Michelle,

I am a single female. I work in the downtown area and take public transportaion. I will also be living alone next month. I read and hear about a lot of crime in the Sacramento area. Sometimes I don’t feel safe. I saw a web-site that sells defense items such as pepper spray, stun guns, knives, Kubatons etc. What is legal to carry on the streets of Sacramento? Do you have any suggestions for a petite female at home and on the streets? Thank you. P.S. I will be on the first floor in an apartment. Alarms and a dog isn’t an option.

Thankyou, Gayle

Dear Gayle,

Understanding the way females are socialized is the first step. Because women are often taught to be polite at an early age, this carries over into adulthood with behavior that can jeopardize personal safety. For example, females are sometimes reluctant to question service or sales people about their identification for fear that they may be perceived as being rude. When someone comes to your door that you don’t know, who you are not expecting, and you are alone, speak to them through the door, or a window. Ask for an identification badge. It’s okay to be cautious and authoritative when you are questioning someone you don’t know. Never give anyone the impression that you are home alone.

In your home, keep entrances well-lit. If the area is not well-lit, approach with caution. When coming home, if you think someone has entered your home, don’t enter. Call the police and go to a neighbor’s house. Keep your windows and doors locked when you’re home or away. If you open a window, be in eyeshot of it. Close it before you go to bed. Know your neighbors, watch out for each other, and exchange phone numbers.

When approaching your automobile, have your keys ready in your hand. Look around the inside of your car before getting in. Lock your doors as soon as you enter. At night, park in well-lighted areas or under a street light and always check out your surroundings. If someone looks like they don’t belong there, drive off. Have a cellular telephone with you. If you think someone is following you, drive to your nearest police station (It’s always good to know where they are located), or open business.

Just because you are petite, you can still pack a punch (so to speak). Walk tall and stay aware of what is going on around you. In an attack, deciding to fight or comply with an attacker is a personal choice depending on if the assailant has a weapon, if you are in a public place, and on your personal capabilities. If you are in a public place, draw attention to yourself by yelling or screaming. Attackers don’t want the attention. As for carrying a weapon, pepper spray is legal. I can’t tell you to carry a weapon like a knife or stun gun based on liability purposes. I can tell you that it’s always wise to do what you need to do to protect yourself.  Thankyou for your post.

Officer Michelle