Time for a 'Reality Check'
January 3, 2009
Hosted by Susan Bartelstone
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Episode Description
In the spirit of the new year and fresh starts, Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone interviews Larry Lawton, who was convicted of armed robbery in 1996 and spent 11 years in some of the toughest federal prisons in the country. While in prison, he was tortured and put into solitary confinement for months at a time for speaking up about prison abuse. But, he also worked as a gang mediator and counselor, became a paralegal and came out changed. He's since founded The Reality Check Program—a life-changing course for at-risk kids that shows them what prison life is really like—and has affected hundreds of troubled lives so far. His story is so inspiring that a movie is being made of his life. Also, stay tuned for tips on what to do if you view a crime in progress and how to help someone in trouble without putting yourself in danger.
Crime Prevention 101
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Welcome to Crime Prevention 101, the Personal Safety radio show with an optimistic perspective on a sober subject. Get set for personal safety stories that demand to be heard whether heartbreaking, infuriating or just plain weird; learn about hot crime topics and people who are making the headlines; and find out about the trends and legal developments that are going to impact your life, either positively or negatively, in the future. Most importantly, be empowered and inspired by success stories about people who've fought off an attacker or deterred a crime. You’ll also get a chance to address your own personal safety concerns, either by phone or e-mail. So, tune in to “Crime Prevention 101.” It'd be a crime not to listen!
Susan Bartelstone
Talking the talk because she's walked the walk! Years ago, Susan Bartelstone had a bad break-up with a guy, complete with physical and emotional bruises, and determined to learn how to protect herself. Today, she's a certified Crime Prevention Specialist and personal safety expert, with 17 years combined training in WWII Combatives, self defense and martial arts. Along the way, she deterred five extremely dangerous criminal encounters, fought her way out of a surprise attack and, for more than 18 years, from such organizations as American Express, the U.S. Post Office and the Livery Cab Owners Coalition of New York.. Author of Think Fast and Prevent a Violent Crime: How to Respond to Danger in 20 Seconds (or Less!), which is based on her own experiences, she’s been featured in a long and varied list of media, including the “Today Show,” “America’s Most Wanted” and Self Magazine.
Over the years, she’s helped thousands of people solve their personal safety dilemmas with her personal safety programs and her practical advice—which stresses the many opportunities you have to avoid or defuse a criminal encounter and how to use your brains instead of your muscles in a fight.