Michael Tabman's Blog: Crime Scene, page 4
October 5, 2011
Infant Kidnapped – Tragic, but there is hope.
In Kansas City, a ten month old female infant was kidnapped from her home in the middle of the night. Apparently, a stranger entered the house, took the baby from her crib and left. The disappearance was not noticed until 4am when her dad returned home from work.
I was interviewed on the local news last night regarding this tragic event. One of the first questions I was asked focused on the rarity of this type of kidnapping. Statistics show that they are indeed rare. An FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin states, “According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), every year, more than 200,000 children are abducted by family members. An additional 58,000 are taken by non-relatives with primarily sexual motives. However, only 115 reported abductions represent cases in which strangers abduct and kill children, hold them for ransom, or take them with the intention to keep.”
The low number of occurrences alleviate our fears of wide spread abductions, yet it rarely helps soothe the nerves of the family and all those involved. While nothing but the return of their child can be considered good news, there is reason to be hopeful.
NCMEC also reports that since 1983, there have been 278 reported incidents of infant abductions. Of the 278 incidents, the child was recovered in 266 of them; unfortunately, 12 remain unsolved. As law enforcement becomes more experienced at handling these matters, the success rate of infants being recovered increases.
Infant abductions are different than other child abductions. Studies of infant abductions reflect that the overwhelming majority of occurrences are perpetrated by females of childbearing age. The offender frequently lost a baby or is incapable of having one. The offender is responding to a traumatic event. Even though the response is irrational, the offender does not intend to harm the infant.
The abduction is often planned. While not targeting that infant specifically, the opportunity existed and was exploited. Usually, the offender also lives in the neighborhood. Accordingly, the offender being acquainted with the family in some capacity is highly likely. Given these factors, the police are equipped to generate leads, track down the offender and return the infant to the parents.
One statistic that is offered up is that the majority of kidnapped children are killed within the first few hours. THAT IS NOT CORRECT. Studies have shown that when the kidnapping results in murder, the murder usually occurred within the first few hours. This does not mean that child kidnapping usually ends in murder.
While discussing child kidnapping and murders, any statistics of occurrences are upsetting and do nothing to assuage the fears while a child is missing. But knowing the true facts is important as it reflects that there are reasons to be hopeful that this infant will be found and returned to her parents. As of this writing, Baby Lisa remains missing. Let’s stay hopeful.
I was interviewed on the local news last night regarding this tragic event. One of the first questions I was asked focused on the rarity of this type of kidnapping. Statistics show that they are indeed rare. An FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin states, “According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), every year, more than 200,000 children are abducted by family members. An additional 58,000 are taken by non-relatives with primarily sexual motives. However, only 115 reported abductions represent cases in which strangers abduct and kill children, hold them for ransom, or take them with the intention to keep.”
The low number of occurrences alleviate our fears of wide spread abductions, yet it rarely helps soothe the nerves of the family and all those involved. While nothing but the return of their child can be considered good news, there is reason to be hopeful.
NCMEC also reports that since 1983, there have been 278 reported incidents of infant abductions. Of the 278 incidents, the child was recovered in 266 of them; unfortunately, 12 remain unsolved. As law enforcement becomes more experienced at handling these matters, the success rate of infants being recovered increases.
Infant abductions are different than other child abductions. Studies of infant abductions reflect that the overwhelming majority of occurrences are perpetrated by females of childbearing age. The offender frequently lost a baby or is incapable of having one. The offender is responding to a traumatic event. Even though the response is irrational, the offender does not intend to harm the infant.
The abduction is often planned. While not targeting that infant specifically, the opportunity existed and was exploited. Usually, the offender also lives in the neighborhood. Accordingly, the offender being acquainted with the family in some capacity is highly likely. Given these factors, the police are equipped to generate leads, track down the offender and return the infant to the parents.
One statistic that is offered up is that the majority of kidnapped children are killed within the first few hours. THAT IS NOT CORRECT. Studies have shown that when the kidnapping results in murder, the murder usually occurred within the first few hours. This does not mean that child kidnapping usually ends in murder.
