Street survival: tactics for armed encounters

'Key* (^u>art

Street Survival

P r e p a r a t i o n , n o t p a r a n o i a , is t h e n a m e o f t h e g a m e . Deputy Chief R. "Zip"Zbinden Pomona, California shooting survivor

Street Survivel TACTICS for ARMED ENCOUNTERS A? .

II I

1

I

Special Agent

Ronald J . Adams Lieutenant

Thomas M. McTernan Charles Remsberg

C A L I B R E

P R E S S

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N O R T H B R O O K ,

I L L I N O I S

C o p y r i g h t © 1 9 8 0 by C h a r l e s R e m s b e r g

First Printing: M a r c h , 1 9 8 0 Second Printing: July, 1 9 8 0 T h i r d Printing: D e c e m b e r , 1 9 8 0 F o u r t h Printing: June, 1 9 8 1

All r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . It is a F e d e r a l o f f e n s e t o r e p r o d u c e o r t r a n s m i t t h i s b o o k in a n y f o r m b y a n y m e a n s , e l e c t r o n i c o r m e c h a n i c a l , i n c l u d i n g p h o t o c o p y i n g a n d recording, or by a n y i n f o r m a t i o n storage or retrieval s y s t e m w i t h o u t p e r m i s s i o n in w r i t i n g f r o m t h e p u b l i s h e r . Published by: CALIBRE PRESS, I N C .

6 6 6 D u n d e e Road Suite 1 6 0 7 N o r t h b r o o k , Illinois 6 0 0 6 2 (312) 328-4411

L i b r a r y of C o n g r e s s C a t a l o g C a r d N u m b e r : 7 9 - 5 7 1 9 6 ISBN N u m b e r : 0 - 9 3 5 8 7 8 - 0 0 - 9 The authors, advisors and publisher accept no liability whatsoever for any injuries to person or property resulting from the application or adoption of any of the procedures, tactics or considerations presented or implied in this book. P r i n t e d in t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s of A m e r i c a

CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ix

INTRODUCTION

1

I.

TACTICS FOR SURVIVAL

1. T H E M A N D U S

13

2. C O N F R O N T A T I O N

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P a t t e r n s of E n c o u n t e r . . . S u s p e c t s W h o A t t i t u d e s . . . T h e S u r v i v a l S t a t e of M i n d

Shoot...Officer

3. APPROACH T O D A N G E R Building Approach...Room Approach...Field gation.. .Traffic Stops.. .Firearms Readiness

45 Interro-

4. L I G H T C O N T R O L

98

B u i l d i n g L i g h t s ... F l a s h l i g h t . . . V e h i c l e L i g h t s ... I m proving Night Vision 5. VERBAL C H A L L E N G E

109

S u s p e c t C o n t r o l ... O f f i c e r I d e n t i f i c a t i o n . . . A p o l o g i e s 6. U S E O F S U R P R I S E

125

Exiting the Kill Z o n e . . . M o v e m e n t Inside the Kill Zone ...Close-up Surprise...Firearm Retention...Disarming ...Practice 7. C O V E R A W A R E N E S S C o v e r and C o n c e a l m e n t ... Evaluating C h o i c e s Changing Cover...Position and Grips...Patrol C a r Cover.. .Penetration Power... " B l o w i n g ' ' Cover

154 ... as

8. S H O O T I N G T E C H N I Q U E S I n s t i n c t S h o o t i n g ... M u l t i p l e A d v e r s a r i e s . . . C e n t e r M a s s . . . R i c o c h e t S h o o t i n g ... M u z z l e F l a s h . . . U n p r e dictable Reactions

190

9. R E L O A D I N G U N D E R FIRE

219

Efficient R e c o v e r y ... R e v o l v e r ... S e m i - A u t o m a t i c Shotgun...Back-up Gun

...

10. FINAL A P P R O A C H

237

D i s a r m i n g ... I n c a p a c i t a t i o n . . . A p p r o a c h P o s i t i o n ... H a n d c u f f i n g . . . S e a r c h i n g f o r F i r e a r m s ... R e m a i n i n g Alert ... Recovering F i r e a r m s ... D e p a r t i n g t h e S c e n e 11. A F T E R - B U R N

283

Passages.. .Self-Help.. .Therapy.. .Helping O t h e r s

II.

BASICS T H A T STRENGTHEN

TACTICS

12. P R O T E C T I V E E Q U I P M E N T

299

B o d y A r m o r ... S e r v i c e H o l s t e r s . . . C r o s s - D r a w H o l sters...Back-up/Off-duty Holsters...Cartridge Carriers ...Leather Care 13. FIREARMS C O N T R O L

319

Basic Safety...Transporting Firearms...Wild Shots... Ammunition Control...Customizing...Handling with Care...Correcting Malfunctions...Home Security 14. C L E A N I N G

370

P r e l i m i n a r i e s ... R e v o l v e r ... S e m i - A u t o m a t i c ... S h o t g u n ... A m m u n i t i o n P r e c a u t i o n s 15. SERVICEABILITY C H E C K LIST

385

R e v o l v e r ... S e m i - A u t o m a t i c ... S h o t g u n ... A N o t e on Dry Firing 16. P H Y S I C A L F I T N E S S

390

Exercises...Sports

viii

ADDITIONAL READING

397

PHOTO CREDITS

400

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

402

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS T h i s b o o k deals w i t h positive tactics officers can employ on the street to effectively use their own f i r e a r m s t o d e f e a t t h o s e of a s s a i l a n t s . It is d e v o t e d exclusively to understanding and mastering techn i q u e s t h a t w o r k for s u r v i v a l i n real life situations— n o t w h a t w o r k s i n r a n g e c o m p e t i t i o n a g a i n s t paper t a r g e t s or w h a t s o m e a c a d e m i c i a n i n a c l a s s r o o m speculates m i g h t w o r k in s o m e h y p o t h e t i c a l encounter. U n f o r t u n a t e l y , m o s t of t h e c u r r e n t l i t e r a t u r e on so-called " c o m b a t s h o o t i n g " falls into t h e s e l a t t e r c a t e g o r i e s . F e w s t r e e t - w i s e e x p e r t s or t r u l y c o n t e m p o r a r y a r t i c l e s h a v e e m e r g e d o n s t r e e t survival, although deadly assaults on t h e police cont i n u e t o o c c u r y e a r a f t e r y e a r , w i t h a l a r m i n g freq u e n c y . W h i l e officers are dying, w e l l - m e a n i n g training authorities too often s e e m obsessed w i t h d i s c u s s i n g s u c h f i r e a r m s e s o t e r i c a as c u s t o m i z e d grips, r i b b e d b a r r e l s , f a n c y l e a t h e r gear a n d o t h e r i r r e l e v a n t s u b j e c t s , r a t h e r t h a n t h e r e a l i s s u e s of tactics to help officers survive in a r m e d confrontations. W e began our research by analyzing m o r e than 4 0 0 d e t a i l e d r e p o r t s of o f f i c e r - i n v o l v e d s h o o t i n g s and by surveying s o m e 5 0 law e n f o r c e m e n t agencies about the firearms instructions they offer...the major problems their officers e n c o u n t e r on the s t r e e t . . . a n d w h a t t h e i r g r e a t e s t s u r v i v a l n e e d s appear to be. For m o r e t h a n a year, our research t e a m t h e n searched coast to coast to identify practical, realistic tactics to m e e t those needs. M o r e t h a n 3 0 street-wise authorities who have devoted their careers to officer survival and nearly a dozen police

d e p a r t m e n t s on the c u t t i n g edge of survival training w e r e c o n s u l t e d f o r t h e i r b e s t t a c t i c a l p r o c e d u r e s . T h e i r contribution, plus the authors' cumulative 2 6 y e a r s ' e x p e r i e n c e , m o s t of it i n h i g h - r i s k or survival-oriented assignments, have formed the b a s i s of w h a t y o u w i l l r e a d h e r e . W i t h o u t t h e h e l p a n d k n o w l e d g e of m a n y p e o p l e , t h i s b o o k c o u l d n o t h a v e b e c o m e w h a t it i s : t h e m o s t c o m p r e h e n s i v e c o m p i l a t i o n of s t r e e t relevant survival m e t h o d s ever available. For their special assistance, w e w a n t to acknowledge: L i e u t e n a n t F r a n c i s J . M c G e e of t h e F i r e a r m s a n d T a c t i c s S e c t i o n of t h e N e w Y o r k C i t y P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t , c o n s i d e r e d b y m a n y t o b e t h e " f a t h e r " of t h e s t r e e t s u r v i v a l m o v e m e n t ; P i e r c e R. B r o o k s , c h i e f investigator in C a l i f o r n i a ' s i n f a m o u s " O n i o n F i e l d " c a s e ; O f f i c e r J o h n S . F a r n a m of t h e E l r o y (WI) P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t , a c o m b a t veteran and leading on-site c o n s u l t a n t o n w e a p o n s t r a i n i n g p r o g r a m s for l a w e n f o r c e m e n t agencies, and Lieutenant T h a d C. C u r t i s , C o m m a n d e r o f T e c h n i c a l S e r v i c e s for t h e P i m a C o u n t y (AZ) S h e r i f f ' s D e p a r t m e n t , a n e n t h u s i a s t i c p r o s e l y t i z e r a n d p r a c t i t i o n e r of s u r v i v a l a w a r e n e s s . T h e s e officers r e v i e w e d t h e m a n u s c r i p t in draft f o r m a n d o f f e r e d i n n u m e r a b l e c o n s t r u c t i v e comments. T h o s e t o w h o m w e a r e g r a t e f u l for h e l p w i t h research include: James Daugherty, Senior Police Firearms Instructor, and Herb C h a m b e r s , Education a n d T r a i n i n g D i v i s i o n , N a t i o n a l R i f l e A s s o c i a t i o n of America; Inspector Robert W . Martin, Supervisor of F i r e a r m s T r a i n i n g , P h i l a d e l p h i a P o l i c e A c a d e m y ; Sergeant Ray King, R a n g e m a s t e r (ret.), and Sergeant D o n a l d E. S m i t h , C h i e f Firearms E x a m i n e r , C h i c a g o P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t ; W . Fred P i c k l e r , specialist in high risk patrol t a c t i c s and c h e m i c a l m u n i t i o n s and P r e s i d e n t of F r e d P i c k l e r & A s s o c i a t e s ; L i e u t e n a n t W . L . D i c k e y , C o m m a n d e r of the O r d n a n c e Division, M e m p h i s P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t ; Al B u r n e t t and L e n R o s s , F i r e a r m s T r a i n e r s , D e p a r t m e n t of t h e Treasury, Federal Law E n f o r c e m e n t Training Center; J a m e s W h i t m o r e , A s s i s t a n t Professor, U n i v e r s i t y of I l l i n o i s , P o l i c e T r a i n i n g I n s t i t u t e ; C h i e f E u g e n e F e r r a r a , U n i v e r s i t y of C i n c i n n a t i P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t ; Robert L. M o n r o e , former Instructor, FBI National Academy; Joseph H. Chernicoff, D i r e c t o r of T r a i n i n g , U . S . A s s o c i a t i o n of F i r e a r m s I n s t r u c t o r s a n d C o a c h e s ; E d L o v e t t e , D i r e c t o r of Training, New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy; Sergeant Robert Givan, Instructor, Advanced C o m bat Training, Indianapolis Police D e p a r t m e n t ; Paul A. Z o l b e , Chief, U n i f o r m C r i m e Reports S e c t i o n , F.B.I.; and Sergeant D i c k Newell, Officer-inCharge, Ordnance Unit, Los Angeles Police Academy.

W e are a l s o a p p r e c i a t i v e of t h e c a n d o r w i t h w h i c h certain officers shared their m e m o r i e s and e m o t i o n s about personal armed encounters. T h e s e i n c l u d e : D e p u t y C h i e f R. " Z i p " Z b i n d e n , P o m o n a (CA) P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t ; D e t e c t i v e J a c k F i s h e r , S a n B e r n a r d i n o C o u n t y (CA) S h e r i f f ' s O f f i c e , a n d S e r g e a n t Jerry D u n n a n d D e t e c t i v e J i m R o w e , R i v e r s i d e (CA) P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t . V a l u a b l e i n sights into officers' psychological reactions to shooting situations were gained from interviews with Walter Gorski, a psychological consultant to P e n n s y l v a n i a law e n f o r c e m e n t agencies, and D r . N a h m a n Greenberg, a C h i c a g o p s y c h o a n a l y s t and authority on stress behavior. Finally, w e w a n t to t h a n k D e n n i s Anderson, w h o conceived, produced and directed t h e awardw i n n i n g instructional f i l m s , Survival Shooting Techniques and Handling Firearms for M T I T e l e p r o g r a m s I n c . , of S c h i l l e r P a r k , I l l i n o i s . H i s u n i q u e m o t i o n pictures have pioneered in c o m m u n i c a t i n g t h e s t a t e of t h e art of s u r v i v a l t r a i n i n g . W i t h o u t h i s tireless collaboration, c o n s t a n t support, astute insights and high professional standards, this b o o k would not have been written.

INTRODUCTION 13 05 0 4 . 1 0 / 7 8 TXT A P . ML01K21707 TO

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MONTANA HIGHWAY PATROL A D V I S E S O F F I C E R , AGED 3 0 , SHOT AND K I L L E D A P P R O X I M A T E L Y 3 0 0 P . M . , 4/8. V I C T I M , WORKING WITH L I N C O L N COUNTY DEPUTY ATTEMPTED TO STOP S U B J E C T WANTED ON FELONY C H A R G E . AFTER HIGH-SPEED CHASE, SUBJECT E X I T E D H I S V E H I C L E AND BEGAN F I R I N G AT PATROL C A R . V I C T I M STRUCK IN CHEST WITH . 3 0 8 - C A L I B E R R I F L E . DEPUTY RETURNED F I R E AND S U B J E C T F L E D TO NEARBY R E S I D E N C E WHERE HE HELD TWO HOSTAGES FOR S E V E R A L HOURS B E F O R E S U R R E N D E R I N G . A U T H O R I T Y - P . ZOLBE F B I - U C R WASH DC

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CATOOSA COUNTY, G E O R G I A , S . O . A D V I S E S DEPUTY WM AGED 2 4 , SHOT AND K I L L E D A P P R O X I M A T E L Y 1 5 0 P.M., 4 / 1 4 . V I C T I M HAD STOPPED TO A S S I S T ANOTHER O F F I C E R WHO HAD J U S T D E T A I N E D ARMED ROBBERY S U S PECT. WHILE B E I N G SEARCHED BY F I R S T O F F I C E R , S U B J E C T GAINED CONTROL OF V I C T I M ' S . 3 5 7 MAGNUM HANDGUN. V I C T I M SHOT IN NECK AND ABDOMEN. FIRST O F F I C E R , ALSO WOUNDED, RETURNED G U N F I R E AS S U S P E C T FLED S C E N E . A U T H O R I T Y - P . ZOLBE F B I - U C R WASH DC

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SAN P A B L O , C A L I F O R N I A , PD A D V I S E S O F F I C E R , AGED 4 2 , SHOT AND K I L L E D A P P R O X I M A T E L Y 11 4 8 AM, 8/4. V I C T I M O F F I C E R RESPONDED TO S I L E N T ALARM AT LOCAL J E W E L R Y S T O R E , THE S I T E OF P R E V I O U S UNFOUNDED ALARMS. UPON ENTERING THE STORE HE D I S C O V E R E D R 0 3 B E R Y B E I N G COMMITTED BY TWO NM S . ONE ROBBER F I R E D A SHOT FROM A , 3 8 - C A L I B E R REVOLVER S T R I K I N G O F F I C E R IN HEAD, K I L L I N G HIM I N S T A N T L Y . ONE S U B J E C T APPREHENDED IN IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORHOOD. SECOND SUBJECT ESCAPED. A U T H O R I T Y - P . ZOLBE F B I - U C R WASH DC

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M I L W A U K E E , W I S C O N S I N , PD A D V I S E S PATROLMAN, AGED 2 7 , SHOT AND K I L L E D A P P R O X I M A T E L Y 5 0 0 PM, 11/25. V I C T I M O F F I C E R AND PARTNER RESPONDED TO F A M I L Y D I S T U R B A N C E CALL AT LOCAL R E S I D E N C E . AS V I C T I M APPROACHED DOOR TO KNOCK, S U B J E C T A P P E A R E D IN DOORWAY AND F I R E D R I F L E S T R I K I N G O F F I C E R IN CHEST. S U B J E C T , NM 3 8 , BARRICADED S E L F IN H O U S E , BUT SHORTLY T H E R E A F T E R S U R R E N D E D . A U T H O R I T Y - P . ZOLBE F B I - U C R WASH DC

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Every three to four days, on t h e average, notification clatters across the teletypes of the National Law Enforcement T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s System t h a t t h e l i f e of a n o t h e r l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r h a s b e e n t a k e n . A n d a f t e r t h e o f f i c i a l r e g r e t s are s p o k e n , t h e taps s o u n d e d , t h e b a d g e r e t i r e d t o a p l a c e o f honor, an unfortunate, brutal truth too often rem a i n s : m o r e effort is l i k e l y t o h a v e g o n e i n t o p l a n n i n g t h e f u n e r a l for t h e s l a i n o f f i c e r t h a n h e o r h i s department devoted to his survival. In s o m e c a s e s , t h e f a u l t l i e s w i t h t h e o f f i c e r failing to practice w h a t he has b e e n taught. O t h e r t i m e s , a d e p a r t m e n t is c u l p a b l e f o r s e n d i n g i t s offic e r s i n t o t h e s t r e e t w i t h l i t t l e a p p r e c i a t i o n or c o n c e r n for w h a t it t a k e s t o s t a y a l i v e . Usually, it's a c o m b i n a t i o n . T h e survival training of t h e c l a s s r o o m , t h e g y m a n d t h e r a n g e , h o w ever earnest, fails in crucial w a y s to reflect t h e c h a l l e n g e s of t h e r e a l w o r l d . A n d t h e o f f i c e r , c o m p l a c e n t in the knowledge that m o s t people in law enforcem e n t r e a c h r e t i r e m e n t w i t h o u t e v e r c o n f r o n t i n g or using deadly force, m a k e s n o effort on his o w n to c o m p e n s a t e f o r t h e s e s h o r t c o m i n g s . D a y i n a n d day out, he a n s w e r s so m a n y calls w h e r e n o t h i n g happens that he c o m e s to assume, insidiously, that n o t h i n g can h a p p e n .

