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Information Gathering During Possible Civil Unrest

2/4/2022

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by Brenda Peterson

A Comment About Underlying Reasons for Protests and Civil Unrest

The Twin Cities area (Minneapolis and St Paul, MN) has a history of involvement in officer-involved incidents where people of color were negatively impacted including Jamar Clark, Philando Castille, George Floyd, Winston Smith, Daunte Wright, and more. Each of these incidents were tragic and indicate a larger societal and systematic issues that desperately need to be addressed. Know that my focus on navigating possible civil unrest is not intended to dismiss these tragic events. 

Please note that my focus on information gathering during civil unrest is in no way intended to diminish these incidents or downplay their significance. 

The Civil Unrest Following Peaceful Protests

Around Memorial Day of 2020, after the death of George Floyd while he was in police custody, my family and I lived two miles from the 3rd Precinct--the site of much of the civil unrest. During that time, we learned that information gathering was key in making decisions about the safety of our family. This includes staying out of the middle of a potentially violent crowd, being hit by stray bullets, or being in a place where you're in or near a building that is burning down. Part of my goal is determining when we need to leave the area to make sure that I help keep my family out of harm's way in the wake of the aftermath of this type of a tragedy. 

We also realized that we had to work a little harder to get useful information. Now, with the tragic death of Amir Locke, it's a good time to review key ways to gather information when you find yourself in a place that is in a state of turmoil where civil unrest may be likely. 
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 Unicorn Riot on YouTube

Unicorn Riot is an independently run non-profit media organization consisting of artists and journalists. They live stream footage from events while they are happening on YouTube and have additional footage on their website. To see first-hand what is happening at protests, or see an event that started as a protest transform into a riot, we watched Unicorn Riot to see occurrences in real time.

​It's interesting to see what tactical approach law enforcement is taking as well as the tone of the group. You'll also hear unfiltered audio and commentary by participants and genuine reactions to what is happening. Since coverage on the local news is limited, and may be repetitive, it's helpful to see in-the-moment updates from people who are in the middle of what is happening.

Snack Squad on YouTube

Snack Squad is similar to to Unicorn Riot.  They also live stream footage from events while they are happening on YouTube. Depending on what all is happening, and in which locations in the US, both channels may have broadcasts from the same event, broadcasts from different events, or no live broadcasts at all. 

Citizen App

The Citizen app is a helpful tool for keeping track of what is going on near you in real time. Citizen pops up notices and the location of each activity and it's distance from your current location. You can also specify a different address to get a perspective on what is happening close to anther location. Sometimes, updates and video footage are also included. This is a way to track where things are happening and if specific threats are moving closer to or further away from you.

Events like gunshots, carjackings, fires, break ins, or police activity are reported by individuals and include a mile estimate for how close that activity is to you.  Events are also updated as more information develops. Citizen also includes more official notices, like curfews on a given night or protests in progress, to help make more informed decisions about whether to stay or go, and what route to use to leave town as needed. 
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Ring Video Doorbell and Ring Network

The Ring Video Doorbell has a few benefits. For one, you have a recording of any activity outside of the location of your Ring Doorbell using the camera. You can also access a live view to see what is happening in real time. In addition, the members of your Ring network (typically, your neighbors who also have Ring Doorbells) can report incidents based on police reports, recordings from their camera, or their personal observations.

​Since some issues are self reported, accuracy and usefulness of information may vary. It is a helpful source of information from neighbors and includes details that may not be significant enough to report to the police, but that can influence preparations.

The Ring network is also likely to report a steady stream of package stealing porch pirates, dudes checking car doors, and weirdos cutting through their yards at 2 am. 
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Police Scanner Radio & Fire App

We also used a scanner app to find out about possible issues as they were occurring. We used the Police Scanner & Fire App to keep on top of calls made regarding possible crimes in progress and fires. During the Floyd Riots, arson was a huge issue. Since we live in a mixed use neighborhood, and rioters were burning down unoccupied apartments buildings and retail stores, we were keeping an eye on fires and their proximity to our home. We knew that firetrucks were not always able to get to all calls, and we also know that fire can also potentially hop from one building to another. Our goal was to stay ahead of possible fire so we could leave the area before we were in personal danger. Information gathered here was a useful addition to individuals making reports. 

