Main

 

PERSONAL SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION

Capitol Police Shield
Personal Safety is very important:

The only one that can keep you from becoming a victim of crime is you!

Prevention must be practiced to be effective. Crime prevention begins with awareness. Awareness of your surroundings, and the people in them. Crime can happen to anyone. As you walk around at the mall or in a public place, keep your head up and eyes moving. Look at everyone that you approach! If your head is down and you are not watching your sorroundings, you will look vulnerable to the criminal. THE EASY MARK ! Crime can happen any time, even in broad daylight, with many witnesses present. If you present an easy opportunity for the criminal to take advantage of you, they will.... and when you least expect it. Crime happens just about anywhere. People are often attacked in their home, at the office, or in their cars, or just walking out to pick up the paper. It's presenting the opportunity to commit crime, for the criminal to act. Safety depends less on where you are, than on what precautions and attitudes you've adopted.

Table Of Contents


You have two ways of viewing this page: 1. Scroll through and view it as one long page, or, 2. use the links below to navigate to the section you are interested in.

1.1 Personal Safety
1.2 Street Safety
1.3 Walking, Jogging, & Bicycling Safety
1.4 Shopping Safety
1.5 Home Safety
1.6 Car Safety
1.7 Traveling Safety
1.8 Parking Safety
1.9 Hotel/Motel Safety
1.10 Muggings or Attacks
1.11 Battering
1.12 About Rape
1.13 Safe Dating
To return to the Capitol Police home page, click here and you will be taken back.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Never take your personal safety for granted. Remember, YOU are ultimately responsible for your own safety. BE PREPARED Walk and carry yourself confidently. Take long, purposeful strides and keep your chin up. Make eye contact with people you meet. Trust your instincts, preparedness can make the difference between getting taken, or getting away. And always expect the unexpected!

Pay attention to your environment and the people around you. Watch behavior or attitudes that may signal trouble, people staring at you or calling you names, trying to provoke a response, or the feeling of being followed.

Avoid risky situations. Use common sense, stay out of isolated areas, especially at night. Don't go off alone with anyone you don't know well. And never hitchhike, its against the law for very good reason.

Vary your route of travel, don't become predictable in your everyday actions. If your alone, walk wide of bushes and buildings or other obstacles to avoid dangerous areas of attack. Prepare yourself for trouble, be ready to act if confronted!

If you feel uncomfortable, or sense danger move to a well lit area or a large group of people. Consider carrying pepper spray, buy a small flashlight to shine in your attackers eyes, or in an emergency, placing your keys in between your fingers as you ball up your fist to use as a defensive weapon. Consider a further course in self-defense. Even if you never need the skills you learn, taking the course can help you feel more confident in your abilities and even raise your self-esteem. Your confidence alone can make you a less inviting target. The criminal usually looks for and prefers the easy victim, they don't want to work too hard for their money. Be careful not to overestimate your ability to defend yourself. and be prepared!

To return to the top of this document, click HERE

STREET SAFETY

Know where you're going, and the safest way to get there. Tell a friend when you'll be leaving and when you expect to arrive. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes so you'll be able to move freely and fast if you get in a tight spot. Look confident. If you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings, don't show confusion or alarm. Keep a map in your car and a phone book for looking up numbers and addresses. And consider the purchase of a cell phone to keep handy in emergences. The purchase and monthly fees of a cell phone, if used for emergency's only, will be a low monthly charge. A cell phone is one of the best investments in your safety you can make. Keep your hands free as much as possible, and ready to use. Avoid carrying lots of packages; it can make you look defenseless-and more worth robbing. If you MUST carry packages, be prepared to drop (and abandon) them. They're not worth dying for. Park your car in well lit parking areas, approach the car with your keys ready. Before entering your car look around it, under the car, and in the back seat, making sure its empty. Then take one more look around the area for danger before you get in. " BE AWARE " Lock your doors immediately after getting in. when driving around in traffic leave yourself a reaction buffer space around your car. Keep the doors locked and the windows opened just 1/4 inch. If struck by a second vehicle at low speed, with little or no damage to your car, and you feel uncomfortable with the drivers actions, he/she is acting threading or using abusive language, taunting or challenging you, or attempting to enter, or remove you from your vehicle. You should immediately drive to the police station to report the accident. This accident could be an attempt to car jack your vehicle. If your attacked in your car, give the attacker what they want , even if it is your car. What ever they want give it to them , its not worth risking your life for.

