Stranger proofing your child and yourself
When stranger*danger is not enough
Education is your friend and your enemy’s enemy
MISSING PERSONS & SENSITIVE CRIME INVESTIGATIONS
Charlotte M. Blasier, Chief Investigator 11810
3600 Piedra Montana Road, El Dorado Hills, CA. 95762
Toll Free Anonymous Hot Tip Line 1-800-893-7335
(916)933-7288 Fax(916)933-7452
Website http://www.blasier.com
Board member of The Children’s Protection and Advocacy Coalition
http://www.thecpac.com
Children
Our most endangered species on the planet!
As we near the year 2004, we are still amazed that entire civilizations have disappeared from the face of the earth, leaving behind a sampling of items for us to view with amazement and many unsolved mysteries. The Mayans, the Inca's, the Egyptians and others. We wonder how it is possible such advanced civilizations with incredible advanced knowledge could have simply vanished.
When we notice a significant number of a particular life form becoming injured, disappearing and/or dying, we as a higher and supposedly more intelligent life form jump to the defense and protection of the life form at risk. We've done it with trees, plants, snails, fish, birds, mammals, tundra, etc. Yet over the years one particular life form has become more and more threatened and for unbelievable reasons has not been adequately addressed. This problem is child exploitation. This problem has become an ever growing concern for parents, family members, friends, religious groups, doctors, health care practitioners, law enforcement and others. The concern has grown due to the rapid increase in cases of missing and exploited persons. The sensitive crime field has grown, due in part to some perpetrators employing newer ways to exploit children.
At first we thought the problem was only with missing children. Now we know the perpetrators don't stop with a particular age, any one sex, race or color. The missing and/or exploited person doesn't have to be beautiful, handsome, perfect, talented, or even physically or mentally healthy.
There are reasons too many to name for this problem. Most of the time it is for one or more of eight purposes.
1. Personal sexual deviance.
2. Prostitution.
3. Child or adult slave trade/sale.
4. Pornography and in rare instances snuff films.
5. Torture and/or murder.
6. Kidnapping to obtain the object of their obsession/love.
7. Because someone wants to illegally raise the child as their own.
8. To get even with one or both parents.
The direct perpetrators range from teenagers and adults to senior citizens. From the unemployed to very wealthy. From borderline retarded to genius. From total strangers to members of the immediate family.
The indirect perpetrators range from those people involved in the underground movements, charismatic religious groups, drug dealers and pornography, to pimps. Some of these people not only aid and abet, but often create the so called need that is filled by the perpetrators.
There are ways to help protect our loved ones, especially children and handicapped people. I group them in much the same way due to similarities. Most times they cannot defend themselves. They can be conned, intimidated, and forced into silence. We have a tendency to not listen to them, and when we do, we too often don't understand what they mean.
Everyone should consider that they and their loved ones are at possible risk of stalking, kidnapping, molestation, rape, violence, and even more serious harm.
STALKING (when the victim is adult):
Always make out a police report. Don't settle for anyone in law enforcement telling you, "So long as that person is only phoning you, you don't have anything to worry about," or "I understand you're being followed, but there's nothing we can do." Well, there is something you can do. In fact there's several ‘something's.
1. Insist on making out a police or Sheriff’s office report detailing the problem, naming suspects if you have any and always insist on getting the name of the reporting officer and the report number.
2. If the stalker is phoning you, don't change your phone number. Use Caller ID. Call your phone company and give them your report number and insist on having a trap placed on your phone. Although the phone companies will tell you that you must first maintain a two week log of the calls detailing time of call, duration, male or female voice of caller, etc. if the call is of a threatening nature and/or enhanced by other problems like being followed, letters or gifts mailed or left at your residence or place of employment, you already have a good enough reason to insist on the trap being placed immediately. This is generally done after the person whose name appears on the phone bill goes to the local phone company and signs a consent form allowing the trap to be in place. The reason for opting for the phone trap as opposed to changing your number is quite simple. The objective is to catch the caller, not make him/her angry by not being able to reach you and possibly place yourself in harm’s way by making it necessary for that person to have to make physical contact with you.
