Being proactive: Promoting situational awareness

BSPD reminding the community to be vigilant in public

Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in discussions about human trafficking, along with numerous Amber Alerts or Missing Person notices issued in the surrounding areas. In the interest of keeping the community educated and in proactive measures, the Big Spring Police Department has offered a few safety tips regarding the issue.

“I do not remember an actual, true abduction occurring in the past 25 years, in Big Spring, where a person was taken that did not know their kidnapper,” Big Spring Police Chief Chad Williams said. “We do have occasional reports of domestic or child custody issues, in which charges of kidnapping or interference with child custody have been filed.”

Chief Williams continued, “The biggest tip we encourage people to keep top of mind is to have situational awareness while out in public. This does not mean you have to be paranoid; it simply means you need to be aware of your surroundings and have a level of alertness without distractions.” In today’s society, it has become common practice to be occupied on the phone – phone call or text – while walking from your vehicle to inside a store or home and walking alone is not uncommon for many people. “Being vigilant from point A to point B is important. We encourage people to put their cell phones up while walking and encourage walking in groups, especially at night or low light areas,” Chief Williams said. “One of the things we encourage people to do is lock the vehicle once you get out and make sure you get the visual and audible confirmation.”

While out in public, especially in unfamiliar places, it is important to keep an eye on your surroundings and those around you. While it will be easier to spot something unusual in places where you frequent, such as hometown grocery stores or children’s schools, it is important to be alert and pay attention to behavior that makes you uncomfortable regardless of where you are.

“If you notice someone making unusual actions, someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, or someone who just seems out of place or exhibiting aggressive or erratic behavior, it is important to contact local authorities,” he said. “It’s important to create distance from the situation and leave the area if possible, while you are calling the authorities.”

For those who feel that they are being followed, a call to the police is the first step that is encouraged. Once you are able to get on the phone with a dispatcher the caller should stay on the phone until law enforcement can arrive on the scene and if you are driving while being followed, Chief Williams encourages to drive toward the police station or a wellpopulated area such as a mall, grocery store or other high traffic areas.

“The more detailed description a caller is able to give us the better. Whether it be the make and model of the car, any distinguishing features of the vehicle and distinguishing features of the person or persons who may be following or