• Holiday Safety Tips
• for Visitors
• for Yourself (For Women)
• for Your Property
• Cell Phone Safety Tips
• Nightlife Safety Tips
• Safety Tips for Users of Internet Classified Ads (pdf)
• Best Practices for Nightlife Establishments (pdf)
• for Your Auto
• for the Taxi Driver
• for the Park Enthusiast

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SAFETY TIPS

• Carry your wallet in an inside jacket pocket or side trouser pocket, never in the rear pocket.
• Carry pocketbooks in the bend of your elbow, held close to your body. If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag. Carry credit cards and cash in your pockets.
• Keep pocketbooks on your lap when dining out, not dangling over the back of a chair. Avoid placing pocketbooks on hooks on the back of a fitting room or bathroom door, where someone can easily reach over and removed them.
• Leave valuables and important papers, such as jewelry and passports, secured in your hotel's safe deposit box. Never leave these items unattended in your room or carry large sums of cash on your person.
• Be wary of unexpected persons coming to your hotel room. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance people. Contact the front desk if you have any doubts.
• If you schedule a meeting with a potential client, research the company and the individual with whom you are meeting. Meet in a public place, such as a restaurant.
• Make sure that luggage is only given to a member of the hotel's bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage. Never leave luggage or other expensive items, unattended at airports or taxi stands.
• If you choose to use a car service, contact a specific company directly. Never enter an unsolicited "car service" vehicle offering to take you to your destination. Yellow medallion taxis are the only vehicles permitted to pick up fares on the street.
• When driving, plan your trip in advance and carry a map. Travel on well-lighted, populated roadways whenever possible and keep the doors of the vehicle locked. Be wary of other motorists warning you of a mechanical problem or flat tire. This may be a ruse to get you to stop the vehicle. Most of all be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times to ensure that you aren't being followed. If you have a cellular phone carry it with you.
• Remember that no one will offer you something for nothing, so be aware of "con artists" and pick pockets. Some of the "scams" to be aware of:
  • Someone helping to "clean off" mustard or ketchup that has been squirted on your jacket as a distraction to remove your wallet or other valuable items.
  • Theater, music and sporting event tickets sold on street corners that may be counterfeit.
  • Three Card Monte sidewalk games that are "rigged" to make you lose and are illegal to play.
  • Persons pointing to money, that you have supposedly dropped, who take your briefcase and luggage when you bend down to pick up the money.
• Finally, if you are in need of immediate police assistance, Dial "911".

• Avoid shortcuts that are not well travelled or well lit.
• Know what reputable stores are open in your neighborhood late at night. If you suspect that you are being followed stay away from lonely quiet blocks and head for the store you know to be open.
• When walking to your car or on your way home, keep your keys in your hand until you are safely inside for added protection.
• If someone drops you off at home by auto, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
• If a motorist bothers you while you are walking turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the car. Do this as often as necessary and he should get discouraged.

• Keep windows rolled up, except for a small. ventilation space and keep your doors locked.
• If someone attempts to force you off the road, don't panic..... blow your horn constantly to attract attention. If you are forced over, as soon as you stop put your car in reverse and back away..... keep blowing the horn and moving the car as much as possible.
• If you suspect that someone is following you make a few turns down active streets if possible. If the auto you suspect is following you makes the same turns as you then head for the nearest police station, fire house or open store. Don't try to make it to your own quiet residential area.
• Try to park your car in a well lighted area, this is not only good from the standpoint of dicouraging a personal attack on you but also for reducing the chance of auto theft. Look around before you get out of your car.
• Before getting into your car, look inside first to make sure no one is hiding in the back seat. When leaving your car, make sure it is locked.

• Have your key ready before you get to the front door.
• Make sure your entrance area is well lighted.
• If you live in an apartment don't be polite and hold the lobby door open for a stranger who has been waiting.
• List only your last name and first initial in your mailbox.
• Don't buzz someone inside unless you know them.
• If a stranger wants to use your phone for any kind of call from business to emergency ........ keep him out and you make the call for them! Any problems or in doubt? Call the police!
• If you arrive home and find your door open DO NOT GO INSIDE call the police from a pay phone or neighbors house and ask them to meet you.
• Don't get on the elevator with a stranger if your own good judgment warns you against it -- need an excuse to avoid embarrassment say something like; "Oh I forgot my mail."

• Report crime immediately to Police. Call 911.
• Do not wash or douche.
• Have a medical exam and internal gynecological exam as soon as possible accompanied by a police officer preferably.
  • Inform doctor of exact acts committed upon you and have him note any medical evidence of them.
  • Semen smears must be taken by the doctor.
  • Doctor should note any bruises or injuries (bleeding, lacerations, etc.) external or internal.
  • Have the doctor test for venereal diseases (and pregnancy later if relevant).
• Inform the police of all details of attack, however intimate, and of anything unusual you may have noted about the attacker. remember, what he said and how he said it may lead to his arrest.
• Show police any external bruises or injuries however minor, resulting from the attack. Also show them to a friend or relative who might be available as a corroborative witness at the trial.
• Give the undergarments to the police (for semen analysis).
• Give any torn or stained clothing to the police.
• When calm, make note of events of attack, unusual details, etc.

• Do not accept drinks from anyone if you did not see them prepared.
  
• Do not leave your drink unattended for any period of time.
  
