Q&A for How to Be Street Smart

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Is being street smart a skill?

Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.

Saul Jaeger, MS

Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department

Expert Answer

I'd say it's more of a practice, really. It doesn't take talent to be street smart. So long as you're making smart decisions, staying vigilant, and not making yourself a target for crime, you can be street smart.

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Question

What should I do if I think I'm in danger but I can't call 911?

Saul Jaeger, MS
Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department (MVPD). Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic unit’s sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center (dispatch) and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018.

Saul Jaeger, MS

Police Captain, Mountain View Police Department

Expert Answer

Leave whatever situation you're in as soon as possible if you can. Simply getting out of harm's way is a big part of staying safe. If you're sort of stuck wherever you are, text 911! You don't have to call them over the phone anymore, and you can communicate with emergency responders via text.

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Question

Why do some people look arrogant but have a friendly nature?

Community Answer

They probably don't want to have contact with others if they are putting up a front. Also, never judge a book by its cover.

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Question

How can I stop being shy and quiet?

Community Answer

Start by taking an interest in the people around you. Wonder how their day is going, where they come from, who they are, etc. Drop a few compliments, and if you pick up cues for a conversation, engage. Stand tall, walk confidently, be aware of other people's body language, keep up with the trends in music and clothing, and laugh more audibly and more often. You want to give off an outgoing and positive but relaxed vibe.

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Question

Should I be concerned when I go into a small grocery store?

Community Answer

No, you shouldn't. Just be aware of your surroundings and be smart.

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Question

How can women be safe and how can they defend themselves?

Community Answer

Women can be safer by walking in groups at night, carrying pepper spray and keeping their phone accessible, being mindful of their surroundings, and watching their drinks carefully at bars/clubs. They can also take self-defense or martial arts classes.

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Question

How can I learn road routes better and faster?

Community Answer

Use a GPS until you have the road routes memorized. Drive through the areas that you want to learn. Read through maps or other directions.

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Question

What if someone tries to fight me?

Community Answer

Check out the helpful tips in this article on how to win a street fight on wikiHow.

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What do I do if I see two people fighting and one of them pulls out a knife?

Community Answer

Don't get involved. Back away slowly and get to safety, then call the police and alert them to the situation.

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Question

What if I get attacked and no one is around?

Community Answer

Do your best to defend yourself. Try to hit the person in the nose or knee/kick them in the private parts. When they're distracted, run away and yell for help.

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Question

Should I be street smart if I live in a rough town with gunshots and yelling but no reports in my area?

Community Answer

Absolutely! Even if you didn't live in a rough town, it's always good to be prepared.

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Question

How do I stop being scared and quiet? And how do I know if I can trust the right people?

Community Answer

You can just stay calm, as you would in your own comfort of your home. It might be challenging to find other people to trust, just remember to use your phone in case of an accident. Best if you learn about the people around you, and you can come to talk to people just for a little bit, but don't get too involved!

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Question

Are muggers and people like that more likely to go after women than men, or vice versa?

Huda Al Safu

Community Answer

Men can also be targeted. Muggers, and other criminals will most likely go after someone who looks wealthy, lost, and unaware of their surroundings, regardless of gender.

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