Category Tutorials

Welcome to the first issues of Get You Gadget On. As you can tell by the title, this is a blog about Gadgets. I want to make this a running article addressing various aspects of RLSH gadgetry, software, tech, and toys. Hopefully this blog will serve as a repository of information where heroes can find answers to questions that vex them throughout their service as an active member of the community.
 
I also want to have other distinguished guests bring subjects to the blog. I don’t know everything about the gadget world (since so much of it is in flux) so I will defer to those who are more informed and experienced when the need arises. Indeed there are a great number of accomplished gadget builders in the community. I hope they will join me in passing along some knowledge.
 
Let’s get to it!
 

Separating Physics from Fiction

We all love comic book superheroes. Duh! They got all these cool toys! Spiderman has his web shooters. Cyclops has his eye blaster. Batman has the bat-a-rang, grappling gun, bat-mobile, bat plane, tons of stuff. Ironman IS a gadget. Man these guys got it all. But it’s what they don’t have that makes their gadgets the best. Laws of physics. Without these laws, a simple basement built chemical web shooter will allow you to swing between skyscrapers and stop run away locomotives. Sweet!

 
Of course we do have those laws. Take that comic heroes, we have all your laws of physics. Nah Nah Nyah! We get to deal with things like mass and gravity, heat and chemical reactions, velocity and stresses and.. And so many things it becomes very hard to build a good gadget. But that doesn’t stop us from trying. It doesn’t stop us from succeeding either. But it does make some things very, very impractical.
 

Grappling Gun

This is by far the most requested item that comes across my inbox. I have had at least 10 requests for a grappling gun in the past year. Every interview I have ever done included at least one question about grappling guns. What is it about this little beauty that makes people salivate like an over fed dog? Is it the fact that it gives you lateral movement? Is it the fact that it allows you to swoop out of the skyline and pummel the bad guy? Is it the fact that it allows you to make a quick get away when needed? Is it the fact that it will allow you to get above your city in order to get a better view of your patrol area? Is it the fact that they are damned sexy cool?
Answer: All of the above…
 
Accept that none of those are facts. They are all fiction. Comic lore that doesn’t actually function because of those laws of physics and stuff, I mentioned earlier.
So it can’t be built? Not precisely. It can be built. It has been built. This is the latest version.

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/batelle-grappling-hook-gun,news-9060.html
How’s that for sexy cool? Looks like pregnant airsoft rifle. Actually it kinda is a pregnant airsoft rifle. That is as close as we can get to a real grappling gun.
 
See that big barrel shaped thing on the front? That is where the 100ft of rope is stored. Guess what that does? It makes it front heavy. So it is hard to aim. It weighs close to 30 lbs. Carry that around on patrol for 3 hours. You won’t want to do it again, I’ll bet. Also it is air powered. So it takes a long time to reload. And it WON’T pull your weight up the side of a building automatically. You actually have to climb the rope! Holy rope burn Batman! This is turning into work!
 
Also there are liability issues. The hook and rope will almost definitely damage whatever you hook it to. That’s a lawsuit, maybe even jail time. If you do decide to climb the rope, you have to leave the gun on the ground, and then pull it up after you are on the roof. You know what will happen then? Some super-villain will take your gun while you are climbing the rope! Yep. As soon as you get 2 stories up that gun will belong to Malvado!
 
So that is pretty much it for Grappling Guns. It can be done but it is really a very, very impractical device to have along in the field

I am making this so new people can see what an “average utility belt” looks like. I carry what is the general consensus of utility belt RLSH. That is, what is typical gear carried on a utility belt. And some not so much. This is to give you a rough idea of what you may want, or not want, to carry with you on crime fighting patrols. Links to my gear and a short review of them are included:
This is my utility belt. it occasionally changes, and evolves, usually for the better.
[url=http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=60&u=15595275][img]http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/15/59/52/75/utilit13.jpg[/img][/url]
Starting from left to right we have:
4″ S&W Tactical Rescue Knife:
<img src="http://cache-images.pronto.com/thumb2.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.pronto.com%2Fimages%2Fproduction%2Fproducts%2Fb8%2Fb5%2Fimag56458f0d21f9b076e105c53873e6-1291754975_160x160.jpg&wmax=180&hmax=180&quality=80&bgcol=FFFFFF"
Very big knife. Heavy and sharp. Intended for getting people out of auto accidents, plus makes a good general utility knife. Don't bother putting the belt clip to any use, as mine fell off after a few weeks. Comes with a seat belt cutter, and glass breaker on the end.
http://www.pronto.com/product/smith-and-wesson-swbg1-border-guard-p_1555204972
NEBO CSI Self Defense Flashlight

