Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #9 - Public Safety

Many of us take advantage of enjoying our local parks and beaches, especially this time of year when the weather is still nice and warm. It’s a great place to just relax or enjoy regular exercise, such as walking and jogging.

Living in California, I love to take advantage of all the wonderful parks and beaches whenever I can. It’s a great place for me to relax and take a break from my writing. Sometimes, I get my best story ideas walking at the beach with my dogs. However, I am still aware of my surroundings, even as I enjoy the great outdoors and beautiful scenery.

Emily Stone, the heroine in my novel Compulsion that is dedicated to public safety, suggests the following tips to stay safe for the park and beach enthusiast:

1.Remember, there is always safety in numbers. It is recommended that you walk or run with a friend. For me, I have a large, trained, black dog that accompanies me when I’m alone and he has deterred a couple of individuals from possibly making me a potential crime victim in the past.

2.Don’t take shortcuts or dirt paths through wooded areas.

3.Stay on well-lighted and populated path areas.

4.Remain alert and aware at all times. As funs as it is to wear headphones with your favorite music, if you are alone don’t wear them, it can distract you from your surroundings.

5.Familiarize yourself with your local park or beach and know where the public phones or police call boxes are located, even if you have your personal cell phone with you. It’s always a good idea to know where these emergency phones are located.

6.Know the locations of any stores or businesses that may be open in the vicinity of the park or beach. These types of locations may be a safe place to go if you feel threatened or need assistance.

7. Don’t wear an excessive amount of jewelry because this will make you stand out.

8.Closely supervise children and instruct them how to response to strangers.

9. If someone attempts to verbally harass you, keep walking and continue to a populated area or business. If you do respond to this type of behavior, it could escalate the situation. It’s always better to be cautious and find a safe, populated location.

10.ALWAYS report suspicious persons or activities to the local police. Remember to dial “911” for emergency police or medical services.

If you happen to become a victim of a crime at the park, beach, or anywhere for that matter, the police recommend the following:

1.Remain calm.
2.Don’t make any quick or sudden movements.
3. Don’t be a hero. No amount of money or personal property is worth your life.
4. Be observant. Try to remember everything you can about the criminal: sex, age, race, clothing, height, weight, and anything that would help to identify the criminal.
5.Call the police immediately after the incident.

Crime in parks and beaches isn’t commonplace, but it’s always important to remember these simple tips and to be prepared just in case of an emergency.

Being fully prepared usually means that nothing will likely happen. It’s important to feel comfortable when visiting your local park or beach areas. Take advantage and enjoy your visits to these wonderful, outdoor locations.

Jennifer Chase

Author & Criminologist

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #8 - Safety of Our Homes

In my novel "Compulsion", Emily Stone takes her job seriously as she hunts down child abductors and serial killers, even though it’s all done anonymously and behind the scenes. One thing that she strongly advocates is public safety, and she will do whatever it takes to make sure that we are all safe.

One place that everyone should feel safe is at home.

Sometimes, we forget that when we’re in the safety of our home to keep vigilant and alert, especially when we are coming or going.

Ladies, here are some important safety precautions to remember at home. However, everyone should be aware of these tips too.

1. Always have your key ready before you get to your front door and pay attention to what’s around you.

2. Keep ALL windows and doors locked at all times when you’re away from your residence no matter what the temperature is outside.

3. Keep your front entrance area well lit, replace light bulbs regularly, and make sure that fixtures are in good working order. If possible, have motion lights installed in addition to the regular outside lights.

4. If you arrive home and find your front door open: DO NOT GO INSIDE, call the police immediately from your cell phone, neighbor’s house, or pay phone.

5. If you live in an apartment, list only your last name and first initial on your mailbox.

6. Don’t buzz someone in to your building or apartment complex unless you know them.

7. The same goes for holding the door open for someone that you don’t know that has been waiting. Don’t let anyone into your building or apartment complex that you don’t know.

8. If a stranger needs to use your phone in an emergency, keep them out, and offer to make the call for them.

9. If you ever have ANY doubt or feel threatened in any way, call the police. Report anything that seems suspicious to the police immediately.

