Be vigilant and avoid becoming a target.
By Scott Buhrmaster, Contributing Editor
The recent wave of officers being shot in suspected gang initiation activities serves as a painful reminder of the deep-rooted hatred for police that exists in some segments of society. It’s also illustrative of the stunningly brazen steps some will take to kill a cop for gang advancement or to gain notoriety and respect. Sadly, the vulnerability that comes with wearing a badge has once again been made crystal clear.
Although these officer shootings should entice you to candidly critique your level of on-duty awareness, they should also motivate you to critique your level of off-duty awareness as well. When you’re on uniformed duty, it’s no surprise that everyone who sees you knows that you’re a cop. Being high profile is a necessary part of your job and with that comes a heightened awareness. But when you’re off-duty, being easily identified as a cop may be dangerous to you and to your family.
Here are some suggestions for smart living off-duty:
Consider having your mail delivered to a P.O. Box instead of your street address. If you’re having law enforcement-related things sent to your home, be sure to notify the company that you do not want your rank listed on the address label. If you drive your squad car home, refrain from keeping it parked in the front, which can be just as effective at drawing attention to your law enforcement affiliation as a “THIS IS A COP’S HOUSE” sign in your yard. If you don’t have a garage or a place to park it in the back, consider looking for a convenient parking spot within walking distance. When you’re in public, particularly if you know that you may be in a potentially dangerous area, refrain from wearing clothing that clearly identifies you as an officer. This can include tee-shirts with badge emblems or obvious police-related slogans or phrases, a ball cap that read “POLICE”, windbreakers with police emblems, etc. Be cautious of high-profile law enforcement indicators on your personal vehicle such as FOP medallions, police association window decals, and overtly police-related bumper stickers. Plot out varying routes home and change your path frequently. There have been numerous reports of officers being victims of criminal surveillance and stalking. When you get in your personal car, resist the temptation to relax completely and turn off all tactical awareness. Remain alert to the vehicles behind you and make a conscious effort to spot anyone who may be tailing you to see where you live. Also watch the people who pull up beside you. If you see suspicious behavior such as someone clearly staring at you, take note and be cautious. If you’re driving home at night, learn to memorize the shape of headlights in your rearview mirror so you can remember specific vehicles down the road. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for suspicious activity around your home and to alert you to anything that may seem strange. This can include a particular vehicle driving by your house repeatedly, someone walking by who pays particular attention to your home, someone walking around your house, even someone in a utility uniform, and behaving strangely (i.e., looking in your windows or moving around the house more than would appear necessary to, say, check your electric meter.) Alert neighbors can be a priceless safety system. Be sure that your law enforcement equipment is safely secured in your home. In the event of a break-in, this will help decrease the opportunity for criminals to grab your gear and use it themselves while reducing the possibility that your house will be tagged as a law enforcement home for future reference. Watch what you throw out, both at home and at the station. Never underestimate criminal interest in dumpster diving to surface information about you. When at the station, refrain from throwing out anything labeled with your name and home address. When at home, refrain from tossing things unshredded that can easily identify you as a cop such as law enforcement-related magazines and catalogs, union mailings, police club notifications, etc. In this day of identity theft, shredders are cheaper and more powerful than ever. If you don’t have one, get one. Maintain your survival attitude constantly. This is not to say that you should remain in high-alert mode all the time. That actually proves unhealthy. Rather just remember to make it a practice to remain generally cautious and observant off-duty, too. Be sure that your department has a strict policy of never giving out your home phone number, regardless of the story being given on the other line. If you are required to give an address and phone number during a purchase, consider giving the department’s address (without mentioning that you’re an officer) and phone. Keep your name off your house and your mailbox. Watch your mail for suspicious packages. If you spot any deliveries that look, smell or feel out of the ordinary, take appropriate caution and consider seeking consult from someone in your agency who is familiar with package bombs. Be sure to remind your family to stay cautious as well.
