Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Abduction is a very dangerous situation that requires resolve and sound presence of mind to increase chances of survival. If you are someone who thinks these types of crime only happen to others…think again. Perpetrators of these despicable acts of violence often times know their victims. Information available from the web page hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation reveals that victims have disappeared at the hand of their spouses or other relatives and acquaintances. Sadly, even small children are victims of these cowardly acts.

An important point to understand about these crimes is that moments immediately following the attack are the most critical for survival. As time increases, the window of opportunity to affect your escape diminishes. The more time that transpires, the more time your captor has to carry out his or her intentions. If we consider that in a large number of abductions cases, victims are spirited away from the scene of the assault in some type of motor vehicle, then we are able to draw upon assumptions that provides a basis to begin our survival planning.

The first step involves becoming intimately familiar with the automobiles we operate routinely. Many newer model vehicles are equipped with interior trunk latches designed to permit opening from the inside. In some cases, a separate latch may lower the rear seat, thus assisting with escape through the passenger compartment. Many are plainly marked and visible while others are more discreet. Still others have manually operated interior lights, providing illumination to someone locked inside.

A separate vehicle safety feature that undoubtedly has prevented countless injuries, can work against you in an abduction scenario—child safety locks. When engaged, child safety locks prevent occupants in the rear seating area from opening the doors from the inside. These safety features should be disengaged only if small children are not occupants of the vehicle. One compromise that requires careful consideration is disengaging one lock—on the door opposite the child’s seating area—where only one child is a routine passenger.

Of course, these features are useless to someone unfamiliar with its presence and operation. To determine if your vehicle is so equipped, consult the vehicle owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s representative. In addition, these points require consideration with rental vehicles, as well. Rental agencies should be able to assist with a vehicle that incorporates these important personal safety features.

Remember, time is critical following an abduction. Your chances of survival improve dramatically through planning and rehearsal. You can start by learning about your vehicle, inside and out. You are welcome to contact DCI for additional information or planning assistance.

As we proceed into the second half of 2007, vigilance continues as an important aspect of our daily lives. Just days ago, on July 10, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was quoted by the editorial board of a major newspaper citing that he had a “gut feeling” about a new period of increased risk to US citizens.

These comments have given rise to stirring public debate regarding the significance of Mr. Chertoff’s gastrointestinal impulses and the extent to which precaution should apply. Equally disturbing are recent estimates that al-Qa’ida has resurrected its operational capabilities to pre-9/11 levels, although there appears to be some disagreement within government as to the accuracy of these reports.

What does resonate from these overtures however, is the undeniable certainty that the threat terrorists pose remains dangerous and unpredictable. Our very capable British allies had no early intelligence warnings of the attempted car bombings in London earlier this month, or the attempted suicide attack at the airport in Glasgow. Fortunately, these thwarted attacks failed to produce the loss of life and structural damage intended by its perpetrators.

The lesson that we must seize upon is the necessity to be critically aware of the environments we venture into. Suspicious activity should always be noted and reported to local authorities quickly and precisely as possible—albeit, from a safe distance.

Finally, consider your personal and family needs as you prepare a contact plan for use during emergencies. This simple step is crucial to well-being and peace of mind during times of crisis. Gut feelings do not provide much to go on, but they do offer early warning and signal time for action.

For further information on how to get started with this import planning, contact DCI by e-mail or phone for free advice. Be Safe!

The other day I saw a mother walk away from and completely turn her back on her young child and her purse. I was somewhat surprised at the scene, however, sadly I’m sure it occurs every day around the country.

She was at an outdoor garden center; one that was located in a store parking lot. The mom decided she needed to get a closer took at some foliage so she left her toddler son sitting in the grocery cart as she walked across a boulevard and proceeded to stick her nose down into the plant leaves.

Never mind that she left her opened purse sitting in the cart – her son was out of her sight and out of her reach. Someone could have easily snatched that child from the cart in a matter of seconds. It was well populated with both cars and shoppers.

She was so engrossed in the Chrysanthemum that she was oblivious that her own child was at left unattended at least 100 feet away. He was a sitting duck.

If you must take your hands off your cart and your child, please ensure that your precious cargo never leaves your line of sight and is always within an arm’s reach. If the cart is too cumbersome to get close enough to the items, take your child and your purse with you.

Protect your valuables. Be vigilant. Be alert. Cast off any denial that “nothing will happen.”

“Never underestimate the power of denial.” Wes Bently

Get it and Go

It’s a familiar scene; you pull up to an ATM to make a cash withdrawal. After you receive your money you stop to count your bills, then stuff them into your wallet and perhaps even make an entry into your checkbook log. You’re a sitting duck.  A potential criminal could by lying in wait. It’s a good bet you have money and it’s easy to gain access to a person just sitting at a standstill.

Next time you need to tap the automatic teller machine, get it and go. Immediately drive off of the bank property. If you really want to stop and situate yourself and your purse, do so in a well lit, well populated area located away from the credit union. Keep your vehicle doors locked at all times and be brief if you must stop your vehicle for adjustments. Get it and go.

The next time you find yourself alone in confined quarters with someone, it’s time for a conversation. Elevators are a good example where you can find yourself one on one with another – and not feeling terribly comfortable with the situation.

Most people tend to face the door of an elevator. From now on try to situate yourself near the front of the elevator car, only turn and face the other person. Look that person directly in the eye. Then make a comment about his personal appearance. “My husband has curly brown hair too.” Or “I bet you get a lot of compliments on your green eyes.” Doing so let’s that person know that you could I.D. him – that you did in fact get a good look at his face.

Looking someone in the eye and initiating a conversation conveys confidence. Whereas turning your back to the person, head looking down at shoes and remaining silent expresses that you could be an easy victim.

Even if you’re scared beyond words,  you’re the only one who knows that. Fake it ’til you make it!

If you’re ever in danger and in need of assistance yell “My baby! Help my baby!”  It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, male or female.  More people are likely to get involved if they think a child or baby is in trouble.

Unfortunately sometimes a cry for “help” will only solicit blank stares or worse yet, no reaction at all.  Some people are hesitant to get involved.  They may think it is a set up; they may be concerned about getting injured, or perhaps of getting sued. Whatever the reason, the words “My baby” are more likely to get you some assistance in a time of need!

We’ve talked about the importance of not leaving your beverage unattended when in public facilities. If you get up to use the bathroom, finish your drink or take it with you. Once inside the water closet, take your cup or bottle with you into the stall; don’t let it out of your sight. Equally as important is which stall you choose.

It’s likely you never considered stall location as a potential safety hazard. Women typically like to migrate to the end or back of the row of stalls. Men, if you didn’t know this – it’s true. Women, you already know this to be true. Women like their privacy and therefore do not generally select the first available stall.

What would happen if there was a fire in the bathroom? It’s not unheard of for visitors to light up, even with No Smoking notices posted. Do you really want to be in the very back of the bathroom, potentially trapped? No of course you wouldn’t.

If someone was to lurk in the bathroom with the intent of attacking innocent victims, where would one most likely hide - in the front, near the sink and the door or in the back? The answer is that more danger and damage can occur in the back, out of public view.

The next time you visit the loo, you’d be wise to select the first available stall. Remember also to travel in pairs and hang onto your beverage. Danger does not discriminate among the ages or locations. Be alert!