Learn More

  • Unicorn Riot on YouTube
  • Snack Squad on YouTube
  • Citizen App 
  • Ring Video Doorbell 
  • Police Scanner Radio & Fire App
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My Top 3: Situational Awareness Tips to Deter Self Defense Situations

3/9/2021

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by Brenda Peterson

Mindset Is A Critical Part of Self Defense

People talk a lot about self defense--which I usually think of as the ability to defend yourself against an attacker. Ideally, though, we can learn how to prevent many of those situations from becoming physical altercations. 

I think it is important to be able to defend yourself. Most self-defense training, though, focuses on the point where you're being attacked, not on ways to prevent an attack from ever taking place. Here, I'm focusing on putting yourself in a position where you can avoid an incident (like being assaulted, robbed or raped) altogether.

As someone who lives in a large city, currently with an increase in crime, and doesn't want to live afraid, I focus on these three concepts for staying out of harm's way: situational awareness, being an imperfect victim and listening to my intuition. ​

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

​Situational awareness is a fancy way of saying "pay attention." I'm amazed by the people I see on a regular basis, who seem completely disconnected from the world around them. For many, there seems to be the prevalent attitude that bad things simply will not happen to them regardless of what they do. Being actively disconnected from what is going on around you make you more likely to be assaulted or a victim of theft.

Here's what a lack of situational awareness looks like:
  • A person walks on a busy sidewalk, singing along with a loud song on their headphones and nearly walks in front of a delivery truck.
  • A person at the supermarket parks their cart across the middle of an aisle so no one else can get through and checks for store coupons on their phone.
  • A person stands in front of the train door and answers a phone call as people try to get around them to enter and exit. 

Here's what situational awareness looks like: 
  • A person walks into a room, takes a cursory look around to see who's there, and mentally notes where the exits are.
  • A person slows down as not to walk too close to the person in front of them, and notices that someone is walking behind them on their left. ​
  • A person who, near the end of their drive home, first looks to see if anyone is following them, then looks at the cars parked on the street in near their house and if they are occupied before getting out of the car as not to be a carjacking victim.​

Overall, situational awareness is making a little effort to notice your physical environment so that you are in tune with it, instead of constantly surprised by it.
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Be An Imperfect Victim

Again, no one wants to be a victim, but many of us do things that make us more likely to be one. Since typically people who are going to rob or rape others are looking for easy targets, being perceived as difficult is a great way to avoid an incident. 

Here's what imperfect victims look like:
  • They walk with purpose and exude confidence. Their heads are up, and they are aware of the people, places and things around them. If someone gets too close, they look them directly in the face.
  • They are sober, know where they are going and how to get there. They don't say things like "I've never been in this city before and I'm not even sure what hotel I'm staying in."
  • They have their purses and bags zipped shut and carry them in a way that they are not easily snatched. Their have their money and other valuables secured or out of sight. 

Imperfect victims also remember their boundaries. Too often, especially as women, we try to accommodate other people's requests because we want to be liked. Remember, though, you don't have to be nice to random people who approach you and demand things from you. You do not have to shake someone's hand, hug someone, or tolerate someone in your personal space. You do not have to give anything to an aggressive panhandler.

​Tell people no, and do it loudly if required. Put your hands up between you and them when you say "no" to let them know they really do need to stop. You may even need to yell "Get away from me" loudly to make it clear that they need to give you space. People who speak up are perceived as being more trouble than they are worth. 
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Listen To Your Intuition

You know how sometimes dogs don't like certain people? Or how babies cry and do not want to be held by just anyone? Their intuition​ is what makes them want to avoid some people. Unlike small children or animals, as adults, we tend to ignore our intuition.  This is out of a sense of politeness or fear of being accused of being one of the bad -ists (racist, sexist, elitist). We need to re-learn to listen to our intuition for the sake of our well-being and trust that. This is not about political correctness or offending someone we don't even know. This is about our personal safety in what could be a dangerous situation.

Here are those feelings you need to honor: 
  • Does it feel like someone is too close? Does someone creep you out? 
  • Do you have a strange feeling in the pit of your stomach?
  • Does something not look quite right?

