Safety Tips From Rocky Mount PD

Safety on the Street and Other Places when Walking

• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Walk with a friend, family member or group.
• Walk with confidence and know where you are going. Be alert. Make eye contact with people you pass.
• Watch your surroundings. Leave any places in which you are uncomfortable. Be especially alert for suspicious persons around banks, Automated Teller Machines, stores, your home, etc.
• Cross the street if you see someone suspicious following you.
• Walk into an open business and call the police if you see anyone acting suspicious or following you. Do not go home.
• Do not go out alone at night, venture into unfamiliar or dark places, take shortcuts, talk to or accept rides with strangers, or hitch rides.
• Do not walk alone in a park after closing hours.
• Do not walk in or near alleys, on deserted streets, near dark doorways or shrubbery.
• Do not walk closely by vehicles, esp. vans or large vehicles.
• Do not approach vehicles even if the occupants say they need directions or assistance.
• Consider your options in the event you are confronted, e.g., scream or blow a whistle to attract attention, flee to a safe area, etc. Decide what you plan to do and practice your responses so you can recall them in a real situation.
• Learn self-defense. Take classes only from licensed instructors. Do not substitute self-defense training for common sense, alertness, and caution.
• Know where telephones are along your route or carry a cell phone.
• Leave large sums of money at home.
• Leave credit cards/debit cards at home.
• Carry identification, medical information, names and phone numbers of people to call in emergencies.
• Carry only necessities.
• Avoid verbal confrontations. They may lead to physical altercations.
• Do not leave notes on your door when you are away from home.
• Do not leave keys in mailboxes or planters, under doormats, or in other obvious hiding spots. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor.

In general, follow the four “As” in regards to personal safety: AWARE, ASSESS, ACT AND ATTITUDE

• Be AWARE of your surroundings and who or what is nearby.
• ASSESS the situation and possible threat.
• ACT quickly and decisively. Change your route, go into a store, use your voice, etc.
• Maintain a confident ATTITUDE. Do not appear to be an easy target.