a crime confront will probably be startled angered. Though he might give up and go along with your arrest, there is also a chance your fight or flight adrenaline. confrontation will set into motion detected, still a chance think that Though hc of avoiding detention, especially when sees you as freedom. And unless you authority figure but an obstacle to fill that shirt like Arnold Schwarzenneggar, just might smack yo ea with a chair. When police confr ont a suspect, they don't always know they have danger potential, badge, experience, equipment, manpower, and communication capability to deal violence that might arise. with Yo should also consider this: your actions could get you sued. making a citizen's arrest, you have right to use force to achieve custody, only that amount necessary to hold matter what detestable crime was suspect-no more.
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committed-child molestation, expose, rape, ritualistic mur
d e r - y o u can't execute the punishment.
ou can't give punch nose or twist extra hard, though some "street justice" woul make you feel oh-so-good. Giving to your urge will only set you up for a lawsuit that could take months, years, and destroy you emotionally financially. Here is another way you be sued. Let's say you make arrest case gets thrown of court for of a myriad reasons that good cases get thrown these days. Your suspect will likely cry false arrest. you used force he injured during your arrest, will cry even louder. And it's a guarantee will go after your wallet. spite of all these warnings you still want to make If citizen's arrest, go further than the apprehension. You are a police officer so don't get involved conducting investigation of crime. Your questions might taint wit nesses' observations, and your poking around crime scen might destroy valuable evidence. rust hol onto the suspect fo police. Check with your local jurisdiction as to what ou can and can't do when making a citizen's arrest. Know that as a citizen have a right to take action when you see a crim committed, inherent risk involved, physically mind there is keep civilly.
PART F O U R
SAFETY
AUTO THEFT There is nothing quite like walking
of a shopping mall on hand your car key the other, only to with bundles discover empty parking place where your car used to be. First there is disbelief: this didn't happen; I must have parked somewhere else; Where did I park it? No, I know I parked here. Your second emotion is anger: could this happen? don't Damn those thieves! cops do anythi ng about ca theft? came ouL Th the restaurant and found an empty parking place where had parked. LaLer, as sat a police car reporting the incident to an officer, could hear other officers on the scanner chasing his car. The thief eventually eluded the officers, but before struck several cars utility pole. The destroyed car was found tw weeks later on a side street. the owner's husiness papers as well as .45 caliber semi-auto were missing from the trunk.
Then comes
inconvenience. I going to get home do I get to work tomorrow? Where are insurance papers? Nearly 2 million victims of car theft experience these same emotions every year. In fact, three vehicles are stolen every United States causing victims great economic minute trauma
everyone's insuranc premiums. Additionally, since stolen ve hicles are frequently used for joyriding, it's common for ex
HO
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perienced drivers to end accidents. Though
DANGEROUS WORLD
injurious, sometimes fatal traffic
theft can occur anywhere
anytime, studies
of police crime reports show these places COlnmon.
be
most
dealerships • Driveways • Streets Mass transient lots
• Shopping malls • Parking lots Many car thefts happen because of carelessness, mistakes that make victims slap their foreheads
type of cry, "Why,
why, I so stupid?" Here are two "nevers" that should seem obvious, are nonetheless common enough that car thieves take advantage of them every day this country • Never leave your car motor running while you dash into store. • Never leave your key or abov visor.
ignition, under the floor mat,
Incredibly, over 200,000 vehicles are stolen each year in the United States as a result of drivers leaving their keys open invitation to car ignition. only is this carelessness thieves, can make you libel civilly. Car owners have been sued because their bad habits provided opportunity for a car to be stolen which wa then used as a getaway car a crime, or some wa hurt or killed an innocent person.
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16
Basic Security Measures alarm system installed. There ar many systems market available every year they ge more shock high-tech. Some of newer ones come with sensor, panic alarm, remote start, s t a r t e r - s y s t e l 1 1 ~ disabler, car-jack stopper, remote trunk opener, door lock opener, door opener. Good systems cost under dollars, while expensive systems hundreds. into
• Steering wheel locks. Devices such as Club g Stick are effective because they be easily seen from outside vehicle, thus acting as a visual deterrent to more spontaneous type car thief.
Devices that lock the steering wheel offer a good visual deterrent to car thieves.
• Participate CAT, Combat Auto Theft, program. is a progranl where citizens register their vehicles with police department or neighborhood crime preven volunteers receive a decal to place tion offices. their vehicle's rear window. This tells police it's owned someone doesn't drive between hours of vehicle is seen police between these
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TO LIVE SAFELY
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times, participation gives them consent to stop car hold them liable fo action that takes plac during stop . a high-security sound system. Some of ca stereos are easily removed so you can take them with you. Others are separately alarmed, or designed to g dead when removed, requiring a security code to reactivate them.
There are many good security devices
that fit every budget.
the market today
a good system, take sensible precau tions you just might experience that ut wrenching there. sensation of finding your car
CARJACKING woman in San Diego was pumping gas into
car early the evening when, seemingly nowhere, a ap proached from behind and grabbed her by the throat. A moment later, pushed aside then sped off in her car. This was the seventh carjacking in the city one weekend. Two teenagers pulled a motorist from his car, threatening gunpoint. The motorist began to run away was struck a passing car, which sped away when the female driver guns. The teens jumped into th man's car, fired a bullet at as lay in the street, then roared off around a corner. Two minutes later they returned in the man's car, stopping next to where still la the street, and fired still more rounds at before they roared away again. crime of carjacking occurs when a car is stolen after owner is forced or prevented from getting by or more armed thieves. In some cases the owner is kidnapped. A federal law against carjacking was enacted 1992 which specifies that a gun must be used fo crime to be technically called a carjacking. Some cities, like Portland, Oregon, consider taking of vehicle by force-gun, knife, club, or f i s t s - a carjacking. Though federal law some deterring effect, crime contin ues around the country, often with fatal results. A 34-year-old Washington
woman became entangled
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
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An armed carjacker has opened this motorist's unlocked door an hi out.
is pulling
seatbelt when two carjackers pushed her from her car. They then sped away in it draKKinK alonK th pavement for nearly two miles, killing her. A moment later they tossed 22month-old haby from the car. Miraculously the child was injured. Chicago alone, police reported Detroit, where more than 2,500 carjacking cases. term, "armed carjacking" originated, police reports show 62 carjackmonth. In the beginning of 1990s, there ng cases were approximately 20,000 carjackings a year the United States. Crime experts expect the number climb as gets lTlOre publicity which will educate criminals as its done. While anyone be a carjacking victim, current statistics During
recent year
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show that most crimes occur
crowded cities wher there is larger selection of vehicles a greater number of escape routes. Women are attacked more than men, and lone women most vulnerable. Though thieves favor expensive cars, ar old beaters are taken too. Th
Most Dangerous Places
Incidents of carjacking can happen anywhere, but most take
place
these locations.
