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For my first post, I offer these gems from my profession (with the caveat that I cannot, of course, reveal my employer):
1. Always be aware where you are. No one can help you if you cannot help yourself, and cannot articulate or communicate where you are or what is happening.
2. Stay calm and carry on. Don't Panic - you are only hurting yourself if you lose it.
3. Never talk to the police. A prosecutor can get a conviction on some of the most benign things you might say, even if you are innocent. Don't lie, don't tell the truth - just plead the 5th.
4. Be polite always - especially to law enforcement. (Refer back to 2 and 3.) Stay calm, don't use abusive language or sarcasm, don't make sudden movements.
5. Don't get drunk or high if you are going to be where there might be trouble. Don't make telephone calls when drunk. Don't try to make reports when drunk. Especially - Don't Drive Drunk. Drink when and where it is safe, and sober up before you have to do anything serious.
6. Keep your receipts. Document, document, document. Always have a lawyer (and ask for him.)
7. Take responsibility for yourself. No one else can look out for you all of the time. It's your country - get involved.
8. Call the right agency, follow directions. You aren't going to magically get instant help or your demands met if you consistently ask the wrong people - even if you threaten them or drop names (you will get on their shit list). Brush up on your civics, be aware of jurisdictions and how the various levels of government work - become familiar with whom does what.
9. Don't posture. No one cares how 'big' a man you think you are, or how 'bad' a woman. You aren't on the silver screen, and nobody is watching that matters. (You aren't going to get an Oscar - but you might get tasered.) The best place to be when there is trouble, is far away. Best to use one's feet before one's mouth or fist.
10. Choose your friends carefully. They'll get you into some right proper shit if you don't. You become like whomever you hang around with.
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