Personal Safety Tips



Personal Safety Tips

Protecting yourself

Be prepared to physically and psychologically protect yourself. A good way to prepare is to think ahead. Here is a list of suggestions to help you do that.

1. Think through how you usually react to crisis situations. Do you flee, freeze, or fight? Think of a few past examples to see if there is a pattern. You can change how you react by practicing a different response if needed.

2. Talk to others about ways to handle confrontations and rehearse alternatives.

3. There is no right or wrong way to react. Every situation is different. The best response depends on a combination of factors such as the location, the assailant, presence of weapons, your personal responses, etc.

Walking

4. Plan and use the safest and most direct route.

5. Choose well-lighted streets at night.

6. Stay alert to your surroundings; look confident and purposeful.

7. Become familiar with businesses that are open late.

8. If you feel uneasy, go directly to a place where there are other people.

9. Walk with a friend if possible, particularly at night.

10. Carry your keys and money in a pocket, not in a purse or wallet.

If you are being followed by someone in a car:

Turn around and walk quickly in the opposite direction. Try to obtain the license plate number and a description of the car and call the police.

If you are being followed by someone on foot:

Turn around to let the person know you see them. Immediately cross the street and walk or run toward a place where there are other people. Call the police or get someone else to call for you.

In cases involving verbal harassment:

Ignore it and walk away. If you are alone at a bus stop, proceed to the next stop if there are other people there.

Your car

11. Drive with car doors locked and windows closed.

12. Keep your wallet, purse, and valuables out of view while driving. Do not leave them next to you on the seat.

13. If you see another motorist in trouble, do not stop. Call the police for assistance.

14. Park in well-lighted areas. Look around before you get out of your car.

15. Put valuables and packages in the trunk before you arrive at your destination.

16. Always lock the doors, no matter how soon you plan to return.

17. When returning to your car, have the door key in hand. Look inside before you get in.

To be added to our crime alert list, send an e-mail request with your contact information (name, address, phone, fax, e-mail address) to us through our contact information above.

At home

18. If there is a stranger at your door, never indicate that you are home alone.

19. Do not open the door to anyone you do not know without verifying their identity. Identification cards can be slipped under the door.

20. If someone wants to use your phone, offer to make the call yourself while the person waits outside.

21. Never let a stranger through an apartment security entrance.

22. Do not give any information to "wrong number" callers. Ask, "What number are you calling?"

23. Never tell an unknown caller that you are home alone.

24. Verify the identity and intent of those calling for information about you by calling the person’s agency.

25. Hang up immediately if you receive unwanted calls. Do not say anything. If the calls continue, keep a record of the date, time, and content of each call. Then notify the police and the phone company.

Face-to-face confrontations

When faced with danger, trust yourself. Your single most effective weapon is your own judgment. Rely on it to choose what you think is the best response at the time, whether it is to:

|run |verbally assert yourself |

|stall |scream to attract attention |

|not resist |distract or divert the assailant |

|negotiate |physically resist—fight off the attacker |

Always evaluate your resources and options. Continue to assess the situation as it is occurring. If the first strategy chosen is not working, try another.

Tips on Personal Safety in Parking Lots and Ramps

Before you park:

26. Put valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination.

27. Drive with your car doors locked and windows closed.

28. Keep wallets and purses out of view while driving. Don't leave them next to you on the seat.

29. Park in a well-lighted area of the lot or ramp.

30. When you can, park your car as close as possible to an exit in a ramp, or near the attendant’s office in a lot.

When parking:

31. If you must leave your key with attendant, leave only your car key.

32. Check parking ramp or lot for security, video cameras, regular patrols, or escort services.

After you park:

33. Do not leave any valuables where they can be seen from outside the car.

34. Keep your parking stub.

35. Walk in the center of the ramp roadway. Display a confident and positive attitude.

36. If someone tries to break into your car, honk horn repeatedly.

When returning to your car:

37. If possible, return to your car with an escort or in a group.

38. Have your door key in hand.

39. Look around and inside your car before you unlock the door and get in.

40. Once inside the car, lock your door and start your engine. Start moving the car as soon as possible after you have become situated.

41. If you are being followed while driving, go to the closest police or fire station and honk your horn, or drive to an open business or gas station where you can safely call the police.

