Porter County Sheriff's Department

Safety Tips

The information below was obtained through the Porter County Sheriff's Department's
Public Information and Education Office.
You can contact our
Public Relations Officer Chris Eckert at (219) 477-3000 for further information. 

Battered Women

Did You Know... In Indiana, it is a crime for any person to threaten, beat, sexually assault or otherwise harm another person, even IF they are married.

  • Domestic violence is more than just a "family problem" - it's a crime!

  • Battering in not exclusively a crime against women. but they do constitute the majority of victims; thus this publication is primarily directed to the battered wife or woman.

  • Although we have few statistics on the incidence of domestic violence we do know that

  • Approximately 30 percent of female homicide victims in the United States are killed by their husbands or boyfriends.

  • Females are much more likely than males to be killed by their spouse.

  • Domestic violence affects at least one out of every four American families

  • From 1973 to 1981 the United States Department of Justice Statistical reports show that 2.2 million women reported abuse by a mate.

Why Do They Stay?

The most frequently asked question concerning a battering situation is why does she stay? While reasons cover the range from children. love. guilt. tear. pride. embarrassment financial dependence - or a combination thereof - it is very possible the woman is unaware that she may be locked into a violence cycle.

Three-Phase Theory of Family Violence

The family violence cycle consists of three phases; the tension building phase, the acute-battering incident, and the loving reconciliation.

Tension-Building Phase

  • During this phase the woman senses her mate’s increasing tension. He is "edgy" and perhaps challenges her and tells her she is stupid, incompetent, etc. The woman may internalize her appropriate anger at the man’s unfairness and experience physical effects such as depression, tension, anxiety and headaches. As the tension in the relationship increases, minor episodes and violence increase, such as pinching, slapping, or shoving.

Acute-Battering Incident

  • The tension-building phase ends in an explosion of violence. The woman may or may not fight back. Following the battering. she is in a state of physical and psychological shock The man may discount the episode and underestimate the woman's injuries.

Loving Reconciliation

  • During the last phase of the family violence cycle. both parties have a sense of relief that "It’s over." The man is often genuinely sorry for what happened and is fearful that his partner will leave him. He apologizes and may "shower" her with love and praise that helps her repair her shattered self-esteem. He tells her he can't live without her, so she feels responsible for his well-being and guilty for her actions and blames herself for what led up to the abuse.

Increasing Spiral of Violence

Once violence has begun. it continues to increase in both frequency and severity. Understanding the psychological consequences of her violent relationship can help the woman take power and choose constructive alternatives, as well as aid those who intervene to help her.

If you become a Victim of Domestic Violence

  • Call the Sheriff's Department

  • Make sure you are safe from another beating. Whenever you believe you are in danger, leave your home and take your children with you. Also take important papers such as your birth certificate, vehicle registration, etc.

  • Get medical attention. Don’t try to treat yourself; you may be injured much more seriously than you realize.

  • Seek assistance. Whether or not you file charges against your batterer, you may need to talk to a professional about your situation. Contact your local battered women's shelter, women's support group or victims' assistance center.

  • Save all the evidence (proof) you can. (You may even want to take photographs of your injuries.) Whether or not you file charges now, you may later change your mind and will need proof that you have been assaulted.

A Way Out

Everyone has the right to be safe from threats and beatings -- but you must take that first step. Once you recognize that it Isn't your fault and it is possible to change your situation, seek the help you need to correct your situation.

Help Available

The Caring Place 2305 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN (800) 933-0466 or (219) 464-2128
24 Hour Information/Referral/Crisis Line
Provides services and shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their dependent children who live in Porter, Lake and Starke Counties. There is no charge for the services. Clients do not have to live in the shelter.

Catholic Family Services 2967 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN (219) 762-1177 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
Offers an eight-session domestic violence program. The subject areas include communication, anger, violence cycle, assertiveness vs. aggression, stress management, and childhood influences.

Northwest Indiana Family Life Skill Center 6450 Evergreen Avenue, Portage, IN (219) 763-3256
Helps people involved in abusive relationships understand and break the cycle. Separate 15-week classes are offered for men and women.