Those weird feelings that you can't quite put into words? Listen to them. Remember, sometimes, our bodies figure thing out before our brains catch up. We need to learn to pay attention to our surroundings with our heads, and our bodies, and heed that warning. It will help keep us safe.
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Learn More

  • 10 Best Self Defense Tips from AttackProof.com 
  • 14 Self Defense Tips Every Woman Should Know by RooGirl
  • How To Develop the Situational Awareness of Jason Bourne by Art of Manliness
  • The Three D's (Detect, Defuse, Defend) by Tony Blauer 
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My Top 5: Adulting Advice For My Teenage Daughter

2/7/2020

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by Brenda Peterson

Adulting is Hard

One of my goals as a parent is to help prepare my now teenage daughter to be a functional adult who makes good decisions and is happy and healthy. Here are my top 5 focus areas to position her for adulting success.

Tip 1: Plan ahead to avoid creating emergencies.

  • Have a plan and at least one back up plan. Circumstances change. Don’t be surprised.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and activity. Sometimes this means walking shoes and bringing a sweatshirt. At other times, it’s an evening gown and high heels.
  • When you leave the house, bring your phone, wallet and keys. Every. Single. Time.
  • Find out a consistent place to put your possessions. If you lose things, you’ll have to manage without them or pay to replace them. That thing you can’t find? It’s wherever you put it.
  • Dye your hair whatever crazy color you want, just think through what you’ll do about roots.
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Tip 2: Take control of your personal safety and security.

  • Do not share passwords and passcodes for your house, phone or computer with anyone.
  • Don’t act like a victim. Be aware of your surroundings, walk with purpose and project confidence. Keep your head up and your nose out of your phone.
  • Keep yourself out of harm’s way. Don’t ride with a drunk driver. Don’t go on a date with someone who creeps you out. Don’t walk in a place that feels unsafe.
  • Answer your phone and check your messages. Your phone’s main purpose is not Instagram. It’s your lifeline so you can communicate with others. Being reachable=more personal freedom.
  • Don’t start a fight, but be ready to end it. Try to diffuse, or avoid, situations that could turn into an altercation. If worse comes to worse, defend yourself. 
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Tip 3: Have positive interactions and build healthy relationships.

  • Greet people and smile. Say please and thank you. One kind act can make all the difference in your life, and the lives of others. Be a positive force in the world.
  • Not everyone will like you, and you won’t like everyone either. Be at least civil to people, but don’t be anyone’s doormat.
  • Sometimes you need to turn to an adult for guidance and support.  If you don’t talk to me, talk to your dad, your step-dad, your best friend’s mom, or a family friend. Let one of us help you.
  • You get to say no without giving a reason. You can decide not to spend time with someone, not to receive a hug from someone and not to loan your possessions to someone else.
  • I don’t care if you are interested in men, women, both or neither--just don’t date someone who is mean to you.
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Tip 4: Attend to your overall health and well-being.

  • Pay it forward. Hold the door open. Give someone a dollar. Tip well. Wave back at small children. Doing good deeds without expecting anything in return increases your well-being.
  • Appreciate what you have and be grateful. Take care of your things and appreciate the experiences you have. Don’t take things for granted or act like the world owes you.
  • Listen to your emotions. They help you know when something is wrong and needs to change, or when something is the right decision. Use your head, but be sure to trust your gut.
  • Stay active doing things you love to do. Skate, hike, swim and play games. Take a walk with a friend. Ride your bikes to do errands. Build exercise into your life so it’s not a chore.
  • Skip the cigarettes. No one ever looks back and thinks, “Boy am I glad I started smoking.” 
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Tip 5: Commit to personal growth and positive change.

  • Get enough education to get a job you will like where you can support yourself.
  • Learn about multiple points of view. In the media the two most extreme viewpoints are represented, and the majority of people who are in the middle are dismissed. Seek out people, experiences and viewpoints that challenge the status quo.
  • Being open to changing your mind is growth, not weakness. As you meet people, live life and acquire more information, your views should evolve.
  • Complaining about all the actions people SHOULD  take to solve your problems gets you nowhere. Figure out what you can do, both short term and long term, to improve the situation.
  • “Being smart” is a journey, not a destination. Always keep learning and growing.
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Learn More

  • 10 Pieces of Advice I hope my Kids Won’t Ignore
  • The Best Advice You Can Give To Your Kids
  • 11 Pieces of Advice To Give The Teenagers in your Life  
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    Authors

    Mike Treat is the Owner and Chief Instructor at Condition Orange Preparedness.

    Brenda Peterson is a Learning Consultant and Assistant Instructor with Condition Orange Preparedness.

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