Police

Who Are They?

Here's What We Know Of Them, So Far:

These high risk drivers climb into the anonymity of an automobile and take out their frustrations on anybody at any time.

For them, frustration levels are high, and level of concern for fellow motorists is low.

They run stop signs and red lights, speed, tailgate, weave in and out of traffic, pass on the right, make improper and unsafe lane changes, make hand and facial gestures, scream, honk, and flash their lights.

They drive at speeds far in excess of the norm which causes them to:  follow too closely, change lanes frequently and abruptly without notice (signals), pass on the shoulder or unpaved portions of the roadway, and leer at and/or threaten - verbally or through gestures - motorists who are thoughtless enough to be in front of them.

When Confronted By Aggressive Drivers:
First and foremost make every attempt to get out of their way.

Put your pride in the back seat.  Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own in your travel lane.

Wear your seat belt.  It will hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver and it will protect you in a crash.

Avoid eye contact.

Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.

Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and, if possible, direction of travel.

If you have a "Cell" phone, and can do it safely, call the police - - many have special numbers (e.g. 9-1-1 or #77).

If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.

Avoid the challenges or confrontations of an aggressive driver and support law enforcement's efforts to rid the streets and highways of this menace.

ATM Machines have become the target of criminal opportunities such as robberies, purse thefts, and other personal crimes. The following is a list of suggestions to help reduce your vulnerabilities and criminal opportunities.

Here Are Some General Rules And Suggestions To Keep In Mind When Using An ATM:

• Treat your ATM card like cash.  Always keep your card in a safe place and store in in the protective sleeve.
• Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN)  a secret.  Your ATM card will only work with your PIN.  Never write your PIN on your card, and don't store it near your card.
• Never give out information about your PIN over the telephone.
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately.
• check your receipts against your monthly statements to guard against ATM fraud.

When At An ATM Machine:

• Always observe your surroundings before conducting an ATM transaction.
• Always be aware, alert and prepared to act when visiting an ATM Machine.
• If possible, do not use an outside machine. Use machines that are inside locked, MAC-card accessible booths or rooms.
• If you use an outside machine, use one that is well lit and visible.
• Try not to visit a machine alone. REMEMBER: The is safety in numbers.
• Minimize time spent at the ATM machine by having your card out and ready.
• Don't just walk up to the machine. Look around for suspicious cars or persons.
• If using a drive-up machine, keep your engine running, doors locked, and the windows up while waiting in line. In most cases a drive up machine is safest. If there is any sign of trouble, drive off.
• When possible, leave enough room between cars to allow for a fast exit.
• Cover PIN numbers so no one can read them.
• Do not count your money while at the ATM. Don't flash cash. Don't dress expensively.
• Don't leave receipts lying around. (Take them with you.) Don't put them in the trash container near the machine.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel something is wrong, go to another machine.
• If anything suspicious happens, cancel your transaction and leave the area.

Don't Make It Easy for a Thief To Steal Your Wheels

One vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the United States. Stolen cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money - and increase everyone's insurance premiums. They're also often used to commit other crimes. Don't become a victim of this serious crime.

The Basic Prevention Policy

• Never leave your keys in the car or ignition.
• Always lock your car, even if it's in front of your home.
• Copy your tag number and vehicle identification number (VIN) on a card and keep them with your driver's license. Keep the registration with you, not in the car.
• Keep the keys to your home and car separate.
• Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there's enough gas to get there and back.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic. Be especially alert in unstaffed lots and enclosed parking garages.
• If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open service station, or other open business to get help.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike yourself.
• If you often drive at night, or alone, consider a CB radio or cellular phone to make it easier to summon help in a emergency.