• Freeway ramps stations
• Stop lights and stop signs • Parking garages • Parking lots
Two Japanese students slopped at a grocery store in Los Angeles. their Honda Civic, a carjacker gunned they got down the young nd stole their car which was found the next day across town. Thal night the victims were removed from life supporl systems and died a short while later. Safety Measures below recommendations will reduce fall victim to carjacking.
chance you will
Plan your route before you leave.
good, up-to-date maps, friends or relatives best route to take which neighborhoods avoid. If are going into unfa miliar territory, try to take another person with you. • Rental cars should be marked to indicate they ar rentals, such as a symbol license plate company name on trunk or door. As a re sult of several
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
fatal carjackings, Florida rental cars
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banned all identifying marks
When walking to your car, look for anyone loitering nearby,
especially night especially parking structures. you have chemical spray, is the time have your hand. As you approach your vehicle, be cognizant of space underneath, always glance back seat befor something doesn't look right, trust your gut you get in. feeling keep walking to a place where you get help. • Lock your car when driving. Carjacking victims are commonly pulled from their car stops. Automatic car locks are excellent accessory which allows you to lock all of your doors with ne button. If yo rent cars for business, ones with automatic door locks. insist • Valuables should be placed trunk or under the seat. your Don't advertise what you have by placing them dash or front seat. Be aware that as you grip steering wheel, that flashy, expensive jewelry dangling from your wrist be seen by interested carjacker. Carjackers will only strip you of your valuables, take your car for their getaway afterwards. Consider this: if have expensive looking car, a thief wil think the contents must be valuable, too. aware of your surroundings. Most people are so lost thought as to where they are going or where they have been, they are unaware of what is going around them. In Miami, carjackers often start tracking their victims from airport car rentals. Check your mirror continuously. Look ahead, behind, to sides. Be
• Leave room ahead of your car to escape. Although you can't control close ca behind you stops from your rear bumper, you control distance you stop from ca front. Don't stop so close you can't turn of your lane.
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167
bumpe d from behind motion to other driver to follow you to the nearest police ire station, or any place where there are lots of people. Carjackers working together often us what is called Ifbump-and-run" method, a tech nique where thieves bump their cars into the victim's car from behind. When the victim gets to check damage, carjackers get and take car. When stopping to use a pay phone or
choose a well-lit, open area. Look around immediate vicinity of the A as well as parking lot before you get out. something makes you feel uncomfortable, drive away and us another machine • Minimize your late night driving since most carjackings take place between 10 and 2 when fewer people are around to help or witness. Don't leave your motor running when you use a pay phone
or go into a convenience store. Don't stop to help stranded motorists. Drive to a telephone
and call he police for them you get stranded, tie a white handkerchief around the antenna, then get back your car. Don't roll down your window or ge out when someone stops to help. Ask them through th rolled window to call 911. traffic lights to avoid stopping for a red light. Always try to keep your car moving. Time
Be cautious whenever someone approaches your car for information. Keep your windows rolled and your doors locked.
someone approaches aggressively, try to panic. calmer you remain, better you think. pulled from your car or threatened gunpoint, don't resist. They have he gun, you don't. Cooperate. Move
HOW TO LIVE SAFELY
A white flag
on
the antenna
away as soon police.
is
A DANG EROUS WORL
a universal sign of distress.
as quickly as you are able
go
call
flash your lights to draw attention. Assailants, thieves carjackers don't like the attention flashing lights a steady blast of a car horn brings. Honk your horn
• Observe your surroundings before getting of your ca be suspicious of anything that looks of the norm. of victim hardest part of carjacking is getting car. get out without looking first step right into a carjacker's hands, you have made is job easy. something or someone looks suspicious, drive away. • A car phone may be have.
best emergency device
common ploy of carjackers is to approach
motorist who
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A DANGEROUS WORLD
16
stopped a light, curb, or parking lot, get driver to roll down window. Once window is down carjacker motorist out. simply reaches in, unlocks door, pulls national television program called Case Closed: Crime Tips experiment where they used a convicted USA, conducted carjacker to demonstrate easy it was to get people to lower their windows. As a hidden camera rolled, a rough looking with a beard, long hair, a black leather jacket, approached motorists a stop light tapped their driver's side window. spite rough looked, amazing 8 of 10 people rolled their windows down to see what he wanted. "All
says
takes is seconds and your whole day ca go wrong, " active carjacker.
WHEN
DRIVE
ALONE you have choice drive alone, consider these alarming statistics. Over one-third of reported violent crimes occur street, parking lots, and parking garages. Women were victims of over 90,000 crimes American highway recent year, crimes that include rape carjackings. many safety tips discussed throughout this text will help keep you safe the road. Knowing what to do, and using good common sense will go a long way to help you get to your destination safe sound. When Your Car Breaks D o w n
Stay your car and wait for help. Unless yo think there is don't crouch a definite threat coming your your seat to assume your car is empty and pass by. hide. police Activate your emergency flashers and tie a white cloth to your attention of police. antenna or door handle to draw weapon-chemical spray, crowbar, screwdriver-and keep the seat next to you. a tire blows out, consider driving get to until yo a safe place. Know that will probably damage your wheel, so level of danger you it's a decision you have make given feel. It's well worth he money to invest organization like American Automobile Association (AAA), which offers emergency service anywhere.
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A cellular telephone is another good investment, even if used only one time emergency. When A Stranger Offers To Help Remember, predators choose victims they believe to be vul nerable. A stranded motorist, especially a female, epitomizes vulnerability. When someone approaches your car asks what problem i , stay inside keep windows up person to call for help, o r open the hood from inside look while you stay inside with the doors locked. to show identification through the window. assailant will show to you will probably try to talk yo of wanting see it. He might ask you to open door, or use some kind of a ruse to get you outside. Though your precautions might offend some Good Samari tans whose intentions are good, let them be offended; your safety comes first. Another trick assailants thieves hav been using is ta a driver's window or call from curb that ca a flat burned tire taillight. When driver gets to inspect problem, assailant assaults him, ca jumps into leaves. someone tells you there is a problem with your car, drive to a service station then get to look. When The Police Offer To Help Check to ensure that usual markings are on the police car, and the officer is wearing a proper uniform good identification. His car should have the name of the city, state or the county it's from, roof-top lights, a spot light. There is often a slogan car, such as "To Serve And Protect," or name "Police Ca1l911." officer IS badge will usually have of city, county or state. Although there are numerous variations of police uniforms across the United States (some police officers wear blue jeans with uniform shirt), there name plate. should be a badge, shoulder patch the police car is unmarked, look for a flashing light, usually
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red or blue. Ask the officer to hold his badge other identification next to your closed car window take your time examining it. Even plain clothes officers are required to carry proper identification. Police impersonators are not uncommon and often succeed even though they have unmarked car, a poor looking uniform, and unrealistic badge. People are fooled because the police so badly that they fail to recognize want to see most obvious signs of police impersonation. Hitchhikers rule is simple: NEVER pick up hitchhikers or anyone don't know. Although there ar thousands of reports show that hitchhiking is dangerous to hitchhiker, also be hazardous to pick up. It's difficult to up a defense when you are sitting behind steering wheel, maneuverin ca through traffic. Good Samaritans have been robbed, beaten, raped and murdered after picking hitchhikers.