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Bicycle Safety

Rights and Responsibilities

Bicycle riders are part of the traffic and share the road with automobile drivers. They must stop at stop signs, obey traffic lights, and most other traffic laws and signs. Bicycle riders must ride near the right hand curb or edge of the roadway but they can legally move left to turn left, to pass another vehicle or bicycle, or to avoid dangerous conditions such as parked cars.

Rules for Bicycle Riders

  • Ride WITH traffic only persons walking on the roadway face traffic.

  • Ride in a straight line except when necessary to make a turn, avoid hitting someone or something, or drive over water drains, railroad tracks, holes, or other hazards.

  • Use a hand signal just as drivers of automobiles do before turning left or right.

  • However, bicyclists may signal for a right turn by holding the right arm straight out pointing right.

  • Ride as near the right curb or edge of the street as practicable when riding slower than other vehicles. On one way streets with two or more lanes, ride near either left or right curb or edge of the street. When passing parked cars, look through the rear windows to see if there is someone in a car who may open a door in your path. If there is, or if you cannot see into a vehicle, check traffic behind you and move out far enough to avoid the door if it should open

  • Use bicycle lanes, where marked on streets, when riding slower than other vehicles. Leaving marked bicycle lanes is permitted, when necessary, to overtake or pass another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian; to prepare for a left turn at an intersection or driveway; or to avoid debris or other dangerous conditions but only when it is safe arid after giving a correct hand signal.

  • Get off the bicycle and "walk" it across using the crosswalks at busy intersections.

  • Do not permit anyone to ride as a passenger unless using a separate seat attached to the bike. If the passenger is a child weighing 40 pounds or less, the seat must have a device to hold the child in place and protect him/her from the bike's moving parts.

  • Do not carry anything which prevents fielding the handlebars with at least one hand. "No hands" riding is dangerous.

  • Do not "hitch rides" by holding on to or attaching the bike to any other vehicle.

  • Do not ride on freeways which have signs prohibiting bicycles.

  • Do not park a bicycle on its side, or so there is no room for persons walking on the sidewalks.

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Burglary the Facts...

  • More than six million residential burglaries occur every year in this country. That’s one every ten seconds!!

  • Nearly half of these burglaries are committed without force - that is, though UNLOCKED doors and windows!!

Most of these burglaries could be prevented.

  • Always lock your doors and windows even when leaving for "just a minute." Never leave a house key available: under a doormat, in a flower pot, on the ledge of the door. These are the first places a burglar will look.

If you would like to make life even harder for crooks - Remember the following tips:

  • Exterior doors should have "dead bolt" locks with a 1 inch strong metal bar extending into the door frame.

  • Sliding doors and windows should all have "ventilation" locks as well as auxiliary locks to bolster security and Be sure to include good locks for garage, cellar, patio or other doors that lead out through storage areas or a spare room

  • For more information on locks, contact the Porter County Sheriff's Department.

Going Out?

  • Lock all doors and windows.

  • Use timers so that lights, radio, TV, go on and off throughout the house to indicate someone is home.

  • For longer trips be sure to stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a neighbor collect them daily.

  • IN SHORT - MAKE YOU HOME LOOK "LIVED IN".

Remember, if you come home and see a broken window or a jimmied door, don't go in. Confronting a burglar can be dangerous. Phone the Sheriff's Department  immediately.

Other tips

  • Install a wide-angel lens viewer in the front door. Never open the door without knowing who is there.

  • Consider alarm systems or trained security dogs for additional protection.

  • Whenever you move to a new home, have the locks changed.

Operation ID

Another deterrent to "would be" burglars is  operation identification.

  • Mark your valuables with your Indiana Drivers License number proceeded by the letters "IN."

  • Burglars don't want marked merchandise because it is difficult to fence and evidence of guilt if they are caught.

  • So mark your items as conspicuously as possible without defacing them.

  • Photograph those items that can not be engraved (jewelry, silverware, antiques).

"Don’t let ‘em knock your block off!"

Want to know the best crime prevention device ever invented?

  • A good neighbor!

  • Law enforcement officers can't be everywhere at once, but you and your neighbors can. You’re the ones who really know what’s going on in the neighborhood.

  • Put that neighborhood know-how to work. It’s simple: just use you’re eyes and ears - and then your telephone. If you spot something suspicious, call the police or sheriff immediately.

  • Don't try to stop a criminal yourself - it can be dangerous.

