State trooper speaks at Brownville’s Neighborhood Watch meeting
BROWNSVILLE – Members of Brownville’s Neighborhood Watch Tuesday learned ways of defending themselves and ways to prevent becoming victims of crimes. Pennsylvania State Trooper Brian Burden, the community services public relations officer in this area, noted that according to the Uniform Crime Report for 2004-05, property crimes occur in Pennsylvania approximately every two minutes and a violent crime takes place every 10 minutes and 54 seconds.
“We’re at war. We’re fighting to bring back our neighborhoods one neighborhood at a time,” Burden said.
Burden pointed out that criminals need desire, ability and opportunity to commit a crime, but potential victims can control part of that triangle by removing the opportunity. Burden said individuals can help remove the opportunity for crimes by remaining alert, communicating a lack of fear and trusting their instincts.
“If you feel something’s not quite right, maybe you should challenge it. Pay attention to how you feel. Trust your instincts,” Burden said.
Brownsville’s interim police chief, Stanley Jablonsky, said that applies not only to perceiving possible personal threats, but also to activities in the neighborhood.
“If you see something out of the ordinary, call other Neighborhood Watch members, contact the block captain, or call the police,” Jablonsky said.
Jablonsky urged residents to call 91-1, not the department’s business line, because a delay of several minutes in getting a call to the on-duty officer could be the difference between preventing a crime and serious harm being done to someone.
He also reminded residents not to take matters into their own hands, but to simply act as observers.
“Safety is the main important thing-your safety. Don’t go out. You could end up like me,” Jablonsky said, holding up a hand covered by a brace. “I had a run-in with a 14-year-old and my wrist got bent the wrong way. I’m covered by Worker’s Compensation; you aren’t.”
Magisterial District Judge Mike Defino noted that self-defense laws in Pennsylvania do not extend to protecting property. Defino said that under the law, deadly force can only be used if there is a reasonable belief that deadly force is going to be used on you.
“There is no honest black and white answer. The law looks at each incident on a case-by-case basis. It is what reasonable, rational people would resort to,” Defino said.
Defino said Pennsylvania also has a retreat standard, stating that if you think deadly force is going to be used against you, you are obligated to retreat of the situation if possible.
Burden noted that statistics show that an armed attacker is likely to use the weapon if provoked.
“We want you to think to survive. Calm down and think ‘How can I get out of this in one piece?'” Burden said.
Burden said that in the event an individual decides that fighting back is the best or only way to get out of a situation, he or she must be ready and willing to use all tools at his or her disposal, including fingernails, teeth, feet, fists, and any items within reach, such as keys or umbrellas.
“If you’re fighting, in essence you are fighting for your life,” Burden said.
Burden says that does not extend to running after a person who has hit you and hitting them even harder, no matter how much you may feel they deserve it. That, Burden said, is not covered under self-defense.