Be safe during your use of your Public Transportation Systems

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

Public transport is normally very safe and most taxi companies are reputable licensed firms whose drivers have been vetted, so here is some advice that should help you feel more confident when traveling by bus, train, metro or taxi.

On the Bus

• Use a bus stop you know is usually busy and is well lit
• Know the departure and arrival times and try and let someone at the other end know which bus you plan to catch. They could always meet you at your stop
• Sit close to the driver. If someone starts up a conversation, be pleasant and confident, but don’t give away personal information like where you live or work

By Train

• Wait on a well-lit section of the platform, close to the exit or where there are other people around. Many stations now have CCTV cameras and staff that are trained to deal with emergencies
• When you get on the train try to sit in a busy compartment and keep any bags and personal possessions you have next to you
• If you feel uncomfortable switch seats or even consider getting off the train and catching the next one. Only do this if the station where you are getting off is manned and busy
• Know where the emergency button or cord is situated or any help points at the station

Taking a Taxi

• Carry the phone number of a taxi or mini cab firm you know, and whenever you book a taxi ask them for the driver’s name and the type of car they will be driving
• Try and book the taxi you need to bring you home before you go out. Give your name and when the driver arrives make sure they know the name it was booked under. If you have to book your taxi in a public place, do it quietly where people are unlikely to overhear your name and address
• If you can, share a taxi with a friend and have your money ready and keys handy at the end of your journey so that you can enter your home quickly
• If ever you feel uneasy in a taxi ask the driver to stop in a busy place that you know well, and get out.

Please forward to your friends and family. Feel free to use this information for your facility and clients!

Again, I hope this info is useful for your safety and protection of your community and facility. Please view our other safety and tactical blogs, faceboook, and website for more safety, security, crime prevention topics! www.guardtrainingcenter.com

Martin

Training Director

Guard Training Center

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

Robbery Prevention

CRIME CLOCK STATISTICS: FBI Reports

VIOLENT CRIMES 23.9 Seconds
One Murder Every 34.5 Seconds
One Forcible Rape Every 6 Minutes
One Robbery Every 1.3 Minutes
One Aggravated Assault 39.1 Minutes

PROPERTY CRIMES 3.4 Seconds
One Burglary Every 14.3 Seconds
One Larceny-Theft Every 5.0 Seconds
One Motor Vehicle Theft Every 39.7 Seconds

Use the measures outlined in this page along with our other previous blogs: (Preventing Sexual Assaults) (How to Prevent Burglary) (Tips for Handling Bogus Calls) (Avoiding Violent Crimes) (Everything on ATM Security) (Avoiding Crimes when Parking) and don’t forget to view our Officer Safety/Tactics blogs!

Guard Training Center  www.guardtrainingcenter.com

 Feel free to use information with your clients and friends!
• Call the police at once if you notice suspicious strangers loitering near or in your place of business. (Casing the Joint).
• Never block the view into your store by crowding display windows. It is important to maintain visibility into your business establishment at all times.
• Secure your teller and cashier operations. Install barriers to keep unauthorized persons out of these areas.
• If practical, mark doorways at varying heights to allow proper identification of robber’s height.
• Install a holdup alarm system.
• Install a timed delay switch to turn off exterior lights after your employees have gone for the night.
• Use two people to open and close your business. Establish a system of prearranged signals. One person should stay outside until the other gives the all clear signal.
• Keep cash on the premises to a minimum. Make frequent pickups of money from registers and make regular bank deposits.
• Do not establish a habitual routine when making bank deposits. Robbers will soon learn it.
• Keep the safe in your place of business locked at all times.
• Check the references of job applicants before you hire them.
• In the event you are contacted about an emergency at your business, and the call is of questionable validity, please verify the call with the police dispatcher, before going to your business.
• Have frequent meetings with your staff in order to familiarize them with holdup prevention measures which you have initiated.

If You Are Held Up:

• Remain calm.
• Do not resist.
• Be identification conscious. Observe the holdup suspect carefully for future identification.
• Report the robbery immediately-dial 911 and don’t hang up.
• If possible, protect the crime scene: do not let anyone disturb it. Wait for police.
• Cooperate with police. By doing as they request you will help solve the crime.
• Reduce Criminal Opportunity
• and Protect Your Business

What other strategies can you share with us? We hope these tips may help you stay stay. If you knnow anyone who can benefit from these tips please feel free to forward.

