View from the cop: Crime & punishment
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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2009 > January > 15 > Entry
A big part of crime prevention is perception
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The better part of crime prevention involves the “perception” of what you want to protect.
For example, I’m only about five-feet eleven so as I approach, there is no real intimidation factor. (I hate to admit that.) That all changed after I started wearing an eye patch and a Viking helmet.
Perhaps at night, at a party or something, this would not be such a big deal but showing up in a police car to handle a bar fight—well, I think I command a presence!
Eye contact is something that can speak on your behalf. Do this: The next time you’re at the mall, as you’re walking along, look at people as they are approaching you—especially when there aren’t too many other people. As you cross into that “personal space” of the person approaching you, look them in the eye.
That’s the easy part. As they look up and at you, continue to look at them. Don’t smile, don’t nod, just look at them as you walk by. It is uncomfortable but you can bet they’ll remember it longer than if you tried that half-smile thing where you just tighten your lips and just glance at them.
Here’s how this all works:
When two people who come into range, or in contact with one another, a message is sent from each. Don’t show any submissive vibes but instead, be assertive. Look the person in the eye, opposed to looking down to the ground, as you pass. Hopefully you’ve got your pepper spray and / or taser, hand grenades, whatever, in hand, hidden, but in hand. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Are you being over paranoid? I don’t think so but a little paranoia is a good thing when you’re out and perhaps in a vulnerable situation. I’m not saying have the AR-15 shoulder-ready with a few hundred extra rounds strapped across your chest although that would be very cool.
What I’m saying is that if something were to happen, the bad guy will always look for the best opportunity and you won’t have time to “reach” for something. Trust me, If it happens, it will happen quickly. Don’t leave that up to someone else. Prepare. Give him the “look.” It says “I’m not afraid of a little eye contact.”
You can upgrade that to “I’m crazy and well armed” or “The voices are telling me to clean my guns” look. (There are many variations.) Pop an Alka Seltzer and have that rabid look as you walk in the mall, whatever works. All the “look” is doing is showing some assertiveness. Maybe that person entertained thoughts of following you to the parking lot? The “look” may discourage that. Who knows? Crime prevention results are often hard to gauge because in most cases, you’ll never know if you deterred someone from doing something or not.
Even for men, in public, don’t fall into the “submissive nod” thing. Most men, if they do acknowledge another man passing them, will nod and look down when they pass someone. Don’t do that. If you pass and you’re going to acknowledge another male, you want to be the Alpha, not the Beta male, during that brief time you pass.
Here’s what you do: look at them as you pass, nod up, and then look ahead with that sort of squint on your face like you’re Steven Segal in that Sprite commercial. If that doesn’t get you respect, try the eye patch and Viking helmet.
Comments
By Uh Clem
January 15, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
I’m the first comment!! Support the USPS.
By El Gringo.
January 15, 2009 2:25 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a lot of third world countries and have ended up in places I shouldn’t have been. Walk tall, look people in the eye, act like you are supposed to be there.
By Bookman lies.
January 15, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this
Viking helmet? The fat lady has sung. This blog is over.
jklol
Great fun article!
By El Gringo
January 15, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
OK, you got me, I’ve never been out of Atlanta, but it sounded good. In Atlanta, look down, walk small and act like you want to be anywhere else but here.
jklol
morons
I am Analchord and I rule the ajc blogs!!
By God is watching us.
January 15, 2009 5:54 PM | Link to this
When the Vikings designed their viking helmet with the horns and everything, did they use fat suprano as a starting point?
Which came first? the fat chick or the helmet?
No wonder the Vikings plundered and pillaged and raped every single village they could find skinny chicks in if the fat chick was all they had back home.
This may explain all war. Fat chicks. We have to do something about fat chicks.
to all the fat chicks within hearing range of my edict: We see you. All your fashion tricks, like shoulder pads, aint cuttin it. I mean what look are you going for with shoulder pads? The overweight usher?
I can see it now: You have friends over, and decide to wear padded shoulders. When your guests arrive one by one, you open the door, grab a flashlight and escort them to their place on the sofa.
Fat chicks. We need to act soon.
By God is watching us
January 15, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this
I am analchord and I rule this blog!
By God is watching us.
January 15, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this
Now That was easy. To get the trolls to swing at me. With only two comments.
Who else gets banned by Bookman, the jealous hack from hell? Who else takes over any blog he’s on? Who else’s material is so coveted?
By Ken Stepp
January 16, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
Steve I get you on scangwinnett. This is best one yet. I am huge like a wrestler so security always moves in if I stand in one place too long. Its kind of funny. I may look into a viking helmet soon. Keep writing its good stuff.
