Ladies (and Gents, too), I urge you, while the news of Alexis is fresh, to make a commitment in your area to network with your sister Providers in the way that we have successfully done here in San Diego.
We recognized a great need to meet and discuss simple things such as computer issues, to more serious topics. We knew that we’d just talk about it ‘someday’ unless we made a commitment and set a DATE, and a time, and planned an agenda. The location and directions were not disclosed for security reasons until the last minute but we planned a Pot Luck, had wine and champagne and called a meeting. Allow for some social BS-ing time, especially if it’s the first time you’re actually seeing each other in person, and then have an organized meeting to discuss the List.
I urge you ladies to have Security measures in place and that you use them, and do not defer from them. First time appointments, I call in to my elected Security person for that night. We have several check-points for call-ins on a first time appointment. This is one thing that is an absolute must, and can really save you! First time date or not, a designated person ALWAYS knows where I am, and whom I’m with, and when I should return.
As a single woman for many years now, and one who’s worked two and three jobs around the clock, I’ve been exposed to some pretty bizarre things. I’ve been robbed, assaulted, and have had to deal with customers on PCP, etc. So, I invented little security measures that my family members knew of, so that in the event that something happened to me,  they knew where to ‘look’ to assist the police for clues that might help. For example, when I had a land phone with answering machine, I would call myself, leave a message that said something like: It’s 2 am , Tuesday night, and I just finished my shift at ________, and am going to stop at the Albertson’s on Balboa for some items, and then I am going to get some gas at the Chevron station on the corner of Balboa and Convoy and then I am going STRAIGHT home. This way, if I was last seen at work, they would be able to check my answering machine for clues. Most cell phones have the Memo, and can be used the same way. This is just a simple idea, and I’m sure there are so many, and much better ones. I’m saying these things to get you to think and to get you to do things to protect yourself and most importantly, for it to become absolute habit.
But, you must network with the ladies and share ideas. We had one man at our meeting, and I would advise you to invite your most trusted Hobbyists to attend. Not only is it wonderful to have the ideas that the men can contribute, but they are so great in helping with computer-related solutions; and they are often husbands and father’s wanting the safety of their family members. Assign someone to take charge and plan the meetings and hold them as often as you deem necessary. Take advantage of certain websites I can’t mention here, but you can always PM me or email me at [email protected]

In the memory of Alexis of Las Vegas and Tiffany of New York and many others, make that commitment now – to do the hobby smarter and safer.

God Bless,

Sedona

Just tossing this into the hopper to be considered along with other suggestions.

Some kind of "buddy system" could help.  Providers could pair up and share their schedules, the personal information they've gathered about client's they'll be seeing, etc.  Of course each would later dispose of this information in a timely manner, just as she does of her own.

I can see that there will be practical difficulties implementing this idea, but I also see two advantages:
i) Sensitive client information is known by one and only one additional person.
ii) If it becomes widely known that such a system is in place it can help prevent more tragedies.  Someone might think twice if he knew that his home phone, address, etc. and who he was supposed to be seeing where and when would be available to the police.

Gotta add this.  Most homicides involve people who know each other; "friends", "lovers", family members.  It's very possible that was the case this time.

you need measures to PREVENT things like this from happening. not ways to track down clues after the fact.

Actually, there are many beautiful, workable, proven things we do to operate professionally, efficiently and safely, without revealing private, client information.
1) Call ins to Security are absolutely essential
2) A Plan worked out ahead of time with someone in the business or a trusted person that knows where she keeps her schedule, if something goes wrong
3) Code words to implement a certain course of action

Etc. etc. There are so many..But the point is - take action and be sure to get something going right now and don't wait. If you want to talk with those who have worked some good ideas, feel free to make contact. If you'd like resources, please contact.
I don't care what you choose, but if you don't have something going - get there!
I have more than one designated person. One designated person has the key to my place, and a plan A, B, and C to follow. One word from me and this person takes the action. I have another person in place to take another course of action.
Client information is protected unless I'm harmed or missing.
I could've used an alias with this..but it matters to me. You matter to me.
Your last sentence is all too frighteningly true. I know from personal experience.

tight hugs,
Sedona

-- Modified on 7/8/2003 1:14:23 AM

talk about measures,our justice system can not stop violent crimes from happening. Too many restrictions for Law Enforcement to convict a murderer and the penalties are too lenient.
Why China has a population 6 times to ours but violent crime rate is 1/10 of ours? Because murderers get shot in the head in public 1 week after conviction, and the cost of bullet is billed to the motherf@#!er¡¯s family. So before people do something bad, they will picture the feeling of a bullet going through their brain first.
I think that's the thing we should import from China instead of cheap toys all the time.

Your correct bertie, and i would agree with you completely. Unfortunately, it seems almost impossible to be able to prevent this sort of thing from ever happening again, no matter how much we hope it doesn't.

  Even the best of screening can't tell you with certainty who a person is on the inside and what is going on in his head. In the best case senario i would think that it can only serve to verify that he is who he says he is as far as identity goes(ie: yes, works at so & so place, has seen such & such provider).

  I have seen one provider that did no formal screening at all. She talked to you on the phone and followed her "gut" feeling. While i wouldn't recommend it, it has worked for her. But i think she has just been fortunate so far, and even she makes sure someone knows where she is, when she should be back in case something happens.