NEBO CSI Tactical self defense flashlight. This thing is extremely bright, not sure of the lumen rating. It has three modes, the standard light, a laser pointer, and SOS strobe function. The teeth on the front make for a good self defense tool if someone comes at you while you are holding it. One strike across the temple and they are down. Runs on 3 AAA batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R2Q0GM?tag=leddiscounts-20
Gerb Suspension Multitool

Good multitool. Comes with accessory bits which also fit on the pouch, which you can find here. This pouch also carried the NEBO flashlight, thumb cuffs and (not pictured, but goes in the back) a small notepad and pen.
http://www.gerber-tools.com/Gerber-Suspension-Multi-Plier-1471.htm
Double Locking Thumb Cuffs

Nasty little buggers. way worse than typical handcuffs as you cannot get out of them by being more flexible unless you want to cut your thumb off. Excellent compliance device. May be a little harder to get around big thumbs.
http://www.defensedevices.com/thumbcuffs.html
Caltrops

Typical ninja tool. Theoretically you drop them on the ground and are supposed to stick in the feet of whoever is chasing you. Won’t puncture tires (well maybe bike tires) but should definitely slow down anyone unfortunate to hit them. Yes they pose potential liability issues if not picked up after dispatching them. I’ve yet to have to use them in the field.
http://www.wildbillwholesale.com/ninjacaltrops.html
First Aid Kit
Various small first aid supplies including bandages, bandaids, neosporin and some OTC medications/aspirin alternatives. Could be more but I’m no medic.
Marbles
Nothin fancy, got these at toys r us.
Smart Phone

My smart phone of choice is the T-Mobile G2. Excellent power, full keyboard. 5MP camera with flash. HD video recording capability.
Doubtle Trouble Stun Gun

Between all the XJL member’s stun devices I have to say this is my favorite one. 1.2 Million volts. This stun gun claims to have a quicker disabling ability because the prongs are farther apart. Something to do with the arcing of the charge or some such business. This sucker packs a punch. I’ve tested on myself and will instantly paralyze anyone. Targeting specific muscles like the arms or legs in a scuffle makes that limb completely useless while it’s being stunned. The crackle of the stun gun alone is more than enough to deter anyone. It’s my weapon of choice.
http://www.wildbillwholesale.com/dtrstgun.html
UZI 2,000,000 SHU 2 oz Pepper Spray

You know pepper spray. It burns, a lot. I’ve tested this stuff out on me too. Although not to the extent of the stun gun. I’d rather be stunned than sprayed any day. Flip top lid beats the twist top kind any day of the week. I speak from personal experience. Flip top won’t accidentally discharge into your crotch 🙁
http://www.hand-tools.com/product-detail.php?prodnum=BRK-UZI1300
Handcuffs

Peerless Nickel finish handcuffs. Made in the USA, simple, strong and double locking so they don’t keep getting tighter. I carry two sets.
http://www.peerless.net/model-700-nickel-finish.html
900 Lumen CREE 5 Function Flashlight

This thing is an absolute monster given its size and price. I’ve hit the top story of a 20 story building from four blocks away. Run tike is pretty low considering the sheer power of this awesome light. Took me almost a month to finally figure out how to use the multiple functions. High power, low power, strobe, and two different beacon flashes. Half pressing the tail button switches between the different modes. I intend on buying a couple more of these to create my own North Star light, which I would eventually like to incorporate into my armor. The batteries are a bit expensive though. Half the price of the light itself.
http://www.bestofferbuy.com/UniqueFire-C8-Q5-5-Mode-900-Lumen-LED-Flashlight-(1*18650)-p-67649.html?currency=USD&utm_source=gbase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=gbase
Total weight: Approximately 8lbs