  • Neighbors working together in cooperation with law enforcement make one of the best crime fighting teams around. For more information on how to start you own NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP - contact Officer Ryan Jones in our Public Information & Education Office.

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Check, Credit Card, and Refund Fraud

What can you do to prevent business fraud? Learn to recognize it before it's too late. Here are some common frauds to watch out for:

Identification

Contributing to losses from bad checks and credit cards is the use of false identification. To minimize this problem, require at least one primary ID, preferably backed by at least one secondary ID

PRIMARY I.D.'s ARE:

  • a) Indiana driver's license (do not accept a temporary license).

  • b) Indiana identification card.

  • c) Employee identification card with laminated photo (check for alterations).

SECONDARY I.D.'s ARE:

  • a) Check guarantee card (check expiration date and maximum amount of coverage).

  • b) Oil company and major credit cards (with expiration dates).

NEVER ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING CARDS AS ID:

  • a) Membership cards.

  • b) Library cards.

  • c) Any card or ID that appears to be altered.

  • d) Social security cards.

  • e) Temporary driver's licenses.

Credit card fraud

  • Do not accept credit cards without proof of identity.

  • Do not accept credit cards without checking a "Hot Sheet" or telephoning issuer for authorization.

Watch for these telltale signs of credit card fraud:

  • The card has been altered, has expired, or is not yet valid.

  • Signatures on the card and sales slip don't match.

  • The customer makes several purchases in the same department, all under the amount of the floor limit or that which would require an authorization call to the card issuer.

When suspicious:

  • Call for an authorization from card issuer, indicate your suspicions and follow instructions.

REMEMBER... Always destroy carbons from credit card invoices or offer carbon copies to customer so that credit card numbers and names do not fall into the wrong hands.

Check Fraud

  • There are a number of ways that fraudulent or stolen checks can bounce into your business. Stolen checks can be forged. Legitimate checks can be altered to show much higher amounts.

SET UP CHECK CASHING GUIDELINES - AND FOLLOW THEM…

  • Require two proper I.D.'s to cash a check. Make no exceptions.

  • Only accept local checks.

  • Only accept checks with the name and address imprinted on them.

  • Only accept payroll or government checks when you know the person or verify the check.

  • Consider limiting the check to the purchase amount.

  • Do not accept two-or-more party checks.

  • Do not accept postdated checks.

  • Do not accept checks with alterations.

Fraudulent refunds

Refunding is a courtesy extended by the store and no store is compelled to honor any request.

If merchandise is defective, you may refund, exchange, or follow the posted policy.

To minimize losses on fraudulent refunds, consider the following:

  • Issue cash refunds only to persons who have a receipt verifying the purchase.

  • Establish a policy for returning merchandise without a receipt:

  •  

    • Refund by check, to be mailed from bookkeeping department.

    • No refund - exchange only.

    • Always require valid identification and maintain a file on returns.

SCHEMES TO DEFRAUD MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS OR DISTRIBUTORS

Schemes to defraud manufacturers, suppliers or distributors can be used by all sorts of dishonest persons on all kinds of businesses. It's a favorite ploy of con men and organized criminals. Often, they will establish a fake company, buy materials on credit, and vanish. Sometimes they'll set up a company with a name and address almost identical to a well-known, respected company. That way, many suppliers are fooled into granting them credit. Finally, organized crime may buy a legitimate business, and use it (and its credit rating) as a starting point for such schemes.

Sometimes these types of frauds are hard to detect. Watch out for conditions like these:

  • A sudden change in your customer's management, without any public notice.

  • The customer's payments start to lag behind, and the credit balance starts to climb.

  • A new customer suddenly orders unusually large amounts of merchandise - on credit.

  • Trade references for the customer cannot be verified.

  • Suddenly a company increases its orders; sales become "too easy."

If you notice these signs, take action. Get to know the new management of a company. Do a careful credit check on the customer. Make sure that new orders are not filled until a credit check has been completed.

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Child Abuse

It Shouldn’t Hurt To Be A Kid

·         Yet. children Continue to be hurt every day. For these children there is no hope unless each one of us realizes that our most important duty is the protection, welfare and growth of our children.

·         Child abuse can leave a scar that is carried throughout life. In fact, statistics show that the abused child all too often grows up to be an abuser. We know that breaking the cycle of abuse will not only protect our children, but will reduce crime now and in the future. Studies suggest that 85 percent of convicted felons were abused as children.

