STAYING SAFE

McGruff's Guide to Personal Safety
and Crime Prevention

McGruff

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Home and Neighborhood

Good locks, simple precautions, neighborhood alertness and common sense can help prevent most property crimes.

LOCKS, DOORS AND WINDOWS
red ballInstall good deadbolt locks in your doors, and use them. (About half of burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows.)
red ballUse double-key deadbolts, and remove the key from the lock.
red ballMake sure outside doors, including the one between your house and garage, are solid, 1 3/4-inch metal or wood and fit tightly in their frames. Hinges should be inside.
red ballSecure sliding glass doors with locks or a rigid wooden dowel wedged in the track.
red ballLock double-hung windows by sliding a bolt or nail into a hole drilled at a downward angle through the top of each sash and into a frame.

OUTSIDE
red ballTrim back shrubbery that hides doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that could help a thief climb to second story windows.
red ballMake sure all porches, entrances and yards are well lighted.
red ballKeep the neighborhood up. Dark alleys, litter and rundown areas attract crime.

KEY SENSE
red ballDo not hide house keys in mail boxes, planters or under doormats.
red ballDo not put personal identification on key rings.
red ballLeave only your ignition key with mechanics or parking attendants.
red ballIf you lose the keys to your home or move, change the locks immediately.

ANSWERING THE DOOR
red ballInstall a peephole or viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
red ballDo not trust door chains; they can be easily broken.
red ballDon't open the door to anyone you don't know. Insist that service personnel verify their identity before allowing them in.

ANSWERING THE TELEPHONE
red ballDon't give any information to "wrong number" callers.
red ballCheck references of any person calling about a survey or credit check before offering information.
red ballHang up immediately on threatening or harassing calls.

GOING AWAY?
red ballMake your home appear occupied when you go out - leave lights on and the radio playing.
red ballKeep your garage door closed and locked.
red ballUse timing devices to turn inside lights on and off.
red ballIf you will be gone for several days, arrange to have the mail and papers stopped or picked up. Half of all home burglaries occur during the day when alert neighbors could spot and report the thieves.

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Personal Safety

Knowing how to protect yourself - and joining with your neighbors to make your streets safer - can reduce the opportunity for muggers, purse snatchers and other street criminals to strike.

3 BASIC RULES
red ballDo stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you. Don't get distracted.
red ballDo walk purposefully, stand tall and make quick eye contact with people around you.
red ballDo trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.

WHEN WALKING
red ballPlan the safest route. Choose well-lit busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys and construction sites.
red ballKnow your area - police and fire stations, and what establishments are open late.
red ballMake sure you know where your children are going when they go out. Show them safe places in the neighborhood.
red ballCarry your purse close to your body. Carry your wallet inside your coat rather than in a rear trouser pocket.
red ballDon't flaunt expensive jewelry or flash cash.
red ballDon't overburden yourself with large packages or groceries that make it hard to react.
red ballIf you suspect you're being followed on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted, populated area.
red ballIf you're being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
red ballTry to use well-lighted and frequently used stops.
red ballTry to sit near the driver or conductor.
red ballAvoid sitting near exits. An attacker can reach in and grab a purse or jewelry as the bus or subway pulls away.
red ballBe alert to who gets off the bus or subway with you. If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

IN ELEVATORS
red ballLook in the elevator before getting in.
red ballStand near the controls.
red ballGet off if someone suspicious enters. If you're worried about someone who is waiting for the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something and don't get on.
red ballIf you're attacked, hit the alarm and as many floor buttons as possible.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
red ballChoose routes you know well and that are well populated.
red ballKnow businesses that are open, and the location of police and fire stations.
red ballConsider not wearing headphones - it's safer to be alert and completely aware of your surroundings.

WHAT IF YOU'RE ATTACKED?
red ballRemain calm, try not to panic or show signs of anger or confusion.
red ballIf the attacker is only after your purse, wallet or valuables, don't resist.
red ballMake an effort to get an accurate description of your attacker: age, race, complexion, build, height, weight, type and color of clothing.
red ballCall the police immediately, identifying yourself and your location.

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Sexual Assault

One in four women in America is raped at some time in her life. Knowing the facts about rape can help you prevent it.
red ballRape is an act of violence, not sexual passion.
red ballIn over half of reported rapes, the victims know their attackers, and approximately one-third are attacked in their own homes.
red ballPolice believe that rapists tend to prey on women who look frightened, easily intimidated or who seem to be daydreaming.

REDUCE THE RISK OF RAPE AT HOME
red ballmake sure all windows and doors in your home lock securely, and keep them locked whether you're at home or away.
red ballInstall a peephole in the door and use it.
red ballVerify the identity and legitimacy of any sales or service person before letting him in.
red ballNever let a stranger into your home while you're alone - no matter what the reason.
red ballNever give the impression that you are home alone if strangers call or come to the door.
red ballIf you live alone, use only your initials and last name on mail boxes or directories.
red ballIf you live in an apartment, avoid being in the garage or laundry room by yourself, especially at night.
red ballIf you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Call the police.

WHILE WALKING
red ballBe alert to the people around you.
red ballStay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
red ballWalk confidently at a steady pace, facing traffic.
red ballWalk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys.
red ballDon't walk alone at night. Always avoid areas with few people.
red ballBe careful when people stop you for directions. Reply from a distance, and don't get too close to the car.

WHILE DRIVING
red ballKeep your car in good condition, and the gas tank at least half full.
red ballPark in well-lighted areas and lock your doors, no matter how long you'll be gone.
red ballCheck front and rear seats and floorboards before entering your car.
red ballDrive with all doors locked and windows rolled up. Never pick up hitchhikers.
red ballIf your car breaks down, put the hood up, lock the doors and turn on the flashers. If someone stops to help, roll down the window slightly and ask them to call the police or a tow truck.
red ballAvoid underground and enclosed parking garages if possible.
red ballIf you're being followed, don't drive home. Go instead to the nearest police station, or an open service station or business where you can call the police. don't leave your car unless you are certain you can get inside safely.

IF YOU'RE ATTACKED
red ballKeep your head. Stay as calm as possible and evaluate your options and resources.
red ballIt may be more advisable to submit than to resist and risk severe injury or death. You will have to make this decision based on the circumstances. But don't resist if the attacker has a weapon.
red ballKeep assessing the situation as it is happening. If one strategy doesn't work, try another. Possible options include negotiating, stalling for time, distracting the assailant and fleeing to a safe place, verbal assertiveness, screaming, and physical resistance.
red ballYou may be able to turn the attacker off with bizarre behavior such as throwing up, acting crazy or picking your nose.

AFTER AN ASSAULT OR RAPE
red ballGo to a safe place and call the police. The sooner you report the crime, the greater the chances your attacker will be caught.
red ballDo not shower, bathe, douche or destroy any clothing you were wearing. do not disturb any physical evidence.
red ballGo to a hospital emergency room for medical care.
red ballCall someone to be with you. You should not be alone. Contact a rape treatment or crisis center to help you deal with the consequences of the assault.



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right pointerMcGruff's "Preventing Carjacking - Tactics for Safety"



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Here are the different divisions of
the Ruston Police Department.
Here are some of the different
projects and programs that are
currently in operation.
Communications Division...
Uniform Patrol Division...
Criminal Investigations Division...
SWAT...
K-9's...
Juvenile Division...
Narcotics Division...
Forgery...
Bicycle Patrol...
Neighborhood Watch...
DWI Enforcement Program...
Reserve Police Officer Program...
Crimestoppers...
Employment Opportunities...
Law Enforcement Technology...




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