Say Too Much To Strangers Be careful about giving too much informatio n about yoursel to people you don't know. person sitting next to you diner seem harmless, but then again maybe he isn't. Since don't know for sure, avoid giving information about your driving status. Don't tell you are driving alone to visit your sick grandmother. Yo be polite and conversational, be careful to provide an information that could come back to haunt you down road, or parking lo way to your car. Don't
Windows It's not uncommon for people to be assaulted through their open car windows as they wait a stoplight, their attention focused on the passing traffic. first time they are aware a street person or angry motorist is near is when they ge struck face through window.
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This angry motorist takes advantage of another driver.
rolled-down window
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assault
Th sat waiting for the stoplight to change when suddenly wa punched in the ear through his open window motorist f earlier. Before t ha chance to recover from the first punch, was struck several more times the screaming and cursing assailant. Then the attacke grabbed the around the head, pulled through the window, onto the ground where continued to punch an kick him.
stop-and-go traffic, keep your windows rolled opened just slightly. it's warm day, open all your windows inch so to get good air circulation, keep them closed and use It's usually
let your windows down
freeway, country, or long, -stop stretches of road city. But remember to roll them if have stop for construction or when entering area with traffic controls. Ask your mechanic about adding a plastic coating to your
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windows. This will prevent a thief from breaking your windows all wa reaching to grab your valuables, or you. Keep All Your Doors Locked same rule for car windows applies to car doors. Always keep them locked, especially city. Motorists are victim ized everyday by assailants, robbers, carjackers, rapists seize opportunity of unlocked back door or passenger door.
off-duty police officer on his home at :0 am, sat at a stoplight watching several rowdy drunks cross the street front is car. When they got to the sidewalk, one th suddenly ran over and jerked open the officer's unlocked door began to climb in, growling like an animal. The officer immediately pulled his weapon from a shoulder holster pointed it at the assailant, scrambled out, tripped over th curb and fell onto his back. The officer accelerated away as man's friends chased after him.
Always Make Sure Yo Have Enough Gas Here is a guarantee: you will never of gas front of a service station. almost always happens a long stretch of night when it's raining. freeway usually be frightening dangerous predicament, especially when the nearest service station is miles away. Keep gas your tank, least half full and watch gauge. Make a habit of looking every time yo start your car periodically as you drive. Make the half-tank mark point where you add five dollars worth, or get filled. Never off getting gas
The 48-year-old woman was driving alone to a business seminar Albany, York when she ran gas. Michigan truck driver stopped under the guise offering assistance. Instead, raped her then threw from an overpass to death.
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In Shape Keep Your Although most people keep their cars better condition than their own bodies, it's still worth mentioning to keep engine tuned and the tires good shape. As is case with an empty gas tank, cars never break down front of a service station.
t A Light To prevent unwanted visitors, keep your doors locked, windows up When the car i ear, your reaction time will be reduced should you have to move a hurry. Try to time your approach stop lights. you see a red light ahead, slow down so will change to green before you have to stop. When Stopping
assailant says used stand on the curb and look for had rolled down their passenger windows. When women would stop at the light, would reach and grab purse. On occasion, the "victim" drove off throug red light and dragged the assailant for twenty feet. prevent being surprised, stay alert be aware of what is going around you. Sing along with radio if yo must, glance rearview mirror every few seconds to see what or is behind you. To
Are Being Followed Say you have been checking your rearvie mirror every few seconds you notice the same car been behind you for past several turns. Stay lit, busy streets and make two more turns to make sure. you have a cellular phone, call 91 what tell police what is going on, where you are, direction you are heading. Give them a description of your your license plate as much of a description of suspicious car as you are able then follow the police operator' s instructions. There have been numerous instances where victims have been assaulted, raped robbed right their own driveway. Never drive home when you are being followed. Keep driving When
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busy streets look for a police station, fire station, busy store, or any place where there are people a phone. Even there are people your house help, don't show angry motorist where you live. When Forced Off Road you are forced off the road, don't ge of car. Make sure doors are locked and the windows are up. Then lean horn, long and hard. give gunman demands your car, control your anger, to him. Unlike your life, you always get another car. When Parking Finding a parking place is sometimes as lucky exciting as finding a twenty dollar bill. But when you have a choice of places to park, choose a place wher there are lots of people traffic around. Assailants car prowlers are less likely to act when there are witnesses present. you arc a car, try to park next to a van, truck, other large vehicle. prowlers often target cars that are shielded from view by a larger vehicle.
"I between parked cars, says a convicted assailant kidnapper named Miller. "I struck th moment th woman opened car door." Miller suggests you drive up and down parking lanes before choosing a parking place. "If you see someone hanging around between cars, says, "park somewhere else. If it's a shopping mall or a bank, advise security." Once you are parked, do a 360 degree search of your
surroundings before you get out. Is there anyone in the ca next many to you ca front? Behind? Do a quick check of hiding places each parking environment presents: parking structure support pillars, stairwells, sidewalk, building corners, trees, and so on. If anything catches your eye, or anyway makes you feel uneasy, don't get out. Move to another location. Trust your gut" feeling.
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Always lock your car, even if you are just running into convenience store to grab a paper. And never leave engine all running. As logical as that seems, people-victims-do time and they are always shocked when they return from store to find their parking place empty.
The young mother exited the store with bo Pampers only to discover her car-which she had left unlocked motor running, and with her baby in the back seat-gone. Two hours later, the police s w the car speeding and gave chase, knowing there was a baby on b rd. Though the thief subsequently crashed the car, the baby was unharmed. When Returning To Your
Let's say you have your errands are returning to your car. This is th time to let your guard down since it's possible someone new may be area, or someone watched you get earlier been waiting. As you walk toward your car, check your surroundings just as you did before you got out. yo park a highrise parking structure and are planning returning until after dark, consider carrying a large heavy flashlight. only does provide you with light, but it doubles nicely as a clubbing weapon. you feel uncomfortable or see something suspicious, seek a parking attendant, security guard or police officer to accompany you to your front and back seat before you get in. Be sure to look Once in, lock doors keep windows rolled up. Don't take th time to look f r a cassette or light a cigarette. Immedi ately start your car and get rolling. When Pulling Into Your Driveway
As you near your home, watch your rearview mirror for vehicle that be following. there is one, don't go home. Drive to nearest police or fire station, or open business a telephone. where there are lots of people Visually scan the street as you approach your home and check
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If you are being followed, don't go home.
your you r drive driveway way,, sides of your yo ur house, hous e, surrounding greenery for anything of norm. Are there suspicious cars parked along curb near your home? Is garage door different from when you left it? Is front door open? Is dog running around front yard when he is supposed to be fenced back yard? Never
Into A Predator's Car
The young woman was waiting for the bus on a busy bu sy street street corner when the dirty sedan pulled to curb front her. The passenger, without getting out, lifted his shirt so she could see his gun and ordered to get in. She was released later outside town, but not before sh been bee n raped raped and beaten. Every year virtually every major city, men, women children are are found murdered forests remote, secluded
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parts
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town. These victims didn't start
179 these
places-they were driven there.
Never get into predator's car even if he threatens yo with a weapon. someone pulls to curb points gun at you, run in opposite direction scream. someone leaps punch from a car tries to forc forcee you inside, scream, kick like you are possessed by devil. odds f getting raped or killed right there on the street are extremely low, once you
.. Even when threatened with a gun, yo should never ge into an assailant's et in, th car. Statistically he will no shoot you you run away, bu yo odds are high that you will be either raped murdered.
