The family of Elizabeth Smart is, of course, devastated by the abduction.
But a crime like this affects everyone in the community.
Experts say the psychological reaction can be good and bad.
News Specialist Ed Yeates has the story.
Neighborhood watch teams will still do what they do best - looking for criminal activity before it goes too far.
But incidents like the kidnapping kicks everything into gear again.
People become more aware, more watchful of their own and others!
"JUST GOT A CALL FROM SOMEBODY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT SAID 'CHECK YOUR KIDS, MAKE SURE THEY'RE IN BED,' SOMEBODY HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED. AND SO I RAN DOWNSTAIRS, CHECKED, MY KIDS WERE FINE."
A mother's reaction here, especially in the neighborhood where it happened, is normal.
"IN THE FORTRESS OF THEIR OWN INTER SANCTUM THAT YOU THINK IS IMPENETRABLE. AND THAT'S THE THING THAT'S SO UPSETTING IS THAT SOMETHING LIKE THAT COULD OCCUR IN THIS KIND OF ENVIRONMENT."
Though the tragedy hits everyone hard, experts caution right now about overreaction.
Jed Erickson / Licensed Clinical Social Worker: "WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN TO ANYBODY AT ANYTIME AT ANYPLACE. BUT I THINK WE ALSO HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT WHERE THIS HAPPENED IN ONE HOME IN OUR WHOLE VALLEY, IT DID NOT HAPPEN IN 500 THOUSAND PLUS HOMES."
Be careful, teach your kids about strangers, learn from this tragic experience. Beef up neighborhood watch programs.
But, Jed Erickson with Valley Mental Health cautions, don't push the envelope too far. React within reason. And make sure your children do the same!
"I'M NOT GOING TO GO DOWN TO THE PLAZA AND GET AN ICE CREAM OR CANDY BAR BECAUSE I MIGHT GET KIDNAPPED IF I GO DOWN THERE. AND THAT'S A KIND OF A CRIPPLING FORM OF ANXIETY THAT INTERFERES WITH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AND FEELING COMFORTABLE, AND BEING NORMAL."
If you're interested in setting up a neighborbhod watch in your neighborhood, contact your local police department.
June 5, 2002
