Articles Posted in Public Service Announcement

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University of Georgia police are investigating reports of a July 13 attempted kidnapping on campus, according to 11 Alive News. The 22-year-old victim was apparently “walking past the triangle parking lot near Thomas and Broad Streets on campus when a the suspect allegedly jumped out of the bushes and grabbed her from behind.” The AJC reports, the woman saw “a dark-colored car with an open door and a driver nearby.” Thankfully, she was able to fight off her attacker and escape.

The harrowing July 13 incident reminds students and staff to stay alert and practice personal safety measures on campus. The UGA Police Department provides campus safety tips:

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A staggering number of violent crimes are plaguing fast food restaurants across the country. It’s time owners and managers make the safety and security of staff and customers their first priority.

In February 2018, WSBTV 2 reported, Juan Rosas was shot and critically injured in the drive through of a Duluth McDonald’s.

In July 2018, Lavonda Finklea, a mother-of-three, was tragically shot and killed while parked outside an Atlanta Burger King, per WSB-TV 2 reports.

A recent Inside Edition report warns, “[s]ome fast food restaurants look more like battlegrounds than a place to grab a quick bite.” Sgt. Eric Rogers of the Los Angeles Police Department spoke with Inside Edition to address the growing number of assaults on fast food workers and patrons:

“I think first and foremost, just the hours they keep,” he said. “Particularly the ones that stay open 24 hours.” 

[Sgt. Eric Rogers] also said late night drinking plays a role in the violence. Cops say there are some special tactics that have helped reduce the violence, like at a local Jack in the Box.

“For the first three months of 2017, we had 44 calls at that establishment,” Rogers said.

When Jack in the Box agreed to close the indoor dining area after midnight during the week and only keep the drive-thru open, calls for police service dropped to only three in the next three months.

Victims of Georgia Fast Food Restaurant Violence: Know Your Rights

Restaurant patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, Georgia property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a restaurant owner have knowledge of prior crime on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement reasonable security precautions to protect patrons from future crime. Security measures may include: bright parking lot lighting, drive-through-only late-night hours, a visible security guard or off-duty police officer, visible sight lines, and surveillance cameras. Should a restaurant owner fail in this critical duty, they may be held civilly liable for any assaults, injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

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(Valdosta Daily Times)

A 5-year-old boy tragically drowned during a pool party at the Quality Inn Sunday evening, July 1, 2018. Police told the Valdosta Daily Times a local family was staying at the “Quality Inn…on West Hill Avenue” for a birthday party. The young boy was discovered  “unresponsive…near the bottom of the pool.” Sadly, emergency responders were unable to revive him.

The heart-breaking loss serves as a grave reminder to Georgia hotel owners and managers to provide a safe and secure pool area, particularly for their youngest guests.

Hotel Water Safety Questions:

  • Is the swimming pool area completely enclosed? If so, is all fencing at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates? Are there any gaps in the fencing
  • Is a certified life-guard on duty? Has property staff been trained in CPR, first aid and emergency response?
  • Are all pool filters and drains up to date with pressure-venting mechanisms designed to reduce risk of entrapment?
  • Are pool rules and occupancy limits clearly posted? How does property management monitor and enforce these pool rules?
  • Are waters treated and tested daily in accordance with health codes?

Victims of Hotel Swimming Pool Safety Negligence: Know Your Rights

By law, Georgia hotel owners are required to protect all guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should they fail in this critical responsibility, the property owner may be held civilly liable for any injuries or deaths which occur as a consequence.

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