Stay Safe out there!

Martin

Training Director

Guard Training Center

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.

• Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable.

• Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.

• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.

• If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people and lights. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.

• Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.

• If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don’t be afraid to attract help any way you can. Scream, yell or run away to safety.

• Always lock your car. Keep your car locked when you are away from it to keep someone from hiding and waiting inside.

• When you are inside the car, lock the doors for safety.

• Look inside and around your car before you get in.

• Be aware of other people in parking areas, especially those close to your vehicle.

• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station to get help.

• If your car breaks down, open the hood or attach a white cloth to the antenna. If someone stops to help, stay inside your locked vehicle and ask them to call the police.

• If you choose to carry any type of weapon for self-protection, give careful consideration to your ability and willingness to use it. Remember there is always the chance that it could be taken away and used

As always, we hope these tips can help you stay safe. Know anyone who can benefit from these tips? Share them! Add any of your own tips down below.

Stay Safe out there!

Martin

Training Director

Guard Training Center

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

1. Upgrade your Web browser to 128-bit encryption.

2. Read Web site privacy policies carefully and make sure you understand them. Look on your favorite Web sites for privacy seals of approval from BBBOnline, TRUSTe, ePublicEye, or CPA WebTrust.

3. If you’re reluctant to provide certain information on an online form, don’t.

4. Set up a special free email account with Yahoo, Hotmail, or other free services and supply those addresses when you fill out forms.

5. Before you give your credit card number to any commerce site, make absolutely sure it’s secure. Look for a closed padlock icon at the bottom of the screen or https in the URL.

6. Delete all the cookies in your cookie directory (generally c:\windows\cookies) frequently.

7. Disable cookies in your browser (an extreme measure) or set your browser to alert you to cookies, or to accept only cookies that return to their original server or, better yet, install cookie management software (such as Webroot Software’s WindowWasher or The Limit Software’s CookieCrusher) to control which cookies your PC will accept.

8. Use an anonymous browser such as Anonymizer to hide your identity and filter cookies.

9. If a Web site gives you the option to opt out of tracking, take it.

10. If you have a fast and constant DSL or cable connection, get some personal firewall software, such as Symantec’s Norton Personal FireWall or Network ICE’s BlackICE Defender, and install it, FAST!

11. Turn off file and printer sharing in Windows if you’re not using it. Intruders will have an easier time accessing your files if this is activated.

12. Elect not to accept news or updates from Web sites you visit.

13. Fake your return address when you use chat or newsgroups.

14. Turn off your Instant Messaging software when you’re not using it.

15. Set your Instant Messaging software to allow only people you trust (in your buddy list, for example) to access you.

Have any other tips to share? Add them below!

Stay Safe out there!

Martin

Training Director

Guard Training Center

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

Detective Pierce R. Brooks, a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) homicide detective, wrote a book called “…officer down, code 3″ in 1975. Brooks listed the Ten Deadly Errors that he identified as being the most common, repeated reasons for officers being killed in the line of duty.

Below is a refresher for vexperienced officers and new knowledge and techniques for new officers.

1. Failure to Maintain Equipment and Proficiency – Go to the range, your department training is not enough!  Practice shooting on the move, limited lighting (most officer involved shootings occurred during darkness), unknown distances. Ensure your duty gun is clean at all times. Have spare batteries for your flashlight, better yet, have a rechargeable one! Practice those vital skills, when was the last time you practiced handcuffing? Deploying your OC? Baton strikes? During your annual agency training right? Get out there and practice your skills.

2. Improper Search, Improper Use of Handcuffs – Most officers get hurt during handcuffing procedures. Many have been killed due to improper searching. If possible, always handcuff first, search second! Do you know how to do a controlled search and handcuffing of a subject? What if he resists? Practice this vital skill. Subjects will place and hidden weapons anywhere in their body or belongings. Ensure to double lock the cuff and handcuff behind the cuff. In Florida, 3 law enforcement officers where brutally murdered by a homicide suspect when he was handcuff in the front. The subject pulled out a Handcuff key that he had! And killed the officers!

3. Sleepy or Asleep – If you are not properly rested, you become a danger to yourself, your partner, and the community. You will lack alertness.

4. Relaxing Too Soon - Do not relax until the call is over even though the situation appears to be “Code 4”. Many officers can tell you a guy that was “cool” and then suddenly snapped. Many subjects act “cool” and “compliant” and will not hesitate to hurt you if you relax to soon!