·         Without individual and community concern and Involvement there are really three "victims" of child abuse: the child, the abuser, and the community. However, each of us may make a valuable contribution to the protection of children and the prevention of abuse. Our concern and involvement is critical - it may save a life.

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse Is legally defined as:

·         A physical injury which is Inflicted by other than accidental means on a child by another person.

·         Sexual abuse, including both sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

·         Willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of a child.

·         Cruel or Inhuman corporal punishment or Injury.

·         Neglect, including both severe and general neglect

·         Abuse (all of the above) in out of home care.

Indicators of Child Abuse

Below are some indicators of child abuse which can help you recognize an existing or potential problem of abuse.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may be defined as any act which results in a non-accidental physical injury

Indicators of physical abuse:

·         Bruises, burns, abrasions, lacerations. or swelling caused by other than accidental means.

·         Belt buckle marks, hand prints. bite marks and pinches.

·         Child states injury was caused by abuse injury unusual for a specific age group.

·         A history of previous or recurrent injuries.

·         Unexplained injuries; conflicting explanations or reasons for injury.

·         Child excessively passive, compliant or fearful.

·         Caretaker attempts to hide injuries.

Neglect

Neglect is essentially the negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a parent or caretaker under circumstances indicating harm or threatened harm to the child's health or welfare

Indicators of neglect:

·         Child lacking adequate medical or dental care.

·         Child is always sleepy or hungry.

·         Child is always dirty or inadequately dressed for weather conditions.

·         There is evidence of poor supervision.

·         Conditions in home are extremely or persistently unsafe or unsanitary

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is defined as acts of sexual assault on and the sexual exploitation of minors

Indicators of sexual abuse:

·         Child reports sexual activities to a trusted person.

·         Detailed and age - inappropriate understanding of sexual behavior (especially by younger children.)

·         Child wears torn, stained or bloody under-clothing.

·         Child is victim of other forms of abuse

REPORTING

·         The law requires certain processionals to report suspicion and/or knowledge of child abuse, which includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and cases of severe emotional abuse that constitute willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment of a child But, community members also have an important role in protecting children from abuse and neglect. The life of a child may be saved if community members become involved and report cases of suspected child abuse.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT

·         Involvement does not mean physical intervention or snooping on your neighbor. It simply means not ignoring the obvious Fear of involvement has resulted in family tragedies in which neighbors reported they knew what was going on, but declined to get involved.

·         If a member of the community, who is riot required by law to report, does not want to identify himself or herself, the report may be made anonymously.

AFTER YOUR REPORT

Many people are under the misconception that if a family is reported for child abuse the parent will always be arrested and the child will be taken away from the family. Although this may occur in serious abuse cases, the family is usually referred to services such as counseling or parenting classes. In neglect cases, the family may be referred 10 public assistance agencies However, the goal of child protective agencies is to try to keep the family unit intact unless the child is in danger. The goal of all of us is to protect our children and help them grow up healthy and happy

To report suspected child abuse contact your local:

·         Police or Sheriff’s Department.

·         County Welfare Department; or

·         County Juvenile Probation Department

Child Abuse and Neglect
(219) 462-7555 or (219) 462-2112
24-hour hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect

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Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors

Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. not just a job for law enforcement- Seniors can learn how to protect themselves from crime by following these simple. common-sense suggestions. Share these tips with your neighbors and friends, too, and make it tough for criminals to work in your neighborhood.

At home...

  • Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install dead bolt locks on all your doors.

  • Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out, and keep your curtains closed at night.

  • Install a peephole in your front door so you can see callers without opening the door.

  • Ask for proper identification from delivery men or strangers. Don't be afraid of asking if they are legitimate they wont mind.

  • If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him/her yourself. Never let a stranger into your home.

  • Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone. and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places.

  • Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you won't be home at a certain time.

  • When you are gone for more than a day. make sure your home looks and sounds occupied - use an automatic timer to turn on lights and a radio or TV.

While you're out...

  • Carry your purse very close to you - don’t dangle it from your arm. Also, never leave your purse in a shopping cart.

  • Don’t carry any more cash than is necessary. Many grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller cards instead of cash.

  • Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend accompany you in high risk areas even during the daytime.

