It’s Who You Know
You’ve likely heard it before, but we’ll tell you again. If you gather all the homicide statistics and extract drug-related homicides, the vast majority of murders are between people who know each other. Forty-four percent of people who are murdered are killed by someone they know.
Obviously, that doesn’t mean that you should start looking at your golf buddies askance, but do be careful whom you make serious acquaintance with, says Jean Î’Neil, director of research and policy at the NCPC. “And certainly use some discretion when it comes to whom you hang out with, even casually,” she says.
The following can help you check for potentially dangerous liaisons.
Inspect the fuse. “Not to liken people to canines, but you know which dogs are likely to bite and which are not by their mannerisms,” Williams says. “People are the same way. If someone is hostile and aggressive or, worse, has acted violently in the past, even if it wasn’t toward you, don’t get involved with them. These are folks with short fuses who are capable of hurting you, too, if you upset them.” If you doubt the seriousness of this situation, consider that 28 percent of murders occur as the result of an argument, according to the FBI.
Just say no. “People who are serious drug users are another group to avoid,” says Williams, “especially if they seem pretty solid until they’re high or drunk and then get mean. That can indicate a dangerous person.” Statistics show that he’s right. Almost half of all violent offenders serving time in state prisons have admitted to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed their crimes.
Home, Sweet Home
“Homicide is a public health risk like any other,” says Williams. “Just like you can lower your cancer risk by not smoking, you can lower your risk of homicide by living and hanging out in safer places.” Here’s how to check out your own locale.
Call the police. The simplest way to tell whether a neighborhood you want to move into is safe is by calling the local police and asking for someone in the crime prevention or community affairs office. Also, talk to neighbors and local business owners, says O’Neil. You’ll be able to find out about crime in the town or even on your particular street.
Sign up. Your current or potential neighborhood probably also has a local crime watch group, says O’Neil. These can be useful not just for finding out crime statistics but in curtailing crime as well. Getting involved also introduces you to people in the neighborhood who can keep an eye out for you and your home.
Use your head. Finally, the best way to prevent becoming a victim of homicide is to use your head, says the NCPC. Whether you’re on the street or in your car, you should always be alert to your surroundings. Project a calm, confident attitude. Trust your instincts; if something or someone doesn’t feel right, they probably aren’t. Know the neighborhoods surrounding where you live and work. And by all means, if someone tries to rob you, give up the material stuff, says the NCPC. It’s not worth your life.
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