Troy Armstrong

Troy Armstrong, Department Resource Officer, of St. Matthews Police talked to the group about personal safety and what to do in case of an active shooter.  Below are some of the topics he discussed and information on the St. Matthews Website.

Auto break-ins / Auto Thefts Prevention

  • Roll up windows and lock car doors.
  • Activate the vehicles alarm if it has one.
  • Do not leave valuables in your car. If you must, place them in your trunk.
  • If you can, park in your garage. Do not leave garage door opener visible in the vehicle.
  • Items such as a purse, gym bag, backpack, briefcase, or computer bag should not be left visible in the vehicle. These items should be placed in the trunk or out of sight before you get to your destination. Do not transfer or hide them at the parking place in view of others.
  • Always park in a well-lighted area if possible.
  • Never leave a vehicle running with the keys in the ignition.

Home Security Tips

  • Always keep doors and windows locked when you are not at home.
  • Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor, not under a doormat or planter.
  • If you are going to be gone for an extended period, have your mail and newspaper stopped or have a trusted neighbor pick them up.
  • Ask a neighbor to tend to the yard and watch the home if you are away.

Personal Security

  • Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
  • Try to avoid walking alone at night.
  • Stay in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Make eye contact with people when walking.
  • Walk confidently at a steady pace.
  • Do not wear anything that will impede your vision or hearing (i.e., iPods).
  • Trust your instincts and react if you feel you are in danger.

In a Vehicle

  • Always lock your car doors after entering or leaving your vehicle.
  • Park in well lighted areas.
  • Have your car keys in your hand so you don’t have to linger before entering your car.
  • Check the interior of your vehicle before entering your car.
  • Travel on main roads as much as possible.
  • Drive on well-lit streets at night.
  • Keep valuables out of view.
  • If you feel you are being followed by another vehicle, do not drive home.
  • Do not pull over if a suspicious driver motions you to do so.C
  • Trust your instincts.

Active shooter situation

  • Consider the situation ahead of time. Look around and find all exits.
  • The first — and best — option is to get out if you can.
  • If you can’t immediately leave, you want to buy time — time to plan another way out, time to figure out what you’ll do if the shooter approaches, time for law enforcement to arrive. Put whatever obstacles you can between you and the shooter.
  • Try to distract and disorient the shooter by making noise and throwing books, coffee mugs — anything you can grab — in their direction. Keep moving, because a moving target is much harder to hit than a stationary one.

Officer Troy Armstrong

Denise, Troy and Teri

 

 

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