5. Missing Danger Signs - Danger signs could be verbal (“I’m going to hurt you” “I’m not going back to jail man”, non-verbal (psychological: “Mad dogging you” “stare downs” “cracking their knuckles and even their stance”, bulges on their clothing, the time and location of encounter, or many other indicators. A suspect who keeps touching his hip while talking to you could be giving you a non-verbal indication that he is armed. Is he keeping his gun or weapon side away from you? Watch their stance! Are they fidgeting? They might be ready to act! A specific type, style, or color of clothing could be an indication of gang or criminal affiliation.

6. Bad Positioning – Always call out your location! When responding to a disturbance, don’t just walk straight to the front entrance, arrived from the flank, the rear, use stair cases, use the element of surprise! Know where you cover is. Are you going to go inside a small room and talk to the subject or have the subject come out or you stand adjacent to the door using it as cover?

7. Failure to Watch the Hands - Remember, the subject’s hands will kill you, not their stares or looks! Always look what they are holding in their hands. Advise them not to reach for their pockets.  Hands will retrieve a gun from the waistband, a knife from the pocket, or a baseball bat from behind the door. Can you see their hands? Where are the hands? What are they doing?  Most of the times when we talk to a person, we maintain eye contact. But remember, their eyes/stares don’t kill you, its their hands!! WHERE ELSE CAN A KILLER STRIKE FROM, BUT FROM THEIR HANDS!!!! When you talk to a subject(s) look at their hands, what are they holding? Are they reaching for something?

8. Tombstone Courage – Call for back up, call for back up, wait for back up, wait for back up! Don’t rush in if you don’t need to. Get all the facts if possible, description, and type of call, subject’s location and so forth. Take your time and wait for backup. Sometimes you have to go to a call along, but most of the time you don’t, wait for your partner or back-up!

9. Preoccupation – Why are you playing with your smart phone in your car or post? If you are messing with your computer or cell phone, how can you watch their hands or pick up on other danger signs? There might be times when you are having serious financial or relationship problems. If you are stressed out and completely preoccupied due to your emergency, talk to your supervisor, there is no need for you or your fellow officers to get hurt. There is no shame is asking for help.

10. Apathy – This will never happen to me, I’m too smart, I’m highly trained. Don’t think it can happen to you? Think again. Bad things happen on all sorts of calls, on all shifts, and to officers of all levels of experience.

What else can you add to each of the above Ten Deadly Errors?

Stay Safe out there!

Martin

Training Director

Guard Training Center

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

Since the beginning of recorded time, humans have used different types of materials as body armor to protect themselves from injury during hunting, battle, and other high risk situations. Animal skins were the first protective clothing and shields used as armor. As technologies developed in civilizations, armor become more advanced. From leather to wooden shields and then to metal shields came into use. Eventually, metal was used as body armor, in what we now associate with knights of the Middle Ages. The invention of firearms around 1500 made the use of metal body armor not very effective. At that time, the only real protection against firearms were trees, rocks, stone walls, and natural barriers. Since we cannot carry trees and stone walls on us, we developed various forms of ballistic vests.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Technology Assessment Program, now the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC), began a program of developing testing standards for this new technology. Many, if not most, security and law enforcement personnel are unaware of the background of that system.

For a vest to be certified against a specific bullet type and velocity, the following criteria must be met: the vest panel must prevent penetration from the impact of six bullets spaced at least two inches apart and three inches from the edge of the vest. In addition, the deflection caused by the back-face deforming into a clay block must not exceed 44 millimeters, or 1.73 inches. During the early development phase, the researchers concluded that even though a bullet was stopped by the vest, the impact would at least leave a severe bruise and could theoretically kill by damaging underlying organs. This standard was designed to ensure a 95 percent probability of survival, with no more than a 10 percent probability of requiring surgery.

STEPS FOR SELECTING BODY ARMOR

The first step in selecting the appropriate protection level of body armor is to establish the level of protection that users need based on the realistic weapon threat they face. To date, body armor has not been known to fail to prevent the penetration of a bullet constituting a threat equal to or less than the protection rating of the armor. However, officers have died from wounds received from weapons or ammunition exceeding the rated protection of the armor.

THE SIX TYPES OF ARMOR CLASSIFICATION

NIJ Standard–0101.04 establishes six formal armor classification types, as well as a seventh special type.

