Attacking Safety Myths

By JENNIFER CHANCELLOR World Scene Writer

Most people have probably seen the e-mails forwarded from a "concerned woman," asking that the message and safety tips included within it be passed on to other women.

In part, it reads, "It is always better to be safe than sorry. (And better paranoid than dead.)"

Good advice.

But ensuring your own safety is not always so straightforward, said Tulsa Police Capt. Tracie Crocker.

Often, safety e-mails go on to list how things like hairstyle, clothing and how you confront a stranger could make the difference between staying safe and becoming a victim.

"There's a lot of confusion and nonsense information out there. The most important tip to share with anyone, anywhere is to pay attention to your surroundings," said Crocker, who's worked for the Tulsa Police Department for 19 years, and has been teaching safety classes to women and children in the Tulsa area for 12 years.

She's interviewed countless victims for the police department and participated in victimology studies, too, she said.

"I get asked over and over again for tips about preventing purse snatchings, rapes, assaults and abductions," she said. "In this line of work, I've heard and seen just about everything."

Other than paying attention to surroundings, the second most important tip Crocker shares in her workshops is: "Be prepared."

"There is no race, gender or economic criteria to determine who will be a victim," she said. "Be prepared to fight if you want to fight. Be prepared to run if you choose to run.

"Think about when you're vulnerable -- walking to work, running at night, being alone at night -- and make plans now about what you would do when a 'worst case' scenario happens. Don't wait for it to happen."

Here's a quiz to test your safety savvy:

1. True or false: Women with ponytails, buns or braids are more likely to be targeted by rapists, because the hairstyles are easier for criminals to grasp or pull.

2. True or false: Women wearing baggy clothing are more frequently abducted, because their clothing can be grabbed and removed more easily.

3. "Gut feelings" are reliable when deciding what may be a potential threat.

4. If someone is walking or following behind you, it's best to look him in the eye and ask a question like, "Can you believe the weather we're having?" because then you've seen his face and could ID him if he attacks you, which makes you a less appealing target.

5. Guns are effective self defense weapons.

6. If you're out running or walking to your car, your keys are a good self defense weapon -- hold them so the keys stick sharp-side out between your closed fingers.

7. If someone attempts to steal your purse or bag, give it to him, or throw it toward him and run away.

8. If someone with a weapon attempts to abduct you or wants to take you to an automated teller machine (ATM), it doesn't matter if you make the assailant angry -- scream, punch, kick and fight to escape.

9. Children should be told that they must not talk to strangers.

10. If an unannounced solicitor shows up at your door, do not answer it.

Safety quiz answers

1. False. "That's bull," Crocker said. "That doesn't make much sense, because if you have any hair, it can be pulled. It doesn't matter how long it is."

2. False. "Not paying attention to your surroundings makes you a target, not the clothes you're wearing," she said.

3. True. "If you see anything that you think is weird or makes you feel uncomfortable, change course," she said. "Act on your instincts."

4. False. "Don't put yourself within reach of a criminal," Crocker said. "Turn and walk the other direction, go around the car, yell, or get in your car and lay on the horn."

5. Trick question. "That's a very personal decision. Are you willing to get the training and practice needed to be a good shot -- good enough to kill somebody?" Crocker asked. "If not, then don't carry a gun. You're more likely to get injured by your own gun if you aren't familiar with it."

6. False. Keys are short, which means you have to be very close to an attacker for them to be effective. "If you run early in the morning or late at night, be aware that you're vulnerable. Bring mace or a whistle. Bring a friend."

7. Mostly true. "It's your personal choice. Is your ID in there? Money? Could he be going to your home because now he has your address?" Crocker asked. "He will hurt you and isn't opposed to hurting you, but do you know you'd be able to shove your thumbs into his eye sockets if you're going to stand and fight?" Crocker advises not toting a purse, and carrying necessary items like your driver's licence, credit card and cash in your front pocket.

8. True. "There will be no policeman, no security guard, no good Samaritan to help," Crocker said. "Fight your guts out, run, yell, fall down, push, take off . . . He can rob or rape or shoot you right there, but if he takes you somewhere else he will kill you."

9. Trick question. " 'Stranger danger' isn't a phrase we use anymore," Crocker said. "Children are far more likely to know or have met a potential perpetrator than be harmed by a complete stranger. . . . Be general, be honest and be age-appropriate in how you define a threat and don't scare children to death by using words like 'bogeyman.'

10. False. "If you don't answer it, a criminal will walk around and kick in the back door thinking you're not home, putting the elderly and your children at more risk," Crocker said. "Answer the knock but never open the door. Stand a few feet back from the door and ask, 'Can I help you?' Have your phone nearby in case you need to call 911."