While discussing child kidnapping and murders, any statistics of occurrences are upsetting and do nothing to assuage the fears while a child is missing. But knowing the true facts is important as it reflects that there are reasons to be hopeful that this infant will be found and returned to her parents. As of this writing, Baby Lisa remains missing. Let’s stay hopeful.
September 15, 2011
Collection Agencies – Do Not Be Intimidated
Have you received a demand for money that you do not owe?
I received a $250 bill from a doctor’s office for services rendered almost two years earlier. Knowing that I had paid this bill, I wrote back to the doctor’s office, requesting that they double check their accounting and/or send me more details of this bill. I was not inclined to start digging through old check books.
I did not hear back from them. But, I did get a letter from a collection agency demanding payment, threatening legal action and providing negative information to the credit reporting agencies. Not wanting to address any more “headaches” than the average day brings, I thought about paying, just to get this resolved.
I saw in the letter’s fine print, that there was a mechanism for demanding that the collection agency provide proof of the debt. So, I asked for full details and for a signed statement from the doctor’s office that they performed their due diligence to assure that this was not their error.
Months later I received a response – a form letter from the collection agency that the claim was dropped and that the credit reporting agencies were requested to remove this claim. The letter also advised me to maintain the letter, just in case the credit reporting agencies fail to take corrective steps. No apology and no compensation for my time.
Why doesn’t the doctor face any consequences for sending a bill that was not due? Why doesn’t the collection agency face consequences for not first confirming the claimed debt before threatening me?
How many people pay these bills that are not due, just out of fear of the consequences? That is what makes this tactic so profitable. Send the bill, if people pay – easy money. If not, there appears to be no downside. I am not suggesting that these are deliberate and fraudulent attempts to collect money, but anyone claiming a debt, and the collection agency should be required to perform some due diligence or face a penalty. Then, they may do their homework before harassing you.
Do not be intimidated by collection agency threats. If you owe money – pay the bill. If you are having financial difficulties, work out a payment plan. Any legal concerns should be addressed with an attorney.
A collection agency is private, commercial entity. They make money from getting your money. They have no legal authority other than that of any citizen to bring a lawsuit. But, if you do not owe the money, remember what Abe Lincoln said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”
I received a $250 bill from a doctor’s office for services rendered almost two years earlier. Knowing that I had paid this bill, I wrote back to the doctor’s office, requesting that they double check their accounting and/or send me more details of this bill. I was not inclined to start digging through old check books.
I did not hear back from them. But, I did get a letter from a collection agency demanding payment, threatening legal action and providing negative information to the credit reporting agencies. Not wanting to address any more “headaches” than the average day brings, I thought about paying, just to get this resolved.
I saw in the letter’s fine print, that there was a mechanism for demanding that the collection agency provide proof of the debt. So, I asked for full details and for a signed statement from the doctor’s office that they performed their due diligence to assure that this was not their error.
Months later I received a response – a form letter from the collection agency that the claim was dropped and that the credit reporting agencies were requested to remove this claim. The letter also advised me to maintain the letter, just in case the credit reporting agencies fail to take corrective steps. No apology and no compensation for my time.
Why doesn’t the doctor face any consequences for sending a bill that was not due? Why doesn’t the collection agency face consequences for not first confirming the claimed debt before threatening me?
How many people pay these bills that are not due, just out of fear of the consequences? That is what makes this tactic so profitable. Send the bill, if people pay – easy money. If not, there appears to be no downside. I am not suggesting that these are deliberate and fraudulent attempts to collect money, but anyone claiming a debt, and the collection agency should be required to perform some due diligence or face a penalty. Then, they may do their homework before harassing you.
Do not be intimidated by collection agency threats. If you owe money – pay the bill. If you are having financial difficulties, work out a payment plan. Any legal concerns should be addressed with an attorney.
A collection agency is private, commercial entity. They make money from getting your money. They have no legal authority other than that of any citizen to bring a lawsuit. But, if you do not owe the money, remember what Abe Lincoln said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”
August 26, 2011
The Good, The Bad, and Knowing the Difference
The good news: We are charitable people.
The bad news: There are many people willing to take advantage of the good news.
After disasters: hurricanes, tornados, even 9/11, professional scammers go to work, playing upon your good will and desire to help. You get unsolicited calls asking for you to donate money to help the victims. With Hurricane Irene quickly making its approach, I am sure scammers are setting up “boiler room operations” to start collecting your hard earned money under false pretenses.