  I think Sedona makes some excellent suggestions about networking with others to have a plan of action, even if it is partially in hindsight that the actions will be taken.
 
  In light of the recent events that have been discussed here, i would like to say one final thing.....Gentlemen, PLEASE do not be taken aback or offended by the information many ladys request for screening purposes!! While having no SO puts me in a much freer position then many to give out information about myself, in the grand scheme of things it really is a minimal request. I have read more then one thread in the past on this board as well as others were we seem to become complacent and start to complain about the amount of information a lady wants from us for screening. It is their safety, and ours, above all, that we should be concerned with. If alittle private information is what it takes to give a lady that security when she sees you, then it's worth it. And it will show in the comfort and pleasure of your date, paying you dividends many times over.

 My condolenses go out to those on this board that knew these ladys and their familys, friends. While i knew neither, these were sad and useless acts.

-- Modified on 7/8/2003 8:03:49 AM

-- Modified on 7/8/2003 8:05:34 AM

That is why I suggest that whatever system is adopted, it should be widely known that there is a system in place.  If some thug or loony knows it will be easy to track him down after the fact, he may just drop the idea before the fact.

Anybody remember the scene in "Dr. Strangelove" where Strangelove tells the Russian ambassador that the only point to having a doomsday machine is if everyone knows it's there?

I have met a few providers here in Mass who have another person who knows exactly where they are at all times.  This is a great thing for all providers to do.

Another provider actually has a couple of friends that will drive with her to all new outcalls and stay in the car during the first meeting.  At first I asked about the time, but she said that having her friend in the car makes her feel alot safer.  After the first meeting, then she comes alone since she knows you..

A good deterent is to simply call a friend when you arrive on your cell phone in front of the customer, and tell them something like "I have arrived at xxx's house and will be here for an hour"  This could simply be an answering machine of course, but the person will never know.

The safety of all people is the most important thing in my mind, and anything to improve that is a great idea.

giving out some info when meeting a provider.  Like this

Name
Phone number
Address
Date of birth

Not a problem, but when they want

Work phone number
Work address
Driver's license number
Social security number

That IMO is a little too much info to be requesting.

If you don't give your Employer, then guess what your 'default' employer becomes assumed: DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT.

Goal: prove who you are; prove who you AREN'T..

If we put people in stocks, did public hangings, etc. the crime rate would go down..

and work two or three together. i don't know how feasable this is to them but, it's their life after all.

how about this,,,,,,have a male phone-person.
i avoid screens because i care NOT to give out personnal info. thus, i stay away from those providers....that's business lost to them. a male answer-person would give a layer of protection, a sense of security for the gal, and any malevolent perpetrator would think twice and maybe avoid such a place.

most crimes like that are spur of the moment. if they're planned, the criminal thinks he'll get away, so i don't believe he thinks about getting caught.

Why should I give my employers name, what does that prove...nothing.  Cops can lie to make a bust, you think they don't cover each others back?  Will you show me your drivers license or give me your home address....or even tell me your birth name?  No you won't...so why do you need my employers name?  So you can call to get a job reference???  Do you see my point..

I understand you ladies need to be careful and to stay safe, but when does enough info become enough??  Most of the guys need to be safe as well.

In fact, most violent crimes like armed robbery,  drive-by shooting, rip and murder are NOT spur of the moment, the deed often being carry out with well thought after plans.  And more than half of those criminals are repeat offenders. Also why do you think street gangs like to recruit minors to do the shooting? Because they know they can get away with it.

Yes this is what should be done. In addition when seeing a first time customer I often call a friend and let them know when I have arrived at the location and that I will be calling them to check in shortly. When the client answers the door I am often on my phone and let him hear me say "I will be calling you in  afew minutes to check in" I only see new clients in hotels that iam not able to identify prior by reference, web research, and some other ways that shall not be posted in this forum, who are at a hotel that requires Identification and corresponding credit card information.
Also there are many clients from out of town visiting my area that are attending conferences and conventions. They are on record all over the place and can be tracked easily. I stick to them and forego those who cannot be accounted for.

The main thing is to let them know someone is looking out for you and should they hurt you they will get caught. It won't keep you from seeing the guys that are just plain ole' nuts or a regular of yours that flips, but you will be no more indanger than any other female in other professions and safer than most.

In regards to employer information I can say this...there are numerous ways to ascertain a clients field of employment to verify that he is not employed in a BAD field without calling his employer or even verifying the name of his company. This works best if you hobbyist think of information that is available about you that can certify your field and suggest them to the provider. I have found that all sorts of doctors, lawyers, educators, and many others have resources online for their licensing info, published works and a number of other items unique to their fields.
If you are booking with an internet savvy search engine freak then she will most likely be able to find all this out on her own and them some.,....

get a male phone-person....when the client rings the door bell, provider waits, then provider asks(through the door) "turn around slowly please". this means nothing, of course, but the client will think he's being scoped. wait a brief time, like 30 seconds, then open the door.

relatively cheap overhead....only pay for an answer man....potential intruder might back off at the possibility he's been "tagged".

however, considering the danger, they should make every effort to work in threes. safety in numbers

if a provider asked me for this, i would be very suspicious. only an identity thief or other such criminal would ask for your SSN. all the "records" they claim they need to verify can be checked without your SSN

but despite all this, it's a sad day indeed.

RIP