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car, have committed yourself inside odds increase to nearly 100 percent. mind that streets, freew Keep freeways ays,, and an d parking park ing lots provide predators with an endless source of targets and fast escape routes. Be alert as you get into your car, while driving, before getting out, before getting back again.
DEALING WITH
AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS Th flashed his headlights at truck driver nearly passed passed.. The tru t ruck ck driver driver let the when pass then began flashing his lights. When the pulled to he side the road and got hi car, truck driver leaned his window, leveled a shotgun and /ired twice, killing the instantly.
seem as if motorists are more angry and violent were just a few years ago? newspaper newspaper headlines head lines than they were and police records are indication, highway violence is definitely the rise. are so many drivers emotionally volatile and so quick to use their four-wheeled weapons to get even with other drivers? While many freeway commuters believe that drivers are frustrated over today's heavier traffic, psychiatrists say that drivers have always acted because they have a sense of privacy of their vehicles. It's as if anonymity when inside some som e drivers drivers have two two different personalities, personalities , said psychia trist. "The person who curses cu rses and challenges challenges you the th e freewa today, will be a charming person a cocktail cocktail party tonight." ton ight." When two police officers were asked drivers seem more volatile, volatile, each eac h offer offered ed uniqu uni quee perspectives. perspectives. "We "We are a video video game ga me culture," one twenty-two year year veteran said. said. "Peopl "Peoplee swoop back Doesn't
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forth across freeway lanes as they were playing some space-war game a giant video screen, anyone gets enemy." Anot her policeman a different their way is view. "It's coffee," said. "Every corner a late coffee shop that sells double and triple hits of caffeine, so lots of drivers are blasted of their skulls. They have turned into aggressive, revenge driven highway villains high strong coffee." Whether it's due to strong cof ee blends or som e pop psycho logical explanation, fact remains there are dangerous mo torists there and you need to be ready to take necessary precautions s hould you into one First, you need to recognize potential danger signs Lane Swoopers
Swoopers are motorist of traffic like video spaceships darting about and dueling among stars. They sweep from far left lane to far right, crossing three or four lanes with just enough clearance from your fender to raise fine hairs your neck. They never bothe with turn signals because the y swoop too fast and cross too many lanes fo them to have any value. you see a swooper corning behind you, slack o f a little your throttle to create distance between you and vehicle to your front event swoops between. Maintain your speed so will pass. Since his driving s erratic and unpredictable, you need to be especially alert and ready to react. Watch lane ahead as you normally do also watch swooper and other motorists have to respond suddenly to swooper's crazy driving. Don't provoke a swooper by stomping your brakes or is aggressive personality who cutting off. Most likely will feel challenged by your antics and will want to retaliate. a situation with him; don't le make Don't get involved you anxious sweaty. While is your freeway space, drive defensively without provoking a few minutes he will move of your life
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Tailgaters Tailgaters are usually aggressive, competitive personalities who, when taunted, become vindictive Hitting your brakes throwing things your sunroof give you a moment of sweet revenge, will probably add fuel to fire. best way to deal with a tailgater is to just swallow your pride, move of the way, le pass of your life
The husband, wife and young daughter were returning home from a Christmas party when another motorist roared behind them and began tailgating. After a few minutes, the tailgater pulled along side the family and the two drivers exchanged angry words. The tailgater then pulled back and followed for few minutes. lust as the family thought the situation was ov the tailgater fired several shots through their back window, striking th woman and killing her. Say a swooper, tailgater or a car full of teenagers wanting to harass someone, begins to swerv side of your car, throw things you, purposefully their brakes front of you, or gesture for you to pull over. ou need to stay as calm and control as you are able and note their license plate, make of car color. you have a cellular phone call 911 with your location and suspect car information. Sometimes sight of you talking go away. phone will make them cease Bu yo don't have a cellular phone, keep driving Never pull confront over motorist.
The police precinct desk officer was going over reports when frantically ran into the station over to the officer's desk, shouting that a crazy driver was chasing him. moment later, a second burst through the door and leaped on the first man, pummeling with his fists. After several officers pulled the two apart, they learned the incident begun on freeway miles away after the first front the second.
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Realize that when freeway swooper or tailgater passes you disappears down freeway, your contact with them is over will soon be forgotten. But if you let them anger you, some fashion, you you respond create a situation very least will upset you, or escalate into a tragedy. that bottom line with irate or aggressive drivers is to give way Don't honk, don't shout anything, keep all five of your fingers wrapped around your steering column jerk will be of your life a few minutes and you will once again be a happy driver
PART FIVE
RAPE
ACQUAINTANCE RAPE All through history act of rape been controversial, those that didn't. times divided into rapes that mattered For first few thousand years, rape of a virgin was considered a crime against property, and since property was considered damaged, rapist had to repay girl's father price would have br ough in the market place. early what Babylonian and Hebrew societies, a raped woman was either stoned to death or drowned, same punishment given to adulteress. Under William Conqueror, a rapist of a virgin was sentenced to castration and blinding unless victim could be pressured into marrying him. To ay, rape is still controversial, still u ly, and often perceived some different ways by general public, rapist and, cases, victim. of rape Most people are surprised to learn that seven victims know their attacker. Even with proliferation of magazine articles, books, talk shows, academic research, educational programs, many people still have erroneous impression that rape is always committed by strangers lurking shrubs. According to a study by National Institute of Mental largest single group of rapes were de Health (NMIMH), scribed by women as perpetrated by "friends." After friends came husbands, then boyfriends. Roughly 9 percent of all rapes were committed by handy men, neighbors co-workers.
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This lack of knowledge of wh
rapists really are cause fact, they know. women to lower their guard around because many women feel a false sense of comfort with male acquaintance, they tend to sense danger signals (o they just situation as quickly as they would with a total deny them) give brother-in stranger. For example, a woman law, wh comes ove weekend to help move a table, he didn't know. same cautious consideration sh e would a There are people who argue that acquaintance-rape is just "misunderstanding" between NMIMH's study showed that
woman. both acquaintance-rape
stranger-rape situations, 70 percent of victims physically resisted. So would victims of acquaintance-rape figh situation is just a mere misunderstanding? When woman acquaintance-rape situation finally does realize or accept what is happening, the situation is usually critical stage. Even then sh feel awkward be wrong. She doesn't reluctant to get defensive for fear sh want to offend a "friend."