A use of force continuum is a standard that provides law enforcement officials & security guards (such as police officers, probation officers, or corrections officers) with guidelines as to how much force may be used against a resisting subject in a given situation. In certain ways it is similar to the military rules of engagement. The purpose of these models is to clarify, both for officers and citizens, the complex subject of use of force by law officers. They are often central parts of law enforcement agencies’ use of force policies. Although various criminal justice agencies have developed different models of the continuum, there is no universal standard model.
The first examples of use of force continua were developed in the 1980s and early 1990s. Early models were depicted in various formats, including graphs, semicircular “gauges”, and linear progressions. Most often the models are presented in “stair step” fashion, with each level of force matched by a corresponding level of subject resistance, although it is generally noted that an officer need not progress through each level before reaching the final level of force. These progressions rest on the premise that officers should escalate and de-escalate their level of force in response to the subject’s actions.
Although the use of force continuum is used primarily as a training tool for law officers, it is also valuable with civilians, such as in criminal trials or hearings by police review boards. In particular, a graphical representation of a use of force continuum is useful to a jury when deciding whether an officer’s use of force was reasonable.
This model is adapted from a United States government publication on use of force. It lists multiple tactics in order from least to most severe, but is only a partial model, as it does not give corresponding degrees of subject resistance.
Verbal command
Handcuff suspect
Use wrist/arm lock
Use takedown
Block/punch/kick
Strike suspect
Wrestle suspect
Pepper spray
Use baton
Use firearm
It can also be broken down into the standard police Use of Force Continuum:
1. Physical Presence
2. Soft Hands
3. Mace or Pepper Spray
(A K-9 unit would fall here)
4. Hard Hands
5. Police Baton, Taser, etc.
6. Threat of Deadly Force
7. Deadly Force

What is a Citizens Arrest?
By: Collin McKibben, Attorney at Law & Ariella Rosenberg
Everyone is familiar with the term citizens arrest: we have seen it on TV, read about it in books, and even heard about it in social circles. Surprisingly, however, almost nobody really understands what a citizens arrest is, or legally, what it represents.
A citizen’s arrest is an arrest performed by a civilian who lacks official government authority to make an arrest (as opposed to an officer of the law). An arrest, as defined by Black’s Law Dictionary, is “The apprehending or detaining of a person in order to be forthcoming to answer an alleged or suspected crime.” Ex parte Sherwood, (29 Tex. App. 334, 15 S.W. 812).
Although generally the person making a citizens arrest must be a citizen, in certain states, a citizens arrest can be carried out by a civilian who is not a citizen (for example, an alien or illegal immigrant). A citizens arrest does not necessarily mean an arrest made by a single individual who happens to witness a crime. For example, a department store may also carry out a citizens arrest in the course of apprehending a shoplifter.
Legal Requirements for Making a Citizens Arrest
The right to making a citizens arrest goes back to our roots in English common law. Historically, before the modern infrastructure of police departments, citizen’s arrests were an important part of community law enforcement. Today, citizens arrests are still legal in every state, although state laws pertaining to citizens arrests are not uniform. In general, all states permit citizens arrests if a criminal felony (defined by the government as a serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison) is witnessed by the citizen carrying out the arrest, or if a citizen is asked to help apprehend a suspect by the police. Variations of state law arise in cases of misdemeanors, breaches of the peace, and felonies not witnessed by the arresting party.
For example, California Penal Code mandates:
A private person may arrest another: 1. For a public offense committed or attempted in his presence. 2. When the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in his presence. 3. When a felony has been in fact committed, and he has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it. (C.P.C. 837).
In contrast, New York State Consolidated Laws hold that:
Any person may arrest another person (a) for a felony when the latter has in fact committed such felony, and (b) for any offense when the latter has in fact committed such offense in his presence. (N.Y.C.L. 140.30).
Unlike the California statute, which only permits citizens arrests in cases of felony, New York law extends the possibility for making a citizens arrest to any offense committed in [ones] presence. Additionally, in cases where the citizen has not necessarily witnessed the crime being committed, California law allows citizens arrests when a citizen has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed [a felony], whereas New York law applies only to situations in which person has in fact committed a felony. Distinctions such as these are importantunwarranted citizens arrests can result in repercussions (such as law suits) for well-meaning citizens who attempt to make arrests without understanding local laws. It is important to be familiar with the laws in your particular state should you want to carry out a citizens arrest, or should a citizen try to unlawfully detain you.
Anatomy of a Citizens Arrest
Once a person has committed an offense meriting a citizens arrest (under the applicable state law), the arresting party must follow certain guidelines to detain and deliver to authorities the suspect in question. Acceptable guidelines for carrying out a citizens arrest also vary by state. In general, the arresting party must notify the suspect as to why he or she is being arrested, and may enter the building or private residence where the suspect is residing, using a reasonable amount of force to apprehend the suspect. In California, for example, To make an arrest, a private person, if the offense is a felonymay break open the door or window of the house in which the person to be arrested is, or in which they have reasonable grounds for believing the person to be, after having demanded admittance and explained the purpose for which admittance is desired. (C.P.C., 844). In New York, A person may arrest another person for an offenseat any hour of any day or night. 2. Such person must inform the person whom he is arresting of the reason for such arrest unless he encounters physical resistance, flight or other factors rendering such procedure impractical. 3. In order to effect such an arrest, such person may use such physical force as is justifiable pursuant to subdivision four of section 35.30 of the penal law. (N.Y.C.L. 140.35).
Once the suspect has been taken into custody (by the citizen), it is the citizens responsibility to deliver the suspect to the proper authorities in a timely fashion. In California, A private person who has arrested another for the commission of a public offense must, without unnecessary delay, take the person arrested before a magistrate, or deliver him or her to a peace officer. (C.P.C. 847). In New York, a citizen must also act without unnecessary delay to deliver a suspect to an officer of the law. (N.Y.C.L. 140).
Dangers of Making an Erroneous Citizens Arrest
Making a citizen’s arrest maliciously or with insufficient evidence of wrongdoing by the arrested individual can lead to civil or criminal penalties. Additionally, it is in violation of a suspects rights for a citizen making an arrest to use unnecessary force, to intentionally harm the suspect, to hold the suspect in unsafe conditions, or to delay in turning the suspect over to authorities. A citizen making an arrest is acting in the place of an officer of the law, and as such, is required to uphold the same rights and civil liberties as an officer of the law must uphold.
A citizen who violates a suspects rights, or who violates the applicable state law in detaining the suspect, (for example, arresting a suspect for a misdemeanor when the state statute requires a felony for a citizens arrest), risks being sued or even charged with a crime. Additionally, if it is found that the arresting party did not meet the pertinent state requirements for a citizens arrest, any contraband found on the suspect will have been found illegally, and charges may be dropped entirely.
If you feel that you have been unfairly arrested by a citizen, or if you have been charged with illegally detaining a suspect during an illegitimate citizens arrest, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. A good attorney will demonstrate familiarity with state laws, and as such will help you to ensure the best possible outcome of your case.

