Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #29 (Campus Safety)

To ensure your personal safety, it is considered to be a shared responsibility. It is important to think and act in ways to increase your personal safety, such as on a college campus.

Here are a few things to remember to guard yourself when you move around freely on any college campus during the day or at night.

· Use well-lit areas when walking at night. These areas should be well-traveled and open routes to your destination. Travel these same areas even in the daytime.

· If at all possible, don’t walk alone at night. Find a friend, walk in groups, or have someone meet you at a well-lit area. If you feel uneasy and are alone, contact the campus security for an escort.

· Let a friend or even a professor know if your routine changes for any reason.

· Familiarize yourself with emergency call phones around campus.

· Plan ahead of your routes going to class, library, and events.

· Don’t go to an ATM at night.

· Walk assertively, be alert to everything around you. Dress appropriately for movement, wear low-heeled shoes, and don’t carry too many bags or packages.

· Have your car keys in hand before leaving any building. Get into your vehicle quickly and lock your doors immediately.

· Don’t prop outside doors open that should be locked.

· Carry a whistle or other noise-making device to alert other if there’s a problem.

· Police advise saying “No” to requests for money from strangers and avoid confrontation.

· If you feel threatened for any reason, contact the police or campus security.

· Report ALL suspicious activity to police or campus security.

· Trust your instincts!


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

High Tech Alert: Twitter Helps Law Enforcement

The Modesto Police Department in California has stepped up into the evolving age of technology. They have implemented the social network Twitter for updates on major investigations, traffic accidents, and news releases about investigations. There are over 3,400 followers who receive these updates.

Twitter is another tool used to find out what’s going on in your city. The police scanner was used to find out where sirens were heading and why there were so many patrol cars parked at a specific location. Now, Twitter can update followers on many handheld devices instantly and discreetly.

As with any form of technology, there are good points and some bad ones. As with anything new, there are some kinks to work out.

Pros:

· Warns neighborhoods of suspects at large and to stay inside.

· Let’s motorists know to steer clear of major accident areas.

· Helps with child abduction and missing person cases. Keeps everyone informed – both law enforcement and the public.

· Contributes to more eyes on the street.

· Tool to help get the message out to large amount of people quickly.

· Can send out information immediately and with little effort.

· It’s like an Online Neighborhood Watch.

Cons:

· Some details could put officers at risk, especially during a manhunt.

· Can hamper police work due to rapidly changing incidents or unverified information.

· Due to such quick information being distributed, there isn’t a procedure to check facts first before posting.

· It’s raw information, and may not be what has actually occurred.



Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting

Author Appearance & Book Signing By Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase

"Silent Partner" - Jennifer Chase, Author Event
Presented by Gilroy Arts Alliance at Gilroy Center for the Arts

Author Appearance & Book Signing
Gilroy Center for the Arts
7341 Monterey Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
When: Saturday, March 19th, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

For further Information Click Here


Jennifer Chase is an award winning author, freelance writer, and criminologist. She has authored three fiction/thriller novels: Compulsion, award-winning Dead Game, and Silent Partner. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. Jennifer will read some from her new book, Silent Partner, and answer questions.

Cold Cases with Cubanarama and Gumersindo Vidot - Part II - 3/1/2011 at 8pm CST

Cold Cases with Cubanarama and Gumersindo Vidot - Part II 3/1/2011 at 8pm CST


My Co Host Gumersindo Vidot the author of “You Only Live Twice” Gary Peterson is a long time investigative reporter that has been working on the Jodi Huisentruit case for over 15 years, Gary brings more information to Gale St John, Psychic with over 20years experience doing readings and helping find missing people. Jennifer Chase Joins us she is an Award Winning Author and Criminologist and a member of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling. Gumersindo Vidot Private Investigator/Co-Host

With Special Guests

Jennifer Chase an Award Winning Author and Criminologist, Ms Chase holds a bachelor’s degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. She is also an affiliate member in the criminology section of the Academy of Behavioral Profiling.