"I trusted everyone," says one woman raped a neighbor she had known for years. This confusion
was brutally
be seen study by NMIMH which found that when rapist was acquaintance, only 11 percent of the women screamed for help early stages of incident, as compared to 31 percent of rapes where attacker a stranger. same study also showed only half as many acquaintance-rape victims tried to away early stages. Keep this fact mind: all acquaintance-rapes happen when woman trusts some point to much. That is, woman into believing contact, misleads is safe with him. It's most important, therefore, to be cautious cognizant of behavior or words that indicates your rights are being violated. It's sad you have to live such a defensive mode, failure to do so result sexual assault. Though
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there are
trusting is Learn
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18
absolute techniques to avoid date rape, being less best defensive measur e you take. Trust Your
ut
"When the hair sticks on the back your neck, that's 200,000 year evolution telling you something. Listen to it," says a veteran police detective. there is absolute, it's that yo must trust your gu feeling, that" sixth sense" that tells you something is wrong. rather your course there is no such thing as a sixth sense, eyes, ears, conscious subconscious mind, education experiences all coming together to activate danger signals that back of you flutter down your spine, stir little hairs neck, and set flashing red lights o your brain. It's imperative you pay attention to these signals and shrug them off with thought, "Oh don't be silly. It's just good '01 Bob." Is there a chance you might be wrong what you are perceiving? Could you be reading something into situation that isn't there? Sure. But what is the worse that happen you are mistaken? ou might offend good '01 ob yo might even embarrass yourself a little. But if your feeling is right, you will have saved yourself physical, psychological emotional trauma of rape. If
"OK, maybe I was stupid, but I needed a ride home," says
twenty-year-old Kim from hospital bed. "He was in three classes at the community college and I'd talked to offered a ride I thought, great. maybe twice before. Whe But I wasn't in his van tw minutes when I started to get a weir feeling. He gave a couple those and down looks that makes your skin crawl asked wanted a beer from th back. That didn't sound bad something was telling I' better get out. When I aske to drop off at the next light, reached over and grabbed breast. Well, I just flashed red. smacked hi hand sped
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an went through a stop light. I was really scared and I wasn't about to wait and see what had planned. So I leaped th door. or 45. I broke m u s t have been going wrist, an ankle and I'm scraped up pretty bad, I got away from him." man's signals and minute Kim was able to detect too soon. While another woman have fought or made her escape after the van had stopped, Kim escaped when mo maybe ment was right for her. She could have waited, would never have had another opportunity to escape he would have been raped, beaten, perhaps murdered. can't judge decision because only she was there reading danger signals. Though she was injured from jump, she still feels good about the decision that prevented from getting sexually assaulted. exhibited danger signals when he first What offered a ride, such a way he looked or a mention of alcohol van. Many women, spite of signals, would have gone with anyway for fear of offending or wanting to look like a frightened woman.
Go Ahead
Be Rude ou must develop a personal philosophy of caring what thinks, especially when perceiving signals from that make you feel uncomfortable. Y r personal safety is mor important than feelings, even he is innocent. doubt feelings hurt before and survived, and he will agam. Another way to think about it is i sexual assaul mind and you perceived his intentions and avoided situation, gives a rip if feels rejected. other hand, you rejected a who's intentions you misread, and he is must be stupid and unawar e o offended by that dangers women are faced with and you don't need your life anyway. Reacting to warn ing signals means that sometimes you are going be rude. So be it. Kim would have felt uncomfort-
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191
able with before she had gotten into his van refused his ride be said she was being rude knowing what happened? you are concerned about being rude to people, you must strive to overcome this rnindset order to react appropriately your perceptions. This be a foreign way of thinking for you, especially you have been raised strictly to always be polit matter what. But you must develop a and never offend, personal philosophy of accepting anyone violating your rights. ou don't this anything; fact, you don't even owe him an explanation. It's your responsibility to ensure doesn't get offended. ''I'm
going after any woman who looks like she knows what's up," says one convicted rapist. Go By Your Feelings, What Your Friends Think Let's say there is a clerk your corner store who has been flirting with you fo months. For three weeks past tw been asking you out, you are getting warning signals. Maybe it's looks you, maybe it's way you have seen look other women customers. Maybe his flirting is a little too sexual, or maybe it's wa interrupts you as what you have say is important. These are big, glarin things, they are enough to make yo think twice about accepting his of r. So you talk over with your girlfriend. /lOh that guy," says enthusiastically. "He's adorable, he's so cute. You're crazy if yo don't go out with him. You're just being paranoid. What do you think he's going to do, rape you?" Maybe, you just don't knOw. All you can do is go by feelings yo get when you see and tal with him. They are your feelings because yo are there judging what yo are experiencing from contact. Trust your feelings, your friend's opinion.
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Clothes Like Wind, Clothes Unfortunately, some women get raped because they are reluctant to f e a situation because their clothing is disarray, stranger-to torn or removed. This phenomena occurs stranger rape as well as acquaintance-rape situation s. Many away with women would rather stay situation than torn clothes. risk of ou have to make the decision whether to being gawked at, or stay situation. Those have fled tell stories that run pas gamut from being laughed sersby, to being treated with dignity respect by others Consider this the victims were viewe when matter they fled, by doing so they escaped rape. Run
Drinker Watch Drink half of all acquaintance rapes, both victim rapist been drinking. Alcohol blunts inhibitions rapist giving alarm signals courage, dulls victim's brain. who has Even if you are a teetotaler, contact with guard. been drinking should immediately Young women are especially vulnerable when drinking is involved. With maturity comes some knowledge of much drink and what the effects are. Young people don't always have that knowledge, as a result, get themselves into situation over their head. Kno that alcohol effects your ability to sense danger Reluctance To Report
Incident
A large percentage of rape and attempted rape incidents go unreported. Whether the victim is a male or female, those choose report the incident do so because they feel shame, fear they won't be believed, concern about reactions from their family, and/or because they want to incident behind them.
just want to forget the whole horrible thing," said a 20-year-old woman who had been ra d, beaten and bit multiHI
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ple times the assail assailant ant.. "It "It doesn't doesn 't bothe think about to get on with life and
19
and I jus want anymore. "
This woman's feelings are common among acquaintance
rape victims and even more so among attempted-rape victims. Acquaintance-rapists Acquaintance-rapists often count on the victim's embarrass reluctance to report he incident. It's common for ment to say something like, "Hey, we know each other. is going to believe you?" This implants a sense of indecision woman that whcn coupled with her embarrassment for being "tricked" makes incident. not want to report Deciding To Submit
Know that
yo make the decision to gIve into ar giving giving consent con sent There is a hug acquaintance rapist, difference between agreeing to have sex because you want submitting because are afraid you will be hurt if you don't. Submitting of fear is a survival technique. If that is your decision, don't second guess yourself later. Yo physical actions submitted because threats indicated your mind that to refuse would resul your being hurt. Fight urge to mentally beat yourself later with "Why didn't "I should have ha ve ... ... " ou did what you did that moment I. .. time based the information you had. ou didn't rape you. ou di to survive.
DATE RAPE There is
sure way to avoid date rape there are numerous precautionary measures that have proven successful over over again. Trust your gut feelings. This is
of
best built-in defenses going for you. When those alarm signals flash your brain, it's imperative you pay attention to them. Yo have been dates before where everything went fine those signals didn't go off. So when they do flash, there is a reason for it. Trust your feelings. mess ages are you yo u sending? Sa Say y "yes" when you really What messages mean yes,
"no" when you reall mean no. Be aware signals you are sending sendi ng with your attitude, attitude , speech, speech, posture, dress, eye contact so on. Though it's your right righ t to act talk, dress any way you want, be aware they might be sending confusing messages to some • Act independent your date. date. Don't sit there like a bump a log with no opin o pinion ion as to where whe re you g what ou do. Don't accept stereotype that women should be passive. yo don't want to do something, say so. have to be assertive about it, know that it's to be so, even if you have to be rude. Know Know that some perceive passivity as acceptance permission to continue what they the y are doing. doing. • Decide
advance
you are going to have sex.
sooner
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you know what you are going to do, sooner knows. communicate your intentions to your date so Ambiguous intentions your part can lead to problems. know ou don't date starts turn bad, let time to be passive or to wait for like it. This is someone to come know loud co me to your aid. aid. Le clear yo don't like what is happening. Leave call a cab or a friend (always have phone cab money).