These are just a few important safety precautions to remember when you’re at home, especially when you’re alone. Everyone should always feel safe and secure inside their own home.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #7 - Time for Vacation

It’s summer! Time for a vacation!

The weather is warmer and we’re spending more time outdoors and getting together with family and friends. Many of us are planning a vacation or a few days of rest and relaxation out of town.

This is a great time of year, but unfortunately it brings out more of the criminal element too. We are concentrating on fun in the sun and relaxation instead of crime prevention. And this is what opportunistic criminals look for in their victims.

Emily has some great crime prevention tips for you to remember when visiting another city or any vacation destination area that I would like to share with you. Keep this list in the back of your mind when traveling.

1. Men – carry your wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not your back pant’s pocket. Women – carry your purse held close to your body and not on a long strap over the shoulder. Keep your purse on your lap in a restaurant, not dangling on the back of your chair.

2. Be wary of “con artists” and “pick pockets” using a type of scam to distract you from your destination or activity.

3. Use hotel safe deposit boxes, even it it’s additional fee, to store all of your valuables.

4. Don’t leave your luggage unattended. Make sure to leave your luggage with a hotel staff member and get a receipt.

5. Be extra cautious of anyone coming to your hotel room unexpectedly. Never open the door to unsolicited room service or maintenance people. If you ever have any concern, call the front desk immediately.

6. If you use a car service, speak to the company directly to make arrangements. Don’t enter an unsolicited car service that offers to take you to your destination.

7. When driving, plan your trip carefully and always carry a map. Travel in well-lit areas and roadways. Keep your doors locked. Be cautious of anyone seeking your help for mechanical difficulties. That’s not to say don’t help a stranded motorist, but be wary. It’s better to use your cell phone rather than lending a hand.

8. Finally, be aware of your unfamiliar surroundings and always carry a cell phone with you.

Most importantly, have a great time on your vacation. But it’s important to take some extra precautions to ensure that your trip is memorable and enjoyable.

Enjoy your summer vacation!

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #6 - "Startle Factor"

Emily Stone is definitely a woman who would stand up and fight no matter what she encountered. However, in real life each person must decide on their own how they would react to a potentially dangerous situation.

What would you do?
It has been stated from various representatives of law enforcement that victims are often hurt by the “startle factor”. Victims were not paying attention to their surroundings or they were engrossed in a phone call when they were approached by the criminal element. Those individuals who responded well remained calm, collected, and logical. They basically kept a cool head and weighed their options. Some individuals are feistier than others and have averted a potentially dangerous situation that could have gone either way.

I have personally experienced a situation where I wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings in a dark, deserted parking lot. An unscrupulous individual scoped me out and planned on assaulting or robbing me, or even worse. He also had a weapon in his hand and he intended to make someone a victim. The good news, I was actually letting my dog out of my car for a quick break and the “would be” assailant didn’t notice this large black, muscular dog in the shadows that caught wind of his criminal intent. The dog put himself between me and my “would be” attacker, and then perpetrator turned and ran for his life. I learned quite a bit that night that I would never forget. Pay attention to your surroundings! Dogs are a great deterrent!

To stay calm and logical during a potentially dangerous situation, there are several things to keep in mind. Here’s a helpful list of the face-to-face factors to consider:

1.Your Wariness
How are you presenting yourself in a situation alone? Don’t be a target because you’re daydreaming, using your phone, or being timid and unsure. Use your self-confidence and alertness.

2.Your Willingness
What are you willing to do in a dangerous situation? Would you truly fight for your life and never give up?

3. Your Abilities
Ask yourself what your strategy would be if you were in a dangerous situation. Run some scenarios through your mind.

4. Your Personality
Everyone is different. Are you more of a passive or aggressive person? If you’re more of a passive person, can you step up and “fake” being assertive?

5. Type of Assailant
Quickly study the type of assailant that has approached you. Is this persona scared, confident, a lunatic, or somewhere in between?

6.The Location
Location is important. Is it an area that you know well and frequent? Familiarity and populated areas generally intimidate any potential assailant.

