Should we be suspicious or trusting? As members of the LDS Church we are Christians like other religions. We normally shy away from thinking the worst of people. But be careful. There is nothing wrong with being vigilant and being aware of what is going on around you. The problem is judgement. Maybe this will help as you watch around you and are not sure what is wrong or what is right.
Remember, people are not suspicious, behavior is. You cannot go by looks. I know that is somewhat “non reality” because we have to profile, so to speak. Just remember that the guy with tattoos and long hair is a person too. Don’t be extreme is this type of judgement. I know that it’s hard, but if you look close enough you will see that person’s behavior. Here are some signs:
Person running
Does this behavior indicate someone being in a hurry or does it have a heightened sense of urgency or tension about it? It would be suspicious if he were looking about furtively, as if he were being observed or pursued. Possible significance - he may be fleeing the scene of a crime.
Stranger carrying property
If this occurs at an unusual hour or location, and especially if the items are stereo equipment, office machinery, laboratory equipment, carrying a locked bicycle, does this person appear to be carrying something inside their clothing? This behavior is suspect. Possible significance - the subject is leaving the scene of a robbery, burglary, or theft.
Person going door-to-door in an office building or in a residential area
Thieves often look like they belong here, but if they wander in and out of building, or are seen trying doors, they may be looking for an opportunity to steal. If you see a person, or persons, going from house to house and then if one or more goes into a back or side yard, you may be witnessing a crime in progress. It becomes especially suspicious if one or more persons remains in the front while this occurs. Possible significance - they are 'casing' a house to burglarize or are burglarizing a house.
Property in vehicles
This is not suspicious unless the property is of an unusual nature: television sets, computers, stereo equipment, un-mounted car stereos, or auto parts. Possible significance - stolen property.
Unusual activity involving vehicles
Any person forcibly entering a locked vehicle, especially at night is highly suspect.
If you observe one or more persons sitting in a parked car closely scanning the area around them, you may be observing lookouts for a burglary, robbery in progress, a crime being planned, or surveillance for a terrorist event.
If you see someone being forcibly taken into a vehicle, you may be watching a kidnapping. A complete description of the vehicle and occupant(s) is crucial and must be relayed to a law enforcement agency immediately.
Certain moving vehicles
Suspicious if it is moving slowly and running without lights, or if its course appears aimless or repetitive. Possible significance - 'casing' buildings to burglarize, kidnapping, or surveillance for a future terrorist event.
Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms
A person seen in an environment where he/she doesn't belong or "fit in" may seem suspicious. Non appropriate attire, unable to hold meaningful conversation, or focus on a particular subject. Possible significance - the person may have been injured in an accident, is under the influence of drugs or medications, or otherwise needs medical or psychiatric assistance.
Unusual noises
If you hear gunshots, screaming, sounds of combat, an explosion, abnormally barking dogs, or anything suggesting foul play, danger, or illegal activity, this may be suspicious.
Describing a suspicious person or vehicle
A good description of a suspicious person or vehicle play a major role in the ability of responding officers to identify the right person to stop or the right vehicle to investigate.
Look at unusual features such as dyed hair color or an unusual cut, unusual clothing. Remember colors and whether clothing can be removed easily. With vehicles any unusual missing parts, uncommon colors, uncommon shape, damage, window or bumper stickers.
Maintain dignity and description integrity
Do not verbalize your personal conclusion of the suspicious person/behavior to others. The behavior may be a result of mental illness, an accident, stroke, drug interaction, missed medication, Alzheimer's, cultural differences (differences in social norms), variations in communication (i.e. sign language), etc. The possibilities are endless and not always the fault of the person displaying the behavior. Don't start a panic or impede on an investigation by allowing yourself to get caught up in the moment. Leave investigations and diagnosis to the professionals in that field. Never become complacent, but continue to be aware and report any suspicious person's behavior. Always maintain your professional demure and the dignity of all involved.
Mail and packages
If a suspicious item is received through the mail, DO NOT OPEN IT! Even though a package bomb received through the mail is designed to explode upon being opened, there is always the chance of an accidental premature explosion. The package should not be handled or moved any more than necessary. Attempt to verify the contents with the addressee.
A bomb can be enclosed in either a parcel or an envelope. Its outward appearance is limited only by the imagination of the sender. However, mail bombs have some unique characteristics, which may assist in identifying suspicious mailings:
Unprofessionally wrapped packages
Distorted or foreign handwriting
Homemade address labels
Cut-and-paste lettering from newspapers or magazines
Irregularly shaped containers
No return address
Peculiar odor
Buzzing, ticking, or sloshing sound
Excessive postage
Unusual or unevenly distributed weight
Name or title of addressee may be incorrect or misspelled
Endorsements such as "personal", "private", "rush", "do not delay", etc
Foreign mail, air mail and special delivery
Misspelling of common words
Incorrect titles
Excessive weight
Lopsided or uneven envelope
Protruding wires or tinfoil
Excessive securing materiel (tape, string)
If you have reason to believe a letter or parcels is suspicious, do not take chances or worry about possible embarrassment if the item turns out to be innocent.
These techniques can be used at home or work and school. Be vigilant. Be aware.
Be prepared, not paranoid.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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