Lt. Edward C. O'Carroll of the Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department provided expert safety tips at a free public seminar at TASER International's Scotsdale headquarters.

The Aug. 14 seminar stressed proactive personal safety.

O'Carroll, an executive counselor with the Refuse To Be A Victim personal defense program, addressed safety topics such as precautions that should be taken if you're approached by a stranger in need of assistance; what you should do if your car has broken down after nightfall and you are unable to contact a tow; and the possible repercussions of leaving a spare key with a repairman.

Personnel performed demonstrations of TASER electronic control devices (ECDs) at the event. Seminar topics included "The Psychology of the Criminal, Home and Automobile Security," "Travel and Technological Security," and "Mental Preparedness and Self‑Defense Training Options, Personal Safety Devices, and Physical Security."

TASER International's Refuse To Be A Victim program helps citizens increase personal safety by encouraging the public to make the decision not to be a victim. The program teaches individuals to develop an overall personal safety strategy before any safety concerns arise.

The program has been adopted hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement officials across the country for use in their crime prevention and community policing initiatives.