By Zimmer
Here’s a setup that utilizes what I’ve learned in 5 years of doing what we do. I’ve been in each of these six roles.?
Let me explain.
Oracle is online, out of field, with ready access to mission-specific information, including databases, news reports, video feed, maps and more. They are connected by phone to field teams via Communication Officer, who liaisons information between the Oracle and teammates.
In addition to Communication, each team also has at least one Combat Officer and at least one Medical Officer. The Combat Officer is appropriately armed and armored to protect the team. The Medical Officer has training and equipment to handle trauma emergencies and administer CPR.
Optional team positions include Bait and Traceur. Bait is someone who acts and dresses in a manner to maximize the chance of a mugging/assault/rape attempt and walks well away, but in line of sight, of the rest of the team, who may split up to watch Bait from multiple angles. Bait may carry a purse or handheld electronic device in attempt to get it snatched. Traceurs are those trained in parkour and buildering. Traceurs can get to rooftops and behind fences quickly  if the need arises.
There are other skills that could be vital for missions not listed above. Consider having a Linguist fluent in Spanish or another language. You may often need to converse with people that don’t know English.
Also consider having someone knowledgable [sic] in gang symbols and tags, or forensic science, or detective skills. If you’re making a team, draw on a diversity of skills and backgrounds.
When you’re a member of a team, always be aware of the vital skills that are needed and fill that need. Always learn more skills and deepen your knowledge of the interests you have. Interest becomes passion becomes experience becomes expertise.
The best thing about this approach is that it’s flexible. The medic, combatant and one communicating with an Oracle can all be ONE person. Just make sure that person (YOU) can function in those roles.

