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 #13 - Holiday and Shopping Safety

This is my heroine Emily Stone’s favorite time of the year. She has some precautions to ensure that everyone has a joyful and festive holiday.

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 can be a time where potential criminals use it to their advantage because often times we are distracted and 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 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.

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.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

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.

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 #2

Emily’s main driving force in Compulsion is to track down child abductors and child murderers in order to have them brought to justice. She feels that it’s most important to protect the innocent from the evil in society at all costs. This has cost Emily the opportunity of a normal life with a family of her own, but she feels it’s all worth it when she’s able to contribute to the safe return of a child.

It is absolutely imperative today that parents and guardians know all the resources to better safeguard children. It is important to stay alert, informed, and vigilant about all child safety issues and personal information.

According the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 40% of all child abductions were victims of opportunity.

Here are five basic tips about how to prevent a potential child abduction or kidnapping:

1. Teach your children to run away from danger. Explain to your children to run away from danger. If someone tries to grab them, tell them to make a scene by yelling and saying that this person is not their parent or guardian. If a car is following them, tell them to turn around and run the other way to another trusted adult.

2. Talk openly to your children about personal safety. It’s important to encourage your children to tell you or another trusted adult if someone ever makes them feel scared or uncomfortable. Discuss safety issues with them. Pay attention and listen to your children. Make your children a part of securing your home, such as with alarms, locks, lighting, and have a family plan in case of an emergency.

3. Be alert and aware to your surroundings. Prepare your children with “what if” scenarios so that they’re well prepared in case of an emergency. Design and teach them “escape routes” in different emergencies. Also, know how to reach the nearest local law enforcement agency.

4. Take steps to secure personal information. Be private and discreet about your family’s personal habits and information. Consider opening a post office box, if you don’t already have one, and registering everything with that address including vehicles and driver’s licenses. It’s important to have your personal bills sent to the post office box or place of employment. Take these simple steps of not revealing any personal information about your family and report anything to authorities that seems to be irregular.

5. Report any suspicious activity or individuals to law enforcement. If you feel that someone in your family has been targeted or being stalked, report this information to law enforcement immediately.


By taking these five simple steps, you are ensuring more safety for your entire family. Remember, you are best resource for your children and always know where your children are at all times. Stay vigilant, informed, and alert. Emily wants all children to be happy and safe!

Emily Stone's Crime Watch – Tip #1

Emily Stone is the heroine in my novel Compulsion. She expertly tracks down pedophiles and serial killers and then anonymously emails her entire investigation to the police detective in charge of the case. She’s definitely one high-tech super sleuth that gets the job done as more criminals are taken off the streets. Her compulsion is to make sure that children, neighbors, and communities are safe from crime.

I want everyone to be safe from crime. I will be posting a weekly crime and safety tip that I know Emily would not hesitate tell you first hand.

This week is about personal safety for women outside of the home. It’s important not to become a target for a potential crime and there are a few tips that will help to keep you safe when traveling from one destination to the next.

Try and remember these three basic tips when you’re out in public areas:

1. Alert – be prepared and alert to where you are going and what you’re going to be doing next. Don’t get distracted by searching through your purse for keys or dialing your cell phone as you leave work or a shopping area. This makes you unaware of what’s going on around you and who could be watching you. It could potentially make you a crime target. If you are walking out to a parking lot have your key or alarm release ready. Get inside your vehicle and lock your doors before you do anything that takes your mind off the immediate surroundings.

2. Confidence – move and walk with confidence. That means make eye contact and carry your body straight with your shoulders back and down looking straight ahead. Confidence can be a valuable defense tactic and it can go a long way to help deter being a potential crime victim.

3. Observe – take a few seconds to observe your surroundings. It can be just a quick glance in several directions or studying something in more detail. If something doesn’t look or seem right to you, then retreat back into a public area for assistance. Also, if you notice something that seems out of place remember simple things, such as the exact location, description of all people involved, cars or objects, and exactly what you observed. This can be extremely important information to police investigations.

I actually carry a small spiral notebook, something that I can slip into a pocket or purse, to record anything that I feel looks out of place in public locations. That way I can refer to my notes if something ever transpires from the observed situation.

If you ever feel that you are in any danger or witness any type of crime, don’t hesitate to call the police immediately.