When
alcohol sensibly. Alcohol makes braver perceivee danger signals minishes your ability to perceiv
di-
• Avoid Avoid dates to secluded areas. areas. It' a good idea a first date to g hiking into the mountains or to take ta ke a long trip to beach. to know person per son first by going dates to places where there ar other people. Meet your
date
the date site. you are all meet date, take your ca uncertain about restaurant or movie. With your car nearby, you will feel more independent and more free to leave date grows sour. you take a cab to date, make sure you have money to get back. cautious you get invited to house. Know it's never a good idea to go to a date's house. Statistically, home is place for for problem prob lemss to arise. It's It 's most likely place turf is very much control. Be
• Just because buys doesn't mean you are obligated to him. you feel feel uncomfortab uncom fortable le saying to sex after paid for dinner, then pay your way. • Find
know about your date. Ask other women or have dated him. yo know from school or work, observe observe carefully to see acts, especially around women.
time again, • First year college students beware. Time are first campus are raped within women
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few weeks few wee ks weekend parties by senior classmen to score with students.
want
To Look Fo A rapist might be wearing a dirty pair of overalls or expensive suit. He might be a gymnastic coach, cable repairman, step father, or cute boy you have wanted to other words, you can't tell a rapist by date all year. looks. But some exhibit certain characteristics indicative of a rapist. Don't trust turn
• •
and aggressive when you say no.
acts excessively excessively jealous of your you r every move mo ve become violent. who thinks women are subservient to him. If
thinks your role is to serve him, hi m,
should
respect your
refusal to have sex? •
makes all of decisions date. A who doesn't allow you what you do sa where yo go probably won't ask your permis sion to have
•
a lot of hostility hostili ty toward women violently when you refuse sexual advances.
react
• A rude talks over over you ignores what you have to say is clearly demonstrating a lack of respect for you. There is reason to think will will respect your "n o."
STAGES OF RAPE Let's break dow act of date five stages examine what yo
acquaintance-rape into do defensively each of
them.
first stage is when you perceive discomforting signals from the man's actions words. In the second stage, attacker is just beginning to use force by grabbing, pushing or preventing you from leaving. third stage is physical assault but not sexual assault, that is, the attacker is hitting and violently restraining you. the fourth stage, attacker is engaging forced sex. fifth stage is when the physical rape is over but the attacker is still present. Issue
Force
have option of resisting or resisting a rapist, a make based decision only you totality the situation ou
women they will resist no matter what, some have decided they will
never fight back, and others have told themselves they will make a decision at the time based elements all situation. There are a few non-force techniques that have occasionally worked fo women, such shouting "fire"!, pre tending to pass out, claiming to b their period, claiming to have a sexually transmitted disease, begging crying. Regarding latter two, know that since rapist wants to control
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dominate you, beggin
crying,
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many cases, will reinforce
fantasies. Statistics show that women resist physically are less likely to be raped as opposed to those beg their attackers for mercy, cry, or just go along with attack. Although fighting attacker greater violence, goes might drive victim along with rape just might be beaten anyway. Studies show that most victims of rape go injured didn't physically resis attack. Resisting In
Five Stages
Stage this stage, your male acquaintance
been sending
subtle o subtle verbal physical message that have refuse your feelings made you feel uncomfortable. Believ ride after work, or say offer to help you move boxes of your basement. does things that off When your first-time date says feign illness or just tell your warning signals, you is saying doing. Then tell don't like what want to go home or back to your car. It's important to show strength this stage. Show your demeanor that yo mean through your language for debate. your decision is Stage 1\vo this stage, his intentions are clear situation is beginning to get physical. Either he didn't give off signals for to ale rt on, or you missed them. is verbally telling intentions, or rubbing your shoulder, or pushing sofa with chest. you back against First, try stay calm. Granted this is easier sai than done, by remaining calm, you will be able to think more clearly react better physically. Say "no" forcefully. This time to be polite wishy washy. A strong "no" be enough to shock into stop-
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ping. Make absolutely clear what yo want. Some women have found success by saying powerful words that have shock value, such as, "Stop. This is rape." What he does after you say "stop" will be extremely important to police and to jury. Stage Two, look fo moment you realize you are avenue of escape. e if there is a specific place to run, such as a store, restaurant, or to a group of people. you are a vehicle, best time escape might be a stop light. yo might use the ruse of asking to get beer, then escape store. you are foot, use a distraction such as a passing car to make your break If you are inside a house, pretend to go along with advances then fake illness, escaping when yo go to the bathroom. you are apartment and hear people hall, cry loudly and for door. Stage Three this stage, the attacker is assaultive. Commonly he will begin by using or more of these techniques: clamp a hand over your mouth, choke you, knock you down, and/or threaten with a weapon. He uses force only to weaken you for rape, to enact his fantasy you have resisted to this point, consider doing so now. is hitting you and choking you, you quickly be so weakened that you are unable to up resistance. Consid er these physical implications of common assaults used rape attacks .
•
hard slap to your face can stun
many vulnerable
nerves just under skin. blow cause pain, confusion, blurred vision, and even unconsciousness. A slap against ear can cause a sensation like a small explosion your head. A slap across your nose eyes make them water so intensely that you become temporarily blind. Many rapes begin with a choke, usually from behind. A
windpipe c h o k e - p r e s s u r e across
front
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throat-will set off
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immediate sense of panic
feeling of impending death. A carotid artery choke, pressure applied against arteries of neck, cause uncon sciousness as little as five seconds. • Getting knocked to ground places you a disadvantage because your mobility strength are reduced. Unless much are trained, it's hard to fight from ground harder to block your assailant's blows. •
knife is used most often to threaten and intimidate. When you are cut, you experience pain, shock and, depend same is true when shot in wound, debilitation. or struck with a club.
• Rapists often place thei hand over victim's mouth. stranger to stranger rape this usually occurs from behind. With date acquaintance-rape, attacker cover victim's mouth straddles her, creating a strong sense of helples of being smothered. These common physical preludes to rape point
glaring weaknesses in many self-defense classes. But before we ge into that, let's look at the next stage. Stage Four Stage Four rape begun. When things have gone this far it's because you have been subdued by rapist's size strength, his deadly weapon, your injury, or you have decided to submit. is threatening yo with a firearm or a knife, go along until opportunity presents itself for you to attack with him. Most practical, street-wise martial arts instructors will tell armed assailant says. Only attempt to to do whatever disarm when you are absolutely convinced you are going to be killed there are no other options. Depending act, there are a variety of positions you be forced into. ou could be your back, stomach,
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kneeling, standing, variation of these positions that places you different heights angles to each rapist other. position change several times. have been overpowered due to size strength, yo have been weakened from assault, will have specific techniques to fight back, techniques that require little strength, y et cause acute pain debilitation, such eye gouges, strikes genitals. throat, and squeezing of Stage Fiv Stage Five physical act is over, least for the moment. Many victims are raped multiple times before they are released stay or manage to escape. Some victims are forced basement back room where they are raped by several rapists over a number of hours or days. Some never escape alive, fortunately those instances are rare. be counted is that yo can't count on thing that what rapist is going to do when he is finished.
ne forced a woman into his car and drove to location where raped her. When finished, drove back to where had picked up. Before th gave his business card and told her to call car, sometime. roll over afterwards have a cigarette, flee door. It's punch ou in the face be uncommon for women who have been raped as speeds away. thrown rapist
woman was beaten and raped multiple times
a park.