Be Prepared To Get Away

1. Keep a spare set of keys, a set of clothes, important papers, prescriptions and some money with someone you trust.
2. Keep any evidence of physical abuse (ripped clothes, photos of bruises and injuries, etc.).
3. Plan the safest time to get away.
4. Know where you can go for help, tell someone what is happening to you.  Have the phone numbers of friends, relatives, and domestic violence programs with you.
5. Call the police if you are in danger and need help.
6. If you are injured, go to a hospital emergency room or doctor and report what happened to you, ask that they document your visit and take photos.
7. Plan with your children. Identify a safe place for them, a room with a lock or a neighbor's house, where they can go for help.  Reassure them their job is to stay safe, not protect you.
8. Arrange a signal with a neighbor, for example, if the porch light is on, call 911.
9. Contact the local domestic violence hotline listed below to find out about laws, the shelter, and other resources available to you before you have to use them or during a crisis.

Domestic Violence Links:

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• National Network to End Domestic Violence
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• Violence Against Women Office

Police Procedure When Responding To Domestic Violence

1. General Rule:  Police responding to a domestic violence case on or after April 16, 1986 have the right, pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. 2711, to make a warrantless arrest when they have probable cause to believe an individual has violated the Pa. Crimes Code relating to involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, 3, 4 and 5 of the Aggravated Assault Section or Recklessly Endangering Another Person perpetrated against his spouse or other family member with whom he resides or has formerly resided although the events did not take place in the presence of the police officer.
2. A police officer may not arrest a person without a warrant pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. 2711 unless the officer has observed recent physical injury to the victim or other corroborative evidence of an assault upon the victim.
3. A police officer shall seize all weapons used by the defendant in the commission of the foregoing offenses.
4. A person arrested pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. 2711 shall be afforded a preliminary arraignment without unnecessary delay before the proper issuing authority and in no case shall the police officer release the defendant from custody prior to taking him / her before issuing authority.
5. When a police officer responds to a domestic violence case the police officer shall notify the victim of the rights.

Notification Of Rights By A Police Officer To A Victim Of Domestic Violence

1. You, as a victim of domestic violence, have a right to go to court and file a petition requesting an order for protection from domestic abuse pursuant to the Act of 1976 (P.L. 1090, No. 218), known and referred to as the "Protection From Abuse Act" and the following rights may be available to you under this Act:
   a.  An order may be entered by the court restraining the perpetrator of the abuse from further acts of abuse;
   b.  An order directing the abuser to leave your household may be entered;
   c.  An order preventing the abuser from entering your residence, school, business, or place of employment may be entered;
   d.  An order awarding you or the other parent temporary custody of or temporary visitation with your child or children; and
   e.  An order may be entered by the court directing the abuser to pay support to you and the minor children if the perpetrator of the abuse has a legal obligation to do so.
2. If the abuser threatens or intimidates you while criminal charges are pending against him for assaulting you, you may obtain a protective order pursuant to the Act of December 4, 1980 (P.L. 1097, No. 187) known as the Victim and Witness Intimidation Act.  To do this, go to the District Attorney's office.
3. You may be entitled to crime victim's compensation.  For more information contact the office of the District Attorney or call your own attorney.
4. In situations where no arrest is made, you may still be able to file a private criminal complaint against the assailant.  The police officer can tell you where to do this.
5. You are notified that a shelter is available to you and your family members.

If you were locked out of your house, would you still be able to get in? Maybe you keep an unlocked window in the back, or a hidden key in your mailbox or on top of a window ledge? You may think this is a good idea, but guess what? If you can break in, so can a burglar!

One out of ten homes will be burglarized this year. For a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim.

Many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. Good locks - and good neighbors who watch out for each other - can be big deterrents to burglars.

Check The Locks

Did you know that in almost half of all completed residential burglaries, thieves simply breezed in through unlocked doors or crawled through unlocked windows?

• Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock. Key-in-the-knob locks alone are not enough.
• Sliding glass doors can offer easy access if they are not properly secured. You can secure them by installing commercially available locks or putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door. To prevent the door being lifted off the track, drill a hole through the slide door frame and the fixed frame. Then insert a pin in the hole.
• Lock double-hung windows with key locks or "pin" your windows by drilling a small hole into a 45 degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed. Secure basement windows with grilles or grates.
• Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.
• When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

Check The Doors

If you were locked out of your house, would you still be able to get in? Maybe you keep an unlocked window in the back, or a hidden key in your mailbox or on top of a window ledge? You may think this is a good idea, but guess what? If you can break in, so can a burglar!

One out of ten homes will be burglarized this year. For a small amount of time and money you can make your home more secure and reduce your chances of being a victim.

Many burglars will spend no longer than 60 seconds trying to break into a home. Good locks - and good neighbors who watch out for each other - can be big deterrents to burglars.

Check The Outside

Look at your house from the outside. Make sure you know the following tips.

• Thieves hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it doesn't hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window.
• If you travel, create the illusion that you're at home by getting some timers that will turn lights on and off in different areas of your house throughout the evening. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
• Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions. And don't let your mail pile up! Call the post office to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick it up.
• Make a list of your valuables - VCRs, stereos, computers, jewelry. Take photos of the items, list their serial numbers and description. Check with law enforcement about engraving your valuables through Operation Identification.
• Ask local law enforcement for a free home security survey.

Consider An Alarm

Alarms can be a good investment, especially if you have many valuables in your home, or live in an isolated area or one with a history of break-ins.

• Check with several companies before you buy so you can decide what level of security fits your needs. Do business with an established company and check references before signing a contract.
• Learn how to use your system properly! Don't "cry wolf" by setting off false alarms. People will stop paying attention and you'll probably be fined.
• Some less expensive options...a sound-detecting socket that plugs into a light fixture and makes the light flash when it detects certain noises, motion sensing outdoor lights that turn on when someone approaches, or lights with photo cells that turn on when it's dark and off when it's light.

Burglars Do More Than Steal

Burglars can commit rape, robbery, and assault if they are surprised by someone coming home or pick a home that is occupied.

• If something looks questionable - a slit screen, a broken window or an open door - don't go in. Call the police from a neighbor's house or a public phone.
• At night, if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can, then call the police. If you can't leave, lock yourself in a room with a phone and call the police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.
• Gun are responsible for many accidental deaths in the home every year. Think carefully before buying a gun or keeping weapons in the home. If you do own one, learn how to store it and use it safely.

There's More You Can Do

• Never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates you may be away from home now, say "I'm not available right now."

Work with neighbors and local government to organize community clean-ups. The cleaner your neighborhood, the less attractive it is to crime.

Computer consultant Ray Brannon has compiled a list of 10 Identify Commandments to help residents protect themselves from identity theft:

1. Annually obtain copies of your credit report from the three national credit bureaus:  Trans Union Credit Services (1-800-888-4213), Equifax Credit Services (1-800-685-1111) and Experian Credit Services (1-888-397-3742).
2. Check out your credit card statements each month to make sure all items were billed by you.
3. Shred ATM or credit card receipts as well as unsolicited credit card offers before discarding.  "Dumpster divers" have been known to sort through rubbish to obtain account numbers and other information from such documents.
4. Never mail bills by placing them in the mailbox with the red flag up - a signal for opportunistic identity thieves.  Mail bills at the post office or in a postal service drop box.
5. Don't carry your social security card with you.
6. Never give out personal or credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
7. If your credit card bills and other monthly documents such as bank statements are more than a couple of weeks late, immediately contact the post office to make sure your mail has not been forwarded by someone to another address.  Also contact your bank and companies from which you're expecting bills.
8. Protect your personal identification number (PIN) for your ATM or debit card by committing it to memory rather than writing it down in a handbag or wallet.  If others are standing behind you at an ATM machine, cover your hand when you punch in your PIN.
9. Don't let your children make unsupervised credit-card purchases on the Internet.  Kids are the number one victim of pop-up ads.
10. Don't save financial information or social security numbers to your computer.