7. Presence of Weapon or Accomplice
You might not see any weapon or accomplice at first, or the assailant might use his weapon immediately. Weigh the situation carefully, but quickly before you react.

The most important thing to remember is to stay alert and vigilant to your surroundings. I know it seems like I keep repeating myself, but it’s extremely important. Stay informed and read through the list above and plan what you would do in certain situations. Being prepared will only further help you to stay calm and logical if any dangerous situations were to arise. As the old saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Emily wants everyone to stay alert and be safe. Check out her harrowing adventures in "Compulsion" and see what she would do certain dangerous situations.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #5

Emily Stone has some interesting ways that she fights back against crime and injustice in my novel Compulsion. She has been known to fight with punches and kicks, but she also has an uncanny ability to infer subtle clues in order to track down child pedophiles and killers.

What are victim’s options when suddenly confronted or threatened by a criminal predator?

Interestingly, there are guidelines that the FBI suggests if you are confronted in a crime situation along with a couple of other options that I’d like to share. Emily has exhibited all but one of these guidelines.

1. Posturing :If you show that you’re confident and would be a possible tough target, predators will generally wait for an easier target. Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are going. Never look unsure about your next move. This can be a signal to a would be predator. Stand up straight and look ahead and subtly around you. Confidence can carry you a long way to safety.

2. Outsmarting: Sometimes it may be possible to verbally diffuse a situation and maneuver yourself to an escape route. This requires a cool head and the ability to surmise a situation. This may not be the best technique for everyone, but it definitely has its place in some situations.

3. Fleeing: This technique falls under our primal reaction to danger as the “fight or flight” mechanism. It may seem obvious that you should run away from danger, but it might not be possible under certain conditions. Always look for an escape.

4. Surrendering: This technique may be implemented if you see an opportunity to escape at a later moment or fight.

5. Fighting: This has been referred to as “stun and run”. Basically you fight with everything you have in order to escape the situation.

It’s not always easy to anticipate what you would do in any situation, but you should be vigilant, aware, and confident in your daily activities. Emily wants everyone to be safe.

Take the thriller challenge and see if you can spot which technique Emily didn’t do in "Compulsion".

I would love to hear from you.

Interview with a California Police Sergeant About Crime and Public Safety

My novel "Compulsion" and "Dead Game" has raised some interesting questions about crime and public safety. The heroine, Emily Stone, tracks down pedophiles and serial killers, and then anonymously emails investigative information to the appropriate law enforcement agency.


It’s important to be aware of the types of crimes that are occurring in your own neighborhood and learn how to keep yourself and family safe. It’s also important to talk to your children about the potential risks and raise their awareness. Through education and awareness, we can address these crime issues to help assist law enforcement and to begin to reduce these crime risks and occurrences.

I have to admit that I had little, if any, interaction with law enforcement until I had a violent neighbor that continually threatened my life and then later conducted research for my novel. It definitely opened my eyes and perception of law enforcement and what police officers do every day.

I have a great guest that has stopped by to chat with me about crime and public safety here in California. I want to welcome Sergeant Mark Keyes from the Daly City Police Department.

Jennifer Chase: Sergeant Keyes, welcome and please tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been a police officer? What different areas have you worked within the police department?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: I’ve been a police officer with Daly City for the last 26 years. During that time I have worked as a K9 handler, SWAT team member and sniper, detective, and Senior Detective assigned to Robbery Homicide. Currently, I am a Patrol Division Sergeant, but I have been a Sergeant since 2001. As a Sergeant I have worked on Patrol, assigned to County Narcotics Task Force as a Special Agent Supervisor and Training Sergeant.

Jennifer Chase: What’s the most difficult part of your job? Has it changed over the years?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: The most difficult part of the job has to be the personnel issues in dealing with all of the different personalities in the department at one time is a chore, but we manage to get the job done regardless of what is going on in the officer’s lives.