By Anonymous
I want to start a discussion on how best to deal with the media. This is my personal opinion. I realize anyone is going to do what they want and these are by no means rules or regulations. However, I believe a open discussion is needed about this.
1. The media will be looking for a story with a angle.
a. one that is about community and heart warming
b. one that is about a crazy person
2. It is important to remain friendly with a reporter even if there are certain information that you do not want them to publish or report.
a. Acting like a jerk to a reporter will only encourage them to seek more information about you then you want
b. Having respect for their job and showing that respect by being a little bit flexible with their schedule.
c. Also realize they think you are crazy, so perhaps asking them to meet in a non public hidden place is not a great idea. It will establish trust.
3. Set boundaries beforehand on what you want known about yourself.
a. Remember be friendly but also be somewhat assertive.
b. You are not obligated to have a reporter in your business. You don’t have to do the interview
4. Present a rational and logical reason why you are doing what you are doing.
a. Again review 1.b about reporters, they are looking for a story
b. Catchphrases are always cheesy, present your case with honesty and heart.
5. Review before hand on why exactly you are doing a news report
a. Will this further your goals?
b. Anyone reading or watching will automatically think you’re a idiot because this is a new idea being presented before them.
c. If it’s just for show, perhaps you are not doing this for a right reason.
6. There are several different types of reporting in which certain information needs to be collected
a. Television you have more liberties with only using your hero name
b. Printed journalism, real printed or typed journalism, is ruled by a ethics code. They will want all information including your real name and will print it.
1. Review 5.a
2. In a very friendly and calm manner, inform the reporter you do not want your real info out and cannot do the story if that info needs to be reported
3. Remember to treat the reporter with respect because if they feel there is a crazy person story, they will dig that info.
4. Ensure that you’re correspondence to said reporter is through channels that do not give your real id in any way
a. Gmail does not give tracking info out.
b. Tracefones, though pricey, doesn’t give info out either.
c. Don’t show a license plate because news media have access to public record
d. Create a stage name complete with a false background.
e. Reasons why your id should not be revealed
1. My work. I do not want to get fired.
2. I don’t want people to harass me at my home.
3. I don’t want people to try to find my credit info or any other information where people steal from me.
Again, it is important to be as friendly and calm as possible when dealing with the media. Treating them like garbage will only encourage them to hunt for more information. Review your goals and what you want to accomplish and decide if the spotlight on your works will benefit you or not. And understand that people online will harass you, make fun of you and find any shred of information about your life. Be honest about your self and your life. Admitting to mistakes in the past diffuses augments about your character rather than hiding them.
Ultimately any article written you need to understand that it will be apart of your RLSH career or even your life. This is the part where you communicate to the world the real reasons why you do what you do. Distilling all the information to what is real and honest is, I believe, the only way to effectively communicate with the media. Again, what you do with your life is up to you.