Despite the ceremony attached to an officer's funeral, how many officers have an interest in finding out what really happened during that fatal mistake i

A n d t h e n it d o e s . In t h e l a s t d e c a d e a l o n e , m o r e t h a n 1 , 1 0 0 c i t y , county, state and federal officers have been feloni o u s l y s l a i n i n t h e p e r f o r m a n c e of t h e i r d u t i e s . D u r i n g o n e t y p i c a l y e a r i n t h a t p e r i o d , 1 9 , 0 0 0 officers besides those killed w e r e injured in nearly 5 0 , 0 0 0 assaults on police. T h e deaths and injuries have included both sexes, have c o m e from all sizes a n d t y p e s of c o m m u n i t i e s a n d h a v e r u n t h e g a m u t of officer rank, experience and a s s i g n m e n t . N i n e t y - f i v e p e r c e n t of t h o s e k i l l e d w e r e a t tacked with guns. S o m e v i c t i m officers were excell e n t t a r g e t s h o o t e r s . B u t in n e a r l y 6 0 p e r c e n t of t h e cases, t h e officers involved w e r e so unprepared to r e a c t t h a t t h e y did not even get their guns drawn b e f o r e v i o l e n c e e r u p t e d . O n l y 2 7 per c e n t m a n a g e d t o s h o o t b a c k . O n l y 15 per c e n t w e r e a b l e t o w o u n d or k i l l t h e i r a s s a i l a n t s . 1

T h e r e ' s no denying that an officer faces critical disadvantages in a shooting situation. His u n i f o r m , his marked vehicle, his spoken c o m m a n d s m a k e h i m highly visible and easily identifiable to any would-be assailant—while a potential assailant m a y b e d i f f i c u l t or i m p o s s i b l e f o r a n o f f i c e r t o s e n s e or see in advance.

Those close to the victim officer express grief in different ways. The officer in this case died from a "routine" traffic stop.

FBI " L a w Enforcement Officers Killed" Summaries.

3

An assailant can decide w h e n , where and w h o m t o s h o o t , o n g r o u n d s t h a t a r e p u r e l y s e l f i s h or t o t a l l y i r r a t i o n a l a n d i n d i s c r i m i n a t e ; if h i s g u n i s a i m e d a n d c o c k e d it t a k e s h i m o n l y h a l f a s e c o n d t o g e t off a c c u r a t e f i r e . A n o f f i c e r is u s u a l l y i n f l u e n c e d by m o r a l and p s y c h o l o g i c a l c o n s i d e r a t i o n s that i n h i b i t i n s t a n t , i m p u l s i v e a c t i o n . E v e n if h e h a s n o personal qualms about killing, he m u s t evaluate w h e t h e r the c i r c u m s t a n c e s legally justify his using deadly force and w h e t h e r i n n o c e n t bystanders m i g h t b e h a r m e d . If h i s g u n is h o l s t e r e d , h e n e e d s a m i n i m u m of 1 t o 1 . 2 s e c o n d s t o d r a w a n d f i r e , a s s u m i n g h e is extremely skilled. However, he m a y not be t h o r o u g h l y f a m i l i a r or c o m f o r t a b l e w i t h t h e f i r e a r m t h a t c o u l d s a v e h i s l i f e . T h e m y t h p e r s i s t s t h a t officers tend to b e " g u n n u t s , " b o t h before and after they join law e n f o r c e m e n t . In truth, an e s t i m a t e d 7 0 per c e n t of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t r e c r u i t s h a v e no p r e vious e x p e r i e n c e w i t h firearms, and even after i n s t r u c t i o n , m a n y are n o t proficient e n o u g h w i t h their guns to adequately defend t h e m s e l v e s . In o n e major city, until recently, recruits were assigned to the field after l i m i t e d target practice and only four h o u r s of o r i e n t a t i o n . I n m a n y s m a l l e r c o m m u n i t i e s , o f f i c e r s r e c e i v e n o t r a i n i n g at a l l ; t h e y a r e expected to p i c k up w h a t e v e r they need to k n o w on the job. 2

3

*• " S o m e C o m m e n t s on the Hostage Situation," by J.C. Muirhead,

The

Police Chief, February, 1978. ^•Police Use of Deadly Poice, Catherine Milton, et al., Police Foundation,

1977.

Tribute to a comrade. Highway patrol men fill church pews during services for a veteran officer, killed with his own revolver during a traffic stop. 4

Rescue workers try in vain to save the life of a highway patrolman shot while stopping a driver for running a toll booth.

This officer was talking on the phone at his precinct when an armed assailant entered and fired three times. The officer died unarmed.

A .357 Magnum round was fired at this officer after he and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call. The bullet hit the officer's nameplate {held in his right hand], twisting the metal and ripping two holes in his leather jacket. His only injury was a bruise on one arm.

A m o n g officers w h o have managed to survive shooting attacks, more than one has admitted, " I was just l u c k y . " W i t h equal candor, m a n y concede that despite a close call w i t h death, they still w o u l d n o t k n o w w h a t t o do d i f f e r e n t l y t h e n e x t time around. L u c k is a f r a i l r e e d o n w h i c h t o h a n g y o u r l i f e — e s p e c i a l l y if o t h e r a l t e r n a t i v e s a r e a v a i l a b l e . A n d d i s m a l a s t h e p o l i c e p o s i t i o n m a y a p p e a r , t h e r e are a l t e r n a t i v e s for handling m o s t v i o l e n t e n c o u n t e r s . I n d e e d , w i t h t h e k n o w l e d g e of s u r v i v a l m e t h o d s n o w a v a i l a b l e , y o u r o p p o r t u n i t i e s for s t a y i n g a l i v e on the street have never been greater. S o m e s t u d i e s of c o n f r o n t a t i o n s h a v e r e v e a l e d t h a t i n as f e w as 1 p e r c e n t of s h o o t i n g s a r e o f f i c e r s g e n u i n e l y a m b u s h e d w i t h o u t w a r n i n g or f i r e d at for n o apparent r e a s o n . M o s t t i m e s , t h e y h a v e prior k n o w l e d g e of p r o s p e c t i v e d a n g e r . E v e n w h e n v i o l e n c e d o e s e x p l o d e s u d d e n l y , t h e i r f a t e is n o t a l w a y s i n n a t e l y h o p e l e s s . The overwhelming majority of officers killed in gunfights most likely could have emerged alive—if: 4

1) t h e y h a d u n d e r s t o o d t h e d y n a m i c s of a r m e d confrontations; 2) t h e y h a d p r o p e r l y e v a l u a t e d t h e r i s k s t h e y w e r e facing; 3) t h e y h a d p l a n n e d w h a t t o do i n t h e e v e n t of a deadly threat, and 4) t h e y h a d k n o w n a n d , t h r o u g h p r a c t i c e , h a d mastered appropriate survival t a c t i c s . • "Analysis of Police Combat Situations," New York City Police Department, 1974.

6

T h i s b o o k c a n h e l p m a k e y o u survival sensitive. T h e t e c h n i q u e s it e m p h a s i z e s a r e d e s i g n e d t o a f f e c t the way you prepare, plan and react, to k e e p y o u a l i v e i n real s i t u a t i o n s . T h e y are n o t h y p o t h e s e s , b u t p r o v e n p r o c e d u r e s , b a s e d o n t h e i n s i g h t s of o f f i c e r s w h o have experienced gun battles and survived— and on the lessons left b e h i n d by t h o s e w h o h a v e died. T h e s e t a c t i c s fall i n t o t w o broad categories: 1) t h o s e t h a t w i l l h e l p y o u prevent risky situations from escalating into life-threatening encounters, a n d 2) t h o s e t h a t c a n h e l p y o u survive if, d e s p i t e your best efforts, violence does erupt. Procedures from b o t h categories are integrated t h r o u g h o u t , so that while each chapter relates to firearms, the e m p h a s i s is n o t a l w a y s o n a c t u a l s h o o t i n g performance. Among other things, you will c o m e to understand the c o m m o n attitudes that lead suspects to engage t h e p o l i c e i n g u n f i g h t s . . . o f f i c e r a t t i t u d e s that hamper response...the circumstances likely to i n f l u e n c e c o n f r o n t a t i o n s . . . s a f e m e t h o d s f o r approaching high-risk situations...ways to use light, verbal c o m m a n d s , surprise, m o v e m e n t and protect i v e c o v e r , c o n c e a l m e n t a n d e q u i p m e n t t o r e d u c e or o v e r c o m e a s u s p e c t ' s a d v a n t a g e . . . a s w e l l as p r o c e dures to assure that your gun will w o r k w h e n y o u need i t . . . a n d the latest, practical t e c h n i q u e s for delivering swift, accurate, deadly fire. B y studying t h e t a b l e of c o n t e n t s y o u c a n r e v i e w , i n s u m m a r y f o r m , t h e e l e m e n t s of a n y a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n , f r o m t h e t h i n g s y o u n e e d t o k n o w a n d do b e f o r e firearms are used to t h e p s y c h o l o g i c a l pressures y o u m a y feel afterward. In effect, the chapter headings encapsulate the factors you should be continually c o n c e r n e d a b o u t , for t h e s e m o s t l i k e l y w i l l d e t e r m i n e your ability to survive, w h e t h e r you acknowledge t h a t t o b e t h e c a s e or n o t . T h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s i n w h i c h t h e u s e of d e a d l y f o r c e is p e r m i t t e d v a r y c o n s i d e r a b l y w i t h s t a t e l a w s and d e p a r t m e n t a l p o l i c i e s . H o w e v e r , all j u r i s d i c tions permit an officer to shoot to protect his own l i f e o r t h e l i v e s of o t h e r i n n o c e n t p e r s o n s f r o m i m m i n e n t d a n g e r . W h e r e s h o o t i n g is c a l l e d for i n t h e tactics presented here, we have considered those to be t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s . T h i s h e l p s u n d e r s c o r e t h e f a c t t h a t l a w e n f o r c e m e n t f i r e a r m s a r e defensive tools, not to be used offensively. T h e u s e a n d h a n d l i n g of r e v o l v e r s , s e m i a u t o m a t i c pistols and shotguns are referenced t h r o u g h o u t b e c a u s e t h e y are t h e m o s t c o m m o n l a w e n f o r c e m e n t f i r e a r m s . If y o u ' r e l i k e t h e v a s t m a j o r i t y of o f f i c e r s , y o u c a r r y a . 3 8 c a l . r e v o l v e r a s y o u r regulation on-duty weapon. But you m a y use a semia u t o m a t i c o f f - d u t y o r as a b a c k - u p g u n , a n d if

you're assigned to street patrol you m a y have a shotgun in your patrol car. T h e m o r e proficient y o u b e c o m e w i t h both the m e c h a n i c a l and tactical use of t h e s e f i r e a r m s , t h e h i g h e r y o u r s u r v i v a l q u o t i e n t , for y o u c a n n e v e r b e c e r t a i n w h i c h y o u w i l l h a v e at h a n d at t h e c r u c i a l m o m e n t . Y o u r f i r e a r m , of c o u r s e , is a l w a y s t h e t o o l of l a s t r e s o r t . S u r v i v a l s h o u l d b e g i n l o n g before the mom e n t y o u n e e d t o f i r e , a n d if y o u w a i t u n t i l t h e n t o t h i n k a b o u t it, y o u are d e p e n d i n g o n l u c k , w h e t h e r y o u r e a l i z e it or n o t . T r u e s u r v i v a l r e a d i n e s s is l i k e a n e q u i l a t e r a l triangle involving:

A l l c o r n e r s a r e of e q u a l i m p o r t a n c e t o t h e w h o l e , a n d t h e o m i s s i o n of a n y e l e m e n t l e a v e s a p o t e n t i a l l y lethal gap. For a defense structure that will enable y o u t o c o n t r o l t h e o u t c o m e of m o s t l i f e - o r - d e a t h encounters, your m i n d , your body and your gun m u s t be molded into a combined, coordinated "weapons system.'' T h e s y s t e m a p p r o a c h is t h e c o r e of t h i s b o o k . It r e q u i r e s t h a t y o u d e v e l o p s k i l l at a v a r i e t y of d i s t i n c t b u t r e l a t e d p r o c e d u r e s of a n t i c i p a t i o n a n d r e s p o n s e . S o m e involve shooting, the instant delivery and a c c u r a t e p l a c e m e n t of r o u n d s . S o m e c o n c e r n f o r e s t a l l i n g or a v o i d i n g a n a s s a i l a n t ' s s h o t s , m a k i n g y o u r s e l f a h a r d t a r g e t . All can be learned. S o m e s u r v i v a l p r i n c i p l e s m a y appear h a r s h . S u r v i v a l is n o t c o m m u n i t y r e l a t i o n s , c o n c e r n e d w i t h c o u r t e s y a n d c o d e s of fair c o n d u c t ; t h e r e are n o " g e n t l e m e n ' s r u l e s " i n a g u n f i g h t . S o m e of t h e e s t i m a t e d one to four m i l l i o n people carrying con-