• Brannon offers the following additional tips for enhancing personal cyber security.
• Download a free copy of Zone Alarm ( www.zonelabs.com ) to guard your computer against hackers and to help keep advertisers from tracking and targeting you.
• Download a free version of SpyBot ( www.spybot.com ) to detect and remove Spyware from your computer.  Spyware tracks your online behavior without your consent.  Consequences of spyware can include identity theft, computer corruption, slower Internet access and more pop-up ads.

To opt out of pre-screened credit card offers call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

To opt out of direct mail log on to www.the-dma.org/consumers/offmailinglist.html

To opt out of email: www.dmaconsumers.org/offemaillist.html

Other resources for identity theft issues include: National Fraud Information Center (1-800-876-7060 or www.fraud.org); Federal Trade Commission's Identity theft hotline is (1-877-IDTHEFT).

The Internet is an opportunity for you to interact with people. It provides a communication link to businesses, entertainment, and education. Through the Internet you can interact with people from other towns, cities, and countries. You can learn about other cultures, customs and lifestyles. It is an opportunity to make new friends and learn more about the world in which we live.

However, the Internet by design is an anonymous media. This aspect can make it easy for someone to use the Internet for criminal means. Because you are 'speaking' with someone via your computer, it is nearly impossible to verify many things about that person. These may include:

The Person's Identity - The Person with whom you are speaking may not be using their real name. It is possible with some Internet Service Providers (ISP's) to check the account information of someone you've had contact with. However, that person may have been using someone else's account or may have provided false information to the ISP.

The Person's Description - We often take for granted the ability to see the person we are speaking with. However, on the Internet nothing can be verified. You can not use your eyes to verify the person's age, race, or even gender.

The Person's Location - On the Internet it is very easy for someone to say they are one place, when in reality they could be around the corner or across the country.

The Person's Intentions - Most people use the internet for honest and honorable intentions. However, someone who exploits the Internet, especially criminals and con artists, can seem very straightforward at first, but they are experts at manipulation. They use confidence-scams, or even just friendly conversation, to make you believe what they want you to believe. Then they have you act on that belief.

Connection Security - Internet security is very important and new technologies are being developed everyday to ensure your protection. However, there are persons out there who know how to intercept communications. Your communication with a known friend or acquaintance could be seen by others. There is also no guarantee that the person you are 'speaking' with is acting alone or uses good security with your information.

Common sense tempered with caution is still your best protection. Listed below are some safety tips you should use when communicating on-line:

1. Do not give out any personal information, home address or phone number. If you are using a 'nickname' don't give out your real name to anyone you don't know. If you are listed in the phone book, they can use it to find you.
2. Do not give anyone your account password. No legitimate and reputable ISP will send you a message or e-mail asking for your password or account information. Many hackers know how to send you messages that appear to be from your ISP. If you receive one of these messages contact your provider immediately!.
3. Do not give out any personal account information such as internet account or personal financial accounts (credit card or checking/saving accounts) until you are absolutely sure of their credibility and connection security.
4. Do not arrange a personal meeting with anyone you have met on the Internet unless, and until, you are able to verify their true identity and can arrange the following:

• Meet in a public place that is well lighted and busy.
• Meet during busy business hours and not close to closing or after dark.
• Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting.
• Bring a friend; Double-date. Do not meet the person alone!

Remember:

A stranger you meet on the Internet is just like a stranger you meet in a bar, restaurant, or on the street!! Use the same precautions you use in these situations, when meeting people on the Internet!!

If you do have suspicions about someone you may have spoken with on the Internet, or if you have in someway been offended or threatened, contact your service provider immediately. Give them as much information about the situation as possible. This should include any contact information, such as on-screen name, account information (name, address, phone, account number) and/or e-mail address. You should also be straight-forward as to how you were offended or threatened. Most ISP's provide on-line information on reporting such incidents. Be familiar with your provider's procedures.

