Personal Safety
Community Education Specialist
Mary Browning
Naperville Police Department
Objectives
• To learn techniques useful in keeping
yourself and your property safe
• Personal safety at different locations
Who are Victims of
Crime
• Anybody
• Anywhere
• Any time
• More crimes of violence occurred during
daylight hours than between 6pm and 6am
(DOJ, 1998)
Crime Statistics
2014 Naperville
Property
Personal
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Murder 1
Sexual Assault 10
Battery 84
Robbery 20
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Theft 1416
Arson 3
Burglary 175
Motor Vehicle
Theft 37
Crime Prevention Triangle
For a crime to occur there
must be three elements
present.
Which one can
we effect?
Opportunity
Crime Prevention Triangle
For a crime to occur there
must be three elements
present.
Which one can
we effect?
Opportunity
Personal Safety
Make Yourself a
Lousy Target!!!
Personal Safety
Basic Rules
• Make sure you tell someone
where you are going and when
you will be back
• Make sure that your office and
family know your itinerary in
detail!
• Stay in places where you can be
seen and heard
Personal Safety
Basic Rules cont.
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Watch what is going on around you, including
behind you
• Stay alert
• Trust your instincts
• If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable,
leave or get away
• Avoid a situation instead of figuring how to get
out of one
Personal Safety
On the Street
• Stand tall, walk with confidence
• Look like you own the place! Even in
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unfamiliar surroundings
Know where you are going
Avoid carrying lots of packages
Stay on well-lit streets/areas-Avoid Isolated Areas
Dress Appropriately
Vary your route
Don’t wear headphones
Use the Buddy System
Personal Safety
Parking Garage / Lot
• Leave only an ignition key with the valet
• Avoid parking where you would exit your car next to the
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sliding door of a van
Know/remember where you parked!
Park under lights
Have your key ready as you approach your car, be aware
of your surroundings, and be watchful of others walking in
garage
Check the interior of your vehicle before entering
Personal Safety
Going Home
• Don’t jangle your keys. Leave them in purse,
pocket until close to home
• Look at home as you approach. Are there doors
open, lights on, windows open that look out of
place?
• DO NOT ENTER if something looks wrong
• Walk away and call police
Personal Safety
In Elevators
• Don’t get into an empty elevator with a stranger
• If you feel uncomfortable for any reason..GET
OFF
• Stand near the control panel. If attacked ring the
alarm and hit as many floor buttons as possible.
• You don’t have to be polite!
Personal Safety
If You Are Being Followed:
Trust Your Instincts!
*Act Suspicious/Turn & Look
*Change Directions
• Cross the street and head toward people
• If followed by car, turn around and walk in the opposite
direction
*Go to a Public Place
*Act Outrageous
Cell Phones
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Keep it operational
Keep it with you
Know your location
Know appropriate
emergency numbers
CALL 911
It’s that Simple
If It Happens
• If you are physically able and mentally
ready, strike back if appropriate.
• Purse theft vs. sexual assault
• Remember that weapons could be taken and
used against you
• Pepper spray, knives, etc
Mace, Pepper Spray (O.C.)
Will it work?
What is it?
Mace and O.C. Spray
Mace and O.C. spray are chemicals that when
sprayed on someone produce an extremely
irritating reaction.
Mace was made first, however not widely
used anymore. Effectiveness is limited.
O.C. spray very common, and “effective.”
Used by police.
O.C. Oleoresin Capsicum
• Produces several undesirable effects.
• Strong burning sensation
• Reaction can cause your eyes to close
• Reacts with the mucous membranes
• Long range. Some brands can shoot a burst
21 feet.
• Effective in many ways
O.C. consideration
Any kind of weapon can be used against you.
Knife, gun, keys, Mace, OC Spray
NOTHING beats being a
TOUGH TARGET
Any Questions?
Call the Naperville Police Department
630-420-6666