Type I (.22 LR; .380 ACP). This armor protects against .22 long rifle lead round nose (LR LRN) bullets, with nominal masses of 2.6 g (40 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 320 m/s (1050 ft/s) or less, and against .380 ACP full metal jacketed round nose (FMJ RN), with nominal masses of 6.2 g (95 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 312 m/s (1025 ft/s) or less. Type I body armor is light. This is the minimum level of protection every officer should have, and the armor should be routinely worn at all times while on duty. Type I body armor was the armor issued during the NIJ demonstration project in the mid-1970s. Most agencies today, however, because of increasing threats, opt for a higher level of protection.

Type II-A (9mm; .40 S&W). This armor protects against 9mm full metal jacketed round nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 332 m/s (1090 ft/s) or less, and .40 S&W caliber full metal jacketed (FMJ) bullets, with nominal masses of 11.7 g (180 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 312 m/s (1025 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against Type I threats. Type II-A body armor is well suited for full-time use by police departments, particularly those seeking protection for their officers from lower velocity 9mm and 40 S&W ammunition.

Type II (9mm; .357 Magnum). This armor protects against 9mm full metal jacketed round nose (FMJ RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 358 m/s (1175 ft/s) or less, and .357 Magnum jacketed soft point (JSP) bullets, with nominal masses of 10.2 g (158 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 427 m/s (1400 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against Type I and Type IIA threats. Type II body armor is heavier and more bulky than either Types I or II-A. It is worn full time by officers seeking protection against higher velocity .357 Magnum and 9mm ammunition.

Type III-A (High Velocity 9mm; .44 Magnum). This armor protects against 9mm full metal jacketed round nose (FJM RN) bullets, with nominal masses of 8.0 g (124 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 427 m/s (1400 ft/s) or less, and .44 Magnum jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets, with nominal masses of 15.6 g (240 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 427 m/s (1400 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against most handgun threats, as well as the Type I, II-A, and II threats. Type III-A body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available from concealable body armor and is generally suitable for routine wear in many situations. However, users located in hot, humid climates may need to evaluate the use of Type III-A armor carefully.

Type III (Rifles). This armor protects against 7.62mm full metal jacketed (FMJ) bullets (U.S. military designation M80), with nominal masses of 9.6 g (148 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 838 m/s (2750 ft/s) or less. It also provides protection against Type I through III-A threats. Type III body armor is clearly intended only for tactical situations when the threat warrants such protection, such as barricade confrontations involving sporting rifles.

Type IV (Armor Piercing Rifle). This armor protects against .30 caliber armor piercing (AP) bullets (U.S. military designation M2 AP), with nominal masses of 10.8 g (166 gr), impacting at a minimum velocity of 869 m/s (2850 ft/s) or less. It also provides at least single-hit protection against the Type I through III threats. Type IV body armor provides the highest level of protection currently available. Because this armor is intended to resist “armor piercing” bullets, it often uses ceramic materials. Such materials are brittle in nature and may provide only single-shot protection, since the ceramic tends to break up when struck. As with Type III armor, Type IV armor is clearly intended only for tactical situations when the threat warrants such protection.

I hope you found the information useful and informative in order to make an educated decision on the type of body armor you should carry on duty.

Martin

Training Director

Guard Training Center

www.guardtrainingcenter.com

What does a BURGLAR look like?

Experience has shown us that burglars like many things (mostly other people’s things), but two conditions are preferred by most thieves:

• An invitation, and
• A fast, easy, undetected entry and exit

Burglary invitations aren’t stuffed into envelopes as are birthday party invites; nor do we hang signs on our doors – “BURGLARS WELCOME” – the way we attach balloons to the mailbox. However, invitations are sent and signs are posted which are equally effective. Have you observed the pile of newspapers or how the mail overflows from your mailbox? Other invites you might recognize include:

• Non-maintained yard.
• Keys left in your vehicle while you run into the store.
• Dark or concealed hiding areas.
• Windows left open when you are away.
• Notes left on exterior doors explaining where you have gone.
• The spare house key on top of the door jam. (Did you think no one knew that key was there?)
• Messages on answering machines stating you are away.
• An open garage door.
• Sliding glass door, without auxiliary locks.
• A house unlit night after night.
• Privacy fence.
• Flimsy door latches and locks.
• Basement windows.

