Crime & Federalism

Great tips here (via Cowen).  I would add: When in a cab, I always sit directly behind the driver.  If anything goes down, I am going to strangle him or gouge his eyes out.  (This is easy to do when behind a person.  Simply grab either side of his head, ensuring that each middle finger goes into his eye sockets.)

If you can't get behind the cab driver, I never let anyone sit behind me.  They can put a gun or knife to your back.  You're helpless. 

The other tips are worth reading, and include some I haven't even thought of.  

In terms of big city safety, I created a new one: When walking by shady looking guys, take out your cell phone.  Hold it out like you're going to take a picture.  If it looks like shit is about to go down: "I just took your picture and e-mailed it to my friends.  So if anything happens to me, they'll have your photograph."

Ultimately, though, the best advice is to be alert.  Amicus and I prevented some nit-wit from getting raped once because she was jabbering on her cell phone late at night, oblivious that two men were following her into a dark alley.  Fortunately criminals are afraid of dogs.  So we merely picked up the pace to get in between him.  This idiot chick didn't even know that now I was directly behind her, walking at a fast and aggressive pace.  I should have let her get victimized as a life lesson.

Which is another tip: Walk your dog.  Amicus is only 40 pounds and strikingly beautiful.  I say he looks as threatening as Brad Pitt.  Nonetheless, hooligans get out of the way.  Some have even said, "Daaaaym.  That dog bite, don't he."  I alway answer, "Yep.  He sure does."  I then pull him tightly on the leash, to emphasize his dangerous nature.