We have seen this before. Do not fall victim to this scam. At the same time, do not be deterred from donating to legitimate charities. You know who the legitimate charities are and how to find them. Do not send money or provide any personal or financial information to someone calling you. The more someone plays upon your emotions, the more you should question their intent.
Be charitable, but be cautious. Most of all, be safe.
The bad news: There are many people willing to take advantage of the good news.
After disasters: hurricanes, tornados, even 9/11, professional scammers go to work, playing upon your good will and desire to help. You get unsolicited calls asking for you to donate money to help the victims. With Hurricane Irene quickly making its approach, I am sure scammers are setting up “boiler room operations” to start collecting your hard earned money under false pretenses.
We have seen this before. Do not fall victim to this scam. At the same time, do not be deterred from donating to legitimate charities. You know who the legitimate charities are and how to find them. Do not send money or provide any personal or financial information to someone calling you. The more someone plays upon your emotions, the more you should question their intent.
Be charitable, but be cautious. Most of all, be safe.
August 21, 2011
West Memphis 3 – Convicted Child Murderers Released. Justice Served or Justice Denied?
In a plea agreement, three men convicted of brutally murdering three young children are released after approximately twenty years in prison. The men agreed to plead guilty while maintaining their innocence; they had originally pled not guilty. This legal maneuver has caused concern amongst some legal analysts and confusion amongst the viewing public.
Why was this case being re-visited? Apparently, through the appeals process, this case reached the Arkansas Supreme Court. News reports indicate that new DNA evidence and possible police and jury misconduct shed at least some doubt on the strength of the evidence used to convict these men. The Arkansas Supreme Court ordered new hearings to determine if the three should be granted new trials.
Per this agreement, referred to as an Alford Plea, the men remain convicted of the murders, but are released with credit for time served. The plea of guilty, while maintaining their innocence is, in theory, their acknowledgement that the State has sufficient evidence to convict them, should they go to trial. This is similar to a plea of nolo contendere in which the accused neither admits nor contests the charges; the impact is the same as a finding of guilty. There are, however, varying implications of a nolo contendere plea, depending upon state law.
The State (prosecution) has maintained their belief that these three men were rightfully convicted and there will be no further investigation into these brutal murders. So, why the plea agreement?
If the State does believe that these men are guilty and they have sufficient evidence, then the State should proceed with hearings to determine if they are entitled to a new trial; these were heinous acts of brutality. Generally, when convicts are released on probation or parole, they are required to accept responsibility for their actions. Yet, in this case they were allowed to maintain their innocence. Also reported, is that as part of the agreement, the men may not sue the State relative to this prosecution. I find these facts troubling.
Why would anybody plea guilty to a charge of which they maintain their innocence? If you had been incarcerated on life sentence (one with a death penalty), what would you say or do to secure your release?
Additionally, according to reports, the convicted men waived their right to sue the State relative to this prosecution. This too is disconcerting. Sovereign Immunity makes it difficult enough to sue any governmental agency. Why should this be of concern to the State? It certainly leads one to believe that the State has something to fear.
While a conviction allows us to assert one’s guilt, none of us know whether these men did or did not commit this crime. But, the actions of the State in this matter certainly indicate that something is fishy in the State of Arkansas.
Why was this case being re-visited? Apparently, through the appeals process, this case reached the Arkansas Supreme Court. News reports indicate that new DNA evidence and possible police and jury misconduct shed at least some doubt on the strength of the evidence used to convict these men. The Arkansas Supreme Court ordered new hearings to determine if the three should be granted new trials.
Per this agreement, referred to as an Alford Plea, the men remain convicted of the murders, but are released with credit for time served. The plea of guilty, while maintaining their innocence is, in theory, their acknowledgement that the State has sufficient evidence to convict them, should they go to trial. This is similar to a plea of nolo contendere in which the accused neither admits nor contests the charges; the impact is the same as a finding of guilty. There are, however, varying implications of a nolo contendere plea, depending upon state law.
The State (prosecution) has maintained their belief that these three men were rightfully convicted and there will be no further investigation into these brutal murders. So, why the plea agreement?