  • Do not carry weapons - they may only be used against you.

  • Have your paychecks or government checks sent directly to your bank account many banks have senior citizens discounts.

  • Never withdraw money from your hank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too good to be t rue.

In your car...

  • Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.

  • Always lock your car doors. Even when you’re inside and keep your windows rolled up. Driving with the windows closed also improves gas mileage.

  • Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk. Do not leave them on the back seat or on the floor of the car where potential thieves can see them.

  • When you return to your car. always check the front and back seat before you get in.

  • Never pick up hitchhikers.

  • If your car breaks down. Pull over to the right as far as possible. Raise the hood, and wait inside the car for help. Do not get out of the car or unroll the window until the police arrive.

If you are a victim at home…

  • If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report the crime.

  • If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle. Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.

  • If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to your local police or District Attorney's Office. Con artists count on their victim's reluctance to admit they’ve been duped, but if you delay, you help them get away. Remember, if you never report the crime, they are free to cheat others again and again and you have no chance of ever getting your money back.

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Crime prevention tips for the Disabled

Disabled persons face many physical challenges. This could make them vulnerable to would-be assailants who assume the disabled are incapable of protecting themselves.

If you are a disabled person, or know someone who is, the following information may be helpful. Take your time to read and remember these tips. You may be able to prevent yourself or a friend from becoming a victim of a crime.

General Crime Prevention Tips

  • Know and avoid situations and locations that could invite crime, i.e., dark alleys, unlit parking lots, etc.

  • Decide what you plan to do in the event you are confronted, i.e., show confidence; scream, etc.

  • Consider your options in these situations and practice your responses often so that can recall them in a real situation.

Home Security Tips

  • Consider having a peephole installed in your doors. Make sure you have the proper locks on doors and windows and use them while you are at home as well as when you are out.

  • Never open the door for a stranger. Always demand verification of the stranger's identity and the purpose of the visit.

  • Never tell a stranger calling by phone that you are alone or that you are disabled.

  • Plan an avenue of escape from each room in your residence to use in case of emergency, such as a break-in or a disaster.

Consumer Protection Tips

  • Always ask for identification from all solicitors and call their agency for verification.

  • Don't commit yourself to purchases or charitable donations over the phone. Ask the caller to mail the information to you so you can make an informed decision. If your are not familiar with the company or organization, consult the State Department of Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau.

  • Be sure to read and understand all contracts before you sign them. If your sight is impaired, have someone you trust read the entire document to you.

  • Beware of anyone who is offering products or services at a "once in lifetime" offer.

  • Consider having your checks mailed directly to your bank to avoid mail theft or robbery.

Travel Safety

  • Whenever possible, travel with someone you know. There is safety in numbers.

  • Leave word of your plans with family including your ultimate destination and estimated time of return.

  • When waiting for a bus, train, etc., wait in a centralized location near other passengers.

  • When riding the bus, sit as near to the driver as possible, particularly during late hours.

  • Keep your handbags and packages on your lap instead of the floor or the seat next to you.

  • Consider using travelers checks instead of carrying cash.

  • Be aware of those around you, particularly when exiting a bus or train.

  • If you have a speech or hearing impairment, always carry a card of communication symbols.

If You Become a Victim of a Crime...

  • Get help immediately by calling:

  • The police department

  • A doctor

  • The sheriff's department

  • A friend

  • A relative

  • Try to remember as many details about the assailant as possible, such as clothing, hair color, identifiable marks, etc.

  • Be certain not to destroy any possible evidence.

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Elder Abuse

A MAJOR ISSUE

Senior citizens currently represent four and a half percent of California's population. By the year 2020. over 16 percent of the state's population will be 60 years of age or older. Many of these people will retire comfortably and lead happy and robust lives. However, many of America's elderly are not experiencing the relaxation of retired life. Many are being physically. psychologically or financially exploited - some by strangers, some by acquaintances and some even by their own family members. Gerontologists consider this type of exploitation to be elder abuse.

Elder abuse crosses all social, economic and ethnic lines - any elderly person could become a victim. It is important to become aware of the possibility of elder abuse and to be able to recognize signs that might suggest its occurrence. This awareness will enable us to help neighbors, friends or family members who may be in trouble.