To return to the top of this document, click here

WALKING, JOGGING, BICYCLING

When walking Choose routes where other people will be walking. Whenever possible, walk or exercise in groups or with a friend. Change course if you suspect someone is following you on foot. Cross the street, and head toward people. If followed by a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Don't let trouble catch you un prepared, think about what your going to do next!, make a quick plan!, and act on it! Consider carrying pepper spray or a whistle, noise-maker, or other personal alarm. The sound may scare off an attacker. Yell, scream, shout, but make noise. If you are giving a motorist directions, don't stand too close to the car. If they say they can't hear you, speak louder, don't move closer. Don't wear headphones. They make you less aware of what's going on around you, and they make you LOOK like an easier target, even if you can hear fine. Be sure to keep your head up and make eye contact with people you pass. Carry identification. Always have thirty-five cents for the phone. Try to vary your routine. Do not use the same route and time every day. Stay in well-lit and well-traveled areas. It is safer (and more fun) going with someone else, or with a group. There IS safety in numbers! Be alert to persons loitering at stopping points, stop lights or signs and intersections.
To return to the top of this document, click here

SHOPPING SAFETY

Avoid carrying large sums of cash; carry only the amount of money you expect to need for your purchases, plus a little extra for emergency situations. When making a lot of purchases at a mall, make several trips to the car. Put packages in the trunk, and move the car to another location. If you load packages into your car and return to the mall, you have identified yourself as a possible target. At grocery stores, use shopping carts, if available. They can be used as a barrier between you and an attacker, and also allow you to keep your hands free and ready to use. Have baggers carry out your groceries, whenever possible. After opening the trunk of your vehicle to load packages or groceries, pocket the keys. Stand to the side when loading, allowing you to be seen and to see what is going on around you. "BE AWARE " If you notice suspicious activity in the area of your vehicle, go back inside and notify a store employee. Ask if they will accompany you to your vehicle. Better yet, shop with a friend-it's safer and a lot more fun. If you are confronted by a robber, comply with his or her demands for your property. Remember, NO property, regardless of its value, is worth risking your life for. If confronted by an attacker, throw your wallet or purse one direction saying " Take The Money " and run the other direction. Hopefully, they will go after your money and leave you alone.
To return to the top of this document, clickhere

HOME SAFETY

All ways look around outside your house for suspicious changes, torn screens, broken windows, or evidence of a prowler. When returning to your house at night, look for suspicious people in the area or on your property. Have your house key out and ready to use as you approach the door.

IF YOU FIND THE FRONT DOOR OPEN, STAY IN YOUR CAR AND LEAVE!!

DON'T GO INTO THE HOUSE!!!. CALL THE POLICE! Install and use double cylinder dead bolt locks with armored covers on all outside entrances. Purchase a home alarm system that can be monitored by an alarm company, or a stand alone system with strobe lights, a horn, and auto dialer. The money you spend on this system will be far less than the money you lose if your house is broken into. Remove thumb knob locks and replace with double cylinder dead bolts or horizontal bolts. Use window key locks (available at hardware stores). For double-hung windows, drill holes through both window frames and insert nails, pins or bolts. Never hide keys outside your home, thieves are smarter than you think and know where to look. Leave an extra key with a trusted relative, neighbor or friend. Use a timer to keep at least one light on while you are away. Turn on the T.V. or leave a radio on to make it sound like your home. Make sure outside entrances stay well lit at night. Try to put illumination on all sides of your home. Criminals don't want to be seen, any additional out door lighting will help keep you from becoming a victim. Keep extra bulbs on hand, and immediately replace burned out lights. Keep your home looking occupied when your away. Install a peephole in your front door - and USE IT. If in doubt, don't open the door. " NEVER LET A STRANGER INTO YOUR HOME " Ask to see the ID of any repair or delivery person before opening your door. If you are suspicious, call to verify. If a stranger asks to use your phone, offer to make the call for them and have the person wait outside. "KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED" Never let a stranger know you are home alone, whether the person is at your door or on the phone. Look around for danger signs upon returning home, such as broken glass or locks that have been tampered with. If the door is ajar, DON'T GO IN! Leave immediately and call the police. If you are already at home, and you suspect that someone is illegally entering your house, resist the urge to call out, "Who's there?" It's better not to let the intruder know where you are, or if you're even home. CALL 911, If the situation were to result in a confrontation, it's to your advantage to have the element of surprise on your side. Do what ever you need to do to protect yourself. In any threatening situation, stay as calm and focused as possible. Panic will only complicate the situation, and making the wrong choice could cost you your life.
To return to the top of this document, click here

CAR SAFETY

Getting in and out of the car:


Don't have "tunnel vision." Constantly scan your environment, be especially wary when being approached by a stranger. Always walk to your car with friends. If walking alone, stay with the crowd, walk in well-lit areas, and walk confidently and quickly, with your chin up. Always have your keys ready when you approach your car (or house). Have the key you're about to use between your forefinger and thumb. You can interlace the rest between your other fingers to use as stabbing weapons. Carry a small key ring flashlight. If approached by an attacker shine the light in there eyes to blind them and ruin there night vision. Don't ask them what they want,

yell it! "what do you want???"