c e a l e d g u n s i l l e g a l l y i n t h i s c o u n t r y (and s o m e w h o o w n t h e m l e g a l l y , as w e l l ) are w i l l i n g t o t a k e o n t h e police o n incredibly brutal t e r m s . T o save your life or s o m e o n e e l s e ' s , y o u m a y s o m e t i m e s n e e d t h e ultimate responses. T h e ability to use decisive tactics successfully, however, does not equate w i t h recklessness. A c t u a l l y , it is t h e u n s k i l l e d o f f i c e r w h o is l i k e l i e s t t o be r e c k l e s s , a n d t h u s a d a n g e r n o t o n l y t o h i m s e l f a n d f e l l o w o f f i c e r s , b u t t o t h e p u b l i c h e is s w o r n t o p r o t e c t . B e c a u s e o f h i s l a c k of c o n f i d e n c e i n h i s ability to protect h i m s e l f in risky s i t u a t i o n s , he will r e a c t t o t h r e a t s of v i o l e n c e w i t h p a n i c b o r n of d e s p e r a t i o n . A t r a i n e d o f f i c e r , o n t h e o t h e r h a n d , is c o n f i d e n t b e c a u s e h e is r e a d y , a n d h i s c o n t r o l l e d s k i l l s c a n h e l p h i m k e e p v i o l e n c e t o a m i n i m u m or s t o p it i n s t a n t l y . R e a l i s t i c t a c t i c s c a n r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r of i n c i d e n t s t h a t e s c a l a t e t o t h e p o i n t of g u n f i r e , r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r of s u s p e c t s s h o t or k i l l e d b y p o l i c e , r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r of t r a g e d i e s w h e r e i n n o c e n t p a r t i e s a r e s h o t b e c a u s e of m i s t a k e n i d e n t i t y , as w e l l as s u b s t a n t i a l l y r e d u c e t h e n u m b e r of o f f i c e r s w o u n d e d or s l a i n — e v e n t h o u g h t h e n u m b e r o f contacts b e t w e e n police and criminals r e m a i n s undiminished. N o t h i n g set forth in t h e pages that follow s h o u l d b e regarded as T h e A b s o l u t e A n s w e r t o a l l s u r v i v a l p r o b l e m s . There are no absolutes in tactics. N o t w o s i t u a t i o n s a r e e v e r e x a c t l y a l i k e , n o s e t of procedures always effective. W h a t ' s offered are options t h a t are v a l u a b l e f o r y o u r r e p e r t o i r e of s k i l l s b e c a u s e t h e y w i l l w o r k for m o s t o f f i c e r s i n m o s t s i t u a t i o n s m o s t of t h e t i m e . M o s t survival t e c h n i q u e s are s i m p l e , based on c o m m o n s e n s e . B u t t h e y r e q u i r e extensive practice to be used successfully. Y o u need to k n o w what w o r k s for y o u , and t h e t a c t i c s y o u f a v o r n e e d t o b e honed until they b e c o m e natural and reflexive. F O R , U N D E R S T R E S S , IN A CRISIS, Y O U W I L L INSTINCTIVELY REVERT T O T H E WAY Y O U HAVE TRAINED. T r a i n i n g to face reality takes extra t i m e , extra e n e r g y , e x t r a c r e a t i v i t y . It r e q u i r e s t h a t you a c c e p t t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y for a s s u r i n g y o u r s u r v i v a l e d u c a t i o n . Y o u n e e d t o w o r k c o n s t a n t l y at r e f i n i n g , adapting a n d s u p p l e m e n t i n g y o u r s u r v i v a l c a p a b i l i t i e s , n o t o n l y in f o r m a l a n d i n f o r m a l t r a i n i n g s e s s i o n s , but, m o s t important, on a daily basis in t h e course of y o u r p a t r o l d u t i e s . I t ' s e a s i e r , of c o u r s e , t o p l a y t h e odds t h a t y o u will be among the fortunate majority w h o s e lives are n e v e r c h a l l e n g e d . B u t t h a t ' s a g a m e of R u s s i a n roulette that too m a n y officers have lost. T h e r e are n o g u a r a n t e e s i n l a w e n f o r c e m e n t . T h e o n l y p r e d i c t a b l e is t h e u n p r e d i c t a b l e . Y o u r n e x t

c a l l c o u l d b e a n o t h e r " r o u t i n e " r u n . . . o r it c o u l d b e the one that tests everything you've got. If y o u w o n d e r w h e t h e r y o u ' r e r e a d y , a s k y o u r s e l f : " H o w m a n y p e o p l e c o u l d h a v e h a d m e t o d a y if they'd really wanted m e ? " A n d t h e n a s k : " W h a t w o u l d I h a v e d o n e if they'd tried?"

The body of a man who moments earlier killed one officer, seriously wounded two others, and wounded his wife and a neighbor. The gun in the foreground belonged to one of the officers.

10

I. TACTICS ...for Survival

THEM AND US Most Americans think they know about gun fights. T h e y ' v e seen thousands on T V . During the average h o u r ' s a c t i o n s h o w , n i n e h a n d w e a p o n s are d i s p l a y e d , g u n s m o s t l y , a n d t h e y ' r e u s e d w i t h dram a t i c derring-do. P o l i c e m e n w i t h h a n d g u n s s u c c e s s f u l l y b l a s t a w a y at a d v e r s a r i e s s e v e r a l h u n d r e d yards d i s t a n t . . . a d e t e c t i v e w i t h a t w o - i n c h b a r r e l revolver outshoots a criminal w i t h a scoped rifle... a n a g e n t f i r e s a derringer i n t o t h e air a n d b r i n g s a n airplane crashing down... People believe it's possible, including s o m e cops. M a n y officers truly b e l i e v e t h e y are carrying guns and a m m u n i t i o n w h i c h will literally b l o w people a w a y — e v e n though it's nearly impossible to m o v e a h u m a n body w i t h a bullet from a handgun. A t t h e s a m e t i m e t h e d i s t o r t i o n s of t h i s c u l tural saturation endow guns w i t h super capabilities, t h e y g e n e r a l l y s a n i t i z e t h e i r e f f e c t . E i g h t y - f o u r per c e n t of t h e b u l l e t s fired o n T V m i s s t h e i r t a r g e t s e n tirely, according to one foundation study. O n l y e i g h t per c e n t or l e s s c a u s e i n j u r y or d e a t h , a n d e v e n t h e n , t h e y i n d u c e " l i t t l e b l o o d l e t t i n g or s u f f e r i n g . " T o t h e m e n and w o m e n w h o ' v e b e e n t h e r e , r e a l - l i f e g u n f i g h t s are a l t o g e t h e r d i f f e r e n t . W h a t t h e m o v i e or T V s c r e e n f a n t a s i z e s as e x t e n d e d , e x o t i c , antiseptic episodes, they k n o w in fact to be fast, banal, brutal e n c o u n t e r s , played for k e e p s , often w i t h p a i n and m u c h b l o o d . Indeed, officers suddenly thrust into armed c o n f r o n t a t i o n s often are startled t o discover just h o w different they really are. In i n t e r v i e w s e x c e r p t e d b e l o w , e i g h t v e t e r a n s of officer-involved shootings share their perceptions of w h a t t h e e x p e r i e n c e w a s l i k e . F o u r of t h e s e m e n h a v e b e e n c o n v i c t e d of k i l l i n g l a w e n f o r c e m e n t off i c e r s a n d are s e r v i n g t i m e i n I l l i n o i s c o r r e c t i o n a l

f a c i l i t i e s . T h e o t h e r four are l a w e n f o r c e m e n t officers in C a l i f o r n i a w h o have b e e n critically w o u n d ed—and survived. In m a n y respects, these individuals typify T h e m a n d U s , t h e t w o s i d e s of a n y c o n f r o n t a t i o n . Their c o m m e n t s about their respective tactics, presented in t h e i r e x a c t words, are a fitting prelude to realistic survival education. T h e i r insights regarding a t t i t u d e , preparedness and m i s t a k e s m a d e are particularly i m p o r t a n t . N o factors are m o r e pivotal to t h e o u t b r e a k and o u t c o m e of s h o o t i n g i n c i d e n t s . F e w a r e l e s s w e l l u n d e r s t o o d o n b o t h s i d e s of t h e l a w .

INMATE 1: There was a stick-up that morning. I walked into the store, armed with a .38 revolver. I drew down on the cashier and t o o k $ 3 , 5 0 0 cash m o n e y . T h e n there was a shrill whistle throughout the store, a warning that police were c o m i n g . I started o u t , r u n n i n g t h e l e n g t h of t h e s t o r e , a b o u t 1 0 0 f e e t , at w h i c h t i m e t h e p o l i c e o f f i c e r s t e p p e d i n t h e d o o r way w i t h his revolver drawn, I guess to assess the s i t u a t i o n i n s i d e . It s c a r e d t h e h e l l o u t of m e . A n d I shot him. Q. When you fired, how did you do it! A. I n s t i n c t i v e l y . I was about 15 feet f r o m t h e d o o r . M y p i s t o l w a s at m y s i d e , a n d w h e n I s a w h i m standing in t h e doorway, w e l l , m y gun c a m e up and o n e s h o t w e n t off. R e f l e x . N o t h i n g t h a t w a s a i m e d . Q.

Would you perceive yourself as being a marksman! A. No, I w o u l d n ' t . I never really had m u c h practice. I think that anyone can point a revolver a n d s h o o t it at a s u b j e c t a n d h i t . Y o u j u s t do l i k e this (quickly points f i n g e r ) — B O O M — a n d shoot to kill.

good

Q. At the moment you squeezed the trigger, thought was going through your mind! A. Escape. T h e officer w a s a threat to m y freed o m and to m y greed for t h e m o n e y . H e w a s in t h e way. Q. What mistakes do you think he made! A. H e should h a v e w a i t e d for a b a c k - u p force. H e could have hidden and issued a verbal challenge: " D r o p your weapon, I've got y o u c o v e r e d ! " . . . " C o m e o u t ! " Anything. He should have never stepped into that doorway, putting h i s body in jeopardy. what

Q. Now, you're a weightlifter, you keep self in good shape. How would you compare physical and mental fitness for dealing with a ing situation versus the officers you knew when were out on the street!

youryour shootyou

A. M o s t p o l i c e o f f i c e r s are n o t c o n d i t i o n e d . T h e y ' r e o v e r w e i g h t , t h e y d r i n k a l o t of b e e r , t h e y s t a y u p at n i g h t a n d t h e y d o n ' t s l e e p v e r y w e l l . I t h i n k m o s t h a v e got u l c e r s , h e a r t t r o u b l e , p r e m a t u r e illnesses. But a person that keeps himself condit i o n e d , h i s m i n d is s t e a d y , h i s e y e s are c l e a r , h i s a i m is g o o d . H e ' s g o t m o r e s t a m i n a , m o r e p a t i e n c e , a sharper perspective on things. Q. Mentally, what kind of preparation do you most guys on the street have, so far as being to take on a cop if they have to! A. I think that most people w h o c o m e from high c r i m e areas, they view the police as the e n e m y , a threat. Obviously, a person w h o carries a concealed weapon, h e ' s not ready to s u b m i t b e c a u s e h e has t h e audacity to possess a firearm in t h e first p l a c e . T h e r e f o r e , i t ' s a m a t t e r of w h o g e t s t h e drop o n w h o . O n c e I p u l l m y p i s t o l , w e l l , y o u r s is c o u n terfeit. T h a t ' s the way it's played. think ready

D E P U T Y C H I E F R. " Z I P " Z B I N D E N : T h e call was a " f a m i l y peace d i s t u r b a n c e , " and m y approach was rather ignorant. I w e n t right up a n d k n o c k e d o n t h e d o o r of t h e h o u s e . T h e m o t h e r of t h e m a n c a u s i n g t h e t r o u b l e l e t m e i n a n d said h e w a s d o w n t h e h a l l w a y off t h e l i v i n g r o o m . I obediently started down the hallway. H e c a m e out of o n e of t h e b e d r o o m s at t h e e n d . In h i s r i g h t h a n d , h e h e l d w h a t a p p e a r e d t o b e a 9 - s h o t , . 2 2 t a r g e t p i s t o l , p o i n t e d d i r e c t l y at m y s t e r n u m . It w a s v e r y s t e a d y i n h i s h a n d . H e h a d a b l a n k s t a r e o n h i s f a c e , a n d h e w a s l o o k i n g j u s t d i r e c t l y at m e . I k n e w I was in a bad p o s i t i o n . . . t h i s long hallway, and m y weapon not drawn. I tried to i n c h up o n h i m very slowly w i t h o u t any sudden m o v e m e n t s , speaking about the weather, a n y t h i n g t h a t c o u l d c o m e t o m y m i n d a n d k e e p h i m f r o m b e c o m i n g f r i g h t e n e d or d i s t u r b e d . T h a t w a s a b o u t a l l I h a d g o i n g for m e . H e w a s i n c o n t r o l of t h e s i t u a t i o n . I h a d n o i d e a w h a t h e w a s g o i n g t o do. I c o u l d p r e d i c t a l o t of a l t e r n a t i v e s , b u t I c o u l d n ' t p r e d i c t e x a c t l y w h a t or w h e n . W h e n I g o t w i t h i n a b o u t f o u r o r f i v e f e e t of h i m , I thought he had relented. His hand w i t h the gun dropped t o h i s s i d e , h i s h e a d d r o p p e d . I s t a r t e d p a t ting m y s e l f on t h e b a c k so hard I about b r o k e m y a r m s . I t h o u g h t I'd s i l v e r - t o n g u e - d e v i l e d h i m r i g h t o u t of h i s o r i g i n a l i n t e n t i o n . I e x t e n d e d m y h a n d t o grab h i s g u n . T h e w e a p o n c a m e up f r o m h i s s i d e . It w a s a n e x t r e m e l y rapid m o v e m e n t . It i m m e d i a t e l y d i s charged, and I was struck right here b e l o w w h e r e the p e n s are in m y p o c k e t .

A w e i r d f e e l i n g w e n t t h r o u g h m e . It w a s n ' t l i k e I'd seen on T V . I felt like s o m e o n e had p u n c h e d m e w i t h a closed fist and t h e n run a hot poker through m y c h e s t . I k n e w it w a s b a d . I grasped his w e a p o n w i t h m y left hand and w h e n I t o o k it a w a y f r o m h i m , h e h a d n o c o n t r o l at all o v e r h i s m o v e m e n t , a c t i o n or a n y t h i n g . H e was just a vegetable standing there. I walked outside to w a i t for m y b a c k - u p and an a m b u l a n c e . Before this happened, I used to think I could s t o p off i n a p h o n e b o o t h a n d c h a n g e c l o t h e s a n d t h e r e ' d b e a big r e d " S " u n d e r n e a t h m y s h i r t . I f o u n d out that I was subject to h u m a n frailties and h u m a n errors and I hurt just l i k e everybody else.

INMATE 2: T h e killing occurred over a traffic ticket. O n e word led to another and the officer hit m e . W h e n he h i t m e , h e w e n t for h i s g u n a n d I w e n t for m i n e . I just beat h i m to t h e s h o t . H e died and I w o u n d e d h i s partner. Q. What kind of a gun did you hovel A. I had a .380 Browning a u t o m a t i c . I w a s n ' t a m a r k s m a n , s o I j u s t h e l d it a n d p u l l e d t h e trigger, a n d t h e g u n t o o k c a r e of i t s e l f . Q. Piioi to that incident, had you given any thought to how you would deal with a police officer if you ever became involved with one! A. O h , y e s sir. A t t h e t i m e , I w a s i n f l u e n c e d b y t h e t e a c h i n g s of t h e B l a c k M u s l i m s , t h e r h e t o r i c of t h e B l a c k P a n t h e r s a n d o t h e r b l a c k r e v o l u t i o n aries. S o I'd given s o m e t h o u g h t to an e n c o u n t e r w i t h t h e p i g s . I h a d a n idea of w h a t I ' d do if I w a s confronted with a belligerent cop. Q. How did you feel the moment you shot the officer! A. I d i d n ' t h a v e a n y f e e l i n g s at a l l . Q. From your experience, how well do you think officers are prepared in shooting situations! A. M e n t a l l y , I d o n ' t t h i n k t h e y are p r e p a r e d t h a t w e l l . A p o l i c e m a n ' s j o b i s n ' t f o r e v e r y o n e . It t a k e s a b i l i t y , it t a k e s c o u r a g e , it t a k e s p a t i e n c e , a feeling for h u m a n i t y . B u t m o s t officers, t h e y ' r e scared, they're nervous, they're prejudiced. T h e y shoot, and then ask questions later. Q. In most shooting situations, where do you think officers are looking just before everything explodes! A. Well, I would say m o s t police, they're trying to view the w h o l e body, w h i c h I don't t h i n k is c o r r e c t . T h e w h o l e b o d y is n o t g o i n g t o h a r m y o u . T h e m o s t d a n g e r o u s p a r t is a m a n ' s h a n d s . If y o u c a n t r y t o get t h e g e n e r a l v i e w of h i s h a n d s , e s p e -

c i a l l y h i s r i g h t h a n d , e v e n if h e ' s g o t h i s b a c k t u r n e d to you, you're pretty safe.