To be added to our crime alert list, send an e-mail request with your contact information (name, address, phone, fax, e-mail address) to us through our contact information above.

Tips on Preventing Auto Theft and Theft From Auto

If you must own a car, these are the most effective habits you can form to prevent being a victim of an auto-related crime:

• Lock your car doors and close your windows.

• Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you do, make sure they are kept out of plain sight—hide them under a blanket, or better yet, lock them in your trunk.

• When transporting valuables, place them in the trunk before you get to the location where you intend to park. Don’t transfer them at the parking place in open view of other people.

• If you have a garage, use it.

• Don’t leave your garage door opener on the dashboard or front seat. Put it in your glove box, hide it, or take it with you.

• Always park in a well-lighted area.

• Use slide or portable mounts on add-on radios, citizens’ band radios (CBs), tape decks, and telephones. When you leave your car, put them in the trunk or take them with you.

• Mark radios, CBs, tape decks, telephones, batteries, wheel covers, and tires with an Operation Identification number. If the stolen item is found later, the number can be traced back to you. To enroll in Operation ID, contact Community Crime Prevention/SAFE at 673-3204.

• Remember: briefcases, sunglasses, clothing, keys, gym bags, and small change are all tempting to a thief.

• Leave only the ignition key with the parking attendant in a commercial parking lot.

• Keep your driver’s license and vehicle registration with you. Left with the car, the documents can be used by a thief to impersonate you when transferring the car’s ownership.

• Car keys left at home (or at your business) should always be hidden. This will help prevent the theft of your vehicle if you are burglarized.

• There are locks made for various marketable parts of cars. Battery locks, wheel locks, and special tape deck lock mounts can save these items plus any damage that may occur in the process of stealing them.

• Install a locking gas tank cap to help prevent gasoline theft and limit a thief’s driving range to one tank.

• Park the front wheel turned sharply to the right or left, making it difficult for the professional thief to tow your car away backwards.

• With front wheel drive cars: When you park pull on the emergency brake and place your vehicle in Park. If you have a stick shift, pull on the emergency brake and shift into forward or reverse gear. All four wheels will be locked, making it difficult for a thief to tow your car.

• Call 911 as soon as theft occurs.

Personal Safety in Your Car

1. When driving your car, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up.

2. If you stop in traffic or at a light, keep your car in drive and stay alert.

3. Never pick up hitchhikers.

4. Travel on well-lighted, busy streets. Avoid unsafe areas.

5. Check your daily routes—look for safe places to stop, such as police or fire stations, all-night convenience stores, or gas stations.

6. If you are being followed, go up to a public place and call 911. Don’t bring the problem home with you.

Anti-Theft Devices

42. Engine Disabler or Kill Switch: This well-hidden switch is installed so when turned on, it cuts power to your starter.

43. Armor Collar: A metal shield that locks around your steering column, which prevents tampering with the ignition switch or starting mechanism. This prevents "hot-wiring" a car because the area is inaccessible.

44. Hood Lock: A hood lock prevents a thief from stealing parts under the hood or disconnecting anti-theft devices.

45. Fuel Switch: When turned on, this mechanism stops the flow of fuel from the fuel pump so the car will only go a short distance and then quit.

46. Time Delay Switch: This is a power cut-off device which, unless a switch is turned off, will disable your car shortly after it's started.

47. Time Delay Ignition: This device will activate your ignition only after a preset time has passed. There is no way to activate the ignition before the preset time has elapsed.

48. Clutch and Brake Lock: This mechanism, used only on manual transmission vehicles, locks the brake pedal and the clutch pedal together so one can't be operated without the other.

49. Brake lock on Hydraulic System: This is a mechanism which, when activated, locks on all four brakes and makes it difficult to move or tow the car, even if the engine is started.

50. Alarm Systems: These can have many features. Some of these features are:

❑ Keyless entry that enables you to open and lock the vehicle while arming or disarming the system. It could also allow you to open the trunk remotely.

❑ Electric scan prevention stops the use of scanning tools to duplicate your remote’s signal.

❑ Passive arming—if you forget to arm your alarm, it will arm itself automatically.

❑ Built-in kill switch that disables the ignition.

❑ Built-in fuel cut-off switch.

❑ A loud horn or siren that can be activated from the remote. This acts as a panic alarm.

