I am sorry to read this, but I am not surprised about either the incident, or the response thereto. For as many reports as I read on this website alone, it's curious that more people don't ask what they can do for themselves, besides resorting to prayer, to suing the police, and to punditry on sentencing for these as-yet unapprehended perps.

A discussion of the right to effective self-defense is a valid one, generally, and the response to a "20-on-one"/"swarming" assault is an appropriate scenario to discuss, specifically. Perhaps New Jersey needs to see what the rest of the States have done in the last 15 years? (OK, around 45 of 50 states.) And, btw, DC v. Heller has been decided. Why not have a read?

.... "Damn," said Jimmy "The Mathematician" Strawman, admitting he was now certifiably deterred from engaging in the illegal business by the prospect of a gun-rationing law: "Applications for purchase-permits, application fees, the ID verification standards, NCIS check, agent investigation fees, 3-month waiting period for purchase-permits, PLUS, sales tax? I was cool with all the other hoops I had to jump through, and now, when I thought it'd be smooth sailing, a "1-gun-a-month" rule? How am I going to make a profit, and have money left over to cut a check to Ms. Cunningham's 'Always So Very Much About The Children' campaign before November?"

.... "SCOOOOOOOOOOTER!" said Superintendent Chalmers.

Thanks ianmac47, for the informative post, and for references to verifiable information.

On Crime Being Up Or Down Or All Around ....

I've been browsing most of the threads on this site for a number of weeks/months, now .... I have resided, for several years, in an area characterized by the newspaper, most recently, as an area of 'high incidence' in downtown jc. In this time, I've been aware of police presence, in cars, on bikes, on corners, etc., mostly during the day, and sometimes, at night.

In this time, I've also walked the same streets, at day and night, to and from the Newark Ave. area, and I'm sad to hear and read of more and more incidents relayed to me, of vandalism, of theft, of robbery, 2 or more on 1 attacks.

I'm not altogether satisfied with a discussion that leaves neighbors with the alternative of either calls for police or political resignations, ad hominem attacks against posters who express their concerns, or neighborhood watch groups being characterized as 'vigilante', which, for better or worse, they, most certainly, are not. Those participating in such groups should be applauded for taking some action. But those deciding not to go that particular route never should be given cause to remain silent about their anxieties of city-life.

Yes, I understand the distinction between crimes committed and crimes reported. And please understand the limitations of police presence AND their attendant ability to prevent crime before, or during, a predatory attack. I am most concerned about predatory crime. And the distance between (1) the debate on compilations of 'reported' crime statistics translating to methods which will increase actual safety and (2) neighbors who want to feel, and actually be safe, from such crime, is a great one, thus far, to cover. Statistics are wonderful to discuss, in the house/senate and in the tower of academia for policy decision-making, but I'm on the ground floor, with most of the rest, and statistical debate means little to one dealing with the aftermath of predation.

In the meantime, I make NO claims as an expert in forms of martial training, but I did learn, early, that although one, naturally, may not have violent inclinations, one still may be subject to the violent inclinations of others, threatened or otherwise. I hope to convey that individuals, or groups, can take some measures to provide the deterrence or prevention 'factor' that police cannot provide to all, at all times:

Awareness is key. Eyes open, all the time, scan the periphery. Get to know the neighbors. A smile, a nod, recognizing who resides in the vicinity and who doesn't, for starters. Travel in groups, to and from, if at all possible. No headphones or ipods should be seen, at night. They are common targets for theft, and they prevent your audio sensitivity, which is required when lights are low.

Attempt to walk the routes of high visibility, where lamps are working, even if it's an extra block or two. Be prepared to cross the street to stay in lit areas. Where car traffic is not too congested to make it dangerous, walk the middle of the street. If aware, you can always move laterally, between parked cars, back to the sidewalk. Heels are great, but sneakers are better. Combat boots are best. Sexy, and practical.

Take a cab, if and when you're not feeling safe for the walk home, it's not super-expensive. I've done it from the Grove St. PATH station, for a mere five blocks. Take cards/numbers for cab companies for later reference, when in need.

Have your cell-phone visible, and dialed in to the local dispatch (as I understand - please corrrect me if I'm wrong - 201 547 5477), ready to go. People appear to talk to themselves, via headsets on cellies, all the time. You can do this at night, as well. Also, not a bad measure to make intermittent phone calls to/from a friend's place, to ensure you're timing is correct.

Mace is illegal to purchase/possess in New Jersey, among many other items of potential protective value. OC (oleoresin capsicum), however, is not. Fox Labs, among some circles, is known to be the best. It is not an 'attack-stopper' in close-proximity; It may inhibit sight and cause debilitating sinus inflammation in an attacker. But be prepared to spray and run.

If you have a dog, carry a stick. (A suggestion also applied to owners with uncontrollable dogs.) If you do not have a dog, carry a stick. I see many with purses and man-satchels, and a stick fits. These are not illegal in New Jersey, and oftentimes, 12" wooden dowel beats short-knife. (Think poke, not swing.) Be prepared to poke, create distance/damage, and run.

Be prepared to run. And scream loudly and crazily. And flail your arms, while screaming loudly and crazily, and running. There still may be recalcitrant boy scouts in the 'hood, or other good people walking in the vicinity.

I'm aware some of this may be 'old' for some, but 'new' to others. Feel free to ADD to this, or, in a constructive way, provide alternatives. I hope the webmaster will continue to do the same in encouraging constructive dialogue(s), in all respects and for all forum sections. I find that SNARKY CAN BE ANNOYING, and highly inappropriate, particularly in the crime and safety forum section. (Gawkerstalker's plenty for that, and celebrities can take a reasonable amount of sniping from the peanut gallery.) Have a nice day and a safe night



PS .... A question for the Webmaster .... How about a section dedicated to self-help/improvement relating to any of the areas already having forums? There are people who like to comment, and respond to commentary, but, I believe, there are also those who want to learn a little more by asking questions without fear of having to engage the wrath of snark.