SERGEANT JERRY D U N N : T h e p o s t o f f i c e c a l l e d a n d said a g u y w e w a n t e d for b a n k r o b b e r y w a s t h e r e p i c k i n g u p a p a c k a g e . A s I drove up, I saw h i m w a l k d o w n t h e post office s t e p s a n d h e a d a r o u n d t o w a r d t h e b a c k of t h e b u i l d ing. I c o n f r o n t e d h i m a n d t o l d h i m h e w a s u n d e r a r r e s t . H e s t a r t e d s a y i n g , " N o t m e . I d i d n ' t do a n y t h i n g . " I felt I had the right guy. B u t I'd only seen a p i c t u r e of h i m a n d t h e r e w a s s t i l l t h a t d o u b t . I k e p t saying, " Y o u ' r e under a r r e s t , " and h e started f u m bling w i t h his belt, w i t h his b a c k s o m e w h a t towards me. H e c a m e up w i t h a g u n , t u r n e d a r o u n d a n d s t a r t e d f i r i n g . I t r i e d t o s h o o t b a c k t w i c e as f a s t . W e hit each other. I went down first. H e stood over m e w i t h h i s g u n i n b o t h h a n d s , p o i n t i n g at m e . T h e n h e fell. Q. What kind of impact do you think TV and have had on the way officers perceive themin a shooting! A. Well, in the m o v i e s , an officer gets shot, stuffs a bandana in the w o u n d , goes on and c a t c h e s t h e bad g u y , a n d t h e n h e ' s h o m e i n t h e n e x t s c e n e h a v i n g a d r i n k w i t h a l i t t l e b l o n d e . It d o e s n ' t h a p p e n that way.

films selves

Q. What's different! A. W e l l , i n m y c a s e I got s h o t i n t h e t h i g h . At the t i m e I didn't feel that was a serious w o u n d . B u t I u n d e r s t a n d if I h a d n ' t b e e n c l o s e t o a h o s p i t a l I w o u l d h a v e died w i t h i n f o u r m i n u t e s . Q. How accurate is an officer likely to be in a shooting! A. I t h i n k w e actually hit the target w e ' r e s h o o t i n g at o n l y a b o u t 2 0 p e r c e n t of t h e t i m e . S u s p e c t s h a v e a m u c h b e t t e r a v e r a g e , p r o b a b l y 4 0 per cent. T h e suspect k n o w s w h a t h e ' s doing, but t h e cop c a n ' t take any action until the suspect does. T h e n it m a y b e t o o l a t e . Q. What did you do wrong! A. I d i d n ' t w a i t for a b a c k - u p o f f i c e r . I f e l t t h a t t i m e w a s of t h e e s s e n c e . W i t h h i n d s i g h t , I c a n s e e that the situation could have been resolved better had I kept m y suspect under surveillance and had officers surround the building w i t h m e . Q. Based on your situation, what would you say is the difference between target shooting on a range and being in the real thing on the street! A. T h e y ' r e as d i f f e r e n t as n i g h t a n d d a y . S h o o t i n g t a r g e t s , t h e r e ' s n o p r e s s u r e as s u c h . B u t firing at an i n d i v i d u a l w h o ' s r e t u r n i n g fire is j u s t a n

unbelievable experience. N o m a t t e r h o w m u c h pract i c i n g y o u do o n t h e r a n g e , y o u ' r e n e v e r p r e p a r e d t o h a v e t o f i r e a n d b e fired u p o n b y a n o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l . Q. What was going through your mind at that point I A. Disbelief. I couldn't believe that anyone w o u l d w a n t to shoot m e . H e r e I a m , just an ordinary guy doing h i s job. W h y w o u l d an individual try and kill m e just because I wanted to apprehend him? I ' v e d o n e it d o z e n s a n d d o z e n s of t i m e s . I w a s u n d e r the impression that nothing would ever happen to m e . I b e l i e v e o f f i c e r s , as a r u l e , f e e l t h a t t h e y ' r e i n v i n c i b l e , t h a t t h e y ' r e g o i n g t o do t h e i r j o b , go h o m e a n d s t a r t o v e r t h e n e x t d a y . T h e n a l l of a s u d d e n I f o u n d s o m e o n e w h o ' d r a t h e r die t h a n b e i n c a r cerated. I c o u l d n ' t believe it. Q. At the moment the first round went into the suspect, what was your reaction! A. I d o n ' t k n o w to this day w h i c h round struck h i m . I never saw any look on his face, any r e a c t i o n at a l l f r o m a n y of m y r o u n d s . I h a d n o i d e a w h e t h e r I'd shot h i m . In fact, I didn't even k n o w t h a t I h a d b e e n shot, e x c e p t that I had a pain in m y leg t h a t k n o c k e d m y f e e t o u t f r o m u n d e r m e . Q. How much of your surviving do you think was luck versus your being ready to come out on top! A. A large p o r t i o n of it w a s l u c k . T h e b a d g u y d i d n ' t g e t m e i n a v i t a l s p o t a n d I did h i m . I t c o u l d have been just the other way around.

INMATE 3: M y u n c l e a n d I p u l l e d u p i n f r o n t of t h e l i q u o r store, and h e handed m e t h e gun. H e said, " N o w ' s as g o o d a t i m e a s a n y . ' ' I w a l k e d p a s t t h e p l a c e o n c e , t h e n c a m e through t h e door and pulled out h i s Rossi snub-nose . 3 8 . A guy w a s standing to m y right I hadn't seen. H e just ducked his head down and started toward m e running, trying to get his gun out at t h e s a m e t i m e . I r e a l i z e d h e w a s a c o p . T h e n e x t thing I k n e w , w e b o t h w e n t flying up against the wall and he w a s shot. T h e bullet w e n t right in the t o p of t h e c e n t e r of h i s h e a d a n d c a m e o u t t h e b a c k . Q.

Had

you

had

very

much

experience

with

guns! A. N o , I'd n e v e r s h o t a g u n i n m y l i f e , n o t even a rifle. I had absolutely no experience at all. Q. How prepared do you think he was to fire on you! A. I d o n ' t t h i n k h e w a s p r e p a r e d t o f i r e at a l l . I d o n ' t t h i n k h e r e a l l y w a n t e d t o s h o o t m e , or h e probably would have from the beginning.

Q. Do you think guys on the street are more prepared than police! A. Probably. T h e stick-up m a n realizes w h e n he goes in that t h e situation m i g h t c o m e d o w n to w h e r e h e h a s t o s h o o t , w h e r e a s if a n o f f i c e r ' s c a u g h t in there, h e ' s caught by surprise. Q. What do you think the officer should have done! A. W h a t I w a n t e d h i m to do, l i k e lay d o w n on the floor. H e could have tried to get a good descript i o n of m e , p e r h a p s w a i t e d t i l I t u r n e d a r o u n d , t h e n shot m e . Anything but try to draw his gun on a gun that was already drawn. Q. What was your reaction to him when he started coming toward you! Did you feel that you were going to win! A. N o , because I w a s n ' t trying to shoot h i m . T h a t ' s the point. I didn't have any t i m e to think. I m e a n , b e f o r e I r e a l i z e d it, t h e m a n w a s o n m e a n d the gun was shot. Q. fust one round! A. Yeah. One Shot. Q. Now, your brother wants to be a cop. What would be your hope for him if he ever got involved in a shooting situation! A. I would hope he was better trained. Like, I t h i n k it w o u l d h a v e b e e n n o p r o b l e m f o r t h e o f f i c e r in m y s i t u a t i o n t o e v e n s a y a w o r d t o m e a n d h e c o u l d h a v e d i s a r m e d m e . If h e ' d k n o w n w h a t t o d o , he wouldn't have been killed. It's that simple.

D E T E C T I V E JACK FISHER: E a r l i e r i n t h e day a p r i s o n e r h a d e s c a p e d f r o m a s h e r i f f ' s s u b - s t a t i o n . H e ' d a s k e d t o go t o t h e t o i l e t , and a n o f f i c e r h a d u n l o c k e d o n e of h i s h a n d c u f f s . H e jumped the officer, wrestled h i m to t h e floor, t o o k his .357 M a g n u m and stole a patrol car. D u r i n g a c h a s e , h e l o s t c o n t r o l of t h e c a r a n d s k i d d e d off t h e road. H e t h e n grabbed the shotgun f r o m t h e car and t o o k off u p a m o u n t a i n s i d e . A s e r g e a n t a n d I w e r e o n t h e p o i n t of a s e a r c h party, tracking his footprints. W e w e r e c o m i n g up on a little clearing w h e n the sergeant saw h i m , c r o u c h e d w a y d o w n l o w under a large b u s h , holding the shotgun. M y first r e a c t i o n w a s t o d i v e f o r a b u s h , t a k e cover. T h e suspect brought the shotgun up on the s e r g e a n t , a n d w h e n h e w o u l d n ' t t h r o w it d o w n l i k e w e c o m m a n d e d , I fired m y f i r s t r o u n d . I m i s s e d . H e s p u n a r o u n d a n d fired at m e . T h e b l a s t w e n t o v e r m y right s h o u l d e r a n d o n e or t w o o f t h e p e l l e t s h i t m e o n t h e f o r e h e a d . I fired, I t h i n k , s i x r o u n d s u n t i l

he finally w e n t d o w n and didn't get up, h i t in the k n e e and the heart. Q. What's the difference between shooting paper targets and shooting live people! A. T h e p r i m a r y d i f f e r e n c e , of c o u r s e , is t h e paper t a r g e t s d o n ' t s h o o t b a c k . A l s o t h e y d o n ' t m o v e very often, y o u u s u a l l y have good b a c k g r o u n d , the l i g h t ' s g o o d — s o i t ' s e a s y , it b e c o m e s r o u t i n e . A n d , of c o u r s e i t ' s d i f f e r e n t i n t h e m o v i e s , t o o . T h e r e t h e o f f i c e r c a n drop a n y b o d y at 2 0 0 o r 3 0 0 y a r d s w i t h a revolver, his gun never empties, he doesn't have to w o r r y a b o u t r e l o a d i n g at c r i t i c a l t i m e s . I t ' s j u s t not that way. Q. What's it like to get shot at by someone! A. V e r y f r i g h t e n i n g , s c a r y , all t h e w o r d s for t h a t . B u t y o u d o n ' t r e a l i z e t h a t at t h e t i m e , w h e n you're instinctively reacting. T h e scariness comes l a t e r , w h e n y o u sit b a c k a n d c r i t i q u e y o u r s e l f . T h e n y o u get s c a r e d , b e c a u s e t h e r e ' s u s u a l l y s o m e t h i n g y o u d i d n ' t do t h a t y o u s h o u l d h a v e . Q. What did you do wrong! A. T h e biggest thing, I t h i n k , was to m i s s w i t h m y f i r s t s h o t , t h e r e b y a f f o r d i n g h i m t h e opport u n i t y t o c r a n k o n e off at m e . H a d h e b e e n s u c c e s s f u l , I w o u l d h a v e b e e n o u t of t h e p i c t u r e , a n d w h o knows what would have happened. Q. Say I've been an officer for about six months. What kind of advice could you give me in a shooting situation! A. If y o u d o n ' t r e m e m b e r a n o t h e r t h i n g , r e m e m b e r t o do something i m m e d i a t e l y . M o v e , run, j u m p up and down, fall d o w n on t h e ground, yell, s c r e a m — j u s t react so you're not standing there giving t h e suspect a perfect target. Anything m i g h t g i v e y o u a n edge, b e c a u s e h e m a y b e a m a z e d at w h a t you're doing and therefore not pull t h e trigger. T h a t could give y o u the opportunity to draw your weapo n , if y o u d o n ' t a l r e a d y h a v e it o u t , a n d g e t h i m before he gets you. Q. What does it feel like to shoot somebody! A. Y o u t h i n k a b o u t it l a t e r . T o t a k e a h u m a n l i f e is n e v e r a p l e a s u r e a n d I d o n ' t e v e r e x p e c t it t o b e o n e . I ' v e h a d s o m e u n c o m f o r t a b l e m o m e n t s as t h e r e s u l t , b u t I did w h a t I h a d t o d o .

INMATE 4: Fifty-eight police officers were staked out around a plant where they'd been informed w e were g o n n a rob an a r m o r e d car. W e c a m e and w a i t e d for a n h o u r or t w o , b u t t h e t r u c k w a s l a t e , s o w e p r o c e e d e d t o l e a v e . A g u n s h o t w a s fired, a n d w e r e turned fire. Five or ten m i n u t e s later, after the s h o o t i n g had ceased, a police officer w a s found dead, a l o n g w i t h t w o of m y c o - d e f e n d a n t s .

Q.

Was

the

officer

out

in

the

open

when

he

fired! A. H e w a s p o s i t i o n e d d i r e c t l y i n f r o n t of t h e v e h i c l e I w a s o c c u p y i n g a n d 15 t o 2 0 f e e t d i r e c t l y i n f r o n t of s i x o f f i c e r s w h o w e r e s h o o t i n g o v e r h i s shoulder. T e s t i m o n y later revealed he was shot by t h e m d u e to t h e f a c t t h e y w a s b l i n d f r o m t h e b r i g h t light. Q. What kind of gun did you have! A. I had an A R - 1 5 , a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c highp o w e r e d r i f l e . I t ' s t h e c i v i l i a n v e r s i o n of t h e M - 1 6 . Very powerful and very damaging weapon. Q. Are you a good shot! A. W e l l , at a d i s t a n c e of 2 5 t o 3 0 f e e t , I w o u l d h i t a m o v i n g t a r g e t of m o d e r a t e s i z e e i g h t o u t of t e n times. I knew the most successful criminal would be the one w h o had the m o s t e x p e r i e n c e in handling a g u n , so I s t u d i e d g u n s . I u s e d t o go h u n t i n g a n d to a rifle range and shoot shotguns, A R - 1 5 rifles, M-16s, Army .45s, .357 Magnums with six-inch b a r r e l s , p o l i c e s p e c i a l s and P - 3 8 s . Q. How proficient do you think most officers are with a handgun! A. I don't think m y vocabulary contains the w o r d s t o d e s c r i b e t h e l o u s i n e s s of t h e w a y p o l i c e u s e their handguns. W h e n they dismount their handgun from its holster, t h e y ' r e not fixed firmly, t h e y don't tense t h e m s e l v e s up. T h e y ' r e very loose and casual. T h a t indicates poor accuracy, poor efficiency. Anyo n e w h o ' s fired a h a n d g u n k n o w s t h a t y o u s h o u l d b e as s t u r d y as p o s s i b l e w h e n y o u ' r e i n a f i r i n g p o s i tion. Q. To your knowledge of the way things are on the street, what do you think the easiest way would be to take out a cop! A. T o w a t c h his m o v e m e n t . A good armed r o b b e r or a g o o d b u r g l a r , h e h a v e o n e t h i n g i n h i s m i n d : t o p u l l off a s u c c e s s f u l c a p e r . In o r d e r t o do that, he m u s t have his eyes on the door. And c o m i n g through t h e door, he always e x p e c t s t h e p o l i c e . H e anticipates. In m y experience, officers just c o m e through the door w i t h their gun u n h o l s t e r e d , n o t k n o w i n g w h e r e t h e c r i m i n a l is l o c a t e d . T h e y l e a v e themselves vulnerable...no protection. I think it's a n e m o t i o n a l r e a c t i o n , b e c a u s e a g r e a t d e a l of y o u r o f f i c e r s is a c t u a l l y afraid, s o t h e t h i n g t h a t m o s t l y r u n s t h r o u g h t h e i r m i n d is I h a v e t o get i n h e r e , m a k e t h i s a r r e s t a n d t h a t ' s i t . T h e y n e v e r l o o k at t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of b e i n g k i l l e d i n t h e p r o c e s s . Q. What odds do you give an officer in that of situation! A. If I s o u g h t o u t t o c o m m i t a r o b b e r y , I w o u l d g i v e t h e p o l i c e a 3 0 p e r c e n t c h a n c e of l i v i n g , o n c e h e w a l k e d t h r o u g h t h e d o o r . A s s o o n as I h e a r a noise, I'm automatically turning and shooting. I kind

w a n t w h a t I ' v e c o m e for a n d I w a n t t o g e t a w a y , s o m y o b j e c t i v e is h i g h e r t h a n a n y o f f i c e r t h a t p l a n t o arrest m e . Q. And you think you 're better prepared! A. T h a n the average guy w h o goes to t h e acade m y m a y b e o n c e a w e e k , s p e n d s 10 or 2 0 m i n u t e s there? Definitely. C r i m i n a l s study t h e police. I've studied the way police m o v e , their e m o t i o n a l anticip a t i o n s . I a l w a y s w a t c h t h e o f f i c e r , n o t for h i s e y e s or h i s h a n d s — h i s c h e s t p a r t . I h a v e h i s c h e s t p a r t in visual sight. Q.

And

you

can

shoot

him

without

reserva-

tion! A. I ' l l p u t it in t h i s p e r s p e c t i v e : w h e r e t h e r e ' s $ 2 , 0 0 0 or m o r e i n v o l v e d , t h e a v e r a g e g u y h a v e n o reservations whatsoever about w h o he kills. In fact, he'd be m o r e inclined to kill a police officer rather than anyone else. He expects the worst to happen.