The Internet has opened up a virtual world of information for anyone with a computer and an on-line connection. Children not only learn about computers, but are able to access more information from more sources more quickly than from any other medium. However, children need to learn the rules of the road, and learn how to protect themselves from the pedophiles, abusers, and con artists that may be lurking behind their screen. With a little bit of planning and appropriate adult supervision, children can explore and learn while minimizing, or eliminating the dangers of being abused or exploited.

• Just like in a park or public place, a child's best defense is a sound value system and a plan. Teach your children about exploitation, pornography, hate literature, and violence. Teach them what to do when something they see is troubling or bothersome to them.
• Set aside time to explore the Internet together. That way, you can set the examples of how suspicious messages or people are appropriately handled, and you may be better informed yourself.
• Monitor your children when they are on line. If your child becomes uneasy or defensive when you enter the room, it might mean that they are involved in something unusual or forbidden.
• Choose an Internet Provider that has parental control features, and learn how to use them. Or, you may purchase commercial blocking software to screen out sites by content and key words you find objectionable. Such blocking is very effective, and is already done by local libraries and schools.
• Tell children NEVER to give out personal information, such as address, telephone number, or their parent's name. They should NEVER send pictures of themselves to anyone they don't know, or that YOU have not met in person.
• Assume NOTHING about anyone you or your child may meet on-line. Pedophiles and con artists can easily assume the on-line identity, language and apparent interests of a child of any age and sex in order to lure and entice them to respond as they might to a real person. Unless you have met someone in person, what appears to be a chatty 15-year- old girl might actually be a 45-year-old male pedophile.

If you or your child comes across material that you find pornographic, threatening, or otherwise offensive, it might well be a violation of law. Save the material, and contact your local law enforcement agency.

Another resource is the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children. They function as a national clearinghouse for tips and leads regarding the sexual exploitation of children. You can call the 24-hour Child Pornography Tipline at 1-800-843-5678, or make your reports on-line at their website, www.missingkids.com/cybertip.  They will compile and forward the information to the appropriate state, federal, or local law enforcement agency for action.

It's not always easy to spot con artists. They're smart, extremely persuasive, and aggressive. They invade your home by telephone and mail, advertise in well-known newspapers and magazines, and come to your door. Most people think they're too smart to fall for a scam. But con artists rob all kinds of people - from investment counselors and doctors to teenagers and elderly widows - of billions of dollars every year. Just remember... if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You Can Protect Yourself:

• Never give a caller your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.

• Beware of 900 numbers. People who call 900 numbers to request instant credit often end up with a booklet on how to establish credit or a list of banks offering low-interest credit cards. Such calls can end up costing $50 or more, but consumers rarely end up obtaining credit.

• Listen carefully to the name of a charity requesting money. Fraudulent charities often use names that sound like a reputable, well-known organization such as the American Cancer Association (instead of the American Cancer Society).

• Ask for a financial report before you donate; a reputable charity will always send you one.

• Investigate before you invest. Never make an investment with a stranger over the phone. Beware of promises that include the terms "get rich quick," or "a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Be A Wise Consumer

• Don't buy health products or treatments that include: a promise for a quick and dramatic cure, testimonials, imprecise and nonmedical language, appeals to emotion instead of reason, or a single product that cures many ills. Quackery can delay an ill person from getting timely treatment.
• Look closely at offers that come in the mail. Con artists often use official-looking forms and bold graphics to lure victims. If you receive items in the mail that you didn't order, you are under no obligation to pay for them - throw them out, return them, or keep them.
• Be suspicious of ads that promise quick cash working from your home. After you've paid for the supplies or a how-to book to get started, you often find there's no market for the product and there's no way to get your money back.
• Beware of cheap home repair work that would otherwise be expensive, regardless of the reason given. The con artist may just do part of the work, use shoddy materials and untrained workers, or simply take your deposit and never return.
• Use common sense in dealing with auto repairs. One mechanic convinced a woman that she needed to have the winter air in tires replaced with summer air! Get a written estimate, read it carefully, and never give the repair shop a blank check to "fix everything."