TYPES OF ABUSE

Abuse of the elderly usually falls into the following categories:

  • Physical abuse

  • Financial abuse

  • Psychological/Emotional abuse

  • Physical neglect

The example cases that follow outline typical characteristics of elder abuse. Although they are hypothetical, they do include aspects of actual reported cases.

Physical Abuse

  • Joan is an 84-year-old widow who was living with her grandniece. Her home environment was clean and in a nice rural setting, however, the landlord often noticed bruises on Joan's face and arms. Suspecting abuse, he immediately notified County Adult Protective Services (APS). After assessing the situation, the APS investigator found that Joan had been beaten and slapped by her grandniece. APS removed Joan from the grandniece's care and placed her with a new caretaker.

Psychological/Emotional Abuse

  • Alex is a 77-year-old man who had his house cleaned twice a week by a neighbor-hood volunteer. When a next door neighbor did not see Alex come out of the house for several weeks she suspected something was wrong so she notified the county sheriff's department Sheriff's investigators discovered that the volunteer cleaning person had often isolated Alex in a room and verbally abused him. The mailer was referred to APS, who helped Alex find a new cleaning person.

Financial Abuse

  • Eighty-one-year-old Mitsuko is a recent widow and was residing alone in her home. A friend suggested she allow a college student to move in with her as a boarder to help pay for expenses. Soon after, the student allowed two of his friends to move in without offering to pay Mitsuko any additional rent Next door neighbors, who regularly kept an eye on Mitauko, became worried when they noticed groups of young people coming and going from the house at all hours. They phoned the city police department to report the matter. Police investigators found that the students had threatened Mitsuko and had used her automated bank teller card to withdraw large sums of money. The students were arrested and Mitauko is once again living alone.

Physical Neglect

  • Eighty-two-year-old Eva is paralyzed. Her eldest son was legally granted conservator-ship of her estate and they lived together in a four-bedroom home. When a younger son who lived out of state came to visit he contacted APS to report that his mother was living in an environment that he believed was unfit An APS investigator visited Eva's home and discovered she had been locked up and forced to live in one room that was filthy and un-kept The representative also found that she had frequently been denied proper food and medication. After this initial visit Eya was moved to a skilled nursing facility and her younger son was placed in charge of her financial affairs.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT

  • Fortunately. most older persons do not experience this type of treatment Nevertheless, elder abuse is a frightening and real issue. Knowing what to look for and who to contact if you 8uspect abuse, will help you do your part to correct the situation. By being alert to situations that could lead to abuse of an elderly person, you may be able to prevent a serious injury or even save a life.

  • If you live with and/or care for an elderly person, you know that the responsibility can be overwhelming at times. One way to cope is to be sure to take time away from your responsibilities on a regular basis. This will help to alleviate stress and the potential for abuse and give you a chance to put every-thing into perspective.

REPORTING

Indiana law mandates elder care custodians, medical and non medical practitioners or employees of elder protective agencies to report suspected abuse. The following is a list of elder protective agencies that you can contact if you are uncertain about reporting suspected abuse:

  • The State Department of Social Services

  • A county probation department

  • A county welfare department

  • A police or sheriff's department

  • A nursing home ombudsman

Remember, one alert person can make a difference

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Family Violence Reduction

Beyond Burglary Prevention

  • Neighborhood Watch is not a new concept - in fact it has become one of society's most effective tools to reduce residential burglary.

  • Neighborhood Watch is very simple - neighbors get to know each other and work together in a program of mutual assistance. They are trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.

  • But Neighborhood Watch can do much more than just help reduce theft and burglary.

  • Now neighbors are being taught to detect another kind of residential crime family violence.

What Is Family Violence?

Family violence consists of abuse -physical or mental - of children, adults or seniors in a familial setting. Family violence is broken down into three major categories: child abuse, battered women, and elderly victimization. It is not uncommon that if one type of abuse is occurring within a home, other abuse may be (or soon will be) taking place.

Through family violence reduction information, you can learn...

  • To recognize signs of abuse

  • How to contact family - help agencies; and

  • How to help prevent family violence and abuse.

Your Involvement.

Does not mean physical intervention. It does not mean snooping on your neighbors. It simply means a willingness to help by recognizing the obvious signs - the continuously injured child, the couple who becomes involved in physical confrontations, or the long -term, unexplained absence of the senior living next door.