D E T E C T I V E JIM R O W E : I was a patrolman when the shooting occurred. I was on m y m o t o r c y c l e checking out a lower parking l e v e l for a g u y w h o ' d s t o l e n t w o g u n s f r o m a p a w n shop w h e n I noticed s o m e o n e w h o looked like h i m w a l k by on the sidewalk above. I rode up to w i t h i n 8 or 9 f e e t b e h i n d h i m . I h a d m y g u n o u t , p o i n t i n g at h i m . I y e l l e d , " H o l d it r i g h t t h e r e ! " H e k i n d of looked over his right shoulder and t h e n spun around. B o o m ! H i s first shot hit m e in t h e n e c k . I fired b a c k , b u t h e t o o k off a n d k e p t g o i n g . Q. What effect do you think TV and films have had on officer survival! A. Definitely detrimental. In the C l i n t Eastwood movies, the John Wayne movies, the crooks are l o u s y shots, t h e good guys a l w a y s w i n . T h i s in itself tends to m a k e p o l i c e m e n feel they're a little m o r e invincible than they really are. Q.

Where

do

you

think

your

approach

was

weak! A. N u m b e r one, I approached the individual while still on m y m o t o r c y c l e . I c a m e too close to h i m , I didn't have any cover, and I b r o k e the golden r u l e of p o l i c e m e n : I did n o t s e e h i s h a n d s . T h e y w e r e in his p o c k e t s . I should have k n o w n better, b e c a u s e , if h e w a s t h e s u s p e c t I w a s l o o k i n g f o r , I k n e w h e was armed. Q. What's it like to get shot by someone who is better prepared than you are! A. M y p e r s o n a l f e e l i n g w a s o n e of a n g e r . I f e l t that w i t h m y experience, ten years on the departm e n t , I should have been m o r e alert. H e was able to j u s t t u r n a n d fire a n d h i t m e , a n d I s h o t n i n e t i m e s at h i m f r o m a d i s t a n c e of l e s s t h a n t e n f e e t , a n d I d o n ' t k n o w w h e t h e r I h i t h i m or n o t .

Q. Things were a little different than on the range! A. V e r y . S h o o t i n g paper t a r g e t s , y o u ' r e n o t pumped up, t h e r e ' s no adrenalin, no danger, n o t h i n g to fear. Y o u just have the feeling that t h a t ' s e x a c t l y w h a t t h e y are, paper t a r g e t s . I t ' s v e r y s i m p l e t o k e e p a calm, steady hand w h e n they're not shooting back. Q. Where do most officers go wrong, so far as survival is concerned! A. Being over-confident, thinking that their b l u e u n i f o r m is g o i n g t o s t o p b u l l e t s . T h e m o r e y o u ' r e in p o l i c e w o r k , y o u t e n d t o b e c o m e i n v o l v e d in s i t u a t i o n s w h i c h are v e r y s i m i l a r , t i m e a n d t i m e again. Y o u c a n b e c o m e v e r y c o m p l a c e n t d u r i n g t h o s e t y p e s of i n c i d e n t s , and it c a n t u r n b a d o n y o u . It did w i t h m e . Q. Okay, I'm a bad guy and I'm saying I'm better prepared than any cop out on the street. I shoot when I want to, and you don't know what you 're doing. A. W e l l , I d o n ' t c a r e w h a t y o u say a b o u t b e i n g b e t t e r p r e p a r e d . I a l m o s t l o s t m y l i f e , a n d I ' l l guarantee you, / w o n ' t m a k e the s a m e m i s t a k e s again. I ' l l be b e t t e r prepared t h a n t h e t y p i c a l c r e e p o n t h e street. I practice. I don't b e c o m e complacent. T h a t ' s w h a t i t ' s all a b o u t . N o t b e c o m i n g c o m p l a c e n t , a n d j u s t p r a c t i c i n g at s u r v i v i n g .

T h e ways and c i r c u m s t a n c e s in w h i c h c r i m i n a l s take on officers in gunfights have varied a m a z i n g l y l i t t l e s i n c e p o l i c e first b e g a n t o c a r r y f i r e a r m s i n t h e m i d d l e of t h e 1 9 t h c e n t u r y . T h e f i r s t p o l i c e k i l l i n g r e c o r d e d in N e w Y o r k C i t y , i n 1 8 5 4 , o c c u r r e d a f t e r a baker interrupted two " j u v e n i l e d e l i n q u e n t s " burglarizing his e s t a b l i s h m e n t . " T h e rogues e s c a p e d , " s a y s t h e o f f i c i a l report of t h e i n c i d e n t , " a n d w e r e closely pursued by Patrolman Cahill. H e i m m e d i ately closed in w i t h the rascals and a struggle ensued ...Several pistol shots were discharged...The officer gave a g r o a n , s a n k t o t h e g r o u n d a n d e x p i r e d a f e w m i n u t e s l a t e r . " I n c l o s e s e q u e n c e i n t h e m u s t y old r e c o r d b o o k s f o l l o w r e p o r t s of p l a i n c l o t h e s a n d u n i f o r m e d o f f i c e r s — " t r u s t y g u a r d i a n s of t h e n i g h t " — fatally shot upon confronting a shoe store thief w h o w a s b r a n d i s h i n g ' ' a large h o r s e p i s t o l ' ' . . . w h e n c a l l e d t o " q u e l l a d i s t u r b a n c e at a n o y s t e r s a l o o n " . . . w h i l e trying to arrest " a fugitive f r o m j u s t i c e " in a l i q u o r s t o r e . . . d u r i n g t h e p u r s u i t of " a g a n g of vagabonds" w h o had " d e b a u c h e d a wretched female against her w i l l " . . . a n d while a t t e m p t i n g to seize " a m a d m a n " w h o had v o w e d to shoot t h e first m a n w h o c a m e through his hotel r o o m door.

T Y P E O F A S S I G N M E N T A T TIR/IE O F D E A T H Percent 66 22 11 99

Patrol Detective/Special Assignment Off D u t y Total

CIRCUMSTANCES A T T H E SCENE OF T H E I N C I D E N T Percent Disturbance Calls Burglary Calls Robbery Calls A t t e m p t i n g A r r e s t for C r i m e s o t h e r t h a n R o b b e r y or B u r g l a r y Civil Disorders Handling Prisoners Investigating Suspicious Persons/ Circumstances A m b u s h (premeditated and unprovoked) Dealing with Mentally Deranged T r a f f i c P u r s u i t s and S t o p s Total

19 7 18 21 1 4 8 7 2 12 99

25

T o d a y , o n l y t h e n a m e s a n d s o m e of t h e l a n g u a g e a r e d i f f e r e n t , t h e o c c u p a t i o n of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t r e mains exactly the same. Throughout the country, officers still are killed in bars, stores and h o m e s , on s i d e w a l k s a n d h i g h w a y s , i n a l l e y s a n d g u t t e r s , pred o m i n a n t l y b y g u n s . More than 70 per cent of the time, the fatal confrontations erupt during so-called "routine patrol, " a n d e s p e c i a l l y w h e n o f f i c e r s a r e : • • • •

attempting arrests responding to d o m e s t i c disturbances investigating robberies-in-progress, and c o n d u c t i n g traffic pursuits and stops.

( T h e d e g r e e of d a n g e r w i t h i n t h e s e b r o a d categories m a y vary w i t h c i r c u m s t a n c e s . T h e d a n g e r of d o m e s t i c d i s t u r b a n c e s , for e x a m p l e , tends to be h e i g h t e n e d w h e n only o n e o f f i c e r is o n t h e s c e n e ; r o b b e r y - i n p r o g r e s s c a l l s a r e apt t o b e m o r e d a n g e r o u s t o o f f i c e r s in c o n c e n t r a t e d u r b a n a r e a s t h a n in rural areas, w h e r e the distance an officer m u s t travel in responding often allows t h e suspect t i m e to flee.) No a s s i g n m e n t c a n b e c o n s i d e r e d " s a f e , " h o w e v e r . N o r c a n a n y t i m e , day, m o n t h or l o c a t i o n . O f f i c e r s a r e k i l l e d i n d a y l i g h t , at n i g h t , o n w e e k e n d s and w e e k d a y s , in w i n t e r and s u m m e r , inside police s t a t i o n s , jails and judges' c h a m b e r s and o n the p o r c h e s of t h e i r o w n h o u s e s , as w e l l i n t h e h e a r t of h o s t i l e g h e t t o s . O n e i n n i n e of t h o s e w h o die are o f f - d u t y at t h e t i m e t h e y a r e a t t a c k e d . O n c e y o u c a r r y a b a d g e , y o u ' r e e x p o s e d t o t h e r i s k of a g u n f i g h t at all h o u r s , all p l a c e s , o n all d a y s , i n all s e a s o n s , a n d u n d e r all c i r c u m s t a n c e s — j u s t as y o u r counterparts were m o r e than a c e n t u r y ago, w h e n t h e t a l l y of l i v e s l o s t b e g a n . W h a t ' s e s p e c i a l l y d i s t u r b i n g is t h a t o f f i c e r s t o day still r e s e m b l e t h o s e f r o m t h e decade before t h e C i v i l W a r i n a n o t h e r w a y : i n c r e d i b l y , they are making the same tactical errors in regard to armed confrontations. T h e s e persistent m i s t a k e s , in m o s t c a s e s , are d i r e c t l y r e s p o n s i b l e for t h e t o l l of o f f i c e r injuries and deaths. A f t e r m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 y e a r s of c o n s i s t e n c y i n t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s a n d o u t c o m e s of o f f i c e r - i n v o l v e d s h o o t i n g s , m a n y d e p a r t m e n t s are finally beginning t o r e c o g n i z e t h e c o r e p r o b l e m : a large gap e x i s t s b e t w e e n t h e training m o s t officers receive in h o w to d e f e n d t h e i r l i v e s a n d t h e k i n d s of c h a l l e n g e s t o t h e i r defense they actually confront on the job. In short, the patterns of instructions don't match the patterns of encounter. T h i s is n o w h e r e m o r e e v i d e n t — o r m o r e i m p o r t a n t — t h a n in t h e a r e a of f i r e a r m s .

M o s t initial recruit range training and subseq u e n t q u a l i f i c a t i o n r e q u i r e m e n t s , for e x a m p l e , f o c u s o v e r w h e l m i n g l y on shooting stationary paper or m e t a l t a r g e t s at a d i s t a n c e of 2 1 t o 1 5 0 f e e t . T h e a c t i o n is s l o w a n d d e l i b e r a t e . T h e r a n g e m a s t e r h o l lers out a measured c o u n t d o w n : ' 'Ready on the right! .. . R e a d y o n t h e l e f t ! . . . R e a d y o n t h e f i r i n g l i n e . . . F i r e ! ' ' Y o u c o n c e n t r a t e o n grip, s t a n c e , b r e a t h c o n t r o l , s i g h t a l i g n m e n t , trigger s q u e e z e a n d proper f o l l o w through. After shooting each round, you m a y be told to re-holster your gun, and w h e n you reload, y o u ' r e c a u t i o n e d t o d u m p y o u r b r a s s i n a b u c k e t or p u t it i n y o u r p o c k e t t o k e e p t h e r a n g e t i d y . T h e r e ' s u s u a l l y l i t t l e p r e s s u r e . . . t h e l i g h t ' s g o o d . . . a n d if y o u r gun or a m m u n i t i o n m a l f u n c t i o n , you just s t i c k your h a n d i n t h e air a n d c a l l t i m e - o u t .

28

B u t , r e a l l i f e - o r - d e a t h e p i s o d e s , as s u r v i v o r s are q u i c k t o p o i n t o u t , are d r a s t i c a l l y d i f f e r e n t . S h o o t - o u t s t e n d t o b e at c l o s e q u a r t e r s , q u i c k a n d d a r k . Y o u r t a r g e t s h o o t s at you...and moves. While y o u ' r e t r y i n g t o d u c k b u l l e t s , s e e h i m a n d fire b a c k , y o u m a y be s c r a m b l i n g for f o o t i n g o n i c e , t r y i n g t o k e e p y o u r b a l a n c e o n a r i c k e t y fire e s c a p e , or f e n d i n g off s t o n e s a n d b o t t l e s h u r l e d f r o m a n a n g r y c r o w d . Your gun m a y be wobbling, because you're panting a n d t r e m b l i n g f r o m t h e e x e r t i o n of a c h a s e . T o r e a c h c o v e r , y o u m a y h a v e t o r o l l t h r o u g h a p a t c h of c a c t u s or o v e r b r o k e n g l a s s . Y o u m a y r u n o u t of a m m u nition before your assailant does, and w h i l e y o u ' r e struggling to reload, he m a y rush you. Y o u m a y face m u l t i p l e suspects in different l o c a t i o n s and w i t h m o r e p o w e r f u l g u n s t h a n y o u r s , a l l f i r i n g at o n c e . Y o u m a y b e c o m e wounded and start pumping blood. O r at t h e s p l i t - s e c o n d y o u n e e d t o s h o o t t o s a v e y o u r life, y o u r g u n m a y m a l f u n c t i o n . F o r c e r t a i n , w h e n y o u are u n d e r s u d d e n s t r e s s and fear, y o u r p u p i l s d i l a t i n g , y o u r h e a r t t h u m p i n g , your lungs heaving, your adrenalin surging, your s t o m a c h a n d b o w e l s i n t u r m o i l , y o u r a b i l i t y t o dist i n g u i s h t i m e , c o l o r s a n d d i s t a n c e d i m i n i s h e d , you revert without thinking to the habits you have learned in training. U n l e s s you have trained realist i c a l l y , t h i s a l o n e m a y c o s t y o u y o u r l i f e . In a n o t o r ious highway patrol incident, four officers were k i l l e d in a g u n f i g h t t h a t b r o k e o u t d u r i n g a f e l o n y s t o p . A f t e r t h e s h o o t i n g w a s o v e r , o n e of t h e dead officers, w h o had reloaded during t h e s h o o t - o u t , reportedly was found w i t h spent cartridges in his pants p o c k e t s . U n d e r fire, he had u n c o n s c i o u s l y t a k e n p r e c i o u s s e c o n d s t o do w h a t h e h a d l e a r n e d o n the range: eject his e m p t i e s i n t o his p a l m and stuff t h e m into his pocket before reloading live rounds. T h e o f f i c e r w h o h a s h a d l i t t l e or n o t r a i n i n g or h a s n o t r e c e n t l y u n d e r g o n e r e - t r a i n i n g is l i k e l y under stress simply to panic. His behavior can b e j u s t as t h r e a t e n i n g t o h i m s e l f a n d t o o t h e r i n n o c e n t p a r t i e s as t h a t of t h e o f f i c e r w h o is i m p r o p e r l y trained. No one should underestimate the importance t h a t t h e b a s i c f u n d a m e n t a l s of m a r k s m a n s h i p c a n p l a y in a r m e d e n c o u n t e r s . B u t t h e y s h o u l d b e r e garded as t h e f o u n d a t i o n , n o t t h e f i n i s h e d p r o d u c t , of s u r v i v a l e x p e r t i s e . A n d t h e y s h o u l d b e u t t e r l y f r e e of t h e p r a c t i c e s t h a t m a y b e c o n v e n i e n t t o t h e r a n g e staff, b u t j e o p a r d i z i n g t o t h e o f f i c e r s i n w h o m t h e y h a v e b e c o m e i n g r a i n e d ( s u c h as p u t t i n g e m p t y s h e l l cases in your pocket to avoid cluttering up t h e grass). Some agencies have modernized their firearms training to include i n s t i n c t shooting, dim-light firing, s t r e s s c o u r s e s a n d c l o s e , m u l t i p l e a n d m o v i n g

targets in s i m u l a t e d street s i t u a t i o n s . S o m e , in doing so, have been startled to discover that officers w h o have b e e n w i n n i n g target shooting trophies o f t e n are u n a b l e t o h i t " c o m b a t " t a r g e t s at 8 t o 10 f e e t , p a r t i c u l a r l y w h e n t h e t a r g e t s are m o v i n g . I n m o s t jurisdictions, however, range facilities remain inadequate, instruction m i n i m a l and the techniques c o n v e y e d t o o o u t m o d e d or u n r e a l i s t i c for p r a c t i c a l application. A s a b e g i n n i n g for y o u r s u r v i v a l a w a r e n e s s , y o u need to k n o w just w h a t factors y o u are l i k e l y to have to deal w i t h in a real shooting situation. Y o u m a y f i n d it s o b e r i n g t o c o m p a r e t h e t r a i n i n g y o u h a v e r e c e i v e d t o d a t e w i t h t h e s e s t a t i s t i c a l p r o b a b i l i t i e s of t h e s t r e e t . Y o u m a y agree w i t h o n e o f f i c e r w h o assessed his formal instruction this way: " I t seems like t h e y give y o u a b o w and arrow and send y o u o u t t h e r e t o do y o u r j o b . "

