*****Today our Nation has experienced another mass shooting in Connecticut. Words cannot describe the horror and the unspeakable tragedy of this massacre.
On behalf of the citizens of Flint and Genesee County, MI, we send our deepest condolences to all of the parents and families impacted by today’s horrific events.
*****

Protect Yourself.

Don’t be vulnerable, don’t be a victim, protect yourself. At FPO, we always say “See something, Say something”, and we’d like to add to that another layer: “Prepare yourself and Protect Yourself”. There are many statistics out there on crime rates, but who really cares about crime rates? Do you care whether violent crimes are one in 10 or two in 10? Crime statistics are used typically to one, scare people into thinking they are liable to end up a victim of a crime, or to convince these same people that they are unlikely to be a victim of a crime and that there is no need to protect or defend themselves. We certainly don’t want to scare anyone into thinking that they are going to be the next victim, but we definitely don’t want you to be naive and think “it will never happen to me”.

If you are out walking, running, looking for your vehicle in a parking lot, or walking up a stairwell in a building, you are a potential target of a violent crime. These criminals look for those that are vulnerable, those who are alone, especially women. Always be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few ways to protect yourself at little to no cost.

Sound is an excellent deterrent because a sound or noise scares “would be” criminals away. The last thing a criminal expects in an assault situation is lots of noise and resistance. Make a scene! Yell “FIRE”. A personal alarm with a decibel rate of 120db or more is also an excellent deterrent and is difficult to be silenced as opposed to a scream. A device like this is under 20.00 and is small enough to carry on a keychain or in your coat pocket and is easily accessible when needed.

Carrying pepper spray at all times is just plain common sense. As American Express says “Don’t leave home without it”. They even come in cute colors. Just keep them away from your kids.

Defense specialists will tell you to put your keys between your fingers and use those while punching your attacker, but it’s not quite as effective as one of these devices. Put your fingers through the eyes of the cat or skull with your keys in your palm. If attacked from behind or pushed to the ground, it is easy to hold. Convenient to carry and anyone can use it.

*Remember, these devices should only be used when attacked and should only be used as such. You are liable for any misuse. FPO is not responsible for any misuse and this information is presented as is.*

These are just a few simple methods of personal protection. In summary, always be aware of what and who is around you. If the situation does not feel right or look right, avoid the situation quickly. Back up, change your location and observe, consider the facts and reassess your situation. This allows you to ACT in advance of an attack rather than REACT as an attack occurs. The best way to use personal protection is to avoid using it by being aware of the situation – this is called “situational awareness”.

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. FPO – Citizens informing Citizens Inc. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

DID YOU THANK A VETERAN TODAY?

In the years of 1775 – 1783, when the Revolutionary War was being fought, it was not known that there was going to be many battles that followed for America in order for it to become what it is today, “A Free Country”.

With only 1 car available, officers were called to Hurley Plaza for a shooting victim that arrived POV (privately owned vehicle), that he was a passenger in.  Per scanner traffic, the vehicle contained 1 spent shell casing, several bullet holes and money on the floor board.
While dispatch works effortlessly trying to find a car to check for a possible scene at a local BP gas station (at Clio and Myrtle), doctors were performing CPR on the victim that is only known at this time as a 21 y/o Male.  At 6:05 another shooting victim arrived at Hurley with a GSW (gun shot wound) to the hip from a shooting that took place at a unknown location on Laverne.  Already spread thin, officers were called to another (3rd) shooting scene in the 2600 Blk of Flushing rd, where the suspect was shooting at a male in a gray Buick.  The suspect was last seen running behind the building.  As a result of this shooting a male lost his life.

1st shooting http://www.facebook.com/flintpoliceops/posts/493682813999465 last known update this victim was in surgery and was in critical condition.

2nd shooting http://www.facebook.com/flintpoliceops/posts/493682813999465 we have no updates on this victim at this time.

3rd shooting http://www.facebook.com/flintpoliceops/posts/493705487330531 this victim is deceased.

With the election of our country’s next president on the minds of most, some have elected to use guns as the answer to a problem.
When a person has to hide behind a trigger and jeopardize or take a life of another, not only is there a victim that endures the wounds, but also the many family members that suffer alongside them.
When will these shooters see they are not only hurting (the ones they shoot) but they are also hurting themselves and the ones they claim to love (their families)?  In the eyes of the shoote,r what they call ‘love’(since they can ‘love’ their family but hurt them in the same pull of a trigger)is what we as caring citizens call ‘hurt’.
When ones life is full of misery and hatred they have no respect for human life, not even their own.  Although we will never understand someones reasoning for these actions, we MUST stand together and let these criminals know enough is enough.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING,SAY SOMETHING.