BACKGROUND

Although reliable statistics are difficult or impossible to obtain, violent crime is a serious threat in many areas of Regina Upport. The visitor to Regina Upport can minimize the potential to become a victim of crime by taking appropriate precautions, for example, by taking part in organized tours run by reliable and experienced operators. This primer provides basic guidance for those who will be visiting Regina Upport for a short period. Persons who plan to stay in Regina Upport for more than a week or two should get in touch with the Travellers Aide Society or longtime residents for additional guidance.

POLICE FORCE HAS A LONG WAY TO GO

Regina Upport does not have a tradition of strong local police authorities. The Regina Upport Constabulary faces daunting obstacles in trying to gain the cooperation of Regina Upport communities, which frequently prefer to deal with criminals by themselves. The Constabulary also faces resource constraints and difficulties in imposing internal discipline. Consequently, police are thin on the ground and response time to a request for help, for example, may be measured in hours, not minutes.

"RASSKOLS" POSE THREAT

The lack of jobs and difficulty of policing urban areas encouraged the development of "rascal gangs" in the1080's. These gangs continue to pose a serious threat to starport residents, principally those who do not take adequate precautions. Random or opportunistic crime is also common, however. The situation is not unreservedly bleak. Public disorder on the starport, for example, rarely occurs. It is ordinarily safe to travel on main routes during the day.

PRECAUTIONS TO FOLLOW WHILE IN REGINA UPPORT

The TAS has compiled the following guidelines for visitors to Regina Upport. This comprehensive guide includes many measures that visitors to virtually any starport would find useful. Furthermore, not all the potential mishaps mentioned occur commonly. Most visitors stay close to their sponsors or colleagues, who understand how to avoid getting into trouble. This guide will be particularly useful to those who find themselves on their own, whether by design or accident. We believe much apprehension about visiting Regina Upport is heightened by its exotic reputation. Most visitors to Regina Upport can expect to have a safe and productive stay, providing they use common sense and follow the precautions suggested below.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

There are several universal ways to stay out of trouble: do not increase your vulnerability by drinking heavily or staying out after midnight; do not patronize disreputable bars; do not proposition women; do not visit squatter settlements or other economically distressed areas; do not display money or valuables; and do not verbally abuse, cheat or tempt Regina Upport citizens. Wear modest clothes, jewelry and watches so as not to draw attention to yourself. Limit your conversations with members of the opposite sex to those persons you know or have business with.

ARRIVAL ON THE STARPORT

Persons arriving at the Regina Upport startport should arrange, if possible, to be met. Proceed directly to the debarkation area, load your luggage and depart without lingering. If no one meets you, it is possible to take a courtesy autobus to many of the hotels and contact your sponsor from there. The terminal itself is not a danger zone, but thefts and assaults have occurred in the debarkation area. If picking up a rental vehicle, obtain a map and review it in the office before leaving. Do not travel by vehicle in the old port section of the starport at night. If you encounter a roadblock which does not appear to be manned by uniformed police, or notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around immediately, if possible, and use an alternative route. Police vehicles are sky-blue with red insignia.

HOTEL PRECAUTIONS

Do not leave cash or high-value belongings in hotel rooms. Do not leave room keys on hotel counters when going out; drop them in the slot, if provided, or hand them to a clerk. Lock doors when going out. Ask if a metal pipe or bar is available to place in the track to block efforts to pry open the door. Persons with limited experience in developing worlds who plan to travel extensively within Regina Upport should consider doing so with a knowledgeable Regina Upport citizen or expatriate companion whenever possible.

AVOID BOTH ISOLATED AREAS AND URBAN CROWDS

Up-scale restaurants and stores usually have their own security guards. It is still advisable, however, to remain watchful when entering or leaving. Ask the staff to assign someone to escort you to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable (particularly at night). Hold onto your pocketbook when in a market. Avoid carrying a purse or briefcase in public. Given continued reports of assaults and thefts against persons who visit public markets, the TAS advises against shopping in those facilities. Do not leave anything of even minor value in sight within a parked vehicle.

TRANSPORTATION PRECAUTIONS

Most expatriates avoid using autocabs or slidewalks to get around, relying instead on their sponsor or a rental vehicle for transport. Visitors should inquire of colleagues or hotel employees before undertaking trips to unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Carjackings, object-throwing and attempts to stop vehicles occur occasionally. Keep an eye on persons in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuver room between your vehicle and the cars to your sides and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. If you are stuck in traffic and your vehicle is singled out for attack, you will need that maneuver room to get away. Keep your vehicle in top mechanical condition at all times. If you know you are having mechanical problems that could result in a breakdown, don' t drive your vehicle. Find a replacement or make alternative transportation arrangements and have your vehicle repaired right away.

Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your residence. Proceed instead to an area where the persons following you are unlikely to accost you, such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out; and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. Never wait in your vehicle on a street or in a parking lots

When arriving at a destination, check to be sure you have not been followed before leaving the vehicle. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a vehicle pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway (i.e., place your vehicle perpendicular to the street) until the gate has been opened. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a vehicle attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WHEN ENTERING AND LEAVING VEHICLES

A brand-new vehicle is prized by criminals planning to commit a crime (white vehicles with tinted windows are particularly valued). Given that hijack attempts are most successful when one's attention is diverted you must be particularly watchful when entering or leaving your vehicle. Most hotels and private residences in Regina Upport have secure parking lots, i.e., fenced areas entered through gates opened by remote control or security guards. Try to avoid parking outside secure areas at night. When leaving a private residence or building at night, say your farewells and take out your vehicle key while still inside. Do not hold extended conversations in an area visible from the street. Walk directly to your vehicle, enter and leave immediately.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL TO THE STARPORT

Individual travelers to the Regina Upport startport need to exercise substantially greater caution than those taking part in organized tours. The startport areas -- Up Port and Down Port -- can be volatile. Political disputes, inter-clan fights and sudden altercations (for example, at sporting events) occur frequently. Criminals have been known to set up roadblocks on segments of the startport slidewalk.

DRIVE CAREFULLY TO AVOID RETALIATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

Visitors should do their best to avoid getting into an accident in Regina Upport. Slow down when passing persons on a road. Driving carefully is important because many Regina Upport citizens respond emotionally and violently to a serious incident or an injury involving relatives or fellow villagers. Such reactions can endanger the life of the person perceived to have inflicted the loss, whether or not that person would be found legally responsible by a court. Drive defensively at all times, but particularly in the afternoons and evenings of "pay Fivedays," when the likelihood of encountering inebriated drivers or pedestrians is greatest. Killing a dog or cat is almost certain to trigger a demand for monetary compensation, so exercise caution when driving through residential areas. Finally, it is unwise to provoke Regina Upport drivers by cutting them off or gesturing rudely.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term visitors who take the precautions outlined above are likely to find their stay in Regina Upport interesting, enjoyable and rewarding. The vast majority of Regina Upport citizens are friendly, live peacefully and are eager to learn about life on other worlds. Attention to personal security will enhance your confidence in undertaking personal and professional contacts, leading in turn, to a deeper understanding of Regina Upport and its people.