Patterns of Encounter N o t w o s h o o t i n g c o n f r o n t a t i o n s are e v e r e x a c t l y alike, but over the years records have been kept, certain recurring patterns have been identified. Of c o u r s e , o n e s h o u l d a l w a y s t r a i n for t h e e x c e p t i o n as well as the rule. But w h e r e traditional firearms i n s t r u c t i o n f a l l s s h o r t is i n p r e p a r i n g i t s t r a i n e e s only f o r t h e e x c e p t i o n s — a s s o m e of t h e s e r e a l i t i e s indicate: Distance: W h i l e m o s t range practice involves t a r g e t s s e t at 7 t o 5 0 y a r d s , s p a n s of less than 7 yards e x i s t b e t w e e n o f f i c e r s a n d s u s p e c t s in a l m o s t 8 5 per cent of a c t u a l s h o o t - o u t s . W h e n o f f i c e r s are k i l l e d , t h e y a r e o n l y 0 t o 10 f e e t f r o m t h e i r a s s a i l a n t s i n t h e v a s t m a j o r i t y of c a s e s ; h a l f a r e 5 f e e t or l e s s , close enough m a n y t i m e s to t o u c h e a c h other. Of t h e m o r e t h a n 2 5 0 officer deaths recorded in N e w Y o r k C i t y s i n c e 1 8 5 4 , in o n l y one did t h e s u s p e c t s h o o t f r o m m o r e t h a n 2 0 f e e t a w a y . Y e t , 2 1 f e e t is t h e d i s t a n c e at w h i c h m o s t r a n g e t r a i n i n g s t a r t s a n d it l e n g t h e n s f r o m t h e r e . T h a t c o n d i t i o n s y o u t o t h i n k i n t e r m s of r e l a t i v e l y v a s t s p a t i a l r e l a t i o n s h i p s , w h e n y o u s h o u l d b e t h i n k i n g — a n d prepari n g — f o r close q u a r t e r s . T h e s u s p e c t w h o s h o o t s at y o u is l i k e l y t o b e l e s s t h a n h a l f t h e l e n g t h of y o u r p a t r o l c a r , or t h e l e n g t h of y o u r a r m , a w a y . 1

Light: I n c o n t r a s t t o t h e t y p i c a l s u n n y or b r i g h t l y l i g h t e d r a n g e , m o r e t h a n t w o o u t of t h r e e f a t a l o f f i c e r s h o o t i n g s o c c u r d u r i n g t h e h o u r s of 1 FBI " L a w Enforcement Officers Killed" Summaries.

d a r k n e s s or i n l o c a t i o n s w h e r e t h e l i g h t is v e r y d i m , like hallways, bars, w a r e h o u s e s and b a s e m e n t s . O u t s i d e y o u m a y h a v e o n l y t h e l i g h t of s t a r s or t h e m o o n , or a s t r e e t l a m p h a l f a b l o c k a w a y . T h e l i g h t m a y be so p o o r t h a t y o u w o n ' t b e a b l e t o s e e t h e sights on your gun w h e n you need to return fire. Time: T h e t i m e you t a k e to position yourself o n t h e r a n g e is p r o b a b l y l o n g e r t h a n m o s t g u n f i g h t s l a s t . C o n f r o n t a t i o n s are s u d d e n a f f a i r s , o v e r in 2 to 3 seconds, in t h e m a j o r i t y of c a s e s . A l m o s t n e v e r is there t i m e to c o c k your gun, stand in profile, and t a k e c a r e f u l a i m at y o u r t a r g e t . Y o u a n d t h e s u s p e c t t o g e t h e r are n o t l i k e l y t o fire m o r e t h a n a t o t a l of 3 s h o t s , w h e t h e r t h e s i t u a t i o n is a n a m b u s h , a n a r m e d r o b b e r y or a f a m i l y f i g h t . In t h e m a j o r i t y of c a s e s , t h e i n i t i a l e x c h a n g e of fire w i l l d e t e r m i n e t h e o u t c o m e . T h e s p e e d w i t h w h i c h y o u c a n r e a c t t o danger, t h e r e f o r e , is l i k e l y t o b e a m o r e c r i t i c a l c o m m o d i t y t h a n t h e a m o u n t of a m m u n i t i o n y o u h a v e at your disposal. Y o u probably carry m o r e a m m u n i t i o n t h a n y o u ' l l e v e r n e e d , b u t t i m e is a l m o s t always in short supply. 2

1-"Carrying Duty A m m o for R e v o l v e r s , " by Ed Lovette, N e w Mexico man, January, 1977.

Law-

The scene of a gunfight. Two suspects are dead after wounding a police officer. A short distance away the officer receives assistance from fellow officers. Note the presence of civilians, location, distance between subjects, and the outcome.

31

Location: Officer-involved shootings occurring o u t d o o r s o u t n u m b e r t h o s e i n s i d e b y 2Vi t o l . W h e n t h e s u s p e c t is w i t h i n a b u i l d i n g of s o m e s o r t , y o u m a y have t i m e to c o n t a i n h i m and to plan and get assistance. But outside, fast, positive action m a y b e d e m a n d e d t o p r e v e n t h i s e s c a p e or t o s a v e y o u r life and o t h e r s . T h e m a j o r i t y of outdoor c o n f r o n t a t i o n s o c c u r o n s t r e e t s a n d s i d e w a l k s or i n a l l e y s or yards. T h a t can m e a n passing m o t o r i s t s , shoppers, kids playing, people leaning from w i n d o w s . . . a s well as f e l l o w o f f i c e r s or h o s t a g e s i n t h e i m m e d i a t e v i c i n ity. Rigid safety rules protect everyone on the range, but in real life, your assailant will likely s h o o t w i t h t o t a l d i s r e g a r d for b y s t a n d e r s ' w e l f a r e . Y o u r r e t u r n fire, o n t h e other h a n d , will h a v e to safely a c c o m m o d a t e t h e i r p r e s e n c e b e c a u s e you w i l l b e h e l d l e g a l l y r e s p o n s i b l e for w h e r e v e r y o u r b u l l e t s i m p a c t , e v e n several t h o u s a n d yards d o w n range. 3

Assailants: O n the range, you typically shoot at o n e s t a t i o n a r y t a r g e t at a t i m e . A t l e a s t f o u r o u t of t e n g u n f i g h t s , h o w e v e r , i n v o l v e m o r e t h a n o n e a s s a i l a n t . I t ' s i n c r e a s i n g l y c o m m o n t h e s e d a y s for a r m e d robbers and other c r i m i n a l s to e m p l o y backup m e n . O f t e n t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s a r e n o t r e a d i l y i d e n t i f i a b l e as s u s p e c t s a n d m a y e s c a p e y o u r n o t i c e until they open fire. Y o u m a y find t h e m positioned at d i f f e r e n t h e i g h t s t h a n y o u a r e , at d i f f e r e n t dist a n c e s a w a y , a n d at d i f f e r e n t a n g l e s t o y o u , a n d t h e y are q u i t e l i k e l y t o be m o v i n g , t h e r e b y c o m p l i c a t i n g your return-fire capabilities. Weapons: T h e r e are n o c o u n t e r - w e a p o n s on t h e a v e r a g e r a n g e ; t h e t a r g e t t a k e s y o u r fire a n d never responds. O n the street, your targets not only fire b a c k , b u t t h e y g e n e r a l l y f i r e fiist...and their g u n s m a y b e b a l l i s t i c a l l y s u p e r i o r . O n e s u r v e y indic a t e s t h a t a b o u t 15 p e r c e n t of t h e s u s p e c t s w h o s h o o t at p o l i c e u s e s h o t g u n s or r i f l e s , w h e r e a s f e w e r t h a n 5 p e r c e n t of t h e o f f i c e r s i n v o l v e d h a v e t h e s e w e a p o n s in h a n d . O f officers w h o are killed, h o w e v e r , s e v e n o u t of t e n die f r o m handgun wounds. M o r e t h a n 8 0 per c e n t of t h e g u n s u s e d i n t h e s e a s s a u l t s a r e t h e s a m e c a l i b e r as t h e o f f i c e r ' s or s m a l l e r . M a n y h a v e b e e n s t o l e n , e i t h e r b u r g l a r i z e d or bought f r o m fences. M i l i t a r y and high-quality law enforcement weapons with armor-piercing rounds are easily available to c r i m i n a l s f r o m illegal s o u r c e s . In s o m e cases, c r i m i n a l ingenuity can m a k e a standard w e a p o n m o r e h a z a r d o u s . (In T e n n e s s e e , a s u s pect loaded shotgun shells w i t h d i m e s to produce a d e a d l i e r i m p a c t at c l o s e r a n g e . ) F r o m y o u r p o i n t of 4

- Target Blue, Robert Daley, Dell Publishing Company, 1978. 4 " A n a l y s i s of Police C o m b a t S i t u a t i o n s , " New York City Police Department, 1974. 3

v i e w , the most dangerous gun is still the .38 Special revolver. S u s p e c t s favor it, s t a t i s t i c a l l y , o v e r a l l o t h e r s . O t h e r s m o s t c o m m o n l y i n v o l v e d are . 2 5 cal., .32 cal. and .357 M a g n u m in t h a t descending order. In a b o u t 2 0 p e r c e n t of t h e c a s e s , t h e g u n u s e d t o k i l l a n o f f i c e r is h i s own s e r v i c e f i r e a r m , w r e s t e d f r o m h i s h a n d or h i s h o l s t e r b y h i s w o u l d - b e target and t u r n e d a g a i n s t h i m — a n o t h e r p r o b l e m t o t a l l y foreign f r o m r a n g e t r a i n i n g . W h a t e v e r w e a p o n is used, t h e suspect in m o s t cases will i n s t i n c t i v e l y fire it d o u b l e - a c t i o n . T h i s c a n g i v e a n a s s a i l a n t a n a d d i t i o n a l edge, e s p e c i a l l y w h e n , as s o m e t i m e s h a p pens, the v i c t i m officer, under stress, reverts to the s l o w e r , r e c r u i t r a n g e - i n s t i l l e d h a b i t of f i r i n g s i n g l e action. 5

6

5 FBI " L a w Enforcement Officers Killed S u m m a r y , " 1977. ^•"Revolver Retention for Law Enforcement Officers," Kansas City (MO) Police Department, 1976.

38 cal. S&W Military and Police Model with a tragic history. The offender disarmed one officer to steal it, then used it months later to kill another officer. Between incidents the barrel was cut down, for better concealment.

Even cap guns have been used to draw down on police. In some cases, toy guns have been made operable and used in robberies.

Guns found in a car which was stopped for having homemade cardboard license plates. Some of these guns were used by the four occupants, who had recently killed an officer in another state.

Long guns confiscated by police after being used in various robberies and assaults in a middle-class suburb of 80,000.

Firearms are often stolen prior to armed confrontations. This collection, plus ammunition, was seized in a "routine" drug raid.

34

Suspects Who Shoot J u s t as p u n c h i n g paper t a r g e t s f a i l s t o r e f l e c t t h e weaponry and m o s t other c o n f r o n t a t i o n parameters, c l a s s r o o m p r e s e n t a t i o n s and l o c k e r r o o m w a r s t o r i e s m a y , in equal m e a s u r e , fail to prepare you for the m e n and w o m e n w h o stand behind the revolvers, the s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s , the rifles, the shotguns, the machine-guns, the pen guns, the pellet guns, the zip g u n s , a n d t h e G o d - k n o w s - w h a t - y o u ' d - c a l l - ' e m h o m e m a d e guns that you m a y confront on the street. Yet, because they usually dictate the critical factors in a s h o o t i n g — l i k e t i m e , distance and locat i o n — u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e i r p e r s p e c t i v e is c r u c i a l . Once you confront a suspect who has a gun, the odds are better than 40-60 that he will shoot at you and m o s t p r o b a b l y fire t h e f i r s t r o u n d . H e m a y do s o o u t of p a n i c , d e s p e r a t i o n , c o n f u s i o n , a n g e r , f e a r , derangement, exasperation, revenge, intoxication, h a l l u c i n a t i o n , p o l i t i c a l z e a l or s u i c i d a l y e a r n i n g . B u t the fact remains that, whatever the motivation, a s i z e a b l e p r o p o r t i o n of s u s p e c t s w i t h g u n s are n o t i n t i m i d a t e d j u s t b e c a u s e y o u are a n o f f i c e r . I n d e e d , it m a y b e t h a t v e r y s t a t u s t h a t i m p e l s t h e m t o f i r e — especially w h e n you stand b e t w e e n t h e m and escape. A t s o m e l e v e l , of c o u r s e , e v e n if i t ' s s u b c o n scious, an armed suspect faced w i t h your p r e s e n c e m u s t decide w h e t h e r to run, surrender or shoot; f e w , if a n y , a r e forced t o fire o n p o l i c e . A g a i n , as w i t h t h e e l e m e n t s of c o n f r o n t a t i o n , n o a b s o l u t e s c a n b e d r a w n , a n d i t ' s r i s k y n o t t o a l l o w for t h e m a n y e x c e p t i o n s . B u t c e r t a i n patterns are evident a m o n g those w h o c h o o s e to squeeze the trigger. Of suspects w h o kill officers, better than 9 6 per c e n t a r e m a l e , n e a r l y h a l f n a t i o n w i d e are b l a c k ( m u c h higher in s o m e urban areas), m o s t are under 3 0 . ( T h i s is n o t t o s a y , of c o u r s e , t h a t w o m e n a n d children, C a u c a s i a n s and the elderly can be ruled o u t as d a n g e r o u s s u s p e c t s . I n d i v i d u a l s i n t h e s e groups a t t a c k l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r s , t o o o f t e n with the greatest a m o u n t of surprise.) Suspects u n d e r 2 1 and t h o s e w h o are b l a c k a r e l i k e l i e s t t o c o n f r o n t o f f i c e r s w h i l e i n t h e c o m p a n y of o t h e r s , while those over 3 0 and w h i t e tend to act a l o n e . L i k e y o u , t h e a v e r a g e a s s a i l a n t is a p r o . O v e r 6 0 per c e n t h a v e b e e n a r r e s t e d b e f o r e o n c r i m i n a l c h a r g e s , a b o u t 4 0 p e r c e n t for a v i o l e n t c r i m e — m u r d e r , rape, r o b b e r y or a s s a u l t . A s i z e a b l e p e r c e n t a g e h a v e been granted l e n i e n c y on a previous c o n v i c t i o n and are on p r o b a t i o n or p a r o l e at t h e t i m e of t h e s h o o t ing. 7

8

7 FBI " L a w Enforcement Officers Killed" Summaries. &Shots Fired: An Examination of New York City Police charges, James Fyfe, 1978.

Firearms

Dis-

This single-shot [.12 ga.) pipe gun loads with a bolt action mechanism. This 10 inch gun was taken off a juvenile suspect during an arrest.

Concealed lethal weapons are a constant threat to any officer. This converted cigaret lighter can fire either a . 22 short or .22 long when breach-loaded.

A .22 pistol, custom made from aluminum. Do you think the creator of this gun was capable of shooting an officer!

M o s t are n o t t r a i n e d m a r k s m e n , b u t s o m e h a v e p r a c t i c e d w i t h f i r e a r m s much m o r e t h a n y o u proba b l y h a v e if y o u are a n a v e r a g e o f f i c e r . A m o n g t h e c r i m i n a l g r o u p , e s p e c i a l l y , m a n y are a l s o a s t u t e s t u d e n t s of p o l i c e t a c t i c s . In p r i s o n s , t h e y m a y t a l k p o l i c e t a c t i c s 2 4 h o u r s a d a y — a n d t h e y a r e surr o u n d e d b y " e x p e r t s . " It is n o t u n c o m m o n for i n m a t e s to hold informal seminars on police man e u v e r s — h o w you exit patrol cars, h o w you approach t r a f f i c s t o p s , h o w y o u c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h y o u r partner, h o w you handle w e a p o n s , e t c . And in t h e recreation yard, i n m a t e s often practice a m o n g t h e m s e l v e s w a y s t o d i s a r m and m u r d e r o f f i c e r s . S o m e h a v e b e e n t r a i n e d i n m a r t i a l a r t s , s u c h as k a r a t e and judo. W h i l e " t h e s e guys are n o t R h o d e s S c h o l a r s " (in t h e w o r d s of a R h o d e I s l a n d p o l i c e c a p t a i n ) , m o s t do h a v e a p r e - a r r a n g e d p l a n , h o w e v e r c r u d e , of w h a t t h e y w i l l do if c o n f r o n t e d b y t h e p o l i c e .

