Two Actionscript 2.0 Questions

I have two questions about Actionscript 2.0.

The first (and keep in mind I’ve never used timers before):
How do I make a timer that will run in the background of my program (with the numbers not actually shown on the screen)? What I essentially want is:
if(something happens){
do this for x seconds;
then do this;
};

My second question:
Is there an Actionscript code that will “capture” a movieclip’s CURRENT x and y co-ordinates?

What I’m using this for is:
I’m making a game where you play a thief who’s hiding from cops (think Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell) and when you step into a light, I want the cops to go to the x and y co-ordinates that you WERE AT when you hit the light graphic, and I want them to stay there for a few (3-ish) seconds, then go back to their normal rutines.

Thanks a million to anyone that can help me.