My group is extremely talented and energetic. The job of police officer is a constantly evolving one. There is no one particular part of the job that is difficult as it is constantly changing. Probably the most challenging part of the job is the domestic violence situations. We are called to the scene of a situation that has been brewing over a long period of time and we are expected to resolve the issues in a relatively short period of time. It can be challenging and frustrating at the same time.

Jennifer Chase: What types of crimes do you see increasing in the community today?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: I see identity theft type of crimes growing as the economy sours. Also, property types of crimes such as burglary and auto theft are increasing.

Jennifer Chase: What are some of the concerns that you hear from residents regarding crime and public safety?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: People in general want to live in a community that is safe and free of those that would do them or their families harm, either to them personally or to their property. Gangs are an ever-increasing and ongoing problem, although my city has seen a decrease in this type of activity for the most part.

Jennifer Chase: Are there some general tips on public safety specifically for women in the home, workplace, and public locations?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: You should always be aware of your surroundings. People tend to get too wrapped up in their immediate actions and aren’t paying attention to those people that may be waiting to do them harm or steal their property. I’ve found that if you maintain a positive way of carrying yourself, head up looking around, eye contact with those you are suspicious of, and in general are confident, then you make yourself that much less of a target. At home make sure your doors and windows are locked at those times when you aren’t home or able to pay attention to things at the house (e.g. when you are sleeping). In the workplace, be aware of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to report co-workers who bother you and disrupt your ability to do what you’ve been hired to do.

Jennifer Chase: If a citizen witnesses a crime such as theft, burglary, or domestic violence, what are some of the things we can do after calling 911 to help to assist the police?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: It’s important to be a good witness, observe and report what you see to law enforcement. Don’t try to be a hero and do something that will get you hurt.

Jennifer Chase: For more violent crimes such as road rage, armed robbery, and shootings, what are some safety tips to remember? Once the incident is over, what are some important things to do to help the police in their investigation?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: Get as much information as you can about the violator and report your information to the local police. Again, don’t be a hero. Police officers are trained to handle these types of situations and you are not. We have many tools at our disposal to help us arrest the suspect and protect life and property. Most of the average citizens don’t have the training or know-how to deal with violent encounters, and those that do then become part of the problem. REPORT REPORT REPORT... I can’t stress that enough. If it is a violent encounter with a firearm then you need to get to a safe place and not get involved. Let the police deal with it and then when asked, if you saw anything, report what you saw to the investigating officers.

Jennifer Chase: And finally, I want to lighten the mood a bit. What is the funniest or most memorable call you were dispatched to in your career?

Sgt. Mark Keyes: One of the most memorable situations occurred when I was working K9. I had attempted to stop a subject wanted for a felony warrant. The subject took off running and I sent my police service dog after him. After the dog got him and as I was trying to handcuff him, the suspect punched me in the shoulder and took off running again. I sent my dog after him again and the dog grabbed him by the back of his jeans near his butt, as the subject kept running his pants were pulled down to his ankles by my dog. The suspect wasn’t wearing any underwear and it reminded me of the Coppertone girl in the ads, except this was a felony suspect who assaulted me and he was trying to get away from my dog with his pants down around his ankles with his butt showing. He didn’t get very far!

Jennifer Chase: You gotta love those K9 partners!! Thank you Sergeant Keyes for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about crime and public safety. I appreciate your candid answers and you’ve provided us with some great information.

It is important to remember that you need to report everything that you’ve witnessed about a crime to the police investigators. It is also important to get involved, but first and foremost, keep yourself safe and let law enforcement handle the dangerous situations. I know that I speak for many citizens, we truly appreciate the hard work from all of the men and women of law enforcement and their perseverance to help keep our communities and families safe.

If you have any crime concerns, talk to a local police officer or community services officer. I would suggest to anyone that is interested in becoming more involved in crime prevention and safety is to visit your local city police department or county sheriff’s department for more information. You can also access more information and contact numbers online at police department websites.


Jennifer Chase
Author &and Criminologist

Twitter: Thillernovel
Facebook Fan Page

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #4

There are both positive and negative benefits for children using the Internet. The online world can offer children an experience that is both educational and rewarding, which can lead to a higher school performance and increase future job potential. Unfortunately, there is pornography and child predators lurking out there in the online world too.