Check inside your car upon approach, particularly the back seat before you get in. All ways keep your car doors when parked locked. Immediately lock the door after getting in. Make this an automatic habit every time! If you become threatened, use your car as protective armor, KEEP THE DOORS LOCKED! Approach your car from an angle, so that you can see into and around more of it. Circle it, looking for obvious problems, such as flat tires new dents or someone inside waiting for you. All ways be on the alert!
To return to the top of this document, click here

TRAVELING SAFETY

Keep all doors locked and windows up whenever you are in your car, this is the safest way to travel. If you drive with the windows down, you must be that much more aware and cautious of your environment. When driving, keep your windows cracked slightly (1/4 inch); this allows you to hear what is going on in the outside environment, such as sirens, gunshots, or other emergencies. Purchase a cell phone for traveling or emergences. Be constantly aware of your location, it will speed emergency response if they know exactly where you are. Always try to notice the crossroads, or on the highway, notice the mile marker or exit numbers. Always have at least a half tank of gas, and emergency equipment ie: road flashers, sand, shovel, extra water and small amounts of food. Don't pick up hitchhikers, no matter how harmless they seem. Always leave space between your car and the vehicle in front of you - about a car length. This allows you to maneuver around, and get out of trouble if you need to. If you are rear-ended, there's less chance of you complicating things by hitting the car in front of you. Keep up the maintenance on your car to reduce the chances of a breakdown. Check the fluid levels, brake lights and headlights on a regular basis to be sure they are working. There are classes available to help you become more familiar with automobiles. If your car breaks down on the highway, place "Send Help" or "Call Police" signs in the side and/or rear windows and turn the hazard lights or emergency flashers on. Do not raise the hood. If you must, then no more than a few inches, to avoid obstructing your vision of what's in front of you. Stay inside the car with the doors locked. Wait for the police. If someone stops, unroll your window no more than 1/4 inch and ask them to call the police or a nearby garage for you. Don't let them convince you that they can't hear you - the smallest crack is enough for conversation. STAY IN YOUR CAR If you think you are being followed by another car, DO NOT go home. Drive to the nearest Police or Fire Station, Emergency Room or another place that's open 24 hours, that is well lit, and has a phone, and at least several employees. Another example is a 24-hour grocery store. Carrying a cellular phone is a good idea. This allows you to call for help in a variety of emergencies (health emergencies, car trouble and any situation where you would need to call the police). Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Remember, an attacker may be portraying him/herself as a victim, i.e., someone having car trouble. Do not approach them! Instead, help by calling the Police, Sheriff's Department, the Highway Patrol or a nearby garage and send them to check it out. If you have a cellular phone, Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Cellular numbers are: *47 , If you are on the Kansas turnpike dial *KTA. When using public transportation, sit in an aisle seat whenever possible. Wait at busy, well-lit stops. Sit close to the driver. If someone harasses you, scream, yell, make a lot of noise! Draw attention to yourself, your harasser may leave for an easier victim. Notice who gets off at a stop with you. If you sense danger, walk or run toward people. Avoid isolated stations or bus stops. If traveling by cab, ask the driver to wait at your house until you're safely inside before they leave.
To return to the top of this document, click here

PARKING SAFETY

Make a mental note, using landmarks of where you parked so that you can find your car quickly. It is easier than you think to lose your car in a crowded parking lot! Again, be aware of others and your surroundings. Don't get lost in day dreams. Be especially alert in parking garages, regardless of the time of day. "LOOK AROUND FOR DANGER" Your main objective here should be to get in your car and leave as safely and as quickly as possible. Always lock your automobile! Make this an automatic habit (whenever getting in or out). Never leave valuables in your car, but if you MUST, hide them out of sight-under the seat, in the trunk, or cover them with a jacket or other object. Try not to make it obvious that you're hiding something. Park in a well-lit spot, away from shrubs, alleys, and wooded areas. Within reason, park as close to where you're going as possible. Avoid parking next to vans and trucks whenever possible. Attackers can hide easily in vans, and both vans and trucks can obstruct other people's view of you. If someone attacks you, it's possible that no one else could see it. Leave the driver's seat forward and arrange the contents of your car in a particular way. If the seat is pushed back when you return, or the contents have been rearranged, do not approach the car. GET HELP! Someone has been in your car - and they may even still be there.
To return to the top of this document, click here