❑ An impact sensor that sets off the alarm before the glass breaks.

❑ A proximity sensor that warns people when they get too close to the vehicle.

❑ A hood sensor that sounds the alarm if someone is tampering with the hood.

❑ A remote notification device that tells owner if the alarm is going off.

❑ An LED warning light that notifies a car thief that your alarm is activated.

❑ Remote starting devices that will allow you to warm up your vehicle in the cold without the threat of someone stealing it.

More expensive alarm systems can include:

51. Remote control of the vehicle: If the driver does not enter a code before starting, the alarm company is alerted and tracks the vehicle. With this system, the police can shut off the vehicle so the thieves can’t escape. It also allows the owner to call the alarm company and shut off the car in case of a carjacking.

52. This technology allows the owner to call and have the door opened or the vehicle started anywhere in the world.

53. It will tell you where you are within 10 feet of your exact location and give you directions on how to get to your destination.

Before you buy a alarm system, contact your insurance company. With the right features, you may qualify for a discount.

Bar Locks attach to the steering wheel and block the ability to steer the vehicle. They can also stop the theft of the air bag. This tool can be enhanced with the use of a shield that makes it more difficult to cut the steering wheel and remove the bar lock.

Wheel Locks are an inexpensive way to prevent the theft of your vehicle’s wheels and tires.

Window Film can increase the strength of your side and rear windows.

Etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into Your Window Glass is a way of keeping the vehicle from being stolen for the glass parts.

A Locking Gas Cap prevents thieves from stealing the gas or refilling the gas tank if they steal the vehicle. For added convenience, many of the locking gas caps with combination access also provide a locked place to hide the vehicle’s extra set of keys.

Helping Police Recover Your Stolen Vehicle

1. Don’t keep your title, identification, or credit cards in your car.

2. Know your license plate number and keep your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with your business records.

3. Hide your business cards or address stickers with your name in places such as under the hood of your car and under the floor mats or seats. Also drop them in window channels inside the doors. Another option is etching your VIN number on one or more windows.

4. Be sure to call 911 and report your car stolen as soon as possible. Also, be willing to assist in prosecution.

Spotting Stolen Automobiles

Most stolen cars are driven through the streets regularly—and thieves may be using them to commit other crimes. You can spot many of these cars and report them immediately to the police. Look for:

54. Vehicles being operated without ignition keys

55. Broken plastic or holes in side of steering column

56. Broken window glass.

57. Dirty tags on shiny cars, or new bolts on old license plates.

58. Persons offering to sell cars or accessories at less than their regular value.

Convenience Device

Credit Card Key:

This is a special plastic card that holds two keys (also plastic) which you can have cut to fit your door and ignition system. Carry it with you in case you lose your regular set of keys. Available at any lock and key shop.

For a personal safety presentation to your company, building, neighborhood association or other group, please call your Downtown Command SAFE Team via the contact information above.

To be added to our crime alert network, send an e-mail request with your contact information (name, address, phone, fax, e-mail address) to our contact information above.

Tips on Personal Safety in Parking Lots and Ramps

Before you park:

59. Put valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight before you arrive at your destination.

60. Drive with your car doors locked and windows closed.

61. Keep your wallet and purse out of view while driving. Do not leave them next to you on the seat.

62. If you have the option, choose a lot or ramp that is well-lighted.

63. Park in a well-lighted area of the lot or ramp.

64. When you can, park your car as close as possible to an exit in a ramp, or near the attendant’s office in a lot.

When parking:

65. If you must leave your key with attendant, leave only your car key.

66. Check parking ramp or lot for security protection, such as video cameras, regular patrols, or escort services.

After you park:

67. Do not leave any valuables where they can be seen from outside the car.

68. Keep your parking stub.

69. Walk in the center of the ramp roadway. Display a confident and positive attitude.

70. If someone tries to break into your car, honk horn repeatedly.

When returning to your car:

71. If possible, return to your car with an escort or in a group.

72. Have your door key in hand.

73. Look around and inside your car before you unlock the door and get in.

74. Once inside the car, lock your door and start your engine. Start moving the car as soon as possible after you have become situated.

75. If you are being followed while driving, go to the closest police or fire station and honk your horn, or drive to an open business or gas station where you can safely call the police. Do not drive home or pull over to the side of the street.

