Yes, I do recall something being said by LE at some point! And if that holds true, then that would explain why there wasn't an emphasis on public safety. I wonder about that.
I’m not sure where it’s coming from, there was no emphasis on public safety in and around Delphi following the murders because that’s not at all the impression I got from following this case early on. I wonder if “no emphasis on safety” is turning into an urban myth. If it is, for what purpose?
We’d have to spend time searching through a lot of the early threads, which I haven’t done but I recall there being several Town Hall meetings as reported by locals, local police canvassing residents - many actions not reported by the media but aimed directly at local residents who were directly impacted. As residents had a right to be alarmed, certainly the personal safety concern would’ve been expressed during these times.
The role of any police force is promoting safety of a community. Therefore it’s highly unlikely any police department is going to make a broad and general announcement the community in which they’re charged with protecting is “unsafe” unless there’s an immediate and active threat that is known. I can’t recall one single news report where a local police department has announced their community is unsafe unless they are actively tracking a known murderer, leading to an imminent arrest. If a suspect hasn’t been identified, every community with unsolved crime would remain unsafe for days, months and in this case years and we’d all be facing a lifetime of hiding in our basements.
What does “safe” or “unsafe” really mean anyway? Is somebody less safe from a 2nd time murderer not yet arrested than becoming the future victim of a 1st time murderer?
There was a list of safety initiatives published earlier as a result of a Delphi workshop. It’s not unique, simply good practises promoting personal safety.
Defense from danger: Chicago-based self-defense group holds workshop in Delphi
The One Light Self-Defense Team offered numerous tips during self-defense training Sunday in Delphi. Here are a few of them.
General safety
•Have a strong appearance, which means head up and eyes forward.
•Appear confident, even in an unknown location.
•Have your cellular phone charged and easily accessible.
•If you carry a weapon, make sure you are properly trained in how to use it, including pepper spray.
•Avoid dark and secluded places, and try not to walk alone, especially at night.
Parking lot and car safety
•Get into your vehicle quickly and lock all the doors.
•Avoid distractions that keep you outside the vehicle for a length of time.
•Don’t wander the parking lot looking for your parked car. Take a picture if needed and remind yourself of the location before you exit the store.
•Try to walk toward the middle of the aisle and in a well-lit location.
Trail safety
•Be aware of your surroundings.
• After you pass someone else, don’t assume you’re safe until there is enough distance between the two of you.
•Go completely around, not between, other runners or walkers.