The key learning points from the recent California real estate agent attack based on the video and what the victim said in an interview:
1- Trust Your Instincts- she stated this guy gave her a creepy feeling
2- Know What's Going On Around You- pay attention stay off your phone especially if you feel something isn't right unless you're calling 911
3- Suspect Was Trying To Lure Her Into A Closet- asking weird questions or making unusual requests are a clue something isn't right
4- Get Out of the House If Something Doesn't Feel Right- she told him she had clients on the way and got out of the house, the result may have been different if she was in the house when the attack occurred
5- Scream, Fight Back, Do Something Don't Be An Easy Target- she said he stopped attacking her because she yelled, most criminals do not want to to deal with someone who fights back or screams
6- Be Prepared, Never Turn Your Back On A Threat Unless You Are Fleeing the Area- maintain distance and keep your eye on the other person don't ever turn your back to them and take your eyes off them
REAL ESTATE AGENTS ARE OFTEN IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS
As a law enforcement officer for over two decades and the owner of a home inspection business I know first hand the potential risks real estate agents face and the criminal mindset that targets them. I provide self defense training to real estate agents at no expense as a public service and a way to ensure people have the knowledge to keep themselves safe.
THE KNOWLEDGE ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS SHOULD KNOW TO STAY SAFE
•SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
•CLIENT INTELLIGENCE GATHERING
•MEETING/DEALING WITH CLIENTS
•SOCIAL MEDIA
•OFFICE SECURITY
•LOCATION SAFETY OUT OF THE OFFICE
•PERSONAL SAFETY
•PRE ATTACK CUES
•DEFINING SELF DEFENSE
•SELF DEFENSE PHYSICAL TARGET AREAS
•SELF DEFENSE WEAPONS- INCLUDING DEMO OF TASER AND INERT OC SPRAY
SOME SAFETY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Do you have background on everyone you're meeting and are you doing intel on them?
- Are you aware of what type of information you post on social media makes you a target?
- Are you aware of your surroundings and what to look for when at a property?
- Does your office have safety policies in place?
- Do you understand the law on self defense privilege and when you can you use force against someone else?
-Do you know what cues people give that they may be ready to attack you?
- Do you know which actions you take that could make you a target to criminals?
- Are you prepared mentally and/or physically if you were put in a dangerous situation?
These are just a few of the questions you should be able to answer yes to.
If you answered no to any of these questions you have a higher risk of being a victim.
- Are you aware of what type of information you post on social media makes you a target?
- Are you aware of your surroundings and what to look for when at a property?
- Does your office have safety policies in place?
- Do you understand the law on self defense privilege and when you can you use force against someone else?
-Do you know what cues people give that they may be ready to attack you?
- Do you know which actions you take that could make you a target to criminals?
- Are you prepared mentally and/or physically if you were put in a dangerous situation?
These are just a few of the questions you should be able to answer yes to.
If you answered no to any of these questions you have a higher risk of being a victim.
Location Safety
-Know your surroundings
-Don't assume a "nice" area is completely safe
-Allow clients to walk ahead maintain a professional distance
-Do a drive by of the location before stopping and exiting the car
- NEVER turn your back on someone
- If something "feels" wrong trust your instincts
-Know your surroundings
-Don't assume a "nice" area is completely safe
-Allow clients to walk ahead maintain a professional distance
-Do a drive by of the location before stopping and exiting the car
- NEVER turn your back on someone
- If something "feels" wrong trust your instincts
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Situational Awareness
-Be observant -Don't be complacent - Always be prepared -Stay calm -Trust your instincts |
Meeting and Dealing With Clients
-Never meet a client you have no information about -Project a professional appearance -Avoid being too friendly -Is the client with someone unexpectedly? -Don't assume meeting a female is safe -Some attacks occur after the first meeting goes well |
PRE ATTACK CUES
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-Clenched fists
-Thousand yard stare - Sizing you up - Furtive glances - Security pat/weapon check - Clothing inconsistent with weather - Target stare - Target glance - Unusual facial expressions - Talking to themselves |
- Combat crouch
- Clenched jaws - Bobbing & rocking-pacing back & forth - Nervous gestures - Finger pointing - Trembling or shaking - Violating your personal space - Shedding clothing items - Hesitation in thought - Asking questions to distract |
SELF DEFENSE WEAPONS
Do you carry or should you carry a self defense weapon?
Do you know how to use the weapon?
What type of weapon should you carry?
If you carry a self defense weapon do you train with it?
Do you know how to use the weapon?
What type of weapon should you carry?
If you carry a self defense weapon do you train with it?
ORDINARY WEAPONS
Ordinary weapons are items not intended as weapons but are items in plain sight that if needed could be used as a weapon. The advantage is they are often not seen as possible weapons by would be attackers but could be used if needed.
MY EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING BACKGROUND
- 23 years law enforcement
- 15 years SWAT experience
- State of Wisconsin certified law enforcement instructor in firearms, defense and arrest tactics, professional communications, less lethal weapons.
- Several years experience as an undercover investigator
- Experience in 2 active shooter incidents
- State of Wisconsin Licensed home inspector.
- 23 years law enforcement
- 15 years SWAT experience
- State of Wisconsin certified law enforcement instructor in firearms, defense and arrest tactics, professional communications, less lethal weapons.
- Several years experience as an undercover investigator
- Experience in 2 active shooter incidents
- State of Wisconsin Licensed home inspector.
If you would like to learn how to not be a victim I am happy to provide a presentation at your office on how to stay safe and not become a crime statistic. My presentation takes about 75 minutes and includes a demo on taser and OC spray (inert) and there is no cost. How can I help you stay safe?