3. Be more aware of everything. Never get dressed/undressed between your light source and the window. That's how you create the shadow.
4. Never, but never, take part in telephone surveys.
5. Do not have your phone number on your checks and refuse to give it when cashing a check. The same is true with your social security number.
6. If at all possible do all shopping and ATM transactions during daylight hours.
7. If you have a need for repairs in your residence always let the person believe you have a man reading in another room and have that door slightly ajar. Mention as the repairman enters your home for him to work as quietly as possible so as to not disturb your husband, father, brother, son or guest. Whatever fits your age, gender, and needs. You can casually add, “Oh, and don’t be alarmed if a large man in uniform walks in the room. He’s in law enforcement.” That will generally guarantee no funny business.
8. If possible have an alarm system that allows you to turn it on while you move about or sleep in your home.
9. If possible keep your car in a locked garage. Use garage door openers and don't get in or out of your car unless the garage door is closed.
10. Look out your window before leaving your residence.
11. If someone comes to your residence and you're not expecting anyone, don't open your door. You can always ask through a closed door what someone wants. If they're delivering something the chances are you don't need to sign for it. You can always look for a truck with an emblem you recognize, i.e. UPS, U.S. mail, etc. If there is a name on the vehicle and/or the person tells you what company they represent, ask for his main work number. Then, call information and verify the phone number. Next, call the company and verify the identity of the person standing at your door. If this isn’t possible and they insist on a signature, ask them to leave it at your door and walk to the street and you'll open the door, bring it inside, sign it, place it back on the porch, and then, and only then can they come back onto your property to pick it up. If they won't do it your way, call 911. Remember, anyone can get a uniform or put an emblem on their shirt. If there is no vehicle for you to recognize or identify and/or if there is no way to telephone the company he or she works for to verify the job, you shouldn’t chance opening the door while he's close enough to rush you and gain entry.
12. Park as close to your destination as you can. If you leave some place at night and there's not a lot of people around, find out if there's a security guard to walk you to your car.
13. Hanging lingerie outside to dry is inviting trouble.
14. Don't sunbathe in the nude. Sometimes it's your backyard where meter readers do their work. And, sometimes it’s your backyard that the bad person decides to enter.
15. Check your rear view mirror often. If you notice the same vehicle behind you for a period of time and you've made turns or changed lanes often, it's time to slow down. If you're on a freeway and changing lanes doesn’t work, take the next off ramp that allows you to go back onto an on ramp. If that doesn't work, employ your emergency flashers and take the next off ramp that shows signs for a hospital, restaurant, gas station, etc. If you're on city streets and can't get rid of him/her, try to bring attention to yourself by employing your emergency flashers. This is not a time to be shy. There are still a few of us who remember Morse code for S.O.S., honking your horn in three short, then three long, then three short blasts. I don't generally suggest honking your horn on freeways because you don't want to panic others and chance an accident at high speeds. But, if you see an emergency vehicle like an ambulance, squad car, paramedic, or fire truck that doesn’t appear to be on an emergency, or large truck, honk and try to make contact with the driver or passenger. Those vehicles generally have phones and/or C.B. units in them and if they can’t help any other way, they can call for help.
16. Items which you should always carry in your vehicle:
A. A flashlight with good batteries which you check often.
B. A cell phone if possible. (The C.B. is still a good idea.)
C. A camera with a flash. (Disposable ones are good.)
D. A tape recorder with a new tape and good batteries which you check often.)
I highly recommend that the cell phone in your vehicle is made hands free. When you call 911, the call is automatically recorded. The hands free option allows you the least amount of distraction while you drive while providing information to the 911 dispatcher.