For a personal safety presentation to your company, building, neighborhood association or other group, please call your Downtown Command SAFE Team via the contact information above.

To be added to our crime alert network, send an e-mail request with your contact information (name, address, phone, fax, e-mail address) to our contact information above.

Mace, Screech Alarms, Stun Guns and Handguns

Mace (Spray Aerosols)

"Mace" is a term that is many times applied to all types of defensive spray aerosols. The decision to purchase and use "mace" is a personal one. The Minneapolis Police Department and Community Crime Prevention/SAFE would like you to consider the following before buying "mace":

76. You must carry it in your hand. It does you no good in the bottom of your purse or pocket.

77. Some people are not affected by "mace". This is especially true for mentally deranged individuals or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

78. The use of "mace" on a suspect may increase the severity of the attack if it irritates but does not stop the suspect.

79. "Mace" may be taken away and used against you.

80. Wind conditions may cause "mace" to blow back, resulting in personal discomfort.

81. Having a substance such as "mace" may create a false sense of security. You must continue to practice good personal safety habits even if carrying "mace".

If you have decided to purchase "mace," please follow these recommendations:

82. Store "mace" as you would any other weapon. Keep out of the reach of children.

83. Carry it in hand and be prepared to use it.

84. If attacked, spray directly into both eyes or the face of the assailant.

85. Test it in a safe area at least once every month. At temperatures of 10 degrees or lower, it may freeze. If left in a hot car or direct sunlight, the canister may burst or leak. Seamless canisters are less susceptible to this problem.

86. Although quite rare, certain individuals may experience an allergic reaction to these products. Check with your doctor if you are concerned about an allergic reaction.

87. Learn proper first aid techniques in case the product is accidentally discharged. Read manufacturer's recommendations.

88. The Minneapolis Police Department has researched numerous eye-irritant products. Those containing CS (a concentrated form of tear gas) as an irritant are most effective.

89. "Mace" has a shelf life of about 2 years. Some brands of "mace" have an expiration date stamped on the canister.

Screech Alarms

Screech alarms are devices that are capable of producing high-pitched, extremely loud and piercing noises. They may be battery or aerosol powered and are activated in several different ways (push buttons, switches, pull pins, etc.). Screech alarms are designed to attract attention to yourself and the problem you may be encountering. Normally, an assailant does not want to attract attention or witnesses and will usually flee if too much attention is encountered.

Please consider the following points:

90. If you are routinely in situations where it is not likely someone is close enough to hear, you may wish to consider alternative safety measures.

91. The screech alarm must be readily available for use, not buried in the bottom of a purse or pocket, or somewhere else you cannot use it at a moment's notice.

In appropriate situations, Community Crime Prevention/SAFE recommends screech alarms from the standpoint that they are safe to have in your home, have very little liability attached, basically cannot be taken away and used against you, and provide a reasonable amount of personal safety.

Stun Guns

Stun guns are small electrical devices (battery operated) that are capable of emitting high-voltage shocks. The result is hopefully to distract or stun an attacker while you escape. Community Crime Prevention/SAFE would like you to consider the following before you buy a stun gun:

92. To be effective, the stun gun must make contact with the skin or body. Leather or heavy clothing can prevent this contact with the body, making the overall usefulness of this device questionable.

93. Additionally, one needs to be within arm's reach of an attacker to use the stun gun. This closeness increases your risk of harm.

94. The stun gun could be taken away and used against you.

These factors lead Community Crime Prevention/SAFE to the conclusion that stun guns do not provide the average person with a desirable level of personal safety.

Handguns

Community Crime Prevention/SAFE does not recommend the use of handguns for self-defense on the street or home.

There are several reasons why we discourage the use of handguns for self-protection at home:

95. Handguns can present very serious safety considerations around the home.

96. Almost all break-ins occur when no one is home. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of handguns are stolen in burglaries and then used by criminals in committing other crimes.

97. You may be liable for any injuries or damage caused by the misuse of a handgun.

98. Marksmanship is a skill and responsibility that takes considerable time to develop and maintain.

99. A handgun can be used against you in an attack if it is taken away from you.

100. Having a handgun can create a false sense of security. It is still important to practice good security habits.

Most importantly, if you decide to purchase a handgun, we strongly recommend that you attend a certified firearms safety class to learn the proper use, maintenance, and storage of your weapon. Contact your local police department for information concerning firearms safety classes.