First thing to remember when helping people, keep in mind that they are in fact entirely too human. People make simple mistakes that can be dangerous to their safety, and to your’s. So you have to assume the safety of everyone in a situation when you arrive on the scene. You just might save someone’s life.. including your own!
Make sure the vehicle is safely out of the lane of flowing traffic. Either push it out of the road, or use tow straps. Be careful, as most people strain their back muscles during this phase and often have no clue, until later, that they hurt themselves pretty badly.
Make sure that that everyone from the stranded vehicle is warm and protected from the elements. A lot of people jump into their cars without a jacket because they think they’ll just be out for a few minutes and don’t need a coat. Make sure to carry a few heavy blankets in your trunk, if you don’t have a few old coats Some motorists also get soaked through even if they have a winter jacket, so they need to get them off immediately. Remember to stock extra gloves, knit caps, and scarves! Dress in layers so you can remove them as you heat up from working and shoveling. Stay away from cotton under layers as these retain moisture and keep you cold.
Having people sit in the vehicle you are working on isn’t a good idea. People move unexpectedly, they also add weight to the vehicle, and both conditions add stress to the support jack which can cause it to collapse. Have them wait in your vehicle if they have to stay out of the elements. And yes, I know.. you’re concerned about someone stealing things from your car. Take reasonable precautions, but safety and preventing cold related injuries are also important.
Even if someone has their own jack, I never use it. I carry my own, heavy duty scissor jack. I am familiar with it. It’s heavy duty so that I can use it even under a pick-up truck. And all I need to do is make sure it is secured in place on the frame to lift and support the vehicle. Even if someone has already jacked up their vehicle, I slide my jack under and tighten it up. Most people have changed very few tires, and if they have they might not have done so on their current vehicle, or with the current style of equipped jack they have.. this means they might not have done it right. Always assume that unless you’ve secured the vehicle yourself, it is not secure.
While I’m on the subject, I also carry my own tire irons, two of them. One standard measurements, the other metric. Never trust someone’s dealer equipped tire iron.. these are often cheaply made and likely to strip lug nuts, bend, or break. Wear heavy work gloves, and keep your first aid kit near by. Cuts and bruised knuckles are common injuries. You might even break a finger or hand if you’re not careful. Mother Nature loves to strand motorists in snow, or freezing rain, and these conditions make tools slip in the blink of an eye. Go at a steady pace.. this isn’t a race.
Wear a reflective, brightly colored vest if you can. Even in daylight you can go unseen, especially if there is snow blowing about. Some accidents happen because a driver passing by will unconsciously turn toward you and the vehicle you are working on because they have a tendency to steer slightly toward the direction they are looking. Wearing emergency colors helps, but does not eliminate this danger Have someone use a flashlight, or road flares, for warning traffic around you if you’re in or beside the road working.
Buy a good ergonomic shovel to help you shovel out. They’re worth the price! You can lift snow easier without killing your back. Have salt (and sand if you can get it) available too. Motorists often don’t have either a shovel or grit for traction, so you’ll have to provide both.
Standard Emergency Aid Supplies For Your Vehicle
Towing straps (cold, or old, chains sometimes snap and become shrapnel!)
Tire chains
Heavy duty jack
First Aid Kit
Heavy work gloves, and safety glasses (stuff gets splashed off the road, or rust flecks off tires and lug nuts)
Good ergonomic shovel
Salt and sand (grit) for traction
Extra blankets, old jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves
Granola bars, or other emergency food (some folks may have been stranded for hours without anything to eat)
Bottled water (though be careful storing in your vehicle in winter)
Flashlights (more than one is best), extra batteries too
Road flares
Emergency repair / jump-starting kit
Addendums:
In some areas you are not allowed to use tire chains while driving. But they can be used to help a stranded vehicle get unstuck, then remove them. Do not use tire chains unless they are in good shape, you are familiar with their use, and that they are secured properly.
Emergency battery powered glow sticks–which include a flash light, solid color, or blinking mode–can be used in lieu of road flares. (Thank you, Phantom Zero and Nyx, for this contribution.)

Usually when we go out on an Outreach to help the Homeless, we hand out such consumables as bottled water, sandwiches, and other cold foodstuffs. But with cold weather coming on, I’ve been thinking about how to get people hot food, hot beverages, and maybe a warm place to rest, even if for a short while. That’s when I came up with the idea of giving out McDonald’s Gift Certificates (or other certificates of your choice).
The certificates will allow the bearer to buy hot food and hot beverages. They may also rest awhile inside the warmth of the restaurant, as paying customers, so that they won’t need to worry as much about being chased off by the staff.
Some people worry that if they give money to the Homeless that it will be spent on drugs, or alcohol. But with Gift Certificates, this worry is pretty much eliminated. Also it allows the holders not to have to carry food on them like they would if you gave them a sandwich on the street. Sometimes having food on them attracts unwanted attention, or even rodents.
Now I already know McDonald’s fast food isn’t everyone’s meal of choice, but it is a darned sight better than nothing, or maybe even food gotten through dumpster diving.  Calories are needed to survive in cold weather and fat content isn’t a great concern.  The consumption of hot beverages reduces the need for the body to burn calories just to maintain body temperature.
The typical Outreach package I put together runs about $10, this is enough for two complete hot meals at most restaurants.
—–
The following remarks are from my colleague, Phantom Zero on this subject:
“FYI, just from personal experience, supplies can be cumbersome and heavy–so slips of paper as opposed to lugging a dozen plus bottles of water and sandwiches is more efficient. You can keep them handy for any-time homeless outreach.
However–no guarantee that any establish will let someone who is homeless in, as they may feel its disruptive to business and might drive customers away (regardless of laws or statutes stating otherwise).
BUT a lot of places do allow the homeless to “freecycle” foods which are past their due time (by virtue of standards and practices), but still perfectly good foodstuffs.”