Afterwards, thinking she was dea , the rapist covered with leaves. She was found the next day and survived to testify against the rapist. rapist flees
scene, you need to get
of
vicinity
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event returns. Though yo be injured shock, you must draw upon all your inner strength to leave. remains, be thinking of raping you again. variables are many, so your offense escape is dependant what objects are where is, where avenue of escape is available to use as weapons. Let's look at the issue of self-defense. Fighting As discussed earlier, some women have already decide they won't fight back. There are many personal issues that go into friends relatives should never criticize a this decision woman for what she believes is best for her. Other women feel deeply that fighting back is best course to take. They to have come to this decision based personal beliefs self-knowledge as to their strengths, both physical mental. Women who have made the decision to fight need to know how. old axiom " know just enough self-defense to get hurt" may prove to be true if the training is improper. There are country, some hundreds of martial arts schools across excellent, some good, some poor. Unfortunately, even ex cellent schools offer rape prevention programs appli cable to specific needs of rape self-defense. All too often, well-meaning instructors teach technique that fit their stereotypical views of rape. For example, many pro grams rely good-ol'-kick-to-the groin as a staple tech nique. As much as a solid kick there hur ts, it's easy target to and, surprisingly, some ar effected by it. Additionally, are highly protective of their groin area are about to rape are it's probably safe to assume that even more protective of it. To avoid being struck there, all takes is a subtle turn of body kicking foot strikes hip. Reality
Th woman, a karate black belt, stepped front the thief to prevent from leaving with her car stereo. The thief dropped the stereo and raised his hand as to fight. The woman
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20
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snapped a lightning-quick kick to the thief's groin, his front leg inward, taking the kick on his thigh, and run off.
then
turned turned
problem with relying
rapist groin kick is that be positioned with legs spread somewhat, must be a proper angle to smash the testicles into pelvic area. present, those conditions are kick just might enrage rapist more. Though many rape-prevention classes practice kicking is poised directly attacker victim, statistics show that 70 percent of rapes begi front of
Though groin kicks are frequently emphasized classes, it's actually an easy target to miss.
in
women's self-defense
20 with
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WORLD
attack from behind. Even f you get turned around, you
might be too close to kick.
Consideration also needs to be given to the numerous posi tions you be in-seated, supine, kneeling, prone-and many locations a rape can take place-cramped car, narrow hallway, littered alleyway, small apartment. Given various stages, postures and venues, emphasizing technique i wise. Effective Program Here are physical rudiments of rape-defense progra that teaches techniques and concepts that can be modified to work any situation. It's designed for women who are martial artists and be the best physical condition. It's simple, effective and most importantly, most women feel comfortable with techniques just a couple of hours. premise is that no matter attacker grabs you always exposes vulnerable targets somewhere body. For grabs your arm, his legs are vulnerable to be example, if kicked, his eyes are open to be clawed his throat is right there to be struck, a nd so on he grabs your nec with both hands, his groin, eyes, shins, inner thighs and stomach are all exposed. grabs you fro behind and pulls, you mayor be If able to strike immediately, will eventually stop pulling and it 's then that you strike whatever is available. Yelling been used martial arts for hundreds of years to startle assailant and add power to techniques. For purposes here, yelling serves two goals. First, draws attention to what is going on. Criminals such as burglars rapists, prefer to do their crimes quietly so as that hallway, apart to draw attention. When yo shout ment, or car, you want to bring attention to what is going on. But even doesn't, rapist off for fear that will. Secondly, yelling as you deliver a blow forces a sudden exhalation of air caused by a tensing o abdomen muscles. This allows you to focus your strength point of your technique's contact, thus increasing its impact.
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techniques this program are simple and based do naturally. movements most people Kicking front kick is a natural move that involves kicking forward with ball of the foot as if you were kicking a door. rapist's shin, knee, It's especially effective when aimed thigh, groin stomach. Though high kicks look dramati movies, never kick to he head unless rapist is he ground. side kick is delivered a stomping fashion to your side a of your way. with the heel if you were kicking something portion of your foot as you kick the rapists instep, shin or knee back kick is delivered like a mule's kick, again striking heel portion of your foot since it's strongest. When with rapist grabs you from behind, use kick to kick bac into shin, stomp down his foot, or onto his instep slap kick is delivered with top of foot, portion covered by laces of your shoe slap kick i most effective against groin and is delivered by snapping foot upward as if kicking a football. Hands palm strike is delivered with
palm portion of
hand after you pull your fingers back to get them out of
way. a roundthrust straight forward into his fa , slap ou house fashion against his ear, bring down against his nose, or swing it upward into groin. fingers be used to poke, claw, gouge and thrust to rapist's face and eyes. Yo thrust straight forward, rake them in a roundhouse fashion, or use them to claw upwards o downwards. portion of your hand you would The hammer fist uses use to pound a table top. blow is powerful and can be used to hammer downward ont he rapist's face neck, or slam horizontally into his ea techniques are easy to learn because they are That's it.
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Left. When grabbed by the arm, kick straight forward into th at tacker's thigh.
Below. - When attacked from the side, kick outward in stomping fashion into th attacker's unprotected leg.
Right. When grabbed from behind, notice ho he leaves hi legs open or back kick.
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Left. When your shoulder is grabbed, immediately slam the heel your fist down onto th attacker's open face.
Below. - When grabbed, drive your palm into th attacker's nose.
Right. - When choked,
claw with your fingers into the attacker's vulnerable
eyes.
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based familiar.
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natural movement with which women are already
less than ai bags, hour of practice women start to feel confident with techniques. Then when they evaluate different ways they be grabbed-from front, back while ground-they see hand techopenings, and s tart thinking about which foot niques would work best. Since concept is simple techniques are natural, women begin showing proficiency just one class. Although above program proven beneficial after onl more hours a person into training three hours, better. Once a program been learned, twenty minute practice sessions every other week will help maintain proficiency. matter Know that some rapists will be stopped you respond. It's imperative that you don't feel guilty if your submitting or fighting back didn't work. Your goal is to survive, to do so is your greatest achievement.
CANAWOMAN
RAPE A course a
AN
rape another and, fact, male rape victims account for about 10 percent of all rapes. raped? doesn't want to woman rape a have to have a particular anatomical response for Doesn't rape to be successful? fact is, some respond to attack with what termed "masochistic titillation," meaning they respond with physical arousal as a result of being fearful of getting hurt. Then there is issue of psychological coercion, a controversial area that raises be question of whether technically called rape when woman coerces a belittles engages sex. study manhood until showed that 46 percent of women respondents a surprising said they percent of unwanted sex because they were pressured criticized into it. argue that by even saying that There ar some people be raped by women reduces importance of believe this most likely have entire issue of rape. People never seen a victim.