Gary Peterson is a long time investigative reporter that has been working on the Jodi Huisentruit case for 15 over years, Gary was a crime reporter on the north side of Minneapolis working for KSTP which required working the streets 24 hours a day and is certified by the Air Force in ground search and rescue techniques and procedures. He is also a Death Scene Investigator for the Minnesota Regional Medical Examiners Office. He is a member of Texas EquuSearch assisting in locating missing people worldwide.

Gale St John has been a practicing psychic since she was a child. She has been teaching psychic development classes and also doing private psychic readings for over 20 years now. Gale has more recently been featured on Gerald Rivera’s ‘At Large’, Larry King Live, CNN’s ‘Nancy Grace’ and Psychic Detectives, (Court TV ), “A Fateful Friendship” as an active working psychic detective. Gale spends a lot of time working on murder and missing person cases.


If you missed "Cold Case" Part 1 Click Here
to hear the previous show.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #28 (School Safety)

It’s important for parents, students, school boards, principals, superintendents, teachers, school staff, and community professionals to be involved in maintaining a safe environment for children.

Safe Travel to and from School:

1) Form a safety committee that implements safety to and from school, which includes buses, cars, walking, and bicycles. Get involved. If there is already a safety committee, then make sure it’s up to date or voice your concerns.

2) Safety route maps that show the safest routes to and from school. For example, streets that has crossing guards. Once a route is chosen for your child, walk with your child to point out any hazards to watch for.

Here are a few things to remember and to ask about at the next parent-teacher meeting. All of these questions should be addressed and updated periodically.

School Safety Checklist:

1) Is student safety a priority?

2) Do parents have access to reports that include information about violent incidents at the school?

3) Does the school have safety procedures for responding to unsafe situations?

4) Does the school address ways to prevent and respond to a crisis?

5) Has someone for the school designated a coordinator to maintain a healthy and safe environment?

6) Are counselors and/or psychologists available to work with students who are troubled and/or disruptive?

7) What does the school do when students come to them with concerns about safety?

8) Are parents and students involved in activities that promote school safety?

9) Does the school have fair, firm, and consistent discipline policies?

10) Is safety addressed in all areas: cafeteria, physical education, classrooms, playgrounds, after-school programs, etc.?


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #27 (Prediction)

An important factor in crime prevention is prediction. What does it really mean to you? How can you predict if you’re going to be a crime victim or not? How do you stay calm and objective? Can you actually take the fear out of the situation in order to see it more objectively?

According to Gavin De Becker author of The Gift of Fear, there are eleven predictions that are outlined in his book. These are interesting and thought-provoking concepts that everyone should take the time to consider in relating to crime and prediction, or even other personal situations.

1. Measurability of Outcome

What are your fears of the actual outcome in a certain situation? Do you see something terrible happening or do you think it’s a slight chance of happening? Predictions are less likely to happen if it’s easily measurable.

2. Vantage

It is a position that you can easily see the potential outcome. You can see the potential pre-incident indicators and context.

3. Imminence

From your view, are you predicting something that can happen immediately? According the author, some of our best predictive resources are applied when outcomes might occur as they are still meaningful to us.

4. Context

The situation is clear to the person making the predictions.

5. Pre-Incident Indicators

Learning to see the pre-incident indicators is the most important when dealing with prediction. Being in the position to see subtle or direct signs of potential dangers are significant in prediction.

6. Experience

Life experiences help with many things, including danger and prediction. Learn to use this wonderful skill.

7. Comparable Events

Can you consider or compare comparable events? This is also extremely important and co-mingles with experience.

8. Objectivity

This concept refers to staying objective enough to consider both sides of a prediction. In making a simple decision, there are several things to consider in any given situation. It’s important to be aware and objective during this time of prediction.

9. Investment

How invested are you in the predictive outcome? How much do you care about avoiding or exploiting the predictive outcome? Keep in mind that if you want the prediction to be correct or not.