Parents and guardians need to be vigilant about keeping children safe when they are using the Internet for browsing the Web, sending and receiving email, and using chat rooms.

Emily suggests a few things that parents and guardians can do to help ensure child safety on the Internet.

1.Become an Advocate:

Contact your local Internet Service Provider if you see any material (visual or written) or other practices that you don’t like that is made available to children on the Internet. Be proactive in what children are viewing and don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and opinions.

2.Stay Informed:

Keep yourself informed about parental control tools that can help to keep your child safe on the Internet. Be sure to know what the parental tools can and can’t do. Find out what children are learning and viewing through community and school Web sites.

3.Get Involved:

Spend time with your children when they are on the computer, whether it’s at home, the library, or any other computer center in your community. Take the time to play fun and educational games with your children. It’s important to be involved in your child’s online life and include them in your own online practices. This will be the best insurance for your child’s safety.

4.Learn about the Internet:

Learn everything you can about the Internet. If you’re a novice or a more skilled computer user, take advantage of learning more about the Internet at your local library, community center, or local training classes.

The bottom line is that the Internet has many positive aspects in learning, job training, and social networking. There are just a few things to be aware of so that your children can be safe and enjoy the online experience.

Emily wants all children to be safe and enjoy everything that the Internet has to offer.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #3

Identity theft crime occurs when any individual acquires a piece of personal information without your knowledge and uses it to commit fraud at your expense. Identity theft crimes affected almost 10 million victims in 2008, which is an increase of 22% from the previous year. It has been estimated that 71% of fraud occurs within a week of stealing a victim’s personal information.

We are a society that takes advantage of the high-tech convenience of using the Internet for purchases, banking, loans, and social networking. With this convenience also comes a price for personal security, but there are simple safeguards that you can use everyday.

There are three common types of personal information that identity thieves look for to commit their fraudulent crimes that can ultimately ruin your credit.

1. Credit Cards
2. Phone or Utilities
3. Banking and Depository Accounts

The most common type of identity theft is credit card fraud that accounts for approximately 26% of all identity theft crimes. The identity thief opens a new credit card account in the victim’s name and uses the credit card for purchases or cash without ever paying the bill. The victim doesn’t realize that there’s a problem because the bills are sent to a new address. It is also common for the identity thief to call the credit card company to change the mailing address on the existing account. Again, the victim doesn’t realize that there’s a problem until it’s too late.

The second most common type of identity theft, which accounts for more than half the number of victims of credit card theft or approximately18%, is for phones or utilities. The identity thief signs up for cell phone service, telephone long distance service, or new utilities using the victim’s name.

The third most common category of identity theft, which accounts for more than a third of the number of victims of credit card theft or approximately 17%, involves banking and depository accounts. The identity thief opens a new bank account, makes electronic fund transfers, or writes bad checks all on the victim’s accounts. Loan fraud accounts for a small portion of depository accounts or approximately 5%, but is still an important category to list and to be aware of the potential risks.

Here are Emily’s top ten guidelines for keeping your identity safe:

1.Check your credit reports annually. If at all possible, check your credit reports monthly or quarterly.
2. Issue a fraud alert with each major reporting agency: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
3. If you purchase anything online, make certain that the website is encrypted and shows a small padlock icon at the bottom right-hand corner of your computer screen.
4. If you purchase anything online for a gift, make certain that the bill will not be sent along with the gift containing personal identification and credit card numbers.
5. Don’t toss any personal documents into the trash. Buy a shredder at your local office supply store and shred all of your documents, mail, or anything that would have your name, address, or other personal information on it.
6. Cut up all of your expired credit cards before discarding them into the trash.
7. If you expect a bill and it doesn’t arrive, notify the issuing company immediately.
8. If your credit card is lost or stolen, notify the police immediately to file a report and contact your credit card company.
9. Don’t leave your mail in the mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Always post your mail directly at the Post Office.
10. Never give out personal information online or to phone solicitors, such as your social security number or passwords.