THINK ABOUT THISMEN Though this chapter is directe
ways avoid and defend against rape, would be complete without talking to as to what get them into trouble. would seem that crime of rape would be obvious to all, what constitutes case. Some have been taught, usually by that is example from their fathers and othe male role models, that it's their right as males to take from a woman what they want. Other men, because of naivete or just plain ignorance, believ rape is only committed by strangers leap of shrubs attack pretty college coeds. night these are your beliefs, read, learn, and follow these points • "No" means no. There is way around this and if you keep that the front of your mind, you will avoid a lot problems. Even if you are completely convinced really "no." means "yes," respect • Your height and weight can be intimid ating to woman. say she sex because she was afraid of woman your physical size • Know that woman be unsure of what she wants. you apply pressure, you might be forcing her. • A "no" is
necessarily a personal rejection. For whatever
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reason, she is simply choosing particular time
to have sex
21
that
doubt about intentions, ask. yo don't understand what she is communicating, stop get clarified. might break the mood, will keep you of trouble and save from potential trauma. When
• Know that rape is a crime of violence. People rape are motivated by a need to dominate control. Rape is a serious crime, one that is looked down upon even by lowliest co prison. • Your date might want a different kind of intimacy. Though sh be indicating some kind of sexual intimacy, she want to go as far as you. You must not push further than sh wants to go. • Control your sexual urge. Kno that your sexual desire distort your perception of what she wants. You can't help feeling desire, you absolutely must control your actions. • It's illegal to take advantage of a woman who is incapable mental faculties of giving consent. she doesn't have to refuse y o u - t h i s includes intoxication-and you have sex with her, you can be arrested for rape. • Your intoxication is a defense to rape. You will still get charged for rape because the law says you are responsible or your actions. • It doesn't matter if you bough dinner, that she teased you, that she dressed sexy, or you have had sex with before. she doesn't want to, you can't force her.
STALKING There have been cases where celebrities have been relentlessly pursued for months, sometimes years by obsessed, dangerously sick people who have committed burglary, assault, even murder. Over the past few years, famous celebrity cases, such s David Letterman's and Jodie Foster's, have brought crime of stalking into the limelight. Though celebrity stalking gets all the media attention, statistics show accounts for less than 20 percent of all cases. Around 30 percent of stalking cases involve minor celebrities, such as local television newscasters. remaining, largest percentage, involves ordinary people Though stalking has gotten lots of publicity recent years, it's phenomena. fact, the Committee Judiciary of the United States estimates that around 200,000 people the United States are stalked each y r. Committee predicts that around 6 million women will be stalked some point their lives Los Angeles Police Department has broken stalkers into three categories. • Erotomania is the smallest category, consisting of people wh think person they are stalking is deeply love with them. These stalkers are usually women wh most often target actors and politicians. • Love Obsession accounts for over 40 percent of stalkers.
HO
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Most are
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believe the
make their victims love
them
• Simple Obsession is the largest group, primarily males. They are usually known to their victims and are most likely of three categories to turn violent. No matter which category stalkers come from, they have a strong need control their objective. Whether their motive is revenge, some distorted sense of love, or a need to hurt their victims, they want to demonstrate their power of control. Being object of a stalker can take a tremendous psycho logical toll you. Though it's traumatic to be burglarized or to have your car stolen, such crimes usually happen only once or twice. Stalking, however, is on-going. In fact, it' uncom for stalking incidents to go for several years. When the stalker is rejected turn to love fascination hatred rage. When that happens, stalker is only mental state highly capable of obsessively focused, is violence. she was preparin for bed, a 47-year-old woman was goin through usual routine checking her door locks shutting the living room lights. Suddenly a hail bullets exploded through her front windows, showering the room with , and shattering lamps, pottery and picture frames. wo days later, 45-year-old ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking for months, was arrested for the drive-by shooting.
While stalking laws allow the police arrest stalkers, incar ceration mayor stop them. A person functioning under threat of psychological obsessiveness won't be deterred by jail. Some stalkers continue their harassment from behind bar via letters and telephone calls. Once free, the stalking begins again. Police departments have little or no resources to personally protect every victim of a stalker. Most police agencies have to
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strain to l all their patrol districts each every shift There are never enough police officers to act as someone's personal bodyguard. This means that if you become the victim of a stalker, you your own. police will wor with yo most likely will be as much as they can given existing laws, as has been stated several times this text, your day to day safety will be your responsibility. All the techniques discussed throughout this text will help you, to include: • Secure your home • Use a rental mailbox • Alarm your ca unlisted telephone Be cognizant of your surroundings
a club, chemical spray, or a firearm • Tell your friends
to give
your address or telephone
number
If your work place has a security officer, tell
about
• Vary your routine a big dog Resist the temptation to call 911 every time something happens. Call only when incident is threatening to life or property, still document every incident. stalker calls you, make a note of the date, time and what was said. stalker is following you, make a note of it. he talks to a fello employee, or to your children, or mails you a package, make note. Careful documentation of each incident, no matter small, will be invaluable when you go to court because
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21
burden of proof will be you, the victim. better your documentation of what has been going on, the better chance judge will do something to help you.
A FINAL
THOUGHT
Your safety survival is your responsibility That is a frightening thought whcn ou think about it, especially these days when so many people try to shirk their responsibilities and pass them to someone else. But your personal safety is one area where you can't just sit back and hope someone else takes care of things for you. After all, you the matter your body. have a personal interest frightening danger complain all day about ou some parts lives are, complaining wishing were different won't change anything. Doing something about will. First you must develop a strong mental attitude about how you are going to live Yo must adamantly believe that you have a right to live your life peacefully and that no onc a right to hurt you or take what is yours. Yo are going to cower behind closed doors shake your boots. When you develop a powerful philosophy that you are going to stand idly by le predators take over, you will have fight mind se back. Secondly, you must educate yourself as to to fight back. Yo r education begins by staying informed as to what the crime problems arc your city, your neighborhood, and your involved with organizations that work crime block. issues: neighborhood watch groups, court watch, police/com munity organizations, PTAs, and so on. Take self-defense classes and, if you choose to get a weapon, learn to use it.
21
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Read books such as this one the issue of safety then discuss what you learn with your family and friends. Learn to count yourself because the police, your friends, family, and neighbors are always there to help you. Know that when trouble comes your way, will probably be when yo are all alone. Shoulder the responsibility for your safety, take the time and effort to kno to be safe a dangerous world.
ABOUT AUTHOR Loren W Christensen began his career law enforcement 1967 as a military policema the US Army 1972 joined Portland Police Bureau Oregon where still works today. He has worked virtually every j Bureau, including as in Gang Enforcement Team, Dignitary Protection, structor officer survival. is considered expert police defensive tactics skinhead street gangs. Loren holds several black belts karate, jujitsu, arnis seven books and has written dozens of articles martial arts.
-Notes---
