The news is full of cell phone videos of altercations, often extremely violent, taken by bystanders. What should you do if you witness an altercation? Unless a innocent person is in serious danger and you are capable of taking a calculated risk to help, your best option is more than likely to leave the area and call 911. Hanging around an altercation exposes you to a lot of risk, risk that could cost you your life. I will share two experiences to illustrate why hanging around trouble is never a good idea.

The nation has been riveted by the disappearance of Mollie Tibbetts, a college student from Iowa who mysteriously disappeared while jogging in a small, rural community. Cristhian Bahena Rivera, age 24, has been arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection with the case. Although it’s very early to determine what exactly happened, information is starting to trickle in via media reports. Were attack indicators present that could have been processed and acted upon to alter the outcome of this tragedy? Most likely, yes.

Recent events, in particular active killers murdering school children, have once again started the discussion of “how others can protect us.” We cannot control the action of others or depend on anyone to be there for us and our loved ones when we need them most.

When bad people decide to do bad things to good people, they interview them first. This is an interview you want to make sure you fail. Criminals are opportunistic. They adapt and act on a moment’s notice when an easy target presents itself. Criminals will “interview,” or run potential victims through a checklist to determine if they are easy prey. Here are some common things an aggressor will look for when deciding to take action.

Calling for help seems like it would be one of the most basic, natural things one could do. You scream bloody murder and the cavalry comes running to your rescue, right? The truth of the matter is, there’s a good chance no one will hear you, and if they do, they won’t help you. Most people will not want to intervene in a violent situation, or may simply assume someone else will help.

Socializing in the presence of others is unavoidable. We all go out to eat, gather to watch sports, and meet friends on the town. All of these situations put us around people we know nothing about. This becomes extremely dangerous when a conflict arises, regardless of whether or not you are directly involved. When someone gets unruly and is asked to leave an establishment, what follows can be extremely dangerous and often times is. As a general rule, if someone gets asked to leave an establishment you are in, you should leave as well.