10. Replicability

Is this a practical test that has been tested elsewhere? This applies to scientific experiments and not necessarily to human behavior. Still, it’s something to consider.

11. Knowledge

Do you have accurate knowledge of the prediction and situation? According to the author, if it’s not relevant and accurate then it can masquerade as wisdom instead.

When it comes to any potential crime situation, be aware, be objective, have a plan, and don’t let fear control your actions.

Check out this wonderful book:

The Gift of Fear
AND Other Survival Signals That Protect Us From Violence
By Gavin De Becker



Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #26 (Family & Pets)

Winter is a time of year that we need to be careful and prepare simple safety tips. This year has been a particularly cold winter in so many places. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Prepare your home and family:

• Review and update your family emergency plan. This is a great time to replenish your emergency supply kits, batteries, and emergency information.
• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Winterize your home, barn, and any other structures that provide shelter for your family, livestock, pets, or equipment.
• Have a sufficient supply of heating fuel.
• Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during the cold weather to avoid freezing.·
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case the pipes burst.
• Move plants inside or cover with frost coverings or blankets.
• Keep fire extinguishers full and on hand and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them.
• DO NOT bring heating devices into the house that are intended for outdoor use. They can quickly produce carbon monoxide.

Prepare your pets:

• Keep cats indoors during the cold weather. Sometimes outdoor cats can sleep under the hoods of cars during the cold weather. Be sure to check or tap on the hood before getting into your vehicle.
• Don’t let your dog off leash on snow or ice (especially during a snow storm) – they can lose their sense of smell and this risks a chance of injury or they can become lost. Make sure you have ID tags on them.
• Be sure to thoroughly wipe off their stomachs and legs after coming in from the snow. There can be dangerous substances like antifreeze that has become encrusted in ice.
• Don’t shave your dog in winter.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in the car during cold weather. A car can be like a refrigerator.
• Make sure your faithful companion has a warm place to sleep with a cozy bed, warm blanket, or pillow.
  
  

Recognizing symptoms of exposure, seek medical attention if:

• Confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and shivering are signs of hypothermia.
• Gray, white, or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy skins are symptoms of frostbite.
• In case of overexposure to freezing temperatures, remove wet clothing and immediately warm the body with a blanket or warm fluids. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
  
  
  

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Award Winning Author and Criminologist Jennifer Chase - Author Appearance & Book Signing

I'm going to be signing books at Borders Books in Sand City (Monterey area), CA on Saturday, January 15th, 2011. Stop by and say hello if you can. I will be heading out for an early dinner in Monterey afterwards. Join me!

Looking forward to meeting you all,

Jennifer


Where: Borders Books
When: Saturday, January 15th 2011
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Borders Books
2080 California Avenue
Sand City, CA 93955
(831) 899-6643

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #25 (Home Safety)

The 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. This festive time of year with the holidays, everyone should be even more aware of what’s going on around them.

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.

Have a wonderful, joyous, and safe holiday season!


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Novels By Author Jennifer Chase:

"Compulsion" - Part of the Emily Stone Series (Thriller)
"Award Winning Dead Game" -Part of the Emily Stone Series (Thriller)

Newly released "Silent Partner" (Cop Thriller)

All books are available both in paperback and kindle format!

Emily Stone's crime Watch Tip #24 - Holiday Safety

It’s the holiday time again!

This is the time where many of us are busy, with not only everyday things, but with shopping, holiday decorating, parties, and much more. This is also the time where we need to be careful in protecting our families and homes from burglaries, identity theft, and assault.

The holidays are a time where potential criminals use it to their advantage because often times we are distracted and not staying vigilant.

Here are a few simple reminders for home and shopping safety during the holiday season.

Home safety:

1. Be extra cautious about locking ALL windows and doors when you leave the house, even if you’re gone for only a few minutes. Also, make sure that your windows and doors are properly bolted (updated) for added security.

2. Be careful of large displays of holiday gifts visible through windows and doors of your home. This can be too tempting for “would be” burglars.