If the State does believe that these men are guilty and they have sufficient evidence, then the State should proceed with hearings to determine if they are entitled to a new trial; these were heinous acts of brutality. Generally, when convicts are released on probation or parole, they are required to accept responsibility for their actions. Yet, in this case they were allowed to maintain their innocence. Also reported, is that as part of the agreement, the men may not sue the State relative to this prosecution. I find these facts troubling.
Why would anybody plea guilty to a charge of which they maintain their innocence? If you had been incarcerated on life sentence (one with a death penalty), what would you say or do to secure your release?
Additionally, according to reports, the convicted men waived their right to sue the State relative to this prosecution. This too is disconcerting. Sovereign Immunity makes it difficult enough to sue any governmental agency. Why should this be of concern to the State? It certainly leads one to believe that the State has something to fear.
While a conviction allows us to assert one’s guilt, none of us know whether these men did or did not commit this crime. But, the actions of the State in this matter certainly indicate that something is fishy in the State of Arkansas.
August 17, 2011
Flash Mobs + Mob Mentality = Danger
Within seconds, a mob of dozens of teenagers storm a 7-Eleven convenience store at 2 in the morning and steal items off the shelves and out of the coolers. This event appears to have been a flash mob organized through some form of social media. This is not the first outbreak of a flash mob and disturbingly, it appears to be a trend.
A teenager stealing candy from a store, while criminal, is not the kind of crime that we see as a serious threat. But a group of teenagers acting in concert is a very serious threat and will ultimately lead to violence. We know that mob mentality is a dangerous phenomenon.
Teenagers were never known for their rational thought process. Add on peer pressure, rationalization and teenage adrenaline and the mixture is volatile. It is just a matter of time before a shopkeeper or pedestrian fears for his life and a gun is drawn. As this trend continues, the police will be forced to start responding more forcefully.
Businesspeople and politicians have been known to make poor decisions, or defy their own common sense when working in a group. Many books, including my book, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People explore the dangers of mob mentality and groupthink. The point is that anybody, not just teenagers, can be swayed into doing things they would never ordinarily do – and yes, even you.
A poor economy, unemployment and other social ills cannot be blamed for these activities. It is nothing more than excusing bad behavior by hiding behind the crowd. These flash mobs that steal, harm or even just intimidate are dangerous and this trend must be stopped in its tracks.
Keep yourself, your children, friends and anyone you know away from any form of these flash mobs – no matter how innocuous it may appear at the outset.
Michael Tabman
A teenager stealing candy from a store, while criminal, is not the kind of crime that we see as a serious threat. But a group of teenagers acting in concert is a very serious threat and will ultimately lead to violence. We know that mob mentality is a dangerous phenomenon.
Teenagers were never known for their rational thought process. Add on peer pressure, rationalization and teenage adrenaline and the mixture is volatile. It is just a matter of time before a shopkeeper or pedestrian fears for his life and a gun is drawn. As this trend continues, the police will be forced to start responding more forcefully.
Businesspeople and politicians have been known to make poor decisions, or defy their own common sense when working in a group. Many books, including my book, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People explore the dangers of mob mentality and groupthink. The point is that anybody, not just teenagers, can be swayed into doing things they would never ordinarily do – and yes, even you.
A poor economy, unemployment and other social ills cannot be blamed for these activities. It is nothing more than excusing bad behavior by hiding behind the crowd. These flash mobs that steal, harm or even just intimidate are dangerous and this trend must be stopped in its tracks.
Keep yourself, your children, friends and anyone you know away from any form of these flash mobs – no matter how innocuous it may appear at the outset.
Michael Tabman
August 15, 2011
New Scam Reported by Internet Complaint Center
This was taken directly from the Internet Complaint Center (IC3)
Intelligence Note Prepared by the
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
August 15, 2011
AUTOMOTIVE BRAND HIJACKERS USE FALSE PROTECTION CLAIMS AND LIVE CHAT TO LURE ONLINE AUTO SHOPPERS
Online vehicle shoppers are being victimized by fraudulent vehicle sales and false claims of vehicle protection (VPP) programs.