Some Classic Cons

Although con artists come up with new scams as times change, some classic scams never go out of style.

The Bank Examiner

Someone posing as a bank official or government agent asks for your help (in person or via the telephone) to catch a dishonest teller. You are to withdraw money from your account and turn it over to him or her so the serial numbers can be checked or the money marked. You do, and never see your money again.

The Pigeon Drop

A couple of strangers tell you they've found a large sum of money or other valuables. They say they'll split their good fortune with you if everyone involved will put up some "good faith" money. You turn over your cash, and you never see your money or the strangers again.

The Pyramid Scheme

Someone offers you a chance to invest in a up-and-coming company with a guaranteed high return. The idea is that you invest and ask others to do the same. You get a share of each investment you recruit. They recruit others, and so on. When the pyramid collapses (either the pool of new investors dries up or the swindler is caught), everyone loses - except the person at the top.

Protect Yourself From Telemarketing Fraud

Your best protection is to just hang up the phone. If you think that is rude, tell these callers politely that you are not interested, don't want to waste their time, and please don't call back - and then hang up. If you find yourself caught up in a sales pitch, remember the federal government's Telemarketing Sales Rule.

• You have to be told the name of the company, the fact that it is a sales call, and what's being sold. If a prize is being offered, you have to be told immediately that there is no purchase necessary to win.
• If the caller says you've won a prize, you cannot be asked to pay anything for it. You can't even be required to pay shipping charges. If it is a sweepstakes, the caller must tell you how to enter without making a purchase.
• You cannot be asked to pay in advance for services such as cleansing your credit record, finding you a loan, acquiring a prize they say you've won. You pay for services only if they're actually delivered.
• You shouldn't be called before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. If you tell telemarketers not to call again, they can't. If they do, they have broken the law.
• If you're guaranteed a refund, the caller has to tell you all the limitations.

And remember, don't give telemarketers your credit card number, your bank account number, Social Security number - or authorize bank drafts - ever.

If Someone Rips You Off. . .

• Report con games to the police, your city or state consumer protection office, district attorney's office, or a consumer advocacy group.
• If you suspect fraud, call the National Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. To find out more, visit www.fraud.org.
• Don't feel foolish. Reporting is vital. Very few frauds are reported, which leaves the con artists free to rob other people of their money - and their trust.

CLICK IT OR TICKET (2 tickets = 2 fines)

1. Law enforcement agencies across the State are enforcing Pennsylvania seatbelt and child restraint laws.
2. If you are stopped and cited for speeding or any other violation and you are not wearing your seatbelt you are liable to get two tickets.
3. The Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Community reminds you to BUCKLE UP because they care.

Buckle Up PA

Pennsylvania's Occupant Protection Laws

Restraint Systems:  Section 4581 A(1), (1.1), (2), (3)

(1) All drivers are responsible to secure children from birth to age four in an approved child passenger restraint system.  The fine is waived if driver shows proof of a car seat. (primary law)

(1.1) All drivers are responsible to secure children four years of age or older but under eight years of age in a seat belt system and an approved child booster seat.  The fine is waived if driver shows proof of a car seat. (secondary law)

(2)  All drivers are responsible to secure children eight years of age or older but under eighteen years of age anywhere in the vehicle in a seat belt system.  Drivers and front seat occupants are required to wear a property adjusted and fastened safety seat belt. (secondary law)

(3)  Drivers under 18 years of age may not operate a motor vehicle in which the number of passengers exceeds the number of seat belts. (primary law)

Offense

Failure to comply with the provisions in (1) or (1.1) shall be guilty of a summary offense with a maximum fine of $100.  Failure to comply with provisions in (2) and (3) shall be guilty of a summary offense with a fine of $10.