3. If you’re leaving your home for any extended length of time, have a neighbor, friend, or family member keep an eye on your home and pick up newspapers and mail.

4. Have indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer.

5. If possible, leave a radio or television on to give the appearance of an occupied home.

Shopping Safety:

1. Try to do your holiday shopping during daylight hours, if possible. If you have to shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

2. Dress comfortably and casually, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

3. Try NOT to carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Always carry your driver’s license or ID card, checks or credit cards that you plan on using for your shopping excursion. Try to keep these items in a front pocket.

4. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Try to pay for purchases with a check or credit card whenever possible.

5. If your credit card(s) are lost or stolen, notify the credit card issuer immediately. Also, if it has been stolen, notify the police and file a report. Make sure to keep a record of ALL your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

6. ALWAYS stay alert to your surroundings day or night.

7. Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Make sure that you have a clear visibility and are able to move around freely.

8. Keep packages out of plain view in your car. Try to put them in the trunk or out of plain sight.

9. Beware of strangers approaching you for ANY reason. This time of year where there are many “con artists” that will try to distract your attention to take your belongings or money.

Most of all, have a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

Check out ALL of Emily’s Crime Watch Tips:
www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com
Crime Watch: www.emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com

Emily Stone's Crime Watch Tip # 19 - Neighborhood Watch Groups

Police Departments across the country are learning that community participationin anti-crime programs is essential. One of the most effective ways to promote citizens interactionwith police is sharing of information. Citizen groups determine specific needs or problems and then share this information with local police.

The Neighborhood Watch concept is designed to target specific geographical areas and to assist citizens in these areas to;

• Establish and organizational structure and create an information sharing network.


• Help to introduce neighbors and create social ties that will help them work together.


• Allow police to train citizens on how to be proactive by preventing crime and how to recognize and report criminal activities.


• Access information and assistance from police and of the Government agencies that can help improve living conditions.


• Provide the community with a strong unified voice to inform community leaders on programs and actions that the people support.

For more information contact your local police precinct and see what programs they have available.

Also, many areas now have ways that you can inform the Police of strange circumstances in your neighborhoodthrough the PC, Phone, and even by sending a Text Message remaining confidential. This system, if available,works very well and many crimes have been prevented with this program.

Never try and be a hero, if something does not look right or you think you hear gunshots call the Police immediately. Do not think that someone else is making the call. The more calls the Police receive the more they will realizethe potential higher crime areas.

Working together as a community is important and adding on the Police and keeping them informed will help your neighborhood be a safer place to live.

Emily Stone's Crime Watch Tip #18 (Tools to Track Criminals in your Neighborhood)

This article originally appeared on the website Criminal Justice Blog and thought that it supplied some important information.

Just as technology advances, so too does crime. The good news is that crime fighting and prevention tools are also available on the web. Thanks to recent laws certain criminals and crimes are required to be reported and are available as public information. This can include everything from type of offense, to address of the offender, and even a picture of him or her.

So you are able to cut down on your Google time and more of it spent looking out for yourself, family, and friends, we have gathered ten free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood. They range on everything from search engines just for crime to an iPhone app that can literally save your life or the life of a loved one.

1. Crime Reports All you need to do here is type in your street address to begin getting crime reports. A street number, city, or zip code can instantly pull up crime reports in that area. You can sort by crime, date,

and distance. Click on analytics to choose your jurisdiction or click on home to get more.

2. USA on Watch This national organization is dedicated to help you track crime in your neighborhood. The program allows citizens to help in the fight against crime by being more observant and involved in the well-being of their communities. Visit to find a program in your neighborhood, register one, start one, and much more. Be sure not to miss the Resource Center with loads of free tools.

3. Family Watchdog This site’s tagline is “awareness is your best defense.” They help this happen by helping you find offenders in your area, free alerts, and much more. You can also take advantage of their statistics, product recalls, and safety tips.

4. LiveSecure Click here to get a free DVD just by entering your information. Each package contains a child ID kit, where you can store your child’s photo, fingerprints, and other information. Dr. Van Zandt is an expert in crime and has many other crime fighting and tracking tools on his site, including a regularly updated blog.

