Midwestern State University PD Presents

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Midwestern State University PDPresents
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Crime Prevention Seminar
Presented By Michael J. Hagy Chief of Police
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The Definition of CRIME PREVENTION
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Crime Prevention is the anticipation,
recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the
initiation of some action to remove or reduce it.
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Three things are needed for a crime to occur
Crime Preventions main goal is to reduce the
opportunity through awareness and pro-action
OPPORTUNITY
ABILITY
CRIME
DESIRE
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MSUPolice Department

• Personal Safety
• Recommendation

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Personal Safety
The following precautions should be adopted
within a cultural/gender context. They will not
guarantee safety, but they will minimize criminal
opportunities.
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In your Home or Apartment

• During hours of darkness, have lights on at all
  entrances.
• Have a wide-angle door viewer (190 degrees) on
  all solid exterior doors.
• Have good locks on doors - and use them.
• Use the first letter of your first name on
  mailboxes and in telephone directories.
• Ask a male relative or friend to record your
  answering machine message.

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In your Home or Apartment

• Do Not leave messages on your answering machine
  advertising you are away from your residence.
• Do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.
• Do not let strangers in to use the telephone.
  Offer to make the call for them.
• Do not hide extra keys outside your residence.
• Never give personal information to telephone
  solicitors.

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In your Home or Apartment

• Use secondary locking devices on all windows and
  doors.
• Know your neighbors, know who you can trust and
  depend upon.

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In your Vehicle

• Keep your vehicle in good working condition and
  at least half full with gas.
• Always park in visible well-lighted areas.
• Have your keys ready when you approach your
  vehicle.
• When you approach your parked vehicle, do a
  visual inspection checking the area around your
  vehicle and beneath it.
• Always look in the rear floor board of your
  vehicle before entering.

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In your Vehicle

• Valuables should be kept out of sight or locked
  in the trunk.
• Exercise caution when parking in underground or
  enclosed parking structures.
• When stopped in traffic, allow space between your
  vehicle and the one in front of you so you can
  drive away if necessary.
• If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts
  to get in, honk your horn and try to drive away.

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In your Vehicle

• Be caution of individuals asking for directions.
• Do Not stop to assist stranded motorist. Instead
  go to the nearest phone and call for help.
• Do Not pick up hitchhikers.
• If you have a flat tire, drive on until you reach
  a well-lighted, well-traveled area.

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In your Vehicle

• Situation- You think someone is following you.
• Drive to the closest Police or Fire Station.
• Drive to a business that is open and call the
  police
• DO NOT leave your vehicle unless you are sure you
  can get into a building safely.
• DO NOT drive to your residence.

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In your Vehicle

• Situation - Your vehicle becomes disabled
• Activate your hazard lights.
• Raise the hood of your vehicle.
• Tie a handkerchief to the door handle.
• Be very caution of all individuals who stop to
  help
• Ask them through a closed window to call the
  police for you.

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In your Vehicle
Bump and Rob Criminals sometime stage motor
vehicle accidents, with the intent to rob you.
These are known as Bump and Rob accidents. If
you are involved in a minor accident under
suspicious circumstances, stay in your vehicle
with your door locked and windows up and wait for
the police. If you feel you are in danger, then
write down the license plate number of the other
vehicle in the accident and drive to a safe
location and call the police.
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In your Vehicle
Cellular Phones can be helpful in the event of an
emergency. If you can afford it - Get one. It
may save you from danger.
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In your Vehicle

• You should have the following items in your
  vehicle.
• Flashlight First Aid Kit
• Maps White cloth
• A can of Fix-a-flat Fire extinguisher
• A blanket during cold weather
• Before you travel you should plan your route and
  inform somebody of the route you plan to take.

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On the Street

• You should NEVER hitchhike.
• Be careful using outside ATMs, especially those
  in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Be aware of your surroundings, listening to
  music with headphones while you walk or jog
  impairs your ability to remain alert.
• Avoid being on the street alone at night.
• Always face on-coming traffic when running or
  jogging.

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On the Street

• Avoid being on the street under the influence.
• If you carry a purse, carry it close to your
  body. Only carry the amount of money or credit
  cards than you need. If your purse has a
  shoulder strap, be prepared to let go, or you may
  be knocked down and hurt.
• Men might consider carrying their wallet in a
  front pocket, or a second wallet with a small
  amount of cash.

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In a Building

• You should avoid isolated hallways.
• Be extra careful in stairwells or poorly lighted
  facilities (especially restrooms).
• Be aware of your surroundings, avoid getting on
  elevators that are occupied by only one other
  person, who is a stranger.
• When on a elevator, stand close to the controls
  and locate the emergency button.
• If you are on an elevator and are assaulted or
  feel uncomfortable, press as many floor buttons
  as possible.

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On Public Transportation

• You should stay awake and alert.
• Sit as close to the driver as possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Dont tell strangers where you are going.
• If you sense someone is following you when you
  get off, go to an area where there are other
  people or to any open business and ask for
  assistance.

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The information provided in this presentation is
from The Law Enforcement Officers Complete
Crime Prevention Manual Published by The
American Crime Prevention Institute.