In fraudulent vehicle sales, criminals attempt to sell vehicles they do not own. Criminals create an attractive deal by advertising vehicles for sale at prices below book value. Often the sellers purport they need to sell the vehicle because they are being moved for work or deployed for the military. Because of the alleged pending move, criminals refuse to meet in person or allow inspection of the vehicle, and they often attempt to rush the sale. To make the deal appear legitimate, the criminal instructs the victim to send full or partial payment to a third-party agent via a wire transfer payment service and to fax their payment receipt to the seller as proof of payment. The criminal pockets the payment but does not deliver the vehicle.
Criminals also attempt to make their scams appear valid by misusing the names of reputable companies and programs. These criminals have no association with these companies and their schemes give buyers instructions which fail to adhere to the rules and restrictions of any legitimate program. For example, the eBay Motors Vehicle Protection Plan (VPP) is a reputable protection program whose name is commonly misused by these criminals. However, the VPP is not applicable to transactions that originate outside of eBay Motors, and it prohibits wire transfer payments. Nevertheless, criminals often promise eBay Motors VPP protections for non-eBay Motors purchases, and instruct victims to pay via Western Union or MoneyGram.
In a new twist, criminals use a live chat feature in email correspondence and electronic invoices. As live chat assistants, the criminals answer victims' questions and assure victims that the deals are safe, claiming that safeguards are in place to reimburse the buyer for any loss. The criminals falsely assert that their sales are protected by liability insurance coverage up to $50,000.
Automotive shoppers should exercise due diligence before engaging in transactions to purchase vehicles advertised online. In particular, shoppers should be cautious of the following situations:
Sellers who want to move the transaction from one platform to another (for example, Craigslist to eBay Motors).
Sellers who claim that a buyer protection program offered by a major Internet company covers an auto transaction conducted outside that company's site.
Sellers who push for speedy completion of the transaction and request payments via quick wire transfer payment systems.
Sellers who refuse to meet in person, or refuse to allow the buyer to physically inspect the vehicle before the purchase.
Transactions where the seller and vehicle are in different locations. Criminals often claim to have been transferred for work reasons, deployed by the military, or moved because of a family circumstance, and could not take the vehicle with them.
Vehicles advertised at well below their market value. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If you have witnessed this behavior or fallen victim to this type of scam, please file a complaint with the IC3 at www.IC3.gov.
Intelligence Note Prepared by the
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
August 15, 2011
AUTOMOTIVE BRAND HIJACKERS USE FALSE PROTECTION CLAIMS AND LIVE CHAT TO LURE ONLINE AUTO SHOPPERS
Online vehicle shoppers are being victimized by fraudulent vehicle sales and false claims of vehicle protection (VPP) programs.
In fraudulent vehicle sales, criminals attempt to sell vehicles they do not own. Criminals create an attractive deal by advertising vehicles for sale at prices below book value. Often the sellers purport they need to sell the vehicle because they are being moved for work or deployed for the military. Because of the alleged pending move, criminals refuse to meet in person or allow inspection of the vehicle, and they often attempt to rush the sale. To make the deal appear legitimate, the criminal instructs the victim to send full or partial payment to a third-party agent via a wire transfer payment service and to fax their payment receipt to the seller as proof of payment. The criminal pockets the payment but does not deliver the vehicle.
Criminals also attempt to make their scams appear valid by misusing the names of reputable companies and programs. These criminals have no association with these companies and their schemes give buyers instructions which fail to adhere to the rules and restrictions of any legitimate program. For example, the eBay Motors Vehicle Protection Plan (VPP) is a reputable protection program whose name is commonly misused by these criminals. However, the VPP is not applicable to transactions that originate outside of eBay Motors, and it prohibits wire transfer payments. Nevertheless, criminals often promise eBay Motors VPP protections for non-eBay Motors purchases, and instruct victims to pay via Western Union or MoneyGram.
In a new twist, criminals use a live chat feature in email correspondence and electronic invoices. As live chat assistants, the criminals answer victims' questions and assure victims that the deals are safe, claiming that safeguards are in place to reimburse the buyer for any loss. The criminals falsely assert that their sales are protected by liability insurance coverage up to $50,000.