5. AMBER Alerts Standing for America’s Missing: Broadcasting Emergency Response, this system was named after a young child was abducted and murdered in 1996. These alerts are distributed whenever a child is abducted and at serious risk for harm. Clicking on this site shows all the active AMBER alerts across the nation and can be clicked on for more information. The site even offers live support online.

6. McGruffVisit here to get free online tools for the kids to help track crime at home. They have games, polls, and even a club for them to join. Current hot topics include how to stop bullying.

7. National Crime Information CenterGo beyond free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood with this national site from the FBI. The NCIC currently contains over 15 million active records in 19 different areas on everything from terrorism to sex offenders. There is also a site especially for law enforcement, kids, and other crime prevention resources. You can also submit a crime tip and report internet crime.

8. National Center for Missing & Exploited ChildrenThe days of the milk carton are long over with the help of this site. A simple visit brings up the pictures of missing children. You can also do a search for children who are or may be missing in your area. Topics include safety, information on sex offenders, natural disasters, and much more. There is also a cyber tipline where you can report child pornography or suspected child exploitation.

9. Do Not Call RegistryDid you know that under certain circumstances a soliciting telephone call can be a crime? Keep this from happening in your very own home by registering your phone number here. Phone numbers placed on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain on it permanently and do not need to be re-registered unless you wish to remove it. It is completely free and can be used for a home phone or cellphone number.

10. Silent BodyguardNot exactly a free tool to track crime, it can still save your life for only 99 cents. It is an iPhone application that acts as a silent alarm alerting your emergency contacts of your location- without alerting an onlooker or an attacker. In two easy steps you can alert your emergency contacts of an urgent situation and option it how you want.

If the above top ten free online tools to track criminals in your neighborhood have peaked your interest, try visiting the Department of Justice or Department of Homeland Security. The DOJ offers updates on crime statistics, various resources, and even a blog. The DHS can help your family stay safe whether in your own neighborhood or traveling abroad. Popular searches on the site include case stats, forms, green cards, passports, and threat levels.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #18 (Investment Scams)

The age-old saying, “If it seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is” holds true most of the time.

Has this every happened to you or someone you know? You receive a call or letter from a so-called broker offering some type of investment tip. It can actually be a well-scripted, elaborate scam. First they get your confidence because they state they don’t want any money from you, etc. Then after the third or fourth phone call or letter, they have a great opportunity with no risk to you for a certain $$$.

In this day and age, money is tight, taxes are high, and budgets are being squeezed. We all want to make more money to give family and ourselves a little breathing room and some financial freedom.

What should you do?

1. Work with trusted professionals.Ask for references on any broker or financial group you’re considering investing with and actually call these references. Make sure that your broker answers all your questions.
2. Know when to hang up the phone.Ignore unsolicited calls. Never give out ANY personal information, even if they say they are representing your bank or credit card company.
3. Take the time to really look at the proposal.Don’t make a quick, hasty decision. Allow it to sit and do your homework.
4. Watch your credit cards.Always shred and carefully store any credit card receipts. Make it a habit to always review your credit card statements each month.
5. Take a step back and know when you’re the most vulnerable.If you’re in a vulnerable situation, it can make it easier to fall victim to a scam. Know exactly what you’re investing in and take the necessary steps outlined above before you act. Don’t let fear drive your investment.
6. Be wary of something that you want to hear.Anyone who is trying to sell something, even the legitimate ones, know how to make a hard sale based on people’s hopes and dreams. Listen, but make your decision on the entire picture with the “worst case” and “best case” scenarios.
7. Remember, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.It’s generally best not to buy on a “hot tip” or when it’s offered to “only a select group of people”. Do your homework and only make investments that you can afford and afford to lose.

Finally, if you believe that you or anyone you know are being targeted for a scam, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY to law enforcement.

Jennifer Chase

Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Author Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/

Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/