By pj
January 16, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
good advice. thanks.
By C
January 16, 2009 8:44 AM | Link to this
This may work in Atlanta, but you better be careful about using this tactic in some other parts of the country, especially California. It may be seen as a direct challenge to a fight, or shoot-out.
By Earl
January 16, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
I wear my NRA hat, my GLOCK tee shirt and my Remmington jacket anywhere and everywhere I go in this crime infested city. I want Those You Must Be Aware of to know I am packing and it ain’t inches, it’s firepower and lot’s of it. Since I can’t expect our elected city leaders like Ms. Franklin, who can’t keep her own family put of prison to protect me, I must rely of self-protection. Now that we’ve shown you can kill cops, judges, court reporters and federal agents in Atlanta and not receive the death penalty and all the rampant crime post Katrina, the firing ranges are full each Saturday moorning and now I have to wait to line to fire off my usual weekly 500 rounds. I would like to buy the guy a beer who was able to fire six slugs into the would be robber the other day down in Dekalb, all six before the now dead thug hit the ground. That was very, very, impressive!
By kudzu
January 16, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this
Well said Earl!
By BravesFan79
January 16, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this
One of the tips i give my gf’s is to avoid using the overhead light in your car. As people can clearly see you, but you cant see out!
This served me well once while working apts off of Clevland Ave and noticed 2 black guys sneaking around the edge of the building where the cable box was. And no… they were not “just smoking a cigg” you dumb kiss a$$ liberals…
And i like how the AJC can release the name of an officer that killed some scumbag (so then his fellow scumbags know who to go after)
YET when a crime is commited, REFUSE to tell the race of the ones who are suspects!
Political Correctness is KILLING this country… one innocent/ignorant/unknowing person at a time!!
By Biker Chick
January 16, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this
Good subject today! I was told this same thing by a beat cop in New Orleans years ago. He said not only does the “look” signify that you are not submissive, it also lets the guy (or gal) know that you have gotten a good, long look at their face, have sized up their physical description and could probably identify them later, after the fact.
He said a common tactic among purse snatchers was to walk down the sidewalk, spot a woman not paying attention, then after she passed, spin around and snatch her purse from behind and run off in the opposite direction. That way, they could be certain she had not seen their face. Always hold your head up, look people in the eye (and hold the eye contact for a few seconds). Also, if someone grabs you and tries to pull you into a car, dark alley, etc., fight like hell. Anyone who tries to get you into an isolated, dark area, does not just want to rob you, they want to hurt you, perhaps even kill you. So, in my mind, if they want to hurt or kill me, I’m going to make them try to do it, right there on the spot, and make a hell of a lot of noise in the process.
By ArmedinKennesaw
January 16, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
A bigger part of crime prevention: Exactly what the would-be victim in Dekalb did - carry a gun and know how to use it when the time comes. Great job! A thug taken off the street PERMANENTLY for less than $1. I’ll buy him a beer (or dinner) too.
By Political Foreskin
January 16, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
Boy, You’ve got SPUNK, Biker Chick!
By Jimbo
January 16, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
@Biker Chick
This is why when a woman tells me she wants something for protection that’ll fit in her purse I refuse to help her. Anything you need to protect yourself should be kept on your body, not in something you regularly lose or is the target of the crime in the first place. Guns/batons/tasers/mace go in a pocket or a holster, never a purse.
That’s other thing is the not being aware of your surroundings. One time while walking home from a restaurant downtown with some friends we realized we’d picked up a shadow.. and by we I mean me and the other guy in my line of business. While the rest of our party talked and bantered we both dropped back some and realized that we were both taking the same action as he had his keys and I had a knife. It was weird because they rest of the group never even realized there was someone behind us. It turned out to be a false alarm, but paranoia isn’t a bad thing these days, especially if it breeds awareness.
By pro2am
January 16, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
I cost more than a dollar…have you seen the price of ammo lately, its unreal. Thank goodness he was such a good shot, no wasted rounds at all.
By Hootie!!!
January 16, 2009 10:59 AM | Link to this
Lt. Steve, you mentioned the gun I would really like to have - an AR15 - but the prices have almost doubled in the past few months (for some unknown reason)…
I don’t get a chance to read your column very often so I don’t know if you have posted your opinion before but I would like to hear it. What is your opinion of citizens excercising their 2nd Amendment rights (with a GFL of course)?
Signed, A proud Sandy Springs citizen
By Jimbo
January 16, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
@ Hootie
You can still get an AK74 clone for just over $500 and the 5.45x39mm ammo is apparently the cheapest out there for an assault rifle type gun.
