Crime Program Pays Off

One of the reasons criminals prey on travelers is the expectation that visitors, whether from out of state of overseas, may not have the time to even report the crime, let alone return as a witness.

All too often, therefore, the criminal, even though arrested and charged, may not suffer any punishment.

But some areas have programs whereby airlines and hotels provide free transportation and accommodations to people returning to testify in such cases.

Hawaii has had such a program for the four major islands since 1971, according to Cynthia Lee, a spokeswoman for the Waikiki Improvement Assn. in Honolulu, which runs the Return Witness Program.

“The program, which applies only to tourists or visitors, was started to stop them from being easy prey,” Lee said.

Before the program began, even if a criminal was caught in a tourist-related crime, he or she could often rely on the absence of a witness to get the charges dismissed. The Return Witness Program has since proved its value both as a deterrent to crime and in taking cases to court.

Once defendants know a witness is available, they’re more likely to admit guilt and perhaps plea bargain for a lesser sentence. In some cases, witnesses have had their flights canceled at the last minute due to sudden guilty pleas.

The program has resulted in a decrease in crime and a high conviction rate, Lee said.

Nine of the United States and two international airlines are participating in the program by providing complimentary round-trip flights to and from Honolulu. In 1988, 55 witnesses flew to Hawaii at least once and 12 went twice, for a total of 67 airline bookings.

In addition, most major hotel chains in the islands are participating by providing free accommodation to witnesses, Lee said.

Witnesses also get a per diem for meals from the prosecutor’s office, she said. Similarly, rental cars or cabs are also handled through the prosecutor’s office.

Since the program started, hundreds have been flown back to Hawaii. The average stay of these tourist/witnesses is three to four days, Lee said.

The success of the Hawaii experiment has led other areas to begin programs.

Los Angeles began a Victim-Witness Flyback Program early last year. More than 30 airlines, almost equally divided between U.S. and foreign carriers, provide free round-trip fares to returning crime victims.

Six hotels, at or close to Los Angeles International Airport, offer complimentary rooms to such witnesses. A per diem is provided for meals through the city attorney’s office, according to Mary Clare Molidor, a spokeswoman for the program. Complimentary taxi service to and from the hotel to the court also is provided.

“The program has worked as a deterrent,” Molidor said, adding that there had been “a 6% to 7% decline in the crime rate at LAX.”

“The awareness that witnesses can be more readily available has also resulted in our not having to reduce charges or dismiss cases,” she said.

At the beginning of this year San Diego County began a similar program covering visitors.

“Now we can file a case knowing that we can produce a witness,” said Mike Carlton of the district attorney’s office. “We didn’t have this leverage before.”

Six airlines and several hotels are participating in the San Diego program.

Other cities are interested.

“We’re considering such a program,” said Ronan Byrne, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office in San Francisco. “This is a tourist and convention city, and such a program would be very helpful. Thieves now figure victims may not come back to testify against them even if they are caught.”

The city of New Orleans also is evaluating the idea, according to Harry Connick of the district attorney’s office there. “We’ve had a meeting with local travel industry officials and they’re enthusiastic about it.”

Not all travelers, of course, are willing to take the time to serve as witnesses even when the major expenses are covered, but it is an option that should be considered.

If you are the victim of a crime while traveling, ask if the city or county has any sort of witness-return program.

Otherwise, taking the time to report the crime is still worth the effort. This can be a frustrating process sometimes, particularly overseas.

But it’s worthwhile for several reasons. For one, there is always a possibility that you may get your possessions back, and filing an official report is usually required by insurance companies if you file a claim.

Being able to describe your stolen possessions accurately is obviously helpful, as is providing their serial or identification numbers. Having personal identification inscribed on items can also aid in reclaiming possessions.

To avoid problems, try to follow some of the basic good rules of personal security. Be alert to your situation and aware of potential dangers.

Do not walk alone in questionable neighborhoods and be especially wary at airports and other crowded areas such as sightseeing attractions and department stores.

Do not present yourself as an inviting target by the way you’re dressed or the items you’re carrying, and do not be conspicuous when handling credit cards or money.

Keeping a low profile will help keep you out of harm’s way.