Automotive shoppers should exercise due diligence before engaging in transactions to purchase vehicles advertised online. In particular, shoppers should be cautious of the following situations:
Sellers who want to move the transaction from one platform to another (for example, Craigslist to eBay Motors).
Sellers who claim that a buyer protection program offered by a major Internet company covers an auto transaction conducted outside that company's site.
Sellers who push for speedy completion of the transaction and request payments via quick wire transfer payment systems.
Sellers who refuse to meet in person, or refuse to allow the buyer to physically inspect the vehicle before the purchase.
Transactions where the seller and vehicle are in different locations. Criminals often claim to have been transferred for work reasons, deployed by the military, or moved because of a family circumstance, and could not take the vehicle with them.
Vehicles advertised at well below their market value. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
If you have witnessed this behavior or fallen victim to this type of scam, please file a complaint with the IC3 at www.IC3.gov.
August 13, 2011
Twitter – Target For Scammers
There are many scams and frauds making their way through the world of Twitter. They are not necessarily new, but have found a new environment, and more potential victims.
The best way to protect yourself from these scams is the same as it has always been - be alert, be suspicious and stop looking for the easy money.
Work from home offers have been popping up on Twitter. Ignore these. While there a few legitimate ways to make money from home, you will have to discover those on your own. Nobody is going to hand you that opportunity so easily.
Mystery shopping jobs are also being offered. These are very alluring offers, as they have a sound of legitimacy. You go shopping and then report the results of your “customer experience.” Often, you are promised compensation plus you get to keep what you bought. You will most often find that these offers require you to pay some money up front. That should be a big red flag. How many employers do you know that require you to pay them first? If you read the fine print, many of these offers are to show you how to become a mystery shopper, not to actually provide you a paying job.
A recent scam that been reported is an app that will reveal to you who has been stalking you on Twitter. Clicking those links will compromise your account security.
The best defense is to ignore these unsolicited tweets. If you do not know the sender, do not click on links. Do not initiate contact with the sender and do not send money or provide personal information.
Michael Tabman
The best way to protect yourself from these scams is the same as it has always been - be alert, be suspicious and stop looking for the easy money.
Work from home offers have been popping up on Twitter. Ignore these. While there a few legitimate ways to make money from home, you will have to discover those on your own. Nobody is going to hand you that opportunity so easily.
Mystery shopping jobs are also being offered. These are very alluring offers, as they have a sound of legitimacy. You go shopping and then report the results of your “customer experience.” Often, you are promised compensation plus you get to keep what you bought. You will most often find that these offers require you to pay some money up front. That should be a big red flag. How many employers do you know that require you to pay them first? If you read the fine print, many of these offers are to show you how to become a mystery shopper, not to actually provide you a paying job.
A recent scam that been reported is an app that will reveal to you who has been stalking you on Twitter. Clicking those links will compromise your account security.
The best defense is to ignore these unsolicited tweets. If you do not know the sender, do not click on links. Do not initiate contact with the sender and do not send money or provide personal information.
Michael Tabman
August 11, 2011
A Senseless Murder
This blog is based on the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44092675/...
My last blog was entitled School Violence Averted – This Time. Now, only days later, school violence was not averted. A principal in Memphis was stabbed to death, allegedly by a 17 year old student.
I always stress that no matter how horrific the crime, no matter how compelling the evidence appears, we must not go from accusation to conviction without allowing our criminal justice system to work. This should be no exception.
However, the article states that the offender has acknowledged to the police that he had planned to stab the principal because she had made him mad. He also knew he would be alone with her.
We can discuss this without suggesting innocence or guilt of the accused. There is a lesson to be learned, irrespective of who the perpetrator was.
A criminal investigation has begun. In addition to putting together a prosecutable case with physical evidence, forensic evidence, interviews and statements, the investigators will search for signs that the accused communicated his intent.
Often, students who committed acts of violence at their schools, told someone, if not several people of their intent. At times, their plan was clearly spelled out, verbally or in writing. Other times, there were vague threats, comments or behavior that may have been a warning sign. These warning signs are not taken seriously and go ignored, because we all fail to see that potential in people with whom we have a relationship.
