NCJ Number
64191
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
AN EXCERPT FROM THE '60 MINUTES' TELEVISION PROGRAM DESCRIBES THE EFFORTS OF A NEW YORK HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICE OFFICER TO EDUCATE SENIOR CITIZENS ON PERSONAL PROTECTION.
Abstract
THE OFFICER AND HIS 'TEAM' OF FORMER OFFENDERS PROVIDE WORKSHOPS WHICH EMPHASIZE TECHNIQUES FOR THE PREVENTION OF MUGGINGS AND THE PREVENTION OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRIME. THE POLICE ADVISE POTENTIAL VICTIMS TO LOOK INTO ELEVATORS AND LAUNDRY ROOMS BEFORE ENTERING AND TO MAINTAIN A SECURE GRIP ON PACKAGES AND HANDBAGS. ALTHOUGH VICTIMS SHOULD NOT RISK INJURY BY FIGHTING FOR THEIR PROPERTY, THE POLICE AND THE FORMER MUGGERS RECOMMEND TECHNIQUES OF BASIC SELF-DEFENSE WHICH CAN BE USED TO DETER AN ASSAULT. BECAUSE 90 PERCENT OF ALL MUGGERS ONLY WANT VICTIM'S PROPERTY AND ARE NOT TRYING TO HARM THE VICTIM, BY USING A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF RESISTANCE OR BY SHOUTING AND ATTRACTING ATTENTION, VICTIMS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES. THE POLICE SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE HAVING VICTIMS SHOUT, 'FIRE!' RATHER THAN MERELY, 'HELP!' BECAUSE HEARERS WILL BE MORE LIKELY TO RESPOND WHEN THEY THINK THAT THEY MIGHT ALSO BE IN DANGER. ALTHOUGH THE FORMER OFFENDERS FEEL THAT SUCH SUGGESTIONS COULD BE EFFECTIVE, MANY PSYCHOLOGISTS NOTE THAT VICTIMS OF CRIMES TEND TO 'FREEZE' DURING A MUGGING AND DO NOT REMEMBER OR ACT UPON POLICE RECOMMENDATIONS. (TWK)