Park Tips

Parks are a great place to go and relax. The tranquility of the parks is rarely disturbed by criminal acts, but some essential park safety tips should be followed. The New York City Police Department recommends taking these simple precautions to ensure your park safety.

Do not take shortcuts or dirt paths through wooded areas. Stay on well-lighted, populated pathways.

Remember there is safety in numbers. Always walk or run with a friend. Look into joining a local community running club.

Watch your personal belongings

Bag and Money Carry your wallet in the side pants pockets or inside jacket pocket. Never carry a wallet in the rear pants pocket.

Carry pocketbooks in the bend of the elbow, close to the body. If there is a long strap, wrap it around the bag. If someone should attempt to snatch your purse..... let it go.

Don't wear excessive amounts of jewelry or carry large amounts of cash. Divide your money between pockets and handbags.

Become familiar with the area

Important Park Safety Tip: Familiarize yourself with your local park. Know the locations of public phones and police call boxes.

Should someone attempt to verbally harass you, just keeping on walking. Responding to this kind of behavior could escalate the situation.

Know the locations of stores or businesses which may be open in the vicinity of the park. These locations may be a safe place to go should you feel threatened.

Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings

Always carry some form of identification, even when running. A label in your clothing will be sufficient if you are not carrying a wallet Public Safety or handbag. Name and address labels should always be sewn inside the clothing of your children.

Closely supervise your children as they play in the park. Instruct them on how to respond to strangers.

Report suspicious persons or activities to the local precinct. Remember to dial "911" should you require emergency police or medical service.

Should you become the victim of a crime in a park or anywhere , remember the following:

Remain as calm as possible. Don't make any quick or sudden movements. Many times the criminal is as nervous as you are.

Don't be a hero. No amount of money or property is worth your life.

Be observant. Try to remember as much as possible about the criminal: sex, age, race, clothing, height, weight, etc..

Call the police via "911" immediately after the incident. Follow the instructions of the "911" operator and provide all the necessary information.

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