While it is possible that the perpetrator of this horrendous act kept his plan to himself, I suspect that the police will find that he did share his plan with at least one person. Whoever was privy to this murderous plan, probably a friend, could not see that dark side.
Our challenge is to learn what the warning signs of impending violence are, to recognize them, and to accept that even someone with whom we are close is capable of violence. Then, we must take appropriate action.
This was another senseless murder. This must stop.
My last blog was entitled School Violence Averted – This Time. Now, only days later, school violence was not averted. A principal in Memphis was stabbed to death, allegedly by a 17 year old student.
I always stress that no matter how horrific the crime, no matter how compelling the evidence appears, we must not go from accusation to conviction without allowing our criminal justice system to work. This should be no exception.
However, the article states that the offender has acknowledged to the police that he had planned to stab the principal because she had made him mad. He also knew he would be alone with her.
We can discuss this without suggesting innocence or guilt of the accused. There is a lesson to be learned, irrespective of who the perpetrator was.
A criminal investigation has begun. In addition to putting together a prosecutable case with physical evidence, forensic evidence, interviews and statements, the investigators will search for signs that the accused communicated his intent.
Often, students who committed acts of violence at their schools, told someone, if not several people of their intent. At times, their plan was clearly spelled out, verbally or in writing. Other times, there were vague threats, comments or behavior that may have been a warning sign. These warning signs are not taken seriously and go ignored, because we all fail to see that potential in people with whom we have a relationship.
While it is possible that the perpetrator of this horrendous act kept his plan to himself, I suspect that the police will find that he did share his plan with at least one person. Whoever was privy to this murderous plan, probably a friend, could not see that dark side.
Our challenge is to learn what the warning signs of impending violence are, to recognize them, and to accept that even someone with whom we are close is capable of violence. Then, we must take appropriate action.
This was another senseless murder. This must stop.
August 8, 2011
School Violence Averted – This Time
This blog is based upon the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44036436
For the last few years, we have watched incidents of workplace violence continue to rise. Studies have revealed a troubling number of work-related bullying, assaults, shootings and suicides. With high unemployment, an unstable economy, and other studies revealing that 40% of Americans stay awake at night due to stress and 70% feeling stressed specifically about work – the perfect storm for workplace violence has struck.
As well, school shootings seem to have become a sad reality of our existence. We tend to draw a distinction between school and workplace violence. Schools have traditionally been viewed solely as an educational institution, one that provides comfort, security and guidance to our children. But, the parallels between school and work are more common than are the distinctions.
As at the workplace, schools are structured institutions that impose standards, expectations and strict rules of conduct. There is immense pressure to perform and excel. There are social and interpersonal dynamics at play. We spend many hours “stuck” at school. And, no matter how stressful school becomes, we cannot simply avoid it – generally, school is inevitable. Schools are places of business with many employees. As with any other place of business, those employees are just people – vulnerable to being pushed to the edge and responding in a violent manner.
The referenced article discusses a planned school shooting that was fortunately averted. The good news was that students who had heard about the planned attack took it seriously enough to report it to their parents or authorities. That is one of the greatest weapons against impending violence at school or the workplace – paying attention to your environment and trusting your gut. If you feel uneasy about something, take appropriate action.
In a review of a school district’s security program that my firm performed, we found a direct correlation between compliance with security rules and a “feeling of security” and the attitude of the principal. As you would expect, where the principal did not take security seriously, there were higher reported incidents of security violations and a lack of feeling secure at the school.
Safety at school and work will come from being engaged, having a plan and training. All this must come from the top.
Stay alert, stay safe.
For the last few years, we have watched incidents of workplace violence continue to rise. Studies have revealed a troubling number of work-related bullying, assaults, shootings and suicides. With high unemployment, an unstable economy, and other studies revealing that 40% of Americans stay awake at night due to stress and 70% feeling stressed specifically about work – the perfect storm for workplace violence has struck.
As well, school shootings seem to have become a sad reality of our existence. We tend to draw a distinction between school and workplace violence. Schools have traditionally been viewed solely as an educational institution, one that provides comfort, security and guidance to our children. But, the parallels between school and work are more common than are the distinctions.
