Gregg Dunn, managing director of security for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, taught students how to effectively manage security risks by themselves last week.

"We can manage risks wherever we are in the world, but it is important that we understand them and are aware of them," Dunn said.

Dunn spoke in a Global Focus Series lecture for the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies.

Speaking on the danger and crime in areas of the world such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Russia, Dunn said it's necessary for people to be familiar with the customs, history and culture of the country they are visiting.

"For example, people are not aware of the many dangerous terrorists groups in South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Russia and other countries," Dunn said. "These terrorists groups are just as evil and wicked as Al-Qaida and can cause significant harm to tourists visiting that country."

Dunn said the five most murderous countries in the world per 100,000 people rank in order from Colombia, South Africa, the United States, Canada and Russia.

"In sub-Saharan Africa, crime is dramatically increasing and just this past year, there were over 3,000 police officers killed," Dunn said. "With the exception of South Africa, there never has been a change in governmental leaders of these countries where blood wasn't shed and violence didn't occur."

Dunn said radical Islamic terrorists groups such as Al-Qaida, target rich locations such as hotels, government buildings and tourist attractions. He also said members of the LDS church can be safe while touring these locations but they ought to be aware of possible dangers.

"Criminals look for targets," Dunn said. "If you make yourself an unattractive target, your criminal will find another target."

Dunn also said he believes the risk of being hurt as members of the church only presents itself if someone's at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"We must keep risks in perspective," Dunn said. "The world is a risky place, but we can travel and work overseas if we avoid being a victim."

He said the key to traveling safely overseas is preparation.

"It's a good idea to have an extra copy of your passport, visa, plane tickets, and extra photos in a safe place in case you lose them on your trip," Dunn said. "Also, carry only a modest amount of cash and two credit cards just in case you lose one."

He said by avoiding late arrivals, traveling light and carrying a small wallet in your front pocket, travelers can reduce the risk of being a target of criminal activity dramatically.

"If a criminal decides to rob you at gunpoint or threatens you for an item, remember that there is nothing you have in your possession that is more important than your own life," Dunn said.

He said the biggest risks when traveling overseas are generally health-related.

"If you take into account and practice these basic principles of managing risks, your chances of entering a life-threatening situation will be extremely low," Dunn said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 8 Nov 2004