36

W h e n t h e y s h o o t as part of t h a t p l a n , t h e y a r e l i k e l y t o do s o w i t h o u t v a c i l l a t i o n or r e m o r s e . T h e i r a t t i t u d e m i r r o r s t h a t of a n A r i z o n a c o p k i l l e r : " A l l I f e l t w a s t h e r e c o i l of t h e g u n . " T o m a n y o f f i c e r s , especially those with limited experience on the s t r e e t , t h i s k i n d of i c y s a v a g e r y is o n e of t h e h a r d e s t e l e m e n t s of a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n s t o i n t e r n a l i z e . I t ' s h u m a n nature to expect s o m e rationality and c o m p a s s i o n f r o m a n o t h e r h u m a n b e i n g . B u t as a n I l l i n o i s prison official explained after i n m a t e s coldb l o o d e d l y m u r d e r e d t h r e e g u a r d s at a c o r r e c t i o n a l f a c i l i t y i n t h a t s t a t e : " T h e t r u t h is t h e r e a r e a l o t of people w h o are just v i c i o u s . T h e y d o n ' t have to have any cause to k i l l . " Often, suspects who will take you on c o m e f r o m e l e m e n t s of s o c i e t y w h e r e t h e c u l t u r a l n o r m is to resent and defy a u t h o r i t y . F r o m childhood on, in their h o m e s , in their schools, in their gangs, in their fragmented personal relationships, their principal m e a n s of c o m m u n i c a t i o n h a s b e e n v i o l e n c e . In a c o n f r o n t a t i o n , m o s t w o u l d - b e a s s a i l a n t s know y o u w o n ' t s h o o t f i r s t i n a l l b u t t h e r a r e s t s i t u a t i o n s . Faced w i t h arrest and a possible prison term, the suspect m a y feel he has nothing to lose b y s h o o t i n g it o u t . Y e t h e k n o w s y o u are a r m e d a n d u s u a l l y p r e s u m e s y o u are t r a i n e d . P s y c h o l o g i c a l l y , h e m a y e x p e c t t o get s h o t , t o die, as a n a t u r a l r i s k of h i s l i f e s t y l e . A n d w h e n h e m a k e s t h e d e c i s i o n t o p u l l t h e trigger, h e ' s t h i n k i n g o n l y of h i m s e l f at t h a t m o m e n t . H e h a s o n e o b j e c t i v e o n l y : t o get o n t a r g e t as f a s t as p o s s i b l e a n d b l o w " t h a t c o p " o u t of h i s s o c k s .

This man held police at bay formoie than three hours. Despondent over domestic problems, he fired at police with this revolver, and was also armed with five other guns and 200 rounds of ammunition.

Officer Attitudes W h i l e the suspect's background and desperation m a y be bolstering his instinct to shoot, a host of c o n s t r a i n t s are l i k e l y c o n s p i r i n g t o delay your reaction. As you perceive his threat and begin to react, your m i n d m a y flash to your f a m i l y . . . t o your p a r t n e r . . . t o b y s t a n d e r s . Y o u m a y , if o n l y for a s p l i t s e c o n d , w o n d e r if s h o o t i n g b a c k w i l l c o n f o r m t o y o u r d e p a r t m e n t ' s p o l i c y o n t h e u s e of d e a d l y f o r c e . . . w h e t h e r y o u c a n j u s t i f y it i n a r e p o r t t o y o u r s u p e r i o r s . . . w h e t h e r your a c t i o n will be sustained in t h e j u d g m e n t of a s h o o t i n g r e v i e w b o a r d , m o n t h s l a t e r , in a s t e r i l e e n v i r o n m e n t w h e r e t h e u r g e n c y of the m o m e n t can never be recreated. N a t i o n w i d e , 9 2 p e r c e n t of s h o o t i n g s b y p o l i c e are l a t e r r u l e d j u s t i f i e d , w i t h n o r e p r i m a n d or s u s p e n s i o n ; usually unbiased w i t n e s s e s are around and can help clear the officer involved. O n l y a tiny f r a c t i o n of s u s p e c t s h o o t i n g s a r e e v e r r e f e r r e d for c r i m i n a l prosecution, and in a s m a l l e r fraction still do j u r i e s c o n v i c t — o n l y 3 o u t of 1 , 5 0 0 c a s e s i n o n e survey. But you k n o w that very specific rules exist, b y l a w a n d d e p a r t m e n t p o l i c y , f o r t h e u s e of d e a d l y f o r c e , a n d , if y o u are l i k e m o s t o f f i c e r s , a d o u b t f u l hesitation will affect your reaction. 9

R u l e s a s i d e , y o u m a y n o t want t o s h o o t . M a n y officers opt n o t to even w h e n t h e y h a v e a clear right t o do s o . In C h i c a g o , a n e x - c o n v i c t , m i f f e d b e c a u s e the police had not recovered a car h e c l a i m e d was s t o l e n f r o m h i m , i n v a d e d a p o l i c e s t a t i o n and w i t h out warning began firing a gun, seriously w o u n d i n g t w o o f f i c e r s . A p a t r o l m a n in a p o s i t i o n t o s h o o t b a c k c h o s e i n s t e a d t o tackle the assailant, even t h o u g h h e h i m s e l f h a d d u c k e d t h r e e of t h e m a n ' s b u l l e t s . In o n e e a s t e r n c a s e , a p a t r o l m a n w a s disa r m e d b y a m a n w h o t h e n s h o t at h i m , b u t m i s s e d . T h e officer wrestled h i m to the ground, and by k i c k ing h i m a n d b i t i n g h i s f a c e , f i n a l l y g o t t h e g u n b a c k . " I really w a n t e d to kill h i m , " the officer said later, " I did, b u t I c o u l d n ' t s h o o t . I s m a s h e d h i m w i t h t h e butt i n s t e a d . " Even w i t h their o w n lives in jeopardy, a m o r a l r e p u g n a n c e t o w a r d k i l l i n g k e p t t h e s e officers f r o m using their sidearms. O n e l i m i t e d s t u d y h a s s u g g e s t e d t h a t t h e s e x of your partner m a y influence your reaction. T h e evidence suggests that m a l e officers w i t h m a l e partners g e n e r a l l y are m o r e r e l u c t a n t t o u s e t h e i r g u n s a n d a r e g u i l t y of m o r e m i s t a k e s in c l e a r l y p e r c e i v i n g d a n g e r a n d r e a c t i n g t o it t h a n are m a l e o f f i c e r s w i t h f e m a l e p a r t n e r s . S p e c u l a t i o n is t h a t m a l e - f e m a l e t e a m s tend to experience m o r e s u b c o n s c i o u s e m o t i o n a l

^•Police

Use of Deadly

Force,

Catherine Milton, Police Foundation, 1977

a r o u s a l as t h e y w o r k a n d t h u s are m o r e a t t u n e d t o picking up subtle clues to danger in their environment. In s o m e cases, your decision to shoot m a y be colored by an a c q u a i n t a n c e s h i p w i t h t h e suspect. In a b o u t 2 7 p e r c e n t of t h e i n s t a n c e s n a t i o n a l l y w h e r e officers are killed, they k n o w their a s s a i l a n t s . In such c i r c u m s t a n c e s , you m a y be t e m p t e d to relax y o u r v i g i l a n c e a n d n o t t a k e c o v e r e v e n if y o u see h e is a r m e d . If y o u ' v e h a d p r e v i o u s e n c o u n t e r s w i t h t h e s u s p e c t t h a t w e r e n o n - v i o l e n t or i n w h i c h y o u ' v e b e e n a b l e t o t a l k h i m o u t of d r a s t i c a c t i o n , y o u m a y e n t e r t a i n u n w a r r a n t e d hope for " r e a s o n i n g " t h e confrontation to conclusion rather than shooting it o u t . 1 0

1 1

Probably your greatest a t t i t u d i n a l e n e m y in a c o n f r o n t a t i o n , h o w e v e r , is oveiconfidence. You've b e e n s u c c e s s f u l or l u c k y e n o u g h t o a v o i d i n j u r y i n so m a n y s i t u a t i o n s that y o u begin to believe you will never be unsuccessful. Moreover, through m o v i e s , television and an enduring cultural m y t h , y o u ' v e b e e n b o m b a r d e d all y o u r l i f e w i t h t h e c o n c e p t of t h e l a w m a n as a n i n v u l n e r a b l e s u p e r - h e r o , c a p a b l e of " w a l k i n g t a l l " t h r o u g h a n y c h a l l e n g e that c o m e s his way, with never a thought even to the possibility h e m i g h t die. In w e s t e r n s , the image is t h a t of D o d g e C i t y , w h e r e " y o u c a n ' t b e a m a r s h a l u n t i l y o u ride a w i l d h o r s e b a r e b a c k w i t h a b a r b e d w i r e b r i d l e at f u l l g a l l o p w i t h a t i n c u p of red w h i s k e y in your left hand, rope a jackrabbit w i t h your r i g h t h a n d , a n d d o n ' t spill a d r o p . " I n t h e c o p t e l e v i s i o n s h o w s , t h e l e g e n d is u p d a t e d w i t h c u s t o m i z e d M a g n u m s a n d s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s a n d a n endl e s s s u p p l y of b a c k - u p g u n s . If y o u b u y i n t o t h i s s e l f - i m a g e — a n d p l e n t y of officers d o — y o u ' r e said to suffer the " S u p e r m a n s y n d r o m e . " Y o u believe that simply by m a k i n g a c o m m i t m e n t , b y p u t t i n g y o u r b o d y o n t h e l i n e and " h a n g i n g t o u g h , " y o u can face d o w n any danger t h a t t h r e a t e n s ; i t ' s a m a t t e r of w i l l a n d b r a v a d o o v e r a l l . O f c o u r s e , t o b e a " g o o d c o p , " y o u m u s t , of necessity, be aggressive; taking c h a n c e s , playing h u n c h e s a n d so o n a r e all part of t h e g a m e . B u t w h e n y o u add t h e e l e m e n t s of f o o l i s h n e s s or r e c k l e s s n e s s to your aggressive c o n d u c t , t h e n y o u fall prey to t h e w o r s t a s p e c t of t h i s u n f o r t u n a t e s y n d r o m e . A real-life—or m o r e appropriately, real-death— i l l u s t r a t i o n is p r o v i d e d b y t h e m i d d l e - a g e d M a s s a chusetts detective w h o responded to a silent alarm at a l o c a l c l u b . T w o u n i f o r m e d o f f i c e r s h a d b e a t e n h i m to t h e place, seen that a robbery w a s in progress

1 0 . " T h e Effect of Female Partners on Male Police Shooting Responses," Christina |ohns and Andrew Barclay, Michigan State University, 1 9 7 8 . 11 FBI " L a w Enforcement Officers Killed" Summaries.

and p r o p e r l y s t a t i o n e d t h e m s e l v e s o u t s i d e t o a w a i t assistance. W h e n the detective arrived, they warned h i m t h a t o n e s u b j e c t w a s a r m e d w i t h a . 1 6 ga. s h o t g u n . B u t h e shrugged off t h e i r c a u t i o n i n g a n d brazenly headed into the building. H e n o sooner set foot inside t h e club than he was fatally shot in t h e face. S u c h a n a t t i t u d e invites hostile fire. And w h e n it c o m e s , t h e S u p e r m a n t y p e , w h o t y p i c a l l y h a s underestimated the adversary, m a y freeze up, n o t knowing w h a t to do. C h a n c e s are h e ' s undert r a i n e d , as w e l l as o v e r c o n f i d e n t . S u c h o f f i c e r s t y p i c a l l y " q u a l i f y " i n t h e u s e of f i r e a r m s o n l y b e c a u s e of d e p a r t m e n t orders r e q u i r i n g t h e m t o do s o — n o t b e c a u s e t h e y f e e l it n e c e s s a r y for t h e i r o w n p r o t e c t i o n or t o e n a b l e t h e m t o do a b e t t e r j o b . T h e y do virtually n o training voluntarily. According to an FBI s t u d y , n e a r l y 4 0 per c e n t of t h e o f f i c e r s k i l l e d d u r i n g o n e r e v i e w p e r i o d had n o t r e c e i v e d any i n - s e r v i c e f i r e a r m s t r a i n i n g at a l l for at l e a s t t h r e e y e a r s b e f o r e getting shot.

E v e n if y o u ' r e r e l a t i v e l y f r e e of c o m p l a c e n c y a n d of t h e S u p e r m a n s y n d r o m e , c h a n c e s a r e y o u ' v e b e e n affected enough by these i n f l u e n c e s to be start l e d at b e i n g s h o t . I n c o n t r a s t t o m a n y s u s p e c t s , m o s t o f f i c e r s s u b c o n s c i o u s l y don't expect ever to get s h o t ; i n o u r m y t h o l o g y , " g o o d " g u y s r a r e l y d o . Wounded, more than one officer has gone into imm e d i a t e t r a u m a t i c s h o c k and died. O f t h o s e w h o m a n a g e to shoot b a c k and actually h i t their assailants, m o r e t h a n 70 per c e n t fail to inflict neutralizing w o u n d s . E i t h e r t h e y d o n ' t k n o w w h e r e t o s h o o t t o i n f l i c t w o u n d s c a p a b l e of s t o p p i n g t h e i r o p p o n e n t s ' i l l e g a l a c t i o n s , or t h e y a r e n ' t p r o f i c i e n t enough to deliver shots to that area. S t a t i s t i c a l l y , j u s t as a s s a i l a n t s t e n d t o r e f l e c t c e r t a i n b a c k g r o u n d s , s o do t h e o f f i c e r s w h o t a k e t h e i r r o u n d s . O v e r w h e l m i n g l y , o f f i c e r s k i l l e d are w h i t e , m a l e , of p a t r o l s t a t u s ( 6 6 p e r c e n t ) , i n u n i form, assigned to a patrol car, and w o r k i n g w i t h a p a r t n e r or b a c k - u p in r u r a l or s u b u r b a n a r e a s or i n cities under 2 5 0 , 0 0 0 population. M o r e t h a n 6 0 per c e n t a r e f r o m 2 5 t o 4 0 y e a r s old, a n d t h e y h a v e a m e d i a n of f i v e y e a r s of s e r v i c e at t h e t i m e of t h e c o n f r o n t a t i o n . O n e m i g h t e x p e c t the least experienced officers to be the m o s t vuln e r a b l e , y e t o n l y a b o u t 1 3 per c e n t h a v e l e s s t h a n a year's s e r v i c e . 1 2

Here again, attitude s e e m s to have a bearing. As a n e w officer, you m a y n o t e x p e r i e n c e so m a n y f a l s e a l a r m s t h a t y o u d e v e l o p c a s u a l p a t t e r n s for responding to calls w i t h i n your first year. As you head toward the five-year mark, though, you're likelier to feel you k n o w and have seen everything, you m a y begin to s u c c u m b to peer pressure to be b l a s e . Y o u m a y d i s c a r d or f o r g e t or d i s m i s s w h a t y o u k n e w a b o u t s u r v i v a l a n d m a k e n o e f f o r t t o l e a r n or p r a c t i c e a n y t h i n g n e w . T o t h e s u s p e c t w h o ' s prepared and willing to s h o o t , y o u m a y t h e n be a sitting duck.

The Survival State of Mind T h e f i r s t s t e p i n s u r v i v i n g o n t h e s t r e e t is t o a d j u s t y o u r m e n t a l a t t i t u d e s , i n l i g h t of t h e c o m m o n p a t t e r n s of e n c o u n t e r a n d t h e p e r s p e c t i v e s b o t h y o u and the s u s p e c t are l i k e l y to bring to a c o n f r o n t a tion. T h i s involves reminding yourself repeatedly that: 1.

l a w e n f o r c e m e n t is a h a z a r d o u s o c c u p a t i o n , d e m a n d i n g y o u r c o n s t a n t vigilance,-

12.FBI " L a w Enforcement Officers Killed" Summaries.

2.

a suspect's background, attitudes, motivat i o n , w i l l i n g n e s s to r e a s o n a n d i n c l i n a t i o n to shoot m a y be quite different from your own;

3.

t h e r e are l e g a l , m o r a l , a n d p s y c h o l o g i c a l i m p l i c a t i o n s of s h o o t i n g t h a t m u s t b e a n t i c i p a t e d a n d p e r s o n a l l y r e s o l v e d before a confrontation,it m a y b e n e c e s s a r y at a n y t i m e t o t a k e a l i f e t o save y o u r o w n or s o m e o n e e l s e ' s ; practical proficiency with firearms includes l e a r n i n g and p r a c t i c i n g n e w t e c h n i q u e s u n d e r s t r e s s i n as r e a l i s t i c a n e n v i r o n m e n t as is p o s s i b l e t o s i m u l a t e , a n d w i t h preparedness, preplanning and proper p h y s i c a l f i t n e s s , y o u c a n a v o i d m i s t a k e s of less fortunate officers and successfully conclude most suspect encounters.

