The Bystander Effect

by Lisa Cunningham, Director of Communications

We’re all familiar with the term “bystander,” a person who watches events unfold from the sidelines while doing nothing to help. But few of us might have ever heard of the “Bystander Effect.”

Simply put, the Bystander Effect is the name given to the psychological phenomenon where the greater number of people present, the less likely people are to help a person in distress. In other words, for some reason that psychologists don’t fully understand, observers are more likely to help a victim if few or no witnesses are around.

The Bystander Effect in action

Can you imagine the horror of being the victim of a crime or an attack, screaming for help, and watching people just walk by?

Last year, NBC’s “Today Show” ran a segment during which a reporter spoke with a security specialist about the bystander effect. And, to prove how real — and devastating — its effects can be, the show staged the attempted abduction of a seven year-old girl.

Watch the video here and make it your business to get involved — even if it’s just calling 911 — if you ever see this happening.  And tell us, have you ever declined helping someone who appeared to be in trouble? Please share your reasons why in the comments below.

Are You an Easy Target for Crime?

By Lisa Cunningham, Director of Communications

Ask any police officer, and he or she will tell you that most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Simply put, that means that someone who didn’t plan to commit a crime sees an opportunity to take something free and clear and commits a crime just because they had the chance.

That begs the question: are you an easy target for crime? You may just be. In fact, most people are, without even realizing it. Do you see yourself in any of the following scenarios?

1. You leave your purse or child unattended in a shopping cart while you step away to grab an item from an aisle/shelf.

2. You text, play games, or talk distractedly on a cell phone, without paying attention to what is going on around you.

3. You leave unsecured valuables, such as children’s toys or bikes, outside your home.

4. You toss junk mail or items with your name and/or address in the trash, without shredding them.

5. You place a purse on the passenger side of your vehicle while driving.

6. You lock your car, but leave valuable items or information inside.

7. You list the date and year of your birth on social networking sites, such as FaceBook.

8. You announce your whereabouts or upcoming trips away from home on social networking sites.

9.  You leave your garage door open and the doors unlocked.  

10.  You go for a walk or run in an isolated area.

These are just a few of the countless ways in which unsuspecting people open themselves up to crime. Remember, you are your own best prevention against crime.

How else might you be opening yourself up to crime? Please share your ideas in the comments below. And remember to subscribe to this blog for regular safety tips and updates.