17. Remember, you are seldom more at risk than when you are in bed sleeping. First you have to wake up, then pull back your covers, then get up, then get help and/or defend yourself. Having several small windowpanes instead of beautiful large panes is generally much safer. On windows that can be opened you should check with a security company to find out how your windows can be made safer. You might consider locking your bedroom door at night. If you don't have a phone in your bedroom you might buy a cell phone or a portable phone you bring in the room at rest or bedtime.
18. Know your neighbors. If for no other reason than to call and let each other know if you see or hear something that doesn't seem right.
19. If you notice anyone day or night that seems out of place, watching your residence, checking out your car or yard, trying to befriend your dog or child, driving repeatedly past your home, sitting in a parked car for an extended period of time, or writing down your car license plate, home address, information from the side of your mailbox, or hanging around your mailbox, call 911 immediately.
20. Day or night if you ever see or think you have a prowler and your phone is dead you must think fast. This is when a cell phone is a must. Call 911. Another option might be if you have a garage that connects to your home and so you can go immediately into your car from the house and leave. Another option might be if you can safely run outside to a neighbor's residence, do so. Another option might be if you can take the phone into the room with the safest windows and door and lock your self in until help arrives.
21. At night, your porch and outside lighting is your cheapest form or insurance. Bad guys prefer to work in darkness.
22. Gone are the days when you can automatically toss any and everything you don’t want. Never throw out:
Bills
Letters
Any mail from credit card companies, including ones you don’t use
Any receipt, but especially grocery and pharmacy
A receipt tells a stalker when and where you shop and what you purchase. Sometimes just one receipt will give the stalker a fairly good idea of when and where you’ll be in a few days. Like when your milk, bread or cheese is outdated. It’s told him what you purchased. He doesn’t have to be too smart, just able to read.
STALKING (when the victim is a child):
Contact law enforcement immediately.
1. If the child uses the Internet, there is a chance he/she met the stalker in a chat-room. All too often perpetrators use chat-rooms as a place to meet vulnerable children. They often get away with posing as a child of similar age by e-mailing a photo of another child and saying it’s their photo.
2. Make sure your residence is as safe as possible. Check doors and windows for locks. Sliding glass doors should have safety locks installed on the bottom of the runner and/or the old faithful broom stick or heavy dowel placed at the bottom or diagonally.
3. Take a step-stool with you and go outside your residence at night. Have your inside lights on. Then, look from virtually every angle and see what you can see inside what rooms. Learn from that what you must rearrange or change in order to attain complete privacy.
4. When closing blinds, on the first floor roll the blinds downward, so you can see just a little when looking down. On the second floor or higher, roll the blinds upward, so you can only view the sky area. Otherwise, you make it easy for someone to look inside.
5. With very few exceptions, Never, and I mean NEVER leave the key to your home hidden outside.
6. With even fewer exceptions, Never Ever make your child a latch key kid. No child should ever have to enter an empty home and be alone.
MOLESTATION (when the victim is a child):
Insist on making out a police or Sheriff’s office report detailing the problem, naming suspects if you have any. It is very important that you insist on getting the name of the reporting officer and the case report number. Do not settle for being told that he or she will call you with the case number.
Children under 7 or 8 should never answer the phone, and older children should only answer the phone if you are near by. No child should ever take part in a phone survey. And, never ever have your children make the outgoing message on your phone. Sure, it sounds cute to you. But, it sounds even cuter to the bad person.
No child should ever have his or her name on the outside of their clothing. Most perpetrators love walking in malls and spotting the child or young teen whom has their name emblazoned on the front of their shirt or the bill of their hat. Most perpetrators can strike up a conversation by addressing that child by name and in a few seconds that child is believing that they’ve just run into a distant relative or close friend of the family, who’s just returned from living abroad.
Missing Child Form
Fill in all items that are relevant. Please double check your entry's before providing to law enforcement or the appropriate agency.
