A Review of Predators: Who They Are and How to Stop Them

Predators is a unique contribution because it discusses specific strategies to reduce the likelihood of victimization. This book is a collection of strategies gleaned from the authors’ experience as law enforcement officers; therefore, it is a qualitative book based on case experience and technique. The authors explore various types of crime, giving a synopsis of the characteristics common to each type of criminal and how to stop the specified perpetrator. It does this by exploring victimology from a perpetrator’s perspective. The authors argue that by understanding the criminal thought process one can circumvent victimization. By being aware of potential vulnerabilities, one can maximize self-protective measures. This book is particularly useful because it offers practical and logical strategies to increase safety. Most of the criminals interviewed for this book suggest that they are actively trying to minimize the risk of being apprehended. As a result, the authors suggest that potential victims should yell for help and make a scene. By alerting others, the predator may have a significant likelihood of being apprehended and held accountable for the crime. Other suggestions the authors make include varying an individual’s daily routine. This prevents a predator from becoming familiar with one’s schedule, taking away the opportunity to attack a potentially vulnerable target (i.e., when he or she is home alone). Another useful strategy particularly relevant to parents and children was to incorporate role playing into safety planning. Through role playing, children have the opportunity to practice safety strategies. Most children know that they are supposed to yell loudly, run away, or tell a trusted adult. However, if a situation manifests, these techniques may feel foreign or uncomfortable to the child. Role playing allows them the opportunity to practice and become familiar with specific preventative strategies. By familiarizing children with these new strategies, it may arm them with more appropriate measures of how to ward off perceived dangerous individuals and situations.