This category includes cashless fares, driver security training, caller ID, police security checks, and dispatcher call-backs to passengers. Since robbery is the motivation of the vast majority of taxi driver assaults and homicides, it make sense to strongly consider a cashless fare solution or safety methods which limit the amount of cash a driver carries. Preventive measures deter an assault or limit the potential for injury or death if the assailant is near by or inside the taxi. These methods include shields, decals stating limited cash in the taxi, decals stating that the cab may be stopped by police for security checks, communication techniques for conflict resolution, and driver awareness and good judgment. Since virtually all driver assailants use guns and knives, it makes sense to strongly consider shields to separate drivers and passengers.
Reactive measures help protect the driver once an assault begins.
These devices may prevent the successful completion of a robbery or assault and reduce the probability of injury or death. Devices in this category include safes, warning lights, in-trunk releases, hidden microphone switches, radio codes, and automatic vehicle tracking and location. Reactive measures may also help to identify and bring to justice driver assailants. They include video cameras, voice radio recordings, address and telephone number records, and rewards. There is a strong argument, however, that because of the speed with which an assault may occur, we should place priority attention on pro-active and prevention measures rather than reactive measures.