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Neighborhood Watch 101: Confrontation with criminals
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By Melina Ann Collison
Photo By Dead Air
St. Louis – Neighborhood watch groups are wonderful resources for towns, cities, and suburbs. Working hand in hand with police neighborhood watch groups can protect and just about ensure the safety of a neighborhood.
Active groups pose a problem for criminals and would-be criminals alike. Seeing people walking the streets with flashlights or looking out windows lets a criminal know that this town is not going to let itself be a victim.
However, if you do come into contact with a criminal there are steps you need to take that could be the difference between life and death. Each and every neighborhood watch member needs to be taught the rules of confronting or coming into contact with a criminal.
Concerned citizens may try to do more than they are allowed, in some instances this could prove fatal and is something neighborhood watch groups want to avoid. Follow this list when contact or confrontation of a criminal is unavoidable.
Being Confronted By A Criminal
- Stay out of the criminal’s way. Move, run, or otherwise do not impede the criminal’s actions. STAY AWAY!
- If someone sees a home or business broken into do not enter the building. Call the local police department immediately.
- If a weapon is involved do everything the criminal says. Make sure everyone else follows the directions of the perpetrator as well. Give the criminal whatever they ask for and do not talk unless needed.
- If someone is home alone and they see a criminal start being loud and talking to “invisible” people making it seem like there are more individuals present. Say something like, “Steve, did you hear that noise? I think someone is prowling around.” Call the police right away.
- If there is a burglary where people are home the victims need to get as far away from the criminal as possible and call 911. Put more than one door between the victims and the criminal if possible.
- Make sure people write everything down if the see or come into contact with a criminal.
For more info: The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is always willing to answer any calls or questions regarding Neighborhood Watch. If you live in an area surrounding St. Louis please contact your local police department.
Neighborhood Watch 101 series:
- Neighborhood Watch 101: How to start a neighborhood watch group
- Neighborhood Watch 101: What to watch for in your neighborhood
- Neighborhood Watch 101: How to report a crime to police
Look for the final update to the Neighborhood Watch 101 series:
- Neighborhood Watch 101: How to Patrol
Internet Safety 101 Series
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By Melina Ann Collison St. Louis – Home safety goes a lot further than locking the doors behind you and making sure the alarm is activated. …
By Melina Ann Collison St. Louis – Home safety goes a lot further than locking the doors behind you and making sure the alarm is activated. …
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