After 35 years of service on the Norfolk Police Department fighting crime as a police officer, advancing through the ranks to become Norfolk’s Chief of Police, then on to a second career as an Assistant City Manager for Norfolk, Mike Goldsmith was more than entitled to retire and spend his days fishing, traveling, or enjoying a quiet life of leisure with friends and family. But that’s just not what he had in mind.
After retiring from an exciting and successful career of service, Goldsmith decided to put his special experiences, knowledge, and skills back to work and joined Secure Community Network as the local Regional Security Advisor. SCN is supported in Tidewater by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
SCN is a nationwide organization focused on providing online and personal security for Jewish communities using the latest methods, analysis, and technology available. It consults with local synagogues and Jewish organizations, and coordinates with local, state, and federal law enforcement to fight acts of antisemitism and terrorism. The organization’s role recently expanded to include protection of Christian houses of worship that have now also come under attack.
In February, Goldsmith was invited to attend the Suburban Acres Civic League in Norfolk to share several suggestions on safety and security. For online financial security, for example, Goldsmith spoke about how to avoid risks of having banking, credit card, and other financial information stolen online and by scam telephone callers, as well as the importance of being suspicious, prudent, and vigilant when making purchases or sharing personal financial information.
The audience was intensely interested in Goldsmith’s discussion about personal security. He urges use of the RUN-HIDE-FIGHT strategy. When a threat appears, try to run away from it as fast and far as possible – a proven method to greatly improve chances for survival and avoid injury. If there is no way to run, then find the best possible place to hide. And finally, if unable to hide, fight back – but only as a last resort.
When away from home, Goldsmith discussed the need to be alert to the surroundings, particularly when getting in and out of a vehicle, even locking all car doors at a gas station. At work, stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and other public places, observe and make a mental note of possible escape exits in the event of a fire or act of violence, he suggests. Make emergency exit plans with family and periodically review those plans. When something doesn’t look quite right, walk away . . . go to a safe place where there are other people . . . and remember that everyone has an alarm button on them – the car’s key fob.
For security at home, Goldsmith urges extensive use of outdoor lighting, plus lowering hedges that might be a hiding place for would-be burglars. The more lighting outside the home, the safer. Install deadbolt locks on doors that are designed to go well into the wall beyond the flimsy door frame. Check windows to securely lock them and maximize locking systems on French doors.
In this time of increasing antisemitism, acts of violence and crime, Goldsmith is ready to share his wealth of experience and knowledge and continue his mission of keeping the Tidewater community safe.