This week, we are talking about Group Safety & The Buddy System. There is truly strength in numbers, and staying together is your best defense when navigating our vibrant city during these active winter nights.

The Incident:

Most offenders are looking for the "path of least resistance." A lone individual is statistically more likely to be approached than a pair or a group. By walking with others, you provide more "eyes" on the environment, making it harder for someone to approach undetected.

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Under IC 35-42-5-1 , a person commits Robbery when they knowingly or intentionally take property from another person by using or threatening the use of force, or by putting any person in fear.

Robbery relies heavily on the psychological advantage of isolating a victim to create that sense of fear. When you are with others, an offender's ability to use intimidation is significantly diminished. Not only does a group make the "use of force" more difficult, but it also reduces the likelihood of the crime being attempted in the first place because the offender loses the element of isolation.

A Quick Example:

Two people are walking back to their vehicle after a late-night event downtown. They are talking and scanning the area. A potential offender sees them and decides the risk of being caught or fought off is too high because there are two witnesses and two targets. They move on, and the crime is avoided.

Mr. G's Safety Tips:

• The "Buddy System": Whenever possible, coordinate your arrivals and departures with friends or coworkers. If you are leaving a building alone, ask a security guard or colleague to watch you until you reach your vehicle.
• Share Your Live Location: If you must walk alone, use your smartphone to share your "live location" with a trusted contact until you have safely entered your home.
• Stay to the "Main Drags": Avoid shortcuts through alleys or unlit parking lots. Sticking to busy, well-lit thoroughfares is the safest investment of your time.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a person or a group makes you feel uneasy, change your direction of travel, or enter an open business. Never worry about being "impolite" when it comes to your personal safety.
• Indy is better when we're together! Strengthening our community starts with looking out for the person walking next to us.