As an alternative to handguns, we encourage people to develop good personal safety and home security habits as outlined in our Personal Safety Workshops and Home Security Demonstrations.

For a personal safety presentation to your company, building, neighborhood association or other group, please call your Downtown Command SAFE Team via the contact information above.

To be added to our crime alert network, send an e-mail request with your contact information (name, address, phone, fax, e-mail address) to us via our contact information above.

Workplace Security and Personal Safety

for Employers and Employees

A good workplace security plan doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. These are a few basic guidelines that you can follow to help make your office a safer place for yourself and your co-workers.

Develop clear safety policies and procedures

● In developing an office security plan, invite input from employees through meetings or a survey. You can also get assistance with your plan from Community Crime Prevention/SAFE or RECAP.

● Set procedures for handling phone threats such as stalking, bomb threats, harassing phone calls.

● Have an evacuation policy with one floor monitor for each floor or work area to assist with fires, bomb threats, or possible dangerous intruders in the building.

● Report all suspicious incidents to security or the police department by calling 911. Make police reports on all thefts or break-ins. This helps the police and your security service establish crime patterns.

Limit access

● Maintain good office traffic control with signs limiting public access to work areas. A sign may state that visitors or delivery people must check in at the front desk. Passes could be issued to authorized visitors and/or a sign-in sheet used. Request that staff receiving visitors come to the front desk to escort them.

● Block passage to inner offices or work areas by a locked “gate” or inner door. Provide an automatic bell, buzzer, or other noise-making device to signal the opening of this entry door or gate.

● Inspect your office building to make sure it is well-lit with no dark areas that would invite crime.

● Consider using a spot in your office that could be made into a “safe room” that would contain a telephone and locks on the inside. A staff person who is in jeopardy could retreat to this room to call 911.

Control your inventory

● Establish a key control system for all locks and hardware. Limit key assignment to authorized personnel and maintain a current list to indicate who has keys. Change locks if a key was lost or was retained by a former employee. Consider installing a computerized card access system.

● Provide a safe or other locked area for storing key company documents, equipment, valuables and employee possessions. Be sure not to store keys to locked cabinets in places that would be obvious to burglars. Provide cable locks for laptop computers and implement clear policy that the locks be used.

● Maintain an up-to-date inventory of equipment, listing serial numbers and descriptions. Mark same with an Operation Identification number, which you can get from Community Crime Prevention/SAFE.

What employees can do

● Read the company’s security plan, if your company has one.

● Be alert for strangers in the building. Immediately notify the proper person or security personnel if you notice suspicious individuals loitering around the lobby, waiting areas, or private offices.

● Assure proper identification of visitors or delivery people before admitting them to the work/office area. Watch out for people posing as repairmen, delivery, etc. Never release equipment or files in exchange for an official-looking receipt until you verify the name, location, and phone number of their company.

● Trust your instincts and if you feel problems may occur, have a prearranged signal to contact either security or the office manager to assist you.

● Always pay attention to detail. Make a mental note of each person who arrives. It will aid security or the police department if a problem should happen.

● Observe building rules for nighttime and weekend access to offices and elevators.

● If you’re going to be working late or on a weekend, tell someone. Notify the security department in your building, tell a family member, co-worker, or friend in case you run into problems. Make sure your working area and halls near your office are well-lit. If possible, lock the door to your office to limit access after hours.

● Never leave incoming or outgoing mail on a desk or where it is available to a thief.

● Make police reports on all thefts or break-ins. This helps the police and security establish crime patterns.

● Never prop open doors.

Dealing with hostile/angry clients

● Clients can react with anger because of difficulty in finding help with their situations, emotional pain or discomfort, fear, and anxiety.

● React and respond to the client in a calm but firm manner.

● A lower volume of voice can help the client calm down.

● Encourage the client to sit down.

● Rehearse ahead of time what you’d say or do in these situations.

● Don’t tolerate abusive behavior.

● Make command statements in a firm but non-challenging tone, saying what you want or don’t want — “I want you to leave.” “I don’t want to argue with you.”

