Prepared and distributed in the public interest by the Fairfax County Police Department

The Fairfax County Police Department is accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission.

Here are some important points to remember in order to avoid becoming a victim of a crime:

Be aware of what is happening around you. You are more likely to become a victim if you aren't paying attention to your surroundings.

Always trust your first instincts. When you observe suspicious people or events do not override your feelings. Instead react to them.

Have an air of confidence about yourself. Gain the psychological advantage over would-be attackers. Keep your head up and know where you are going. The bad guy is looking for the opportunity to commit a crime. Don't provide the opportunity.

Try to avoid putting yourself into dangerous situations such as elevators, parking lots and parking garages when suspicious persons are present.

Safety in numbers: Whenever possible be with other people, while shopping, at work, etc. Have a plan of action. Training is very important, so why not train yourself with "what if" questions?

If you feel you are being followed, drive to a police station or other place where people will be. Do not panic, keep your cool and obtain full information on the vehicle and a description of its occupant(s).

Never leave any of your household, business or other keys with your car when it is in for repair.

Do not carry large am of money. Avoid carrying a purse whenever possible. If you carry a purse hold it firmly in front of you.

If approached by a car and you perceive a threat, reverse direction and watch the car's occupants.

Whenever possible stay away from less populated areas such as alley ways, wooded areas, pathways, etc.

Always let a family member know where you are, where you are going, and when you are returning.

Display only passive resistance when confronted.

Lock windows and doors as much as possible both when you are at home or away.

Install a peep hole in your door or use a window to see who is at your door before opening it. Never open your door to someone you do not know.

What do you do if someone gets into your house during the night while you are sleeping? Plan ahead; it's not possible to prepare you for every situation. Make a plan and then stick to it.

Workplace violence: Violence in the workplace is a more recent area of concern. Most workplace ads of crime involve larcenies of purses, computers, cash, etc. To prevent the opportunity for workplace violence always offer to help someone you do not recognize. Do not allow people you do not know to wander about your workplace.

Never challenge strangers but do offer to help them. Plan ahead. If working late stay with other colleagues, park together and leave together.

Do not circumvent existing policy or security measures for convenience.

ATM Machines: Use ATMs that are used often. Go where other people are such as convenience stores at night time. Pay attention to those ATMs that are monitored by cameras and visible to passers by.

Jogging: Do not use headphones or radios which take away your ability to hear what is around you. Jog with a partner. Select where you jog carefully.

Fairfax County is the safest comparable suburban county in the country in the over 500,000 population category. But how do you keep yourself safe? How do we keep our community safe? Ten seconds! That's all it takes.

If at every natural transition point (from differing public areas, going from public to semi-public to semi private apace, etc.) you spend just two seconds, you will be much safer. Use two seconds to look around and observe your surroundings. It has been said you should stop to smell the roses. You may just notice a few thorns!

In the real world the "ten second rule" works this way. Before leaving the store, STOP. Look around. Who is watching you? Do you have all your possessions? Two seconds used. After you leave the store and get to the curb, STOP. Take as few packages as possible (none would be best). Look around. Is it safe to step off the curb? Is anyone watching you? Four seconds have been used Step off the curb and walk to your car. About thirty feet from your car, STOP. Look around and behind. Is anyone approaching? You still have room and time to make a decision. Your choices are fewer the deeper you get into the parking lot or the nearer you get to your car. Six seconds have been used. When you get to your car, STOP. With the keys you wisely put into your hand before you left the store, unlock and open your door.

Look in the car. Look around and behind you. Get into the car and lock all the doors. Eight seconds have been used. Before you back out of the space (given the choice, please back into the space, it reduces accidents), STOP to look around. Make sure no one is behind your car and no one is running up to your door. Ten seconds of your precious day has been wasted. But not really wasted. Used wisely, instead.

After devoting tat seconds to your safely at cab natural transition point you are much safer than you could ever be if all you did was purchase a chemical deterrent such as Mace or pepper spray or attended a self defense course.

The Fairfax County Police Department offers a wide range of crime prevention services to citizens. The services are free and appointments may be made by calling the police district station nearest your home. The locations and telephone numbers of the district stations are:

(0298)