This week's news brings more tragedy which could have been prevented. Two Georgia families will bury beloved college students, both strikingly beautiful, talented, and in the prime of their lives. Eve Carson, Student Body President at the University of North Carolina (bottom), and Lauren Burk of Auburn University (top), came to their sudden demises at the hands of brutal killers. The North Carolina killer remains at large, while a suspect has been arrested in Phenix City, Alabama, charged in the death of 18 year old Lauren Burk. The suspect remains jailed, not only a suspect in Ms. Burk's death, but also suspected of kidnapping and attempting to rape her, as well as of robbing several individuals.
When parents send their children off to college they expect late nights spent studying, socializing, and meeting the demands of college life. They do not expect their worst nightmare: a late night body in a morgue, awaiting identification. Sadly, each became a victim of fate by being woefully unprepared and at the wrong place at the wrong time. Many details have yet to come out, and when they do, we will see that each tragedy could have been prevented. Security at Auburn University has already been publicly criticized, but random acts of violence and crime are often only prevented by the victims themselves.
A previous article on this site, titled "Safety While Shopping," highlights many questions we can ask ourselves. Although details remain sketchy, circumstances surrounding each crime depict stranger abduction scenarios. My "Cardinal Rules of Personal Safety" would apply to both crimes. Going out alone at night, not carrying an equalizing implement (such as a tazer, stun gun, handgun, pepper spray, etc.), and allowing a stranger within close proximity are just a few of the "Cardinal Rules" that seemed to have been ignored. When all details are finally released, I have a high level of confidence that effective skill sets could have prevented such tragic endings.
American citizens, I plead for you to wake up. Realize the state of modern society and the unique set of dangers we all face on a daily basis. This is no longer the era of Andy Griffith and Leave It to Beaver. We face gangs, drug violence, and toxic unadulterated evil.
"On the Record," Greta Van Susteren's nightly show on Fox News, should be more aptly titled, "In the Grave," as she profiles similar crimes on a nightly basis. Everyone needs to get training to improve their skills at recognizing and confronting danger. Reading how to protect oneself is one thing, but practicing and implementing ways of living, which will serve one's self preservation needs, are paramount.
Copyright 2008 KNM Security and Risk Consultants
If you would like to receive personalized training or to schedule a seminar or group training, please contact Ken at 256.679.7405 or email him at knmconsultinggrp@aol.com
2 comments:
What is happening to our college students? It is so sad how these innocent lives are taken by such vicious animals.
I just read through your website after learning of it in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
You have excellent tips when out in public. Keep up the good work and best of luck on educating others.
fj
via internet
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