● Use strong body language. When standing, place your feet slightly apart, one foot slightly in front of the other. Relax your joints and position your shoulders over your feet.

● If you are sitting down, use the same foot stance, body upright, ready to move.

● Think over situations that could occur and how you would react. Go through the movements you would need to make to get help or get out of the situation. Practice. One strategy might be to keep a desk, chair, or other object between you and the person to keep distance.

● If you anticipate problems with a client, let co-workers know ahead of time.

● If you feel you may be in jeopardy, leave, go somewhere safe, call 911 and notify security.

Know how to call 911 from your workplace

If your phone system requires you to dial a number or keypad symbol to access an outside line, remember to do this when you call 911. For example, if you need to dial “9” to get an outside line, you will need to dial 9-911 to get police response. Some companies also have security guards who may be able to respond to your call more quickly than police and handle some situations. Follow your company's procedures for private security.

Police need to know where to respond to your call. If you are in a building with several offices or businesses, the main street number may be all that shows up on the screen of the 911 operator who answers your call. Make sure you tell the operator your exact location-what floor, what office number, which elevator to use, etc. It is a good idea to have a security guard or other employee meet the police at the main entrance of the building to show the police exactly where to go.

911 is not only for emergency use. Call 911 whenever you need police, fire, or medical response.

Purse and wallet thefts

A serious problem for office workers is purse and wallet theft. Thieves can be in and out of your work space in just minutes and know just where to look. They may try to access your work space by asking to use a restroom, or slip by the reception area.

● Never leave your purse or wallet unattended even for a moment.

● Lock up your purse or wallet, such as a desk drawer or file cabinet, if you cannot take it with you.

● Don’t bring any more cash to work than you need for the day.

● If you need to carry credit cards, make sure you inventory them, listing card numbers and phone numbers to call in the event of their theft. Keep this list in a safe place.

● Be alert to anyone who tries to get you to leave your desk for errands. Some thieves will pose as clients and try to get you to go to another room for a copy, etc. Do not leave your desk unattended. If this is unavoidable, lock it before you walk away from it.

● Be alert to all people in your work space. If you see someone you do not know, unaccompanied by a co-worker, do the “friendly challenge.”

The friendly challenge

If you see someone whom you do not know, do a friendly challenge. The easiest way to do the friendly challenge is to simply ask, “May I help you?” If the person is a legitimate client, you will then be able to escort them where they need to go. If they do not belong in the building, they may offer a vague excuse. In most cases, a suspicious person will leave as soon as they know they have been observed. If they do not, you may ask for identification, or go to the nearest safe phone and call 911 or your company’s security guard.

911

is the number to call to request

police, fire, or ambulance response.

When and how to use 911

DIAL 911 TO:

Report a situation requiring a police officer at the scene.

Summon an ambulance for medical assistance.

Report a fire.

Report a crime in progress.

Report suspicious activity.

STAY CALM

STATE THE PROBLEM

Briefly describe the situation: Who, what, when, where.

STATE THE LOCATION

Give the full address of where the problem is occurring, including apartment number. Knowing the exact addresses of all buildings on your block is important. If you are off your own block, be as specific about location as possible.

ANSWER THE OPERATOR’S QUESTIONS

STAY ON THE LINE

until the 911 operator terminates the call. Help can be sent while you talk.

INFORM OPERATOR:

If you wish to remain anonymous.

If you want to speak to the squad that responds to your call.

CALL 911 BACK IF THE SITUATION CHANGES

If the problem ends, let the operator know that a squad is not needed.

If the problem worsens, let the operator know so the call can be upgraded.

Pay phones—911 calls from pay phones are free. You do not have to deposit money to make the call.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tele-serve is a system for reporting a crime when a police response to the scene is not required. This includes cases in which there is no suspect information and no physical evidence, such as thefts, vandalism, harassment, and attempted burglaries. The system was developed to increase the convenience of filing a police report and to increase the availability of police to respond to other events more quickly.

When you call 911, the operator may direct you to call Tele-Serve. You also may decide to call Tele-Serve first if no officer is needed at the scene. Tele-Serve is generally open during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. If all employees are busy or the unit is closed, you can leave a message and someone will call you back. It may take 2 to 3 days for your call to be returned. The Tele-Serve number is 673-3383.