Reporting person’s name:
E-mail address: Phone Number:
Work Number: Fax Number:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Country:
Relationship to Missing Child:
Other Info:
Missing Type:
Parental abduction Family member Stranger Unknown
Name of abductor if known:
Phone number, residence address, place of employment, additional information.
KIDNAP:
CALL 911 AND/OR LOCAL AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY
1. Insist on law enforcement not only taking a report detailing the kidnap as you know it, but broadcasting the information. Remember to offer the name/s of any suspect/s if you have any. Always insist on getting the name of the reporting officer and the report number as well as the N.C.I.C. (National Crime Information Center) number.
2. Even if the kidnapper hasn't phoned you, get a trap on your phone immediately. Call your phone company and give them your report number and insist on having a trap placed on your phone immediately. You will be given a log to maintain of the calls, detailing time of call, duration, male or female voice of caller, etc. This is generally done after the person whose name appears on the phone bill going to the local phone company and signing a consent form allowing the trap to be in place.
3. If you don't have an answering machine, purchase or buy one immediately that has the option of tape recording a 2-way conversation without making a beeping sound. Since it's nearly impossible to have someone ready to answer the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the answering machine eliminates that problem. Whenever possible to answer the phone, as soon as you lift the receiver press the 2-way button, then say, "Hello." It is important to remember to press the stop button as soon as you place the receiver back down. Otherwise your line might be disabled until the tape runs out and shuts off the answering machine, thus not allowing you to receive calls.
4. Since most telephone company operators disconnect the call when they hear an answering machine pick up the line it's very important that your outgoing message begin with the word, "Operator." I suggest the outgoing message to be along these lines. "Operator, please listen to this entire message. I will accept all toll calls. My child was kidnaped, so it is of vital importance that you state the callers area code and phone number without the caller hearing you, and then put the call through."
5. Although most people that volunteer to help look for the missing child, are truly there just trying to help, occasionally the kidnapper is among the volunteers. Maintain a detailed log of all who phone, write or come to the residence asking questions and/or volunteering their help. Videotaping the search and rescue team members is a must. Constantly share this list with law enforcement.
6. If possible, hire a private investigator with a proven history of recovering missing persons. Most of the time law enforcement doesn't have the time to follow all leads and do thorough backgrounds on people.
7. If the victim is a minor, make certain the information is online with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
8. Take nothing for granted. Just because someone says something, does not make it a fact. Always check out what you’ve been told. Whenever possible have someone verify information personally and also verify information by doing your own Internet searches.
9. Having your own website for the missing person with an e-mail address for tips and a toll free number for anonymous calls should generally be done only by persons very familiar with missing person cases. Sometimes the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
10. Never underestimate the power of the news media. Generally speaking, it is best to keep the news media as involved as possible. Unfortunately with child abductions and missing person cases on an increase, it is too easy to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to such matters. If the face and name of a missing person is not constantly in the news, it is too easy to think they’ve been found or to simply forget. Missing Child Personal Information
History Information
First : Middle : Last :
Second Last Name:
Nick Name:
Other Nick Name:
Alias:
Date Of Birth: - - (dd-mm-yyyy)
Date Of Disappearance: - - (dd-mm-yyyy)
City Child was Born in:
State Child was Born in:
Weight:
Height:
Eye Color:
Eyeglasses:
Contacts Glasses
Hair Color:
Hair Length/Style:
Dyed:
Sex:
Race:
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Scars:
Birthmarks:
Braces:
Missing teeth:
Broken teeth:
Freckles:
Birth defects:
Missing body part:
Ear piercings:
Body piercings:
Tattoos:
Food allergies & symptoms:
Medication allergies & symptoms:
Current medication/Reason/Illness:
Medication/Illness:
City Child(ren) Disappeared From:
State Child(ren) Disappeared From:
Child(ren) last seen wearing:
Child(ren) was taken from (physical location, home, school, mall, et cetera):
Possible Location of Child(ren):