By Rose Rocks
January 16, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this
I love this blog. Lt. Rose is a great writer in addition to being a brave public servant. It’s my favorite thing on this Web Site!
By Joyce
January 16, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
Hey Bravesfan: The best definition I’ve heard re Political Correctness was the answer by a Texan in a contest to define it: The winner wrote: ‘Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end’
By VoiceOfReason
January 16, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
Whenever I pick up a ‘shadow’, day or night, I just turn around and face them. I stop walking, make a full turn, and look them dead in the eye to let them know with certainty that yes, I recognize you are behind me and I’m ready for you. Of course, most times I get the most unusual and umcomfortable look back because generally most folks had no intention of harming you. But even when they look harmless, I still step to the side and let them pass, while watching them the entire way. Most time, men understand and even appreciate a young lady ready to challenge an aggressor. Some have actually said “Good job!”
By Glory
January 16, 2009 12:28 PM | Link to this
I got a grenade, rocket launcher,tank, fighter plane, long range missile, and last but not least. Nukes Baby!! Top that all you tough Rambo’s and Rambettes!!
Most of you probably haven’t even been in a fist fight since middle school, but all you tough wannabe’s know exactly what you’ll do when faced with real danger on the street!! It’s not like the movies, it’s very REAL and very Fast and it can’t be played out in your head beforehand. Sorry, tough looks won’t do it!! That will do nothing but make a Real stickup kid want you even more. Trust me!! A little piece of advice to all those that want it. Always, always take notice of everyone around you. Nobody is off limits!! From the young to the old, no matter what race or size, anyone can be used for a setup. Yes, assume the worst!! In the streets Paranoia is called survival!!
Signed, Glory B.
By Hootie!!!
January 16, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
Thanks Jimbo, I need to look into that deal. But, MAN, those AR15’s are really fun to shoot!
By rmbr343
January 16, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
VoiceOfReason, you are a brave soul. You’ve inspired me to be more “agressive” in my awareness of my surroundings and the people near me than I have been in the past. I know that at first it’ll be uncomfortable, but I’m going to practice it. I’m also going to talk to my 16 y/o daughter about it, although, I must say, she is already a lot more forward about making eye contact than I am. I’ll tell you what, if any of her friends (boy or girl) got into a confrontation with someone and needed help, she’d be the first one in there. The prospect scares me to death.
Good topic Steve! Thanks!
By Lee
January 16, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed “The Look” doesn’t have the same effect when you’re wearing bifocals.
By Political Foreskin
January 17, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
The Look with bifocals CAN hav the same effect, but only if you go “Full Magoo”. There’s nothing more confounding to muggers than an inept, clumsy, blind short aging guy who bumps into things.
Go Full Magoo. Take a bite outta crime.
By The truth about cops
January 18, 2009 6:40 AM | Link to this
And remember kids, always look down when dealing with a cop. Nine times out of ten he’s an insecure (and probably unintelligent) little man who’s mommy didn’t love him enough, or a little short dude who just had to be a cop to overcompensate. Or a rug eating lesbo.
Either way, the way you look at them could be the difference in how much money they steal from you and your family, via a bogus ticket to fill their quota. When you spend half of your shift eating, it’s important to write a lot of tickets to make up for lost time.
I’d say getting robbed by a short, fat cop (essentially at gun point) is a far bigger concern than getting robbed at the mall, and far more likely.
By Max Tayback
January 18, 2009 8:18 AM | Link to this
Sounds to me like Truth’boutCops went full magoo…
By The Conservative
January 18, 2009 10:32 AM | Link to this
The Conservative
I eschew the word conservative. Einstein said that conservatism was making the same bribe over and over and expecting a different arab tribe to stand down. Webster’s Conservatism means a “ disposition to keep established ways, or resistance to change”. I speet on that definition too. Perhaps a photo of a dead beat dad walking into a gambling casino would better illustrate what conservatism has become to mean: the break up of our nookyoolar family, and the business ethics on wallstreet and in our banks, investing as blindly as a Vegas addict, which explains why nobody is talking about where the bailout money went: What happens in vegas STAYS in vegas.
Worksheet for defining conservatism:
The Reagan Conservative: small government, reduced entitlements, strong defense, and keeping the beachboys away from the fourth of july white house lawn celebration.
The Nixon Conservative: Presidential privilege extends beyond the scope of the duties inferred during the oath of office swearing-in ceremony.
The Bush Conservative: Cheney classified the definition of conservatism for the next fifty years, so none of us will ever know. We’ll just stick with “no new taxes”. That worked out great.
