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Your Safety and the "Not Me" Illness
by J. Branch Walton, USSS (Ret.)
Editor's Note: In light of recent news developments, we are again running an unusual training page. Branch Walton has been involved in security, and executive and personal safety for over thirty-five years. He presented a session on executive protection at our 7th Annual Security Officers Workshop in May, 2001.
Anytime there is a shooting in the workplace or in a school, one of the most frequent comments heard from witnesses interviewed by the press is "We never thought it could happen here." The same attitude is prevalent in most of us when it comes to thinking about ourselves and our personal safety. Robberies, assaults and other crimes happen to other people, not us.
Think Ahead
Actually, this is exactly the attitude that the criminals look for while scouting for victims. They are looking for the unsuspecting, the careless, the unprepared. Your best chances to avoid becoming a victim to these crimes are to apply common sense precautions to your everyday activities. Too often we forget there can be danger to ourselves in almost any location - but especially because we work for financial institutions. The best defense you can mount is to use your eyes and ears to watch and listen wherever you go.
Sound too simple?
In hindsight, most victims of these crimes have identified simple steps they could have taken that could have prevented the act. They did not say they needed a weapon, black belt certification, or anger intervention training. If they had just looked ahead, they could have seen themselves walking into a dangerous situation. If the criminals think there is the slightest chance of being unsuccessful, they will go on to a target that offers a greater chance for success.
This attitude applies to the work environment as well. A potential robber who conducts a surveillance of your bank and sees existing security measures that will reduce the opportunity for a successful robbery, will probably pick another, less secure target. Fortunately, many of the security measures applicable to financial facilities are mandated. However, security measures for your personal safety are not.
Take Two
The first step in developing a personal safety program is to recognize that you can be as vulnerable as anyone else to crimes. Practice the take-two approach. Every time you enter or exit your car, take just two seconds to observe who and what is around you. When you walk into or out of a restaurant or store, take two seconds to investigate the area from car to building entrance. As you park your car, take two seconds to observe the area for suspicious people or activity. Surveillance detection is the activity one takes to see if someone is following. Again, this is a simple, non-time consuming activity that should be practiced. The take-two and surveillance detection steps can become habit after a period of conscious application. You need not become paranoid about their use. After awhile, it will become second nature to you - a good habit.
Theft Triangle
In the study of crime, one learns that the three elements of the "theft triangle" are: desire, ability, and opportunity. All three must exist for a crime of theft or assault to be committed. In the absence of one of the three there will be no crime. Only one of the three elements are controllable by potential victims, and that is opportunity. Take away the presence of an item to steal or a vulnerable victim to rob and no crime will be committed. Don't walk into questionable neighborhoods, tempt thieves with visible valuable jewelry or leave your car unlocked. Don't assume the crime victim will always be someone else. If you make yourself an easy target for theft, assault or other crimes, you may be offering yourself on a platter to the criminal.
If you don't understand the philosophy of the theft triangle and how opportunities can even create crime, try leaving a $10 bill on your desk or on the seat of your car with the window open in the parking lot. How long do you think that bill will remain there?
Use Your Senses
You are your own first line of defense in crime prevention. Think of the concern and alertness you would have if your young child was walking through a parking lot and into a shopping complex. You would be observing every car and person in that child's vicinity for potential danger. It doesn't necessarily take extra time. It does take a conscious effort and an understanding about how important the use of your senses can be in protecting yourself.
Your employer has probably been mandated to create a safe environment at work. They are probably making additional efforts based on the knowledge of what a negligent law suit might cost. You may be well trained about handling a robbery at your bank. Don't leave that security awareness at work once you depart the workplace. For example, be aware of strangers in the parking lot, or in your neighborhood. Use the rear view mirror in your car when you travel, and really notice the car behind you. Discuss personal safety with your family members. Teach children not to open, answer or unlock the door until they have identified the person on the other side. The extra measure of caution you use is a valuable part of your defense.
Should you become the victim of a robbery or assault on the street, you should apply the same training tips you have been taught for when a bank is robbed. No property is worth giving up your life. There is one piece of advice that has the agreement of every law enforcement and security professional: Don't fight a person with a gun.
The most essential bits of advice anyone can give you when providing guidance in the area of crime prevention and especially personal safety is that you do have input when it comes to vulnerability.
Stay alert.
Stay aware.
Have a plan.
Branch Walton is currently a security consultant and trainer specializing in workplace violence, handling disgruntled customers, personal safety, and general crime prevention. He started security and law enforcement training over 16 years ago after 21 years with the U.S. Secret Service. He can be reached at branwalt@earthlink.net
Copyright © 2001 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 11, No. 3, 3/01
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