Police Precincts—DO NOT CALL your local precinct if you need a squad car to respond. All dispatching of squad cars is done through 911. For general questions or police service not required at the scene, refer to police department numbers below.

Translators are available for 150 languages. It is helpful to tell the operator the language needed when the call is initiated.

TTY users may press the space bar or any key after dialing 911. This lets the operator know you are using a TTY.

Problems with the 911 system may be reported to a supervisor by calling 348-2821. Also, you may ask to speak with a supervisor if you are having problems with a call.

NOTE: It is unlawful for any person to refuse to yield or surrender the use of a party line or public telephone to another person to report a fire, summon police, or request medical aid.

POLICE DEPARTMENT NUMBERS

When a police response is needed, call 911.

Other police services:

To report suspected drug activity and prostitution, with specific information on dates, times, and locations, call your Community Reponse Team (CRT):

1st Precinct: 673-2880

2nd Precinct: 673-5782

3rd Precinct: 673-5706

4th Precinct: 673-5707

5th Precinct: 673-5716

For advice and questions about police actions, call the general number at your precinct:

1st Precinct: 673-5701

2nd Precinct: 673-5702

3rd Precinct: 673-5703

4th Precinct: 673-5704

5th Precinct: 673-5705

ON-LINE CRIME REPORTING

When you DO NOT NEED an officer to respond to the scene, report minor crimes such as thefts, property damage, and graffiti on-line at:

Personal Safety for Visiting Professionals

Office Procedures:

Make fellow staff aware of your day’s schedule.

Keep address/client file updated.

If the visit is in an unfamiliar location, ask a staff member who may be familiar with the location to brief you regarding any known risks or possible hazards.

Ask for precise driving instructions and consult a map before leaving the office.

Any incident or circumstance that makes staff uncomfortable in a location or on a home visit should be reported to a supervisor immediately. Examples of such situations at a home visit are: unsecured weapons, unsecured pets, threatening clients or family member, and residences where illegal activity appears to be taking place.

Contact the client ahead of the visit so he/she will be watching for your arrival.

In The Car:

Keep your car in good working order and make sure you have enough gas to carry you through the day.

Before entering your car, check the back seat. When approaching, be sure to look under the car.

Lock your car doors and keep windows up at all times. If necessary, keep windows only partially open above ear level while driving.

Keep valuables out of sight.

Avoid rubble and broken glass that can flatten a tire and immobilize your car.

If possible, try to park where you can see your car from inside the home.

Choose a parking space that is well lit, or that offers the safest walking route to the dwelling.

Do not park in a driveway to lessen the chance of being blocked in when you want to leave.

Park in the direction you want to go when leaving the home.

Be wary of dead end streets.

In The Community:

Work with a partner, if possible.

Be alert and observant; develop a sense of consciousness regarding your immediate environment.

Walk confidently and purposefully.

Arrange your work schedule so you can make new or questionable visits early in the day. You’ll be less likely to find loitering and illegal activities.

Wear shoes and clothing that make it easy to move quickly.

Avoid carrying a purse while in the field.

Carry a minimal amount of money, your driver’s license, and your keys on your person, not in a purse.

Lock your purse in the trunk of your car before leaving the office if you must have it with you.

Make yourself known to businesses and institutions and also to management and security personnel in public housing and other high-rise buildings.

Carry a cellular phone if possible.

Look for public telephones. You don’t need any money to call 911.

Call the office at scheduled times to check in.

Approaching The Dwelling:

Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any given situation, leave.

Drive around the area of the dwelling looking for:

Unsafe conditions like poor lighting, limited visibility (fences, bushes), unsecured animals, people yelling, drinking, fighting, loitering.

Sources of help like pay phones, neighbors at home, open businesses, other community workers such as police and fire personnel, utility trucks.

If you find you have an incorrect address, don’t search for the client by knocking on strange doors. Call your office.

If you suspect you are being followed, enter the closest public place. If a car is following you, turn around and walk in the opposite direction.

If people are loitering on the street or sidewalk, walk around them or cross the street.

If you are verbally confronted, maintain a professional manner and don’t attempt to answer verbal challenges.

If you are using an elevator, use an empty one if possible. Always stand next to the door and the control panel. If you have a problem, push all the buttons so the elevator stops on all the floors, providing a better chance of escape. Press the appropriate floor number yourself. Don’t ask someone else to do it. If someone suspicious gets on while you’re already in the elevator, get off as soon as possible.