• Always inform a family member of friend of your whereabouts.
  
• When entering a bar of club, always know where emergency exits are located in case of a fire or other emergencies.
  
• Be familiar with your surroundings (street names, landmarks, etc.) this specific information will be needed to locate you.
  
• Do not drink and drive or accept a ride from anyone who has been drinking.
  Designate a driver who will not drink.
  
• Do not leave your bag unattended.
  
• Arrange a buddy system with a friend and always watch after each other.
  
• Never leave a bar or club with a stranger.
  
• Carry a cell phone. When possible, call 911 if you are being harassed.
  
• Always carry enough money for a taxi.

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911

Remember; you must be over 21 to drink

IN NEW YORK IT IS UNLAWFUL TO HAVE OR PRESENT FALSE OR FORGED IDENTIFICATION

Prevent Auto Theft

JOIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S AUTO THEFT PREVENTION STICKER PROGRAMS (pdf)

Establish Ground Rules

How To Give A Thief A Hard Time

• Park in a well-lighted area
• Close all windows, lock all doors
• Activate any theft deterrent device you may have
• Put packages or valuable out of sight: CB radios, tape and cassette decks and other expensive items in full view invite theft.
• If you park in a commercial lot or garage, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.
• Do not keep license, registration or title in car. If left in car, thieves can use these documents to sell your car if stolen, or to impersonate you when they are challenged by police. Owners who indiscriminately leave keys, registrations and other identifiable material in their vehicles may return to their residence only to find that they are the victims of a burglary.
• If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the vehicle and the garage.

Personal Identification Pays

Join The Police Departments Anti-auto Theft Programs

Operation Identification For Vehicles

Auto Theft Security Devices

Car Alarms

• Observe behavior around your car;
• Take description, license plate numbers, etc.;
• If suspicious person, call 911;
• DO NOT TAKE ACTION... your safety is our first concern.

If Your Car Does Get Stolen

• Report theft to police.
• Obtain form MV78B "License Plate Form" from your local police precinct.
• Notify your insurance company.
• Submit Form MV78B to Department of Motor Vehicle.
• Retain a copy of Department of Motor Vehicle Form as a receipt.

Personal Safety

Proper maintenance of your vehicle will prevent routine breakdowns thereby avoiding vulnerable sftuations. A Civilian Band Radio (CB) offers a degree of protection in that it gives you outside contact in the event of an emergency.

Check the following items on a routine basis:

• Tire pressure and wear;
• Oil and brake fluid levels;
• Battery fluid,,
• Radiator water level; The following items should be in your vehicle at all times for emergency situations:
• Screwdriver;
• Pliers;
• Flares;
• Flashlight;
• Jack/Spare tire;
• Battery jumper cables and procedure for boosting;
• Change for telephone;
• Lubricant for locks;
• Lock de-icer;
• Lug wrench;
• Auto insurance card;
• First Aid Kit and Blanket;
• Phone Numbers of 24 hour tow and repair service;
• Sign: "PLEASE CALL POLICE" in light-reflecting letters approximately 12" high;
• Emergency tire repair kit and air compressor.

• Install safety equipment that is available on the market. Bullet resistant partitions, distress signal lights, cellular phones as well as other equipment can greatly reduce your vulnerability to crime.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Always display confidence and control when transporting a fare.
• Don't carry cash in your shirt pockets. Its too easy for a thief to reach.
• Keep your trip sheet up to date and out of sight.
• Never follow a fare beat into a building.
• Familiarize yourself with the location of police stations, fire houses, gas stations, and other 24 hour establishments.
• If you are confronted by a criminal, DON'T RESIST!! Notify the police of any criminal act as soon as possible.

Trip Program

• Do not take shortcuts or dirt paths through wooded areas. Stay on well-lighted, populated pathways.
• Remember there is safety in numbers. Always walk or run with a friend. Look into joining a local community running club.
• Remain alert and aware at all times. Don't wear headphones.
• Carry your wallet in the side pants pockets or inside jacket pocket. Never carry a wallet in the rear pants pocket.
• Carry pocketbooks in the bend of the elbow, close to the body. If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag. If someone should attempt to snatch your purse..... let it go.
• Don't wear excessive amounts of jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. Divide your money between pockets and handbags.
• Familiarize yourself with your local park. Know the locations of public phones and police call boxes.
• Should someone attempt to verbally harass you, just keeping on walking. Responding to this kind of behavior could escalate the situation.
• Know the locations of stores or businesses which may be open in the vicinity of the park. These locations may be a safe place to go should you feel threatened.
• Always carry some form of identification, even when running. A label in your clothing will be sufficient if you are not carrying a wallet or handbag. Name and address labels should always be sewn inside the clothing of your children.
• Closely supervise your children as they play in the park. Instruct them on how to respond to strangers.
• Report suspicious persons or activities to the local precinct. Remember to dial "911" should you require emergency police or medical service.
• Should you become the victim of a crime in a park or anywhere , remember the following:
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  • Remain as calm as possible. Don't make any quick or sudden movements. Many times the criminal is as nervous as yourself.
  • Don't be a hero. No amount of money or property is worth your life.
  • Be observant. Try to remember as much as possible about the criminal: sex, age, race, clothing, height, weight, etc..
  • Call the police via "911" immediately after the incident. Follow the instructions of the "911" operator and provide all the necessary information.