HOTEL/MOTEL SAFETY

Leave valuables in a safe at the desk, not in your room or luggage. Always keep your room key with you. Ask for all the keys to your room. If no one will be joining you, let the clerk know. Tell the clerk NOT to give out your room number, or have them check with you before doing so. Always double-lock the door when you're inside. Also check to be sure the windows are locked. Check the smoke detector, and All ways know how to escape from your room in emergences. Use the peephole to view visitors. If you don't know who it its, ask for identification. If anything seems suspicious, call hotel security and have them check it out. Never trust security doors that open for your magnetic hotel card, they can be propped open allowing unauthorized people into the hotel. "PROTECT YOURSELF" Make sure someone has your itinerary when you travel, and check in with them at scheduled times.
To return to the top of this document, click here

MUGGINGS OR ATTACKS

Assess your situation. Is help nearby? What state of mind is the attacker in? Does the attacker have a weapon? Is your life at stake? Is he/she interested only in money or valuables? (If so, give them up, your life is much more valuable.) If you are attacked, try to escape. If you can't run, it is your choice to attack or tolerate, depending on your judgement of the situation. Go with your instincts. Depending on the situation, you may decide to run, scream, kick, hit, bite, head-butt, poke eyes, etc. When you do decide to fight, " FIGHT HARD " your life depends on your actions. If you feel your chances of surviving will improve by NOT resisting (tolerating) that is another option you may choose. Do what you feel is best for you in your situation. Keep in mind that your goal is to "ESCAPE SAFELY" and " STAY ALIVE". If attacked, only you can decide how to respond. Try to have a plan. No single strategy will work in every situation. You may decide to do nothing, but whatever you choose to do, never second-guess yourself. Prepare yourself for action. Every situation is different. Never feel guilty about what you did, or did not, decide to do. If you escaped with your life and health, it was a good day.
To return to the top of this document, click here

BATTERING

BATTERING STATISTICS:
  • 30% of all violent crime in Kansas is domestic in nature.
  • 33% of female murder victims are killed by their male partners.
  • 25% of battered women are pregnant.
  • 50% of the men who abuse their female partners also abuse their children.
WHAT IS BATTERING?

Battering is a power game that can take several forms: verbal, physical, sexual, or psychological. Battering can be manifested in many ways, such as a punch, kick, threats, harassment, sexual assaults, or severe beatings. These sometimes result in permanent disability, accidental death or even murder. The purpose of battering is for the abuser to take control of the victim. Women are most often the victims. Men are also victims of battering. Women of all cultures, races, income levels, ages and occupations are battered, by husbands, boyfriends, lovers and relatives. Battering brutally violates a persons's rights over their body and their life. AND ITS AGAINST THE LAW
IF YOU ARE BATTERED:

Take the problem seriously. It will happen again, no matter what your attacker says. You are not alone. Many women are in the same situation. Call the Battered Women's Task Force for help or someone to talk to. If possible contact a support group or turn to a trusted friend for help, but get help. You don't deserve to be hit, threatened or beaten. Nothing you say or do justifies being abused. In an emergency, call the police for protection. Get yourself and your children to a safe place, don't let your children become victims as well. Get medical attention, if needed. You can also obtain protection orders under the Abuse Prevention Act (you don't need a lawyer) prohibiting the man from further abusing you, requiring him to leave the house and keep away from your work place. and help provide you with custody of your children.
To return to the top of this document, click here

ABOUT RAPE

There is not a "typical" rapist. Attackers of all kinds (rapists, muggers, murderers) come from all social and economic backgrounds, age groups, races and cultural backgrounds. Rapists are not "dirty old men." Over half of them are under 25 years old and three out of five are married, leading otherwise normal lives. Rape is the fastest growing crime in the country, and the most seriously under reported. "IT IS A CRIME" (as many as ten rapes occur for every one reported). "RAPE IS A CRIME OF POWER", not of sexual desire. It is used to control and dominate the victim. Reported rapes result in convictions in only a fraction of the cases. Suspects are arrested in only 5% of all rape cases. Less than 3% are convicted. Perhaps, better education in how to report rapes and save evidence as well as working together to report all rapes will help to change this. Over 70% of all rapes are planned. They don't happen in a dark alley either. Half of all rapes occur in the victim's own home! The rapist could be a neighbor or aquaintance of the victim. Rape is not a sexual act. It is an act of anger and power control. The rapist acts out his hostility by taking control of the victim, trying to make her (or him) feel abused and degraded in the most personal way possible.
WHAT IS DATE RAPE?