At The Dwelling:

Pay attention to signs like “No Trespassing” , “Beware of the Dog”, etc., as they may be an indicator of the residents’ attitudes toward strangers.

Pause at the door before knocking and listen. If you hear loud quarreling or fighting or other disturbances, leave immediately.

If an unfamiliar person answers the door, find out if the client is home before entering.

Do not enter a home when you suspect an unsafe condition exists.

If you decide it’s safe to enter, don’t let your guard down. Be alert to signs of violence or sexual advances from either the client or family members.

Make a note of other exits/entrances as soon as you enter the dwelling and where the telephone is located.

If there are people present that you feel are a danger, reschedule the visit.

Be aware of traffic in and out of the home while you are there.

If there are pets in the home, note this on your record. Should the pet be a nuisance, ask the client to put it in another room for the duration of the visit.

Do not go into a dark room, basement, or attic first. Have the client go first and turn on the light. Follow, never lead, even if you’ve been to the dwelling before.

While it is legal to have a firearm in the home, its casual display is inappropriate. You should consider preadvising all clients of this issue. If you see a firearm, or become aware of one in the room, or see someone is armed, leave immediately or as soon as possible within the range of your professional responsibilities. Notify your supervisors and assess the risk level. Minimally, require the client to put the firearm in another room during your rescheduled visit and tell them to not allow armed individuals in the residence during your visit(s).

If you need to retrieve something from outside, knock again or say hello when you reenter.

If you feel unsafe because of a heated family argument that erupts, leave as soon as possible.

When sitting, choose a hard chair, if possible, so you are able to get up more quickly.

If possible, sit so your back is to a solid wall, not to an unknown space.

Sit as close to an entrance/exit as possible.

Dealing With Hostile/Angry Clients:

Clients can react with anger because of difficulty in finding help with their situations, emotional pain or discomfort, or fear and anxiety about the results of your visit.

React and respond to the client in a calm but firm manner.

To help the client define their anger, verbally acknowledge it. “I understand that you are upset” or “It sounds like you’re really angry about this.”

Reinforce the positive long-term benefits of your assistance, your commitment to their best interests, and your role as their ally.

A lower volume of voice can help the client calm down.

Encourage the client to sit down.

Rehearse ahead of time what you’d say or do in these situations.

If situation appears dangerous, leave and call 911.

Home Security Habits Checklist:

DO YOU LOCK UP?

1. Are your doors locked while you are in the house?

2. Is your front door locked while you are in the backyard (and vice versa)?

3. Do you lock your doors when you leave the house for even a few minutes?

4. Do you pin your windows when you leave your house?

5. Are your basement windows locked or permanently secured with screws or bars?

6. Do you keep your garage doors closed and locked at all times?

DOES YOUR HOME LOOK OCCUPIED?

1. When you are gone for the evening, do you leave an outdoor and an indoor light on?

2. Do you leave a radio, TV, etc., on when your home is not occupied at night or during the day?

3. When you go on vacation do you:

[pic] Have a neighbor watch your house?

[pic] Move drapes, shades, and blinds?

[pic] Mow the lawn/shovel snow?

[pic] Collect mail, newspapers?

DO YOU PRACTICE YARD SECURITY?

1. Do you keep valuables such as bicycles and lawn equipment locked up and out of sight?

2. Do you lock up tools and ladders after you use them?

3. Do you keep shrubbery and bushes well trimmed?

4. If you have a fence, can your neighbors see through it or over it?

5. If you have exterior lights, do they prevent shadows where burglars could hide at night?

DO YOU PRACTICE OVERALL SECURITY?

1. Is the Minneapolis emergency number 911 by the phone?

2. Do you have a block map listing neighbors’ names, phone numbers, and addresses by your phone?

3. Do you know how to report suspicious activity or crimes to the police? Do your children know how to report?

4. Do you ask strangers at your door for proper identification before talking to them?

5. Do your children tell strangers “Mommy (or Daddy) is busy” rather than “Mommy (or Daddy) is not home”?

6. If someone came to the door needing help, would you make the phone call to the police (or other necessary calls) rather than letting the person come in?

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