EPISODE 44: CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY TIPS FOR MIDLIFE WOMEN

EPISODE SUMMARY:

Are you aware of your surrounding when walking alone? Do you have an escape plan in case someone breaks into your home? Our safety is a priority no matter our age. Whether you’re dealing with leaving a toxic relationship, college preparation for children, or even just walking home from work, it’s vital that we know safety and security measures to ensure our protection in potentially dangerous situations. From a young age, Rania Mankarious knew that protecting others would be a passion of hers, and now, as the CEO of Crime Stoppers in Houston, she and her team are doing just that. As the top non-profit public safety organization, Crime Stoppers is dedicated to solving crimes, finding justice, and helping those in need. With the current state of the world and increasing crime rates, we decided to turn to an expert for guidance on how to stay safe and be prepared during what seems to be such a hectic time in society. In today’s episode, Rania discusses with us proactive steps to be safe, preventative measures for security, how Crime Stoppers is helping communities stay safe, and how to be safer in midlife.

Rania Mankarious

When Rania Mankarious chose to take an internship at Crime Stoppers in Houston in 2006, she had no idea of the impact both she and the organization would have on the community. Starting as an intern with a background in law and a master’s degree, Rania quickly made her mark, becoming the Director of Marketing by 2008 and later becoming Executive Director in 2013. By 2018, Rania was named the organization’s first CEO, and since then, has worked tirelessly stop crime and protect the citizens of Houston. She created the first ever “Crime Stoppers Safe School Institute”, a full suite, direct service program designed to be the hub for all things related to school safety. The program became so successful that Texas governor Greg Abbott asked for all Crime Stoppers organizations in the state of Texas to be trained in school safety. In 2019, Rania created Crime Stoppers’ first webinar series that included local, statewide and nationwide experts, and she also built the first-ever Crime Stoppers headquarters in the world. To this day, Rania continues to work hard with Crime Stoppers to stop crime and educate the public on safety measures and how to protect yourself from dangerous situations.

Crime Stoppers of Houston

Houston’s top non-profit dedicated to public safety since 1980
Programs
- Tip Line Program
  - A Tip Line for reporting crimes and/or mysterious activity
  - How it Works
    - Crime Stoppers will never ask for your name, address, phone number, or any personal information
    - Phone calls and caller ID are not recorded
    - Crime Stoppers can only identify you through a code number you are given at the end of the phone call
      - If you call back with your code number, Crime Stoppers can let you know if your tip was helpful and if you can receive a cash reward
    - Crime stoppers cannot call you with status updates
    - Crime Stoppers pay cash rewards up to $5,000 on felony crimes that happen in the Greater Houston/Harris County area
      - Only requirement is that your tip must be reported directly to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line
- Safe School Institute
  - Student presentations
    - Tip Line
    - Animal Safety
    - Be Nice (mental health)
    - Cyber Safety/Cyberbullying
    - Human Trafficking
    - Prom Safety
    - Substance Use Prevention
    - Teen Dating and Sexual Misconduct
  - Parent presentations
    - Be Nice (mental health)
    - Human Trafficking
    - Parents’ Guide to Cyber Safety
    - Substance Use Prevention
    - Teen Dating and Sexual Misconduct
  - School Staff Training
    - Be Nice (mental health)
    - Bullying Prevention
    - Educators’ Guide to Cyber Safety
    - Human Trafficking
    - Reporting Disclosed and Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect
    - Teen Dating Safety/Violence and Sexual Misconduct
- Safe Community Program
  - Offers a menu of services for citizens to help crime across communities
  - Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce
    - A city-wide Anti-Animal Cruelty Partner Council where animal cruelty cases can be reported, and animals can be removed from abusive homes
  - Community-Based Counter-Terrorism Program
    - Focuses on educating the community about terrorism, and encouraging citizens to report terroristic threats anonymously to the Crime Stoppers of Houston
- Fallen Hero Project
  - Provides protections for peace officers and firefighters to ensure their safety as they serve the people of Houston
- Victim Services and Advocacy Program
  - Mission
    - Act as an advocate on all stages of victimization
    - Ensure crime victims and survivors have a voice in the criminal justice system
    - Empower crime victims and survivors to assist in rebuilding their lives
    - Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, probation and parole departments, juvenile justice systems and social services in assisting all victims of crime
    - Accompany victims and survivors to Court and Parole Board hearings
    - Help guide victims and survivors through media inquired and engagements and refer them to local, state-wide and nationwide assistance organizations
    - Fight for victims’ rights and public safety
    - Educate the community
- Community Partnerships and Collaborations
  - Crime Stoppers has partnered with numerous organizations across the community to education and awareness events to help educate citizens