Transcript REDUCING THE RISK OF KIDNAP

Brock University
Understanding and
Mitigating Risk
Threats to Travelers
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Random Crime
 pick pockets
 armed robbery or theft
 carjacking
 express kidnapping
Kidnap for ransom
Wrongful detention
Identity theft
Lists…Lists…Lists…
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Be organized
Make a copy or scan of your passport
Create list including itinerary, contact numbers, credit
card company phone numbers, travel insurance
numbers, prescriptions
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Provide a trusted source with your itinerary
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Update them if your itinerary changes
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Limit who knows your plans and schedules
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AdvanceLocal Info
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Stay abreast of local events and possible dangers
- strikes, demonstrations, marches, processions
Get oriented on and respect the Go and No-Go
areas of the city and country
Know the emergency contact information for
local authorities, hospitals, embassy/consulate
Learn how to use a local/public phone
Have an action plan in case of an emergency
- get to a safe area: hospital, police or fire
station, shopping center
Arrival & Local Travel
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Use only personal names on immigration forms
Do not use greeter with name sign
If necessary, use code name
Verify the person awaiting you
Use official baggage handlers only
Use official taxis only
Hotels
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Choose good hotels; between 3rd & 10th floors
Use hotel security features – safes & door locks
Positively identify callers before engaging
Vary departure times and destinations
Be cautious of strangers; hotels, bars, dining
Do not disclose personal information to anyone
- taxi drivers, bartenders, waiters, vendors
Clothing & Appearance
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Dress and act as anonymously as possible
Learn local dress customs and follow them
Dress conservatively but casually for arrival
Dress conservatively for business and social
Avoid wearing clothing with company logo
Do not wear expensive jewelry (or items that
look expensive)
Be cautious when handling currency
Recognize the signs
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aware of your surroundings
 Trust your instincts
 Evaluate your environment from a criminal’s
point of view
 Don’t dismiss curious/suspicious activity
 Good Samaritans can get hurt
 Don’t be an easy target
 Focus and react to survive!!
Individual Survival –
The Moment of the Attack
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Resist or Concede? Personal Decision - Measure
the risk and decide beforehand
If you decide to concede, communicate your
intentions to cooperate
Do not be aggressive or hostile
Expect resistance on your part to be exceeded by
violence on theirs
Individual Survival
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Act natural, show you know what is happening
Don’t show fear – it may reinforce their aggression
Try to remain calm
Don’t stare at the attackers; lower your sight
Remain alert to all activities around you
Concentrate on survival
What Can You Do?
http://www.brocku.ca/safety
What Can You Do?
Consider (and minimize) personal safety risks in your
work/travel habits
Pay attention to activities, behaviour and the
environment around you
What Can You Do?
Be conscious of potentially threatening or deteriorating
behaviour (or communication) by those with whom you
interact
What Can You Do?
Discuss or raise concerns where help may be warranted
to:
STUDENTS: the Student At Risk team @ ext. 4041
EMPLOYEES: HR/EHS “S.A.F.E. line ” @ ext.
7233
PUBLIC: Campus Security @ ext. 4300
Your (or the area) Supervisor as appropriate
In Honduras?
What Can You Do?
Know how to call for help in an emergency or for violence
wherever you are:
911
Campus Security @ ext. 3200
Emergency Phones
De-Escalating Violence
·Calming a potentially violent person is:
· 55% facial expression and body language
– In a violent circumstance:
 Positioning to escape
Body Language
 Avoid facing the person
What we say
· 38% tone of voice
7%
· 7% what we say
Tone of Voice
37%
56%
De-escalating violence:
6 basic responses
1. Don’t act frightened
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Don’t behave like a victim.
Be gentle but firm.
Pleading can induce more cruelty.
2. Don’t act frightening
 Become a person to the assailant.
 Humanize yourself and them (say ‘I’).
 If you are aggressive or violent, the assailant feels justified.
3. Remain calm
 Breathe deeply. Keep your voice low.
 Silence can disarm.
De-escalating violence:
6 basic responses
4. Watch body language – yours and assailant’s
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Avoid sudden moves. Use slow, gentle hand movements.
Use non-threatening eye contact.
5. Use the unexpected to create wonder and surprise
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Use humour, distraction. Introduce yourself, shake hands.
Interrupt the process somehow, ex. by trying to sit down, ordering
coffee etc.
6. Empathize
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Remember the assailant may have all the fear you have.
If an Incident Occurs
• DO NOT RETALIATE. You may end up looking like the
perpetrator and will most certainly cause confusion for those
responsible for evaluating and responding to the situation.
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Keep prescription drugs (+extra) in original container with a copy of
the prescription
Valuables attract unwanted attention and increase personal risk:
Don’t be Conspicuous
Do not carry personal financial information indicating wealth.
Always carry passport; know the location/phone # of embassy.
Learn the exchange value of the local currency + where/when/how
Learn to use the local phone system.
Do not discuss personal or business information with strangers.
If being met at the airport, know the name(s) of the person(s) meeting
you and get a rough physical description. Do not accompany anyone
who does not fit the description or claims to have been sent in place of
the person you expected.
The company name or logo should not be printed on cards
Do not carry cards linking you to military or police reserve groups.
Avoid areas and establishments frequented by military personnel of
any nation.
Peru
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DFAIT: Level 2 -- Exercise Caution
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Level 4 Do Not Travel in some regions
– Demonstrations/Robbery/Kidnap/Fraud
– Be careful travel/buses + taxis!
– Travel in groups – especially females
– Health: Altitude, Malaria, Dengue, $$
– Rain/Earthquakes/Landslides (delays)
– No export: antiques, artefacts, coca tea,
some flora & fauna
Val’s last words
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Communication is key – know how to
get help and coordinate
Stay together & in sight
Avoid sun, heat, untreated water,
alcohol, drugs or any combination
Have fun, learn lots, give back and
grow as a person & team member