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch/Family Violence Reduction Program

  • 1. Contact our Public Relations & Education  Department and ask them to assist you in developing a Neighborhood Watch Program.

  • 2. Contact your local child abuse council, battered women's shelter, family service center, etc., to arrange for speakers at Neighborhood Watch meetings on the programs and the services they provide. They can also provide you with printed material or assist you in locating it.

  • 3. Plan your Neighborhood Watch Program Meetings to cover each family violence category (child abuse, battered women & elderly victimization).

  • 4. Develop and print a list of agencies which provide emergency assistance to abused children, battered women and victimized elderly. Distribute this list to all of the members of your Neighborhood Watch group.

  • 5. Encourage your Neighborhood Watch members to start Block Parent groups and support prevention programs for children in the schools, scouting programs, churches, etc.

Help stop family violence

Family violence prevention information in a Neighborhood Watch setting is a new concept. It needs your support.

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Holiday Safety

HOLIDAY/MALL SAFETY

 

CRIMINALS ARE OPPORTUNISTS- THEY WANT THE EASY HIT. IF THEY WANTED TO WORK, THEY’D HAVE A JOB!

 

SHOPPING

·          FIND A BUSY, WELL LIT SECTION OF THE PARKING LOT

·          LOOK AROUND BEFORE YOU GET OUT

·          WHEN YOU EXIT, WALK WITH CONFIDENCE!

·          MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO APPROACH

·          WHILE IN THE LOT, KEEP YOUR KEYS IN YOUR HAND

·          DON’T PUT NAME OR ADDRESS ON KEY RING

·          DON’T FLAUNT CASH OR JEWELRY

·          TUCK PURSE UNDER YOUR ARM

·          USE CREDIT CARDS RATHER THAN CASH

·          KEEP PACKAGES OUT OF SIGHT

 

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

·          DON’T RESIST!!- ROBBERS WANT STUFF NOT YOU

·          BEST DEFENSIVE SPRAY IS MIXTURE OF CS/OC

·          CALL 911 FROM SCENE, NOT WHEN YOU GET HOME

·          DO NOT LEAVE SCENE WITH BAD GUY

 

WHILE YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME

·          LOCK YOUR HOUSE.- ˝ OF BURGLARS JUST WALK IN!

·          MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK AND SOUND OCCUPIED

 

PLAN TO BE OKAY

·          LET SOMEONE KNOW YOUR ITINERARY

·          KEEP A CHARGED CELL PHONE WITH YOU

·          USE YOUR INSTINCTS!

·          BE AWARE!

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Marine Security

Marine Security

Marine theft is on the rise. But there are many things you can do to discourage waterway pirates. The following tips can help guard your boat and gear from theft.

Locks

Strength and durability are the keys to security

  • Install inside hinges and dead bolt locks on all doors.

  • Secure ports and windows with inside auxiliary locks.

  • Attach inverted strong hasps and padlocks to all hatches.

Operational ID

  • Inscribe all valuables, (including electronic equipment, your engine, sails, radios, binoculars, and other loose gear) with your name, your home port, your Indiana driver's license number (preceded by the letters "IN"), and your hull identification number.

  • Keep an inventory list (ashore) of all your gear. Include name, model, serial number, manufacturer and description.

Alarms

  • Consider installing an alarm system to ward off "would be" pirates. There are many "do-it-yourself" models on the market that are easy to install or, you can have a professional installation. REMEMBER - an alarm is only good if you set it every time you leave your boat.

Additional tips

  • Never leave your keys aboard even in a "hidden place."

  • Always moor your boat to something secure with a chain or cable that cannot be lifted over or torn loose from the piling or mooring.

  • Run the chain or cable around and under a thwart or around a stanchion.

  • Use one-way bolts, lock nuts, and backup plates on your eye bolts.

  • Consider leaving your engine out of commission when you are away: remove the rotor; install a hidden cut-off switch; drain the fuel; remove a spark plug or the propeller.

  • Secure outboard motors with special transom bolts or clamping screw locks.

Dock Watch

A good neighbor is one of the best crime prevention devices around.

  • Get to know the people and boat owners where you dock, and look out for one another.

  • Insist on good night lighting at your marina.

  • Let each other know if anyone will be using your boat when you are not present.

  • If you spo