Michael Arterburn, a retired detective with 23 years of experience in domestic violence cases, is providing safety guidance to college students preparing for the upcoming academic year. His advice, shared across social media platforms where he has a significant following, aims to equip young adults with tools and strategies to protect themselves from potential violence, assault, or home invasions.
Arterburn, known online as Killer Bee Tactical, emphasized practical, accessible security measures. For those living in dorms or apartments, he recommends a simple yet effective deterrent for sliding glass doors: cutting a dowel rod to fit the track. "We're not trying to make [your home] Fort Knox. We're trying to make it so [intruders] have to make a lot of noise to get in," Arterburn stated, referencing the tragic murders of four University of Idaho students in November 2022 as a cautionary example.
He also suggested investing in door braces equipped with alarms, which can serve as both a security device and a stopper for sliding doors. For students on a tighter budget, Arterburn proposed a psychological tactic: placing a large pair of old, worn work boots outside the front door of a residence. This ruse is intended to create the impression that a large male is present, potentially deterring intruders who might be looking for an easier target. Arterburn noted that criminals often flee from loud noises, bright lights, and the perceived presence of a greater threat.
Further recommendations include home-defense pepper gel, which sprays up to 20 feet and uses non-lingering chemicals, and carbon dioxide-powered projectile launchers that are not classified as firearms. Other suggested items include door wedge alarms, driveway alerts, solar-powered outdoor motion lights, Faraday bags for protecting electronic devices and key fobs, travel-sized pepper gels, and personal alarms.
Arterburn's advice echoes sentiments shared by others, such as Jennifer Gomez, a former cat burglar, who has also offered public safety tips. Gomez stressed the importance of situational awareness, urging people to "keep your head on a swivel" and make direct eye contact with anyone who seems suspicious, rather than being distracted by phones or other belongings. "You are the first line of defense for your family when you are out in public," she stated, emphasizing constant vigilance.