After receiving his invitation the burglar also looks for a quick, undetected entry and exit. He will choose the path of least resistance, which affords him the best chance of getting away without being caught. For this reason, most burglars work the night shift hiding under the cover of darkness. This is an opportunity afforded by nature; other access and escape opportunities, which we provide include:

• A large shrub in front of a window
• A dark alley behind the residence
• A privacy fence around the yard
• An unlocked door or window
• A sliding glass door
• An exterior door without a deadbolt lock

Stay tuned for more safety tips!

There are around 12,000 incidents of “distraction burglary” each year, where callers get into homes and then steal cash or valuables while the occupier is distracted in some way. Sometimes they work in pairs, with one doing the talking while the other is stealing and they often target the elderly.

Be on your guard every time the doorbell rings, or there’s a knock at your door. Look out of your window to see who’s there first and if you don’t know who the person is, open the window slightly and talk to them that way, rather than opening your door. Alternatively, have a viewer fitted in your front door so that you can take a good look at who’s there first. If your eyesight isn’t so good, don’t worry as you can now get wide-angle viewers to help you see better.

Put the door chain or door bar on before opening the door and talk through the gap. You could even fit a small mirror to the wall next to the door so that you can easily see the person you are talking to. When the caller has left and you’ve closed the door, don’t forget to unhook the chain so that any friend or relative you have given a key to can still get in.

Make sure your back door is locked if someone knocks at your front door. Sometimes thieves work together with one coming in the back way, while the other keeps you talking at the front.

Keeping the chain on the door, ask callers from the council or any other organization to pass through some identification. If you need your glasses to check this don’t think it’s rude to close the door and go and get them. A genuine caller won’t mind. If you’re still not sure, ask the caller to leave and tell them to write and make an appointment so that someone else can be with you the next time they call. The basic rule is if you don’t know the person at your door don’t let them in.

As part of the Government’s “Stop, Chain, Check” campaign, local councils, social services and Age Concern centers have further information they can provide to older people. They can also help with door viewers, chains and mirrors, and in certain circumstances, may be able to supply a personal attack alarm that connects through to a control center.

• Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about value later.
• Don’t leave anything loose in the cockpit or on deck.
• Don’t leave your engine key in the ignition – always take it with you.
• Keep your boat keys separate from your engine keys.
• Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even for a short time.
• Use strong padlocks or rimlocks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.
• Constantly check and improve the security on your boat. It’s a good idea to fit an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one is fitted.
• Make sure your cockpit lockers can be properly locked, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong.
• Also think about having a strongbox down below. If you don’t think something is secure, get it fixed.

Improve your security

Once you’ve tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore.

Always:

• Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong padlock;
• Lock up emergency money away from other valuables;
• Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in;
• Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards – and always lock them;
• Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.
• When you go ashore from a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, rowlocks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.
• If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbour master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn’t been badly damaged.
• And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven’t been broken into as well.
• Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work together to keep the marina secure. You can do the following.
• Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.
• Report any strangers at the marina to the harbour master or yard master.
• Don’t give your marina access card or key to other people.
• Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.
• Don’t let strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.
• Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

Sexual Assault

1. Use initials instead of first names on mail boxes and phone listings.
2. Avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage.
3. Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are alone.
4. It is risky to accept a ride home from someone you have just met.
5. If you decide to physically resist assault, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help.
6. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, call police immediately. Do not bathe or change clothes or you may destroy evidence.

Robbery

1. Avoid carrying valuable items or large amounts of money.
2. Always think ahead. For example, when traveling at night, have your keys ready to enter the house or to start the car.
3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to cooperate.
4. If you resist, there is a greater chance that you may be hurt.

Bank Machines

1. When using an automatic bank teller, always be watchful of any suspicious people around you.
2. The chances of being robbed at night are much greater, especially if you are alone.
3. If you find someone waiting and watching outside in the area of an ATM machine, do not use it. Leave the area and report the incident to the police immediately. You could save someone else from being a victim of crime.

Street Safety- Use Common Sense

1. Stay in well lighted, busy areas. Avoid walking alone and avoid known trouble spots.
2. When you carry a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. Do not wrap purse straps around your wrist, because you can get hurt in a struggle.
3. Carry only what you need in a purse or wallet, not everything you have.
4. Avoid using shortcuts through dark alleys, fields, or vacant lots.
5. If you think you’re being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. Go quickly to a well-lighted place with lots of people. Do not go home. You don’t want an attacker to know where you live.

Stay tuned for more safety tips right here!