Purpose of The Conservative:
I hope to instruct the new conservative about who he is, where he is, and what he would do in a crisis. I am The Conservative. I like people. Inflation is the enemy.
Conservatism 101: If Taxes stifle growth, and Entitlements stifle productivity, then war should be tax-free. (The Iraq War is already tactics-free)
Conservative talking points: The new last refuge of a scoundrel is not now bipartisanship. Splittng the presidency into two parts, with the elected president handling domestic affairs and the elected Vice President being the defacto commander-in-chief (which no supreme court judge voted for) is treason. Maybe our definition of conservative should start there.
There is to be one civilian commander-in-chief. He is our defacto president because either he got the most electoral college votes or the supreme court appointed him as the defacto president. Either way works to the satisfaction of the Defacto American voter/Supreme court judge and his Defective 14 second attention span.
Please take notes. There will be an orange alert later accompanied by a quiz given by a fifth grader.
I am The Conservative.
By Giselle
January 18, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this
Another good piece of advice for females, Steve is to walk with a swagger. The worst that could happen is a gay woman might make a pass at you but they’re not looking to, well you know.
By The truth about cops
January 19, 2009 2:19 AM | Link to this
“The Conservative” is neither as intelligent or as funny as he thinks he is. Actually, that was so unfunny it was uncomfortable to read. I bet that guy is a real riot at the office Christmas party…
By Chris Broe
January 19, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this
was listening to MLK’s “I have a dream” speech on television this morning. When I was a child, I thought JFK was our greatest speaker. His accent was new to me and I just loved the effect his words had on my young spirit. If I listen to JFK today, at 57, the spell is broken and I understand that he was of his time in the sixties, like the Beatles.
MLK had the best delivery of any speaker in my lifetime. He could be the greatest American Speaker. His speeches are so powerful that he could be the Greatest Living American Speaker. His words certainly live and breath and inspire me down to my core.
My dreams are about personal ambition, (and petty revenge fantasies where my enemies sing off key and I guest solo on the Rubber Soul album.) MLK dreamt for this country’s ambition, where liberty’s enemies would come to understand the true meaning of Justice in America.
Justice in America: Is that light at the end of the tunnel the train Obama took to Washington?
By Jimbo
January 20, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
The conservative also isn’t up on current events in the Iraq war. I think they need to read less AJC.
By The Conservative
January 20, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
What is the mission of US troops in Iraq, Jimbo? If you asked folks if they thought there would be a civil war in 1860, they woulda laughed at you. There’s always a majority who want peace. The bad guys only have to be a few to ruin everything.
We cannot leave Iraq. Period. Obama knows that. Notice the backpeddling?
Iraq is 4Iraqis, not occupational foreigners. We can define any mission we like. The mission of US troops in Iraq is to move the sand around real nice like with bombs. Then, we’re gonna stand around bribing them while they find a common bond among their three major factions, which should only take a few dozen years and a few hundred more billion$. the surge is working too!
The problem with you Jimbo is that you read. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So whatever you do, dont google the Kurds and study their history. Can you blame the Shia for hating the Kurds? Dont you hate the kurds? I do. Everybody I know hates the Kurds, who are the French of the Middle East. They even have their own disgusting version of the croissant.
Conservatism: It’s the Kurds fault.
By The Conservative
January 20, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
What is the mission of US troops in Iraq, Jimbo? If you asked folks if they thought there would be a civil war in 1860, they woulda laughed at you. There’s always a majority who want peace. The bad guys only have to be a few to ruin everything.
We cannot leave Iraq. Period. Obama knows that. Notice the backpeddling?
Iraq is 4Iraqis, not occupational foreigners. We can define any mission we like. The mission of US troops in Iraq is to move the sand around real nice like with bombs. Then, we’re gonna stand around bribing them while they find a common bond among their three major factions, which should only take a few dozen years and a few hundred more billion$. the surge is working too!
The problem with you Jimbo is that you read. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So whatever you do, dont google the Kurds and study their history. Can you blame the Shia for hating the Kurds? Dont you hate the kurds? I do. Everybody I know hates the Kurds, who are the French of the Middle East. They even have their own disgusting version of the croissant.
Conservatism: It’s the Kurds fault.
By Cassie
January 20, 2009 12:00 PM | Link to this
Hootie -
The bf wants one too, actually. Someone at the office has one for sale but it’s too highly priced. Another fellow (ah, the friends of friends network) has a camo ar15….but most people want black…we’ll be going to Adventure Outdoors soon to see if we can order one….before they become illegal.