Before I begin, I will leave you with this word of caution: IF YOU COME UPON AN EMERGENCY FIRST CALL 911, OR HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DO IT! Then render aid only as your level of medical knowledge permits.  If a person is conscious and alert, you must ask permission before treating them, even if it’s just putting a band aid on.. you may not render aid if they refuse for any reason.
When you’re out on a patrol, or an Outreach, you should always carry a first aid kit with you as part of your standard equipment load out.
The typical First Aid Kit contains things like (and I’m using a general purpose military first aid kit as an example):

• x2 2” x 6 yds. Bandage Gauze
• x1 6” Elastic Bandage
• x2 3” x 4” Sterile Sponges
• x16 3” Bandage Strips
• x1 Ice Pack
• x1 Tweezers
• x1 Scissor
• x1 Pill Bottle
• x1 Eye Pad
• x1 Hand Soap
• x4 Pain Relievers (I carry both Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen)
• x1 Magnifying Lens
• x1 First Aid Instructions
• x6 Safety Pins
• x1 Pair Examination Gloves
• x4 Aspirin
• x1 First Aid Cream
• x1 Triple Antibiotic
• x1½” Tape
• x3 Alcohol Wipes
• x3 Iodine Wipes
• x3 Antiseptic Wipes
• x3 Clean Wipes.

This is a pretty standard set-up that you will find in most $10 store bought kits.  I suggest buying additional items for refilling the kit, or adding extras for items you may need more of.  I also suggest a First Aid pamphlet, or handbook.  But make sure you are familiar with the information before hand, so you don’t have to desperately look things up while someone is bleeding.
As you can see, such a kit would quickly become depleted after a few uses. But many of the most commonly used items can be bought at a $ dollar store, so making a kit from scratch, and having more uses than a standard kit, is relatively cheaper and easier.
I strongly suggest a couple pair of blue nitrile gloves.  Never treat a wound without a barrier between you and bodily fluids. (At the time of this writing, KnightOwl is working on an article about applying medical attention in the field.)
Of course, keep the kit water proof.?

By the Eye
1.) Neighborhood Watch groups are typically set up for a street block section, literally the length of the block of the street you live on,bordered by the two cross streets at either end. For the next block down on your same street, there may be a different NW group, 2nd different Block Captain, etc., you get the idea.
The idea for this is that the best way for citizens to watch out for each other, is to have it be just one block, and both sides of the street, as when folks are across from each other, it is easier to watch for suspicious activity, etc.
So, the first thing you need to do is see if there already is a NW group for your street block. To do this contact your local PD’s non-emergency number, and talk to their Information Officer or equivalent, and see what’s what. If there is already a NW group for your block, the officer will give you the contact info for the current Block Captain, who will give you the rest of the info you need to join, and help out.
2.) If there is not a NW group for your block…guess what? Start one. The same Info Officer will send you things like sample letters, NW pamphlets, etc.,that you can send all the people on your street, announcing the formation of the new NW group. At this point, you will NOT be the Block Captain, but an interested party saying: “Hey folks, this sounds like a good idea, wanna join too?”
Wait for a couple of weeks for people to respond to the intro letter you send out, which should include your best contact phone number, best email contact address, and your home address. Some folks like to respond in different methods. Give’em every chance to respond. Once you get a list of interested parties (by this time the PD will have hooked you up with the Officer administrating the NW in your area), set up your first meeting, either at someone’s house with enough room, or at the PD auditorium itself (this is what I do). At that first meeting, they will elect by a show of hands or somesuch, who the first Block Captain for the first year will be. Usually, this will resoundingly end up being the person who started the whole thing in the first place, namely, you.
Also,at this first meeting, the NW watch officer will give the assembled group the NW introduction, etc., and encourage those who have not yet done so the opportunity to exchange contact info, etc.
3.) The first meeting will likely not have all interested attendees present, as you are starting this group out of the blue, and people will already have had their short-term schedules booked up. So, suggest that some folks take extra materials with them, to give to some of the other folk who could not make the first meeting. This usually interests them in making time for the second one. The NW Officer will have suggestions for meeting topics, such as Home Security, etc., to give you something to have presented at the next meeting.
4.) Keep things going by sending out to your mailing list (in between meetings), interesting stories,links to good tools, security devices, etc., to keep the group cohesive, and moving forward.
That’s about it for the basics.
In Seeing Justice Done,
~The Eye~