Parks
are a great place to go and relax. The
tranquility of the parks is rarely disturbed
by criminal acts, but some essential park safety
tips should be followed. The New York City Police
Department recommends taking these simple
precautions to ensure your park safety.
Use
Common Sense
Do not take shortcuts
or dirt paths through wooded areas. Stay
on well-lighted, populated pathways.
Remember there is
safety in numbers. Always walk
or run with a friend. Look into joining a local community
running club.
Remain alert and aware
at all times. Don't wear headphones.
Watch
your personal belongings
Carry your wallet
in the side pants pockets or inside jacket pocket.
Never carry a wallet in the rear pants pocket.
Carry pocketbooks
in the bend of the elbow, close to the body.
If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag.
If someone should attempt to snatch your purse.....
let it go.
Don't wear excessive
amounts of jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.
Divide your money between pockets and handbags.
Become
familiar with the area
Important Park Safety Tip: Familiarize yourself
with your local park. Know the
locations of public phones and police call boxes.
Should someone attempt
to verbally harass you, just keeping on walking. Responding
to this kind of behavior could escalate the situation.
Know the locations
of stores or businesses which may be open in the vicinity
of the park. These locations
may be a safe place to go should you feel threatened.
Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings
Always carry some
form of identification, even when running.
A label in your clothing will be sufficient if you
are not carrying a wallet or
handbag. Name and address labels should always be
sewn inside the clothing of your children.
Closely supervise your
children as they play in the park.
Instruct them on how to respond to strangers.
Report suspicious
persons or activities to the local precinct.
Remember to dial "911" should you require
emergency police or medical service.
Should
you become the victim of a crime in a park or
anywhere , remember the following:
Remain as calm
as possible. Don't make
any quick or sudden movements. Many times the
criminal is as nervous as you are.
Don't be a hero.
No amount of money or property is worth your
life.
Be observant.
Try to remember as much as possible about the
criminal: sex, age, race, clothing, height,
weight, etc..
Call the police
via "911" immediately after the incident. Follow
the instructions of the "911" operator and provide
all the necessary information.
Parks
are a great place to go and relax. The
tranquility of the parks is rarely disturbed
by criminal acts, but some essential park safety
tips should be followed. The New York City Police
Department recommends taking these simple
precautions to ensure your park safety. 
or
handbag. Name and address labels should always be
sewn inside the clothing of your children. 
