Advice from a Police Officer

Victim Prevention

 

Everyday, innocent people become victims of violent crime.  This could be a physical attack or being robbed, for example.  There are several things you as a citizen can do to protect yourself. 

 

First and foremost is using the “buddy system”.  Go on evening or early morning walks with a friend.  This provides a double edge sword and for an unattractive target to the intent aggressive individual.  Going in pairs, or larger, creates unfavorable odds for the assailant as he/she could be counter attacked, or provide for several witnesses that would lead to their eventual capture.

 

It is fair to say that an individual that is randomly attacked can use means to protect themselves or someone else.  This doesn’t provide for an all out counter assault and when the proposed victim gets the upper hand the assault should not continue, otherwise the initial victim could be held liable for assault charges.  While this does seem unjust, the citizen can detain the suspect for police apprehension. If more than one person is a part of your “walking party” then multiple people can detain the suspect(s) until the police arrive.  In essence, once the suspect has been detained by the citizen, then the means for obtaining the upper hand has to stop.

 

That being said, a citizen trained in martial arts or other independent self defense tactics provides for a self sufficient individual when confronted one on one with an armed or unarmed assailant.  A citizen trained in self defense is a major problem for an assailant. Self defense training tends to be rigorous and self gratifying when completed.  It also gives the citizen a measure of satisfaction and confidence, knowing they have the tools to protect themselves if an individual attack is encountered.  This type of training also promotes physical fitness and strength, which benefit the citizen in several other ways. 

 

Sprays, electronic devices, and other tools are available for the public to purchase for, in most instances, little money and little training.  Pepper type sprays are a commonly located item in retail stores.  There are always things to consider when purchasing a self defense device.  In regards to sprays consider the type such as pepper, OC, CN, CS, etc.  It would be a good idea to research each of these before buying one.  I know from first hand experience that they all work very well.  The problem is that a bad guy can fight through this if they are dedicated and you run a high risk of getting it on you when it is sprayed.  However their typical low cost and availability make for them very attractive to the citizen. Taser International sells a civilian electronic device that is about the size of an electric shaver.  This is a high end cost to the citizen; however provides a more than adequate bang for the buck.  Training on this item is almost essential, but rest assured, if you need to use it, and succeed (one on one) you will more than likely get away.  The taser incapacitates the suspect, which essentially paralyzes them, which allows for you to drop the unit, and run.  Taser International will replace your unit if used in this fashion.  There are some restrictions on this unit in terms of availability and should be researched by the citizen prior to purchasing.  None the less, it is top of the line and is a very effective tool.

 

The most important thing to remember is to not to make yourself an easy target.  Consider this:

• Avoid dark areas alone
• Avoid going to an ATM on foot alone
• Survey areas prior to entering them.  Look for suspicious behavior.
• Acknowledge that voice that says “something is wrong” until you can confirm otherwise.
• Always have a plan in place or an escape route planed.

 

These are just a few things you can do to make yourself a less attractive target for a suspect.  The biggest part of the equation prior to a persons crime occurring is the target attractiveness.  The less attractive of a target you are, the less likely something will occur.  Take self defense classes; walk with a group, and having self defense devices in place make you the threat, and the would-be attacker will in most cases look elsewhere for an easier target.

 

*note: These are views from an individual police officer.  They are not intended to reflect the views of other officers and are not scientific. Article created 11/10/08.