Safety-oriented behavior, as you know it from road traffic, applies to any movement in public spaces. Anticipatory behavior enables you to recognize dangers and avoid them at an early stage. Your awareness of potential dangers and the avoidance of dangerous situations in public spaces should not be seen as a restriction of your personal freedom, but rather as a gain for your safety.
You can improve your sense of safety and actual safety in public spaces with the following behavioral tips:
- If you encounter a person or group of people who seem threatening to you (e.g. drunk, rowdy people), it may be a better decision to avoid this person or group and take a longer route. If it is appropriate and seems safer to you, move to the edge of the crowd to reach your destination. Avoiding a perceived danger is never a sign of cowardice, but shows "common sense".
- If you are out and about, it can be helpful to form a group and look out for each other and support each other if necessary. If you find yourself in a threatening situation, focus your attention on yourself and your situation. By shouting phrases such as "Don't touch me!", "I'm being mugged!" or using "shrill alarms" or whistles, you can draw attention to yourself and create publicity.
- Actively ask uninvolved people, such as passers-by, for help. Address these people specifically with the exemplary words, "You with the blue jacket! I need help!". In this way, it is possible for others to recognize your emergency situation and request help from the police by calling 110.
- Try to continue on your chosen route or retreat to a safe area. Safe areas can include open stores, public transport, petrol stations or cabs. As soon as you feel safe again, call the police on 110.
- Even if you do not see a threat to you personally, but observe cross-border or threatening behavior by individuals or groups towards your fellow human beings, do not hesitate to call the police on "110"!
- In any case, file a criminal complaint with the police.
Notes on the possible use of defensive weapons
The police are critical of the use of so-called defensive weapons, for example defensive sprays. Any uncertainty in handling, any delay in the use of defensive weapons can have fatal consequences for you. The perpetrator may also be able to snatch the "defensive weapon" from you and then use it against you. The use of defensive sprays against people can also result in a criminal investigation if they are injured.
Note that for all weapons that are subject to the Weapons Act and may be "carried" in public under certain conditions, there is a ban on carrying them at public events in accordance with Section 42 of the Weapons Act. This is a criminal offense. You can obtain further information from your local police station (https://polizei.nrw/wachenfinder).