CrimeStoppers
How to Get Involved
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Local CrimeStoppers
meets monthly
(every 2nd Thursday)
at 6:30 pm
MISSION STATEMENT: First and foremost our mission is to provide the community and law enforcement agencies a format to assist the law enforcement agencies with the capture of wanted criminals by providing information and to establish programs to educate the public on crime prevention, personal safety and crime reporting.
CALL CRIMESTOPPERS 850-8537
PERSONAL PROTECTION COURSE
PRESENTED BY: Raymond "Buck" Rodgers, Sheriff
Fletcher Ellison, Chief Deputy
HOME PROTECTION
A. First and most important; identify ALL your property. List the name brand, make, model and serial number on ALL personal property (including outside equipment). Get all jewelry appraised and photograph each item.
B. List all of your property and make several copies of that list. Forward one copy to your insurance company and place other copies in various locations at your home and work and at a family members house.
C. If the item does not have a serial number, use an engraver and/or a permanent marker to put your driver's license number and state on the item (in two or more locations if possible).
Positive identification of your property is required for prosecution.
D. Beware and suspicious of any person that you do not how or have never seen. Be suspicious of anyone riding by your residence more than once or stopping to ask directions.
E. Get to know your neighbors and if you trust them, ask them to keep a watchful eye on your home and property.
F. Never leave any windows or doors (garage included) open or unlocked.
G. Use dead-bolt locks that require a key.
H. Use motion detection lights and an alarm system if possible.
I. Never advertise when you're going to be away from home.
J. Get a large dog(s). Put up "Beware of the Dog" signs (even if you don't have a dog).
K. Leave a radio or TV on and playing with the volume turned up so that it can be head outside if possible.
L. Remove any objects such as trees or bushes that block the view of your home.
M. Never leave any objects such as lawn mowers, four-wheelers, and etc, easy access.
N. Put a note on the door -that reads something like this; "Hey Mike, I'll be back in about 5 minutes. Wait for me".
0. Avoid parking your vehicle in the same place as a matter of routine.
Most residential burglaries occur during daylight hours. Most homicides involving home invasion occur during daylight hours. If you arrive home and notice anything at all out of place, contact the nearest law enforcement agency. If you have been the victim of a burglary or other crime, DO NOT TOUCH anything or attempt to investigate. Be alert for any possible foot and tire tracks left by the suspect and preserve them until the Police arrive. DO NOT allow anyone inside the crime scene.
Prevention of Personal Attacks
To protect your body ... use your head.
1. Never allow anyone into your home that you do now know. Keep your door locked and closed until you have made positive identification of your visitor.
2. Have good outside lighting under the carport and movement area.
3. If something seems strange or out of place, leave and seek assistance immediately.
4. Never tell anyone when you're going to be alone. This includes phone calls and in-person conversations.
5. Never stop and speak to any person that you do not know.
6. Avoid giving your name and details about yourself to strangers.
7. Never walk, jog or park in an isolated or dark area.
8. Never stop for any person or vehicle that you do not know. Remember, just because a vehicle has a flashing blue-light doesn't mean that it is .the Police. If you choose to stop for an unmarked Police car do so in a crowded and well lighted area or a driveway of someone that appears to be at home.
9. If you notice or suspect that anyone is following you on foot or in a vehicle, seek assistance immediately. Go to a well lighted and/or crowded area.
10. Never bait anyone or appear to be loose, especially in restaurants or bars.
11. Always let a friend or family member know your plans. Let them know where and with whom you are going with and what time you plan to return home.
12. A personal attack and/or sexual assault is most often a crime of opportunity against one who appears vulnerable. 65% of victims are known.
What to do if you are attacked
1. Remember: Panic and fear are normal responses. Mental preparation may decrease the trauma and allow you to react more quickly in overcoming the situation.
2. The choice to physically resist can only be made by you. If you chose to resist and there is a chance that anyone will hear you, scream, kick, punch, bite, claw, etc.. . Do anything to attract attention to the situation.
3. If you are alone and there is no chance that anyone can hear you, you will probably be better off to submit to the attack.
4. If you are assaulted, try to remain as calm as possible and get a good physical description of your attacker.
5. DO NOT take a bath, wash or attempt to clean up the scene and dispose of your clothing. If you do this, valuable forensic evidence could be lost.
6. Notify the Police immediately. Provide them with a description of the attacker. Height, weight, age, color eyes, smell, facial hair, tattoos, clothing, warts, molds, etc.. . Remember, your memory will be much more clear immediately after the attack.
7. Leave the area where the assault occurred and DO NOT return to that area or allow anyone else to enter that area. It is important to preserve the crime scene so that evidence can be gathered.
8. Contact a close friend and/or family member for moral support.
9. After the Police have been contacted and are en-route, sit down and write down the physical description of the suspect and the language he used. Try to be as accurate as possible. Do this before you talk to anyone about the incident if possible.
10. Do not discuss details about the assault with anyone except professional services
personnel.
CONDITIONS OF A DEADLY FORCE CONFRONTATION
- You must make up your mind before a violent confrontation to use deadly force.
- Avoid the attacker or intruder if at all possible.
- The confrontation will occur quickly and usually within 7 feet.
- Keep as much distance as possible between you and the attacker.
- Make positive identification of your attacker.
- Do Not mistake a family member, friend or Police Officer for the criminal.
- Move in a way that you can maintain your balance and remain versatile and flexible.
Most confrontations occur at night or in dim light. Assign family members to specific tasks and functions. The criminal will usually have the advantage of surprise. You must control you adrenaline and remain calm and clear headed to win the confrontation. Remember that your reaction time is slower than the action time of the attacker. Beware of body functions in a high stress situation and do not be alarmed when these reactions occur. Things may appear to be in slow motion. Do Not be complacent. Be aware. Be prepared. Control the situation. Your purpose is to stop or neutralize the attacker to save a life.
Deadly Force and the Law
You should never give any statement of any kind to anyone, including the Police, without an attorney present. Consult with an Attorney as soon as possible.
Remember the acronym "JAM" when applying deadly force
- J Are you in Jeopardy of a criminal attack?
- A Does the attacker have the Ability to inflict grievous bodily harm?
- M Does the attacker have the Means to inflict grievous bodily harm?
Deadly Force - is any physical force calculated or likely to cause death or serious injury. You can use that amount of force necessary to meet and overcome the force being used against you by a criminal. It is your responsibility to know and observe all state and federal laws. You must make up your mind before a violent confrontation to use deadly force.
It is your responsibility to know and observe all state and federal laws.
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/coatoc.htm
- Choose 13A Criminal Code
- Then Chapter 3 Defenses
- Section 13A-3-23 Use of Force in the defense of a person
You will note several sections on defense in Section 13a. There are also in-dept commentaries available for review with any attorney in their Code of Alabama