As at the workplace, schools are structured institutions that impose standards, expectations and strict rules of conduct. There is immense pressure to perform and excel. There are social and interpersonal dynamics at play. We spend many hours “stuck” at school. And, no matter how stressful school becomes, we cannot simply avoid it – generally, school is inevitable. Schools are places of business with many employees. As with any other place of business, those employees are just people – vulnerable to being pushed to the edge and responding in a violent manner.
The referenced article discusses a planned school shooting that was fortunately averted. The good news was that students who had heard about the planned attack took it seriously enough to report it to their parents or authorities. That is one of the greatest weapons against impending violence at school or the workplace – paying attention to your environment and trusting your gut. If you feel uneasy about something, take appropriate action.
In a review of a school district’s security program that my firm performed, we found a direct correlation between compliance with security rules and a “feeling of security” and the attitude of the principal. As you would expect, where the principal did not take security seriously, there were higher reported incidents of security violations and a lack of feeling secure at the school.
Safety at school and work will come from being engaged, having a plan and training. All this must come from the top.
Stay alert, stay safe.
August 3, 2011
Another Scam
Scammers are always coming up with something new. The latest scam that has received attention targets hotel guests. It is not very complicated.
Late at night, asleep in your hotel room, the phone rings. The caller claims to be calling from the hotel front desk. Something is wrong with your credit card; it may be the expiration date or some other problem. But, the bottom line is that they want you to verify your credit card information. Startled and not fully alert, and not willing to go do the desk, you provide all your credit card information. Of course, the person to whom you are speaking is not a hotel employee. It is a scammer.
Once aware of this scam, it is easy to avert. The hotel will not call you in the middle of the night requesting this information. If you get such a call, simply agree to visit the front desk in the morning to straighten it out. Do not offer to walk down to the desk in the middle of the night. You may be getting set up for a robbery and/or assault.
This type of precaution is consistent with other strategies to avoid being victimized by scammers. If someone claiming to be from a credit card company, bank, retailer, etc. calls you and asks for credit card, financial or personal information – for any reason – do not provide it. Take the person’s name and offer to return the call. Do not simply ask for their phone number and call back. Find the number to that establishment on your own and then return the call. Odds are, there is no such person. The same applies to emails. Banks and credit card companies will not send you an email with a link to verify all your information. The emails will state that your account will be closed, or some service will be canceled. Once again, while this is probably a scam, you can assure yourself by independently finding the correct telephone number and calling.
There are many variations of these scams. Be alert. Don’t react emotionally and without thinking things through. And by the way – you didn’t really win $1,000,000 from the international lottery.
Late at night, asleep in your hotel room, the phone rings. The caller claims to be calling from the hotel front desk. Something is wrong with your credit card; it may be the expiration date or some other problem. But, the bottom line is that they want you to verify your credit card information. Startled and not fully alert, and not willing to go do the desk, you provide all your credit card information. Of course, the person to whom you are speaking is not a hotel employee. It is a scammer.
Once aware of this scam, it is easy to avert. The hotel will not call you in the middle of the night requesting this information. If you get such a call, simply agree to visit the front desk in the morning to straighten it out. Do not offer to walk down to the desk in the middle of the night. You may be getting set up for a robbery and/or assault.
This type of precaution is consistent with other strategies to avoid being victimized by scammers. If someone claiming to be from a credit card company, bank, retailer, etc. calls you and asks for credit card, financial or personal information – for any reason – do not provide it. Take the person’s name and offer to return the call. Do not simply ask for their phone number and call back. Find the number to that establishment on your own and then return the call. Odds are, there is no such person. The same applies to emails. Banks and credit card companies will not send you an email with a link to verify all your information. The emails will state that your account will be closed, or some service will be canceled. Once again, while this is probably a scam, you can assure yourself by independently finding the correct telephone number and calling.
There are many variations of these scams. Be alert. Don’t react emotionally and without thinking things through. And by the way – you didn’t really win $1,000,000 from the international lottery.
Crime Scene
Ex-cop, retired FBI Agent and author.
Michael's books and Crime Scene Blog can be found at michaeltabman.com
Follow Michael on Twitter: @MichaelTabman ...more
Michael's books and Crime Scene Blog can be found at michaeltabman.com
Follow Michael on Twitter: @MichaelTabman ...more
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