"Date rape" is rape that occurs in a "social" situation committed by someone you know. It is also known by the names of "social rape," "cocktail rape," or "silent rape" (because it usually goes unreported). The rapist could be anyone you go out with - an acquaintance, classmate, co-worker, boss, ex-husband, family member or neighbor. He could even be your boyfriend or fiance. If you have made it clear that you are unwilling or do not want to have sex, then it is rape if you are forced. Rape can take place while you are unconscious or drunk. If you have not given permission, it is rape for someone to have had sex with you while you were drunk, drugged or unconscious. Rape is a serious crime. It is not less serious just because you already know your attacker, or that he may all ready have a wife and children. Most people imagine the typical rapist as a psychotic stranger lurking in an alley. In fact, many rapes are committed by a seemingly "nice guy" whom the woman may know quite well. NO MATTER WHO THE RAPIST IS, rape is an act of violence, and a violation of a woman's personal rights. It can cause great emotional and physical injury. Some behavior and social factors can increase the tendency of some men toward rape: 1) Sex Role Stereotypes - some people believe that men should be sexually aggressive, women sexually passive. 2) Poor Communication - the potential for a rape can be increased when two people do not have a clear idea of the other's sexual expectations and intentions. 3) Mixed Messages - if a man believes that a woman really means "yes" when she says "no," (because of "playing hard to get" theories) a man may rationalize rape by "not believing' she really meant NO. 4) Learned Violence - violence is often seen as an acceptable way for a man to solve problems, so some men feel it's okay to use force to get what they want from a woman. REMEMBER - lust is not the cause. Rape isn't about love or lust. It isn't something that happens in the heat of the moment. Date rape is sexual violence that's directed at a woman.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'VE BEEN RAPED:

Report the rape to the police. The decision is yours, but remember - reporting attacks is an important part of ending violence against women. Go to a hospital emergency room or doctor immediately for treatment of any injuries. DO NOT DOUCHE, BATHE, SHOWER, CLEAN UNDER YOUR FINGERNAILS, COMB YOUR HAIR, OR CHANGE ANY OF YOUR CLOTHES. " YOU MIGHT DESTROY VALUABLE EVIDENCE." Talk to someone you trust about what happened or call a Rape Crisis Line. Check your phone book under Community Services, or Crisis numbers, often listed on the front or back covers. See a counselor who's trained in rape crisis work. A counselor can help you deal with fears and painful feelings that may linger after the attack.
REPORTING RAPE

Please report the crime! Maybe you can help save yourself or someone else from going through the same situation. You need to report attacks, suspicious persons, suspicious activity, or ANY crime as soon as possible. Keep in mind your safety is the first priority. If you can safely do so, remain at the scene. This allows you to keep the evidence in the purest form. If it would not be safe to remain at the scene, go directly to the nearest Emergency Room or Police Station. In the event of an attack, particularly a rape, it is very important that the victim does not change clothes, shower, clean under fingernails or even comb their hair. Very valuable evidence could be lost. Only medical or law enforcement personnel should collect physical evidence. Do not try to collect your own evidence. It will be considered contaminated. Documentation, such as a diary or a log can be very helpful to law enforcement. If keeping a diary or log (which is particularly valuable for stalking or domestic violence), be sure to document as many details as possible: i.e., document the date, time, place, description, circumstances, name (if known) and any conversation that takes place. If you know the person, such as spouse, co-worker, neighbor, etc. or have seen them at your grocery store, restaurant, in the parking lot, etc. (as in a stalking) be sure to include this information. Also be sure to document ALL occurrences, even if there is no contact. In cases of domestic violence, be sure to keep the diary in a secure place where it will not be found by the perpetrator, so that it will not escalate the situation.
To return to the top of this document, click here

SAFE DATING


1) Again, watch for behavior or attitude which may signal trouble. For example, if you are out with a man, does he show a lack of respect for your feelings, ideas and/or point of view, want to make all the decisions, act overly jealous if you talk to anyone else, get angry if you try to pay for any of the expenses of the date, or pressure you to drink? 2) If you sense something is wrong, get away as soon as possible. It's best to be cautious. 3) Be independent. Don't let your date make all the decisions about where you go and what you do. Don't be solely dependent on him for transportation; be prepared with alternatives in case you need to leave separately. Always have thirty-five cents for the phone, and/or some money to pay for cab fare, if necessary. 4) Be wary of alcohol and other drugs. It's much easier to be in control if you are not under the influence. Be aware of how much your date drinks, too. 5) Make your sexual limits clear. If pressured, be firm in your refusal. Make it clear that "NO" means "NO."
To return to the top of this document, click HERE