4. 5.

6.

N o w l e t ' s l o o k at t h e t a c t i c a l p r o c e d u r e s — t a i lored t o t h e r e a l i t i e s of c o n f r o n t a t i o n — b y w h i c h y o u can project these attitudes into an effective defense system.

Three officers and two priests trying to talk a would-be suicide victim into surrendering the gun in his hand. How would you evaluate their perception of potential danger!

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APPROACH TO DANGER T o w a i t u n t i l y o u n e e d t o d r a w a n d fire y o u r g u n t o t h i n k a b o u t s u r v i v a l t a c t i c s is l i k e w a i t i n g u n t i l you're coughing up blood to t h i n k about annual physical c h e c k u p s . Y o u should have survival in your conscious thoughts the m o m e n t you receive an ass i g n m e n t , for t h e m o v e s y o u m a k e at t h e o u t s e t m a y directly affect the o u t c o m e . By properly planning y o u r a p p r o a c h t o a c a l l , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o prevent a s h o o t i n g f r o m o c c u r r i n g . O r , if t h a t p r o v e s i m p o s s i ble, you will h a v e positioned yourself w h e r e you are e x p o s e d t o t h e l e a s t r i s k a n d h a v e t h e b e s t c h a n c e of responding safely w h e n danger does erupt. W h e r e m a n y o f f i c e r s go w r o n g is i n a s s u m i n g t h a t an a s s i g n m e n t is i n c o n s e q u e n t i a l a n d t h e r e f o r e a p p r o a c h i n g it o n w h a t a m o u n t s t o a u t o m a t i c p i l o t . T h e y f a i l t o c o n s i d e r t h a t , g o i n g in, t h e r e is a g r e a t deal a b o u t any s i t u a t i o n a n d t h e p e o p l e i n v o l v e d t h a t t h e y do n o t — c a n n o t — k n o w . P r e s u m i n g o n e s e t of c i r c u m s t a n c e s o n t h e b a s i s of a p p e a r a n c e s or past experience, they m a y find t h e m s e l v e s conf r o n t i n g q u i t e a n o t h e r , for w h i c h t h e y are n o t prepared. In O r e g o n , f o r e x a m p l e , a s e r g e a n t w h o s t o p p e d t o h e l p a t e e n a g e c o u p l e i n a d i s a b l e d c a r did n o t k n o w t h e girl w a s a n e s c a p e e or t h a t t h e y w o u l d kill h i m because they thought he intended to arrest her. A M i l w a u k e e patrolman responding to a disturb a n c e at a h o u s e w h e r e p o l i c e h a d b e e n f i f t y p r e v i o u s t i m e s w i t h o u t i n c i d e n t did n o t k n o w t h a t t h i s t i m e the husband beating his wife had picked up a . 3 0 - 0 6 rifle on his w a y h o m e and w o u l d shoot t h e o f f i c e r for " m e s s i n ' i n . " A G e o r g i a o f f i c e r w h o w a l k e d u p t o t h e d o o r of a c o c k t a i l l o u n g e t h a t w a s ajar a f t e r n o r m a l c l o s i n g t i m e did n o t k n o w — u n t i l he was shot dead—that an armed burglar was inside.

W h e n y o u o b s e r v e a p r o b l e m o n t h e s t r e e t or receive an a s s i g n m e n t from a dispatcher, all y o u k n o w for c e r t a i n is t h e g e n e r a l d i r e c t i o n i n w h i c h t o proceed. W h a t y o u ' l l find w h e n you arrive, there's n o w a y of t e l l i n g . W i t h a survival orientation, you keep this firmly in m i n d a n d always approach a situation anticipating an armed confrontation. In m a n y c a s e s , as w e k n o w f r o m t h e c o m m o n p a t t e r n s of e n c o u n t e r , a n o f f e n d e r h a s a p l a n i n m i n d for h o w h e w i l l s h o o t . So y o u w a n t to plan ahead, too, but y o u ' l l have to l e t t h e circumstances dictate tactics, not vice versa. E a c h s t e p of t h e w a y , y o u c o n s i d e r t h e opport u n i t i e s a n o f f e n d e r m i g h t h a v e f o r s h o o t i n g at y o u a n d t h e w a y s i n w h i c h y o u m i g h t f o r e s t a l l or r e s p o n d t o a n a t t a c k . In o t h e r w o r d s , y o u m a k e a h a b i t of f i g u r i n g , " I f ' A ' h a p p e n s , I ' m g o i n g t o do ' B , ' " adj u s t i n g f o r n e w d e v e l o p m e n t s as y o u g o . I t ' s a h a b i t y o u p r a c t i c e f a i t h f u l l y , r e g a r d l e s s of y o u r a s s i g n m e n t . H o w e v e r crude, you discuss your planned m o v e m e n t s w i t h your partner and rehearse t h e m m e n t a l l y , and have a back-up plan in m i n d in case t h e first fails. O n c e t h e a c t i o n starts, y o u w o n ' t have t i m e t o t h i n k t h i n g s o u t r a t i o n a l l y . You have to be ready to carry out your plan instinctively, with a m i n i m u m of h e s i t a t i o n , w h i c h w e c a l l " l a g t i m e . " W h e n e v e r p o s s i b l e , y o u w a n t t o cultivate tactics that are unexpected, to be " s y s t e m a t i c a l l y uns y s t e m a t i c . " O f t e n a s s a i l a n t s c o u n t on officers responding in predictable, " r o u t i n e " w a y s to assignm e n t s , a n d if y o u are a b l e t o depart f r o m s t e r e o t y p e d l a w e n f o r c e m e n t procedures in your approach, y o u m a y be able to t h w a r t an a s s a i l a n t ' s plan w h i l e strengthening your own position. With some calls—"shots fired," " m a n with a g u n , " crimes-in-progress and disturbances where a firearm m a y be a v a i l a b l e — y o u have an early warning of p o s s i b l e v i o l e n c e . In o t h e r s i t u a t i o n s , y o u m a y have to depend on being observant and applying a " s i x t h s e n s e " for t r o u b l e . U s u a l l y t h e r e is some c l u e or " d a n g e r s i g n " t o v i o l e n c e , s o m e t h i n g a b o u t a s c e n e or a s u s p e c t ' s b e h a v i o r t h a t i s n ' t q u i t e r i g h t . It m a y i n v o l v e u n u s u a l n e r v o u s n e s s o n h i s part o r so s m a l l a t h i n g as h i s u n d u e c o n c e r n w i t h w a t c h i n g y o u i n h i s r e a r - v i e w m i r r o r as y o u a p p r o a c h o n a traffic stop. W i t h t a c t i c s and a m e n t a l attitude that stress a n t i c i p a t i o n , y o u ' l l be in the best position to see t h e w a r n i n g . . . t o r e c o g n i z e i t . . . a n d t o p a y a t t e n tion to it. M a n y o f f i c e r s g e t t h e m s e l v e s s h o t at b y approaching an a s s i g n m e n t carelessly, hastily, sloppily and w i t h o v e r c o n f i d e n c e . U n e v e n t f u l famili a r i t y b r e e d s c o m p l a c e n c y . A s a n a r m o r e d c a r driver i n C o n n e c t i c u t said a f t e r t h r e e of h i s f e l l o w guards

w e r e m u r d e r e d b y r o b b e r s , " T h e h a r d p a r t is t h a t after a w h i l e you b e c o m e lax. Y o u r ' r e not t h i n k i n g s e c u r i t y . " O n e m i g h t argue t h a t t h e r e is n o o n e r i g h t w a y to w o r k a n d n o o n e w a y t o b e t o t a l l y prepared at all t i m e s . T r u e . B u t t h e r e are a p p r o a c h t a c t i c s t h a t i n v o l v e r i g h t t h i n k i n g , and it is c e r t a i n l y p o s s i b l e t o d e v e l o p p r e p a r e d n e s s far b e y o n d t h a t displayed by m a n y officers w h o b e c o m e involved in gunfights. H e r e are s o m e p r o v e n field t e c h n i q u e s t h a t c a n h e l p y o u plan, perceive and perform tor s u r v i v a l i n a v a r i e t y of c o m m o n s i t u a t i o n s . T h e y a r e n o t n e c e s s a r i l y b l u e p r i n t s t h a t c a n be a p p l i e d a r b i t r a r i l y t o every i n s t a n c e , but guidelines and options that y o u w i l l w a n t t o c o n s i d e r , adapt a n d e x p a n d u p o n .

Building Approach A scenario that occurs with haunting frequency in t h e F B I ' s a n n u a l s u m m a r y of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t officers killed c o n c e r n s an officer w h o a n s w e r s a d i s t u r b a n c e or r o b b e r y - i n - p r o g r e s s c a l l , hurries t o w a r d t h e f r o n t of t h e r e s i d e n c e or b u s i n e s s e s t a b l i s h m e n t i n v o l v e d and b e f o r e h e c a n t a k e approp r i a t e a c t i o n is m o r t a l l y w o u n d e d w i t h a s h o t g u n , rifle or h a n d g u n b l a s t fired at h i m t h r o u g h t h e d o o r . H e a n s w e r s a c a l l r o u t i n e l y a n d is r o u t i n e l y s h o t , as e a s i l y as if h e h a d a " t e n - r i n g " p a s t e d o n h i s chest. Modern c o m m u n i c a t i o n puts officers on the s c e n e of a n y c o m p l a i n t c a l l f a s t . T h e c h a n c e s t o d a y are g r e a t e r t h a n e v e r t h a t y o u w i l l a r r i v e w h i l e t h e a c t i o n is s t i l l i n p r o g r e s s or at l e a s t w h i l e t h e s u s p e c t is s t i l l i n t h e a r e a . Y o u r o b j e c t i v e is c l e a r : Y o u h a v e t o locate the problem that prompted the call...isolate t h e offender(s) f r o m i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n s . . . a n d eliminate the hazard presented by t h e offender(s). B u t t h e r e ' s n o a s s u r a n c e y o u ' l l get a s u s p e c t ' s c o o p e r a t i o n in doing all t h a t . C a r e e r c r i m i n a l s are a l w a y s a n t i c i p a t i n g t h e i m m i n e n t a r r i v a l of t h e p o l i c e and are v e r y o f t e n w i l l i n g t o g a m b l e d e s p e r a t e l y for f r e e dom by c o m m i t t i n g a greater c r i m e t h a n the o n e t h e y ' r e i n v o l v e d i n — s u c h as y o u r a s s a u l t or h o m i cide. " A m a t e u r s , " like wife-beaters, p s y c h o s and d r u n k s , are o f t e n m o r e t o t a l l y a b s o r b e d i n w h a t t h e y ' r e d o i n g a n d are o f t e n l e s s v i g i l a n t . B u t , in t h e p a s s i o n of t h e m o m e n t , t h e y m a y b e j u s t as prepared a n d d e t e r m i n e d t o s h o o t . W h a t y o u w a n t is a n unexpected approach that m a y d e l a y a s u s p e c t ' s a w a r e n e s s of y o u r p r e s e n c e until you have a c h a n c e to assess the situation you are c o n f r o n t i n g .

One proper approach to a domestic disturbance call involving a residence.

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Y o u ' r e b e s t off t o anticipate the address you're l o o k i n g f o r as y o u a p p r o a c h t h e s c e n e a n d p a r k y o u r p a t r o l c a r t h r e e or f o u r d o o r s a w a y o n t h e s a m e side of t h e s t r e e t , before y o u r e a c h i t . T h i s f o r e s t a l l s y o u r driving d i r e c t l y i n t o t h e " k i l l z o n e . " ( H e r e w e ' r e using " k i l l z o n e " to m e a n that area w h i c h an armed suspect in a given l o c a t i o n can c o n t r o l w i t h h o s t i l e w e a p o n s fire. T h e t e r m a l s o m e a n s t h a t part of t h e anatomy where incoming rounds will most likely prove i n c a p a c i t a t i n g . ) M a k e as l i t t l e d i s t u r b a n c e as possible. T h a t m e a n s : avoid using your e m e r g e n c y l i g h t s a n d s i r e n in y o u r a p p r o a c h (if d e p a r t m e n t p o l i c y p e r m i t s ( . . . t u r n y o u r r a d i o d o w n l o w s o it c a n ' t be heard outside your patrol car...round corners without squealing your tires...at night, consider t u r n i n g off y o u r e n g i n e a n d h e a d l i g h t s a n d c o a s t ing t h e l a s t 1 0 0 f e e t or s o b e f o r e y o u s t o p , u s i n g t h e e m e r g e n c y b r a k e s o as n o t t o a c t i v a t e t h e b r a k e lights. S o m e departments permit officers to disconnect the b u t t o n s in patrol car doors t h a t turn o n i n t e r i o r l i g h t s w h e n a d o o r is o p e n e d . H a v i n g d o n e this will help keep your approach unobtrusive. W h e n y o u e x i t y o u r u n i t , e a s e y o u r c a r d o o r s h u t as q u i e t l y as y o u c a n or l e a v e it s l i g h t l y ajar if s e c u r i t y a l l o w s . A t n i g h t e s p e c i a l l y , s o u n d t r a v e l s far a n d f a s t ; e v e n at l o w v o l u m e , y o u r r a d i o or a d o o r s l a m ming m a y be audible a b l o c k away. A quiet approach m a y keep you from attracting neighbors and troubles o m e o n l o o k e r s , as w e l l as t h e s u s p e c t . Certainly, don't just " g i v e " yourself to a susp e c t , as a n e w p a t r o l m a n i n T e n n e s s e e did. R e s p o n d ing t o a c o m p l a i n t of a m i d d l e - a g e d m a n , a k n o w n m e n t a l case, beating on an old t r u c k behind his house, the officer stopped his patrol car in the suspect's driveway. As h e strode up to the residence, h e w a s e a s y p i c k i n g s for h i s a s s a i l a n t , w h o k i l l e d h i m with a shot to the chest with a 7 . 6 5 m m rifle. A p p r o a c h i n g t h e a d d r e s s of y o u r c a l l , y o u s h o u l d s u r v e y all v e h i c l e s p a r k e d or m o v i n g i n t h e i m m e d i a t e n e i g h b o r h o o d a n d a l l p e d e s t r i a n s or l o i t e r e r s . A lay-off m a n m a y b e w a i t i n g i n a c a r o r o n t h e s i d e w a l k as a l o o k - o u t . A c a r p a r k e d w i t h i t s m o t o r r u n n i n g is a u t o m a t i c a l l y s u s p i c i o u s . I n s o m e cases, suspects have been k n o w n to hide under v e h i c l e s . O r , if a c r i m e - i n - p r o g r e s s h a s b e e n r e p o r t ed, t h e o f f e n d e r ( s ) m a y b e i n t h e p r o c e s s of f l e e i n g as y o u a r r i v e . A s y o u m o v e in o n f o o t , y o u w i l l w a n t t o c o n s i d er a v a i l a b l e c o v e r w h i c h y o u c a n u s e i n t h e e v e n t of serious trouble. E m p l o y an invisible advance to t h e f u l l e s t e x t e n t p o s s i b l e , f u s t t h e s i g h t of y o u m a y b e enough to i m p e l an armed suspect to shoot. W h e r e there's reason to believe y o u m a y be dealing w i t h a v i o l e n t s i t u a t i o n , i n v i s i b l e d e p l o y m e n t is c r i t i c a l . It

is u s u a l l y e a s i e r i n d a r k n e s s , b u t e v e n i n d a y l i g h t or u n d e r b r i g h t l i g h t s b y m o v i n g b e h i n d p a r k e d c a r s , f e n c e s , t r a s h c a n s or s h r u b b e r y or b y t a k i n g a n i n d i rect route, you m a y be able to get close to the building w i t h o u t b e i n g o b s e r v e d b y a n y o n e i n s i d e . T r y t o blend into backgrounds that m a t c h your uniform color where possible, and where colors don't m a t c h , t r y at l e a s t t o k e e p y o u r b a c k g r o u n d as d a r k as y o u r c l o t h i n g . If y o u m u s t p a s s w i n d o w s , t r y t o g o over t h o s e t h a t a r e n e a r or b e l o w g r o u n d l e v e l a n d under t h o s e that are higher. T r y to stay protected by cover w h e n possible and to k n o w always where your nearest cover is. M o v e rapidly through open areas, trying to m o v e from covered position to covered position.

Many officers find it hard to resist the temptation to rush in and gain control. Lying dead is a 37-year-old plainclothes officer who rushed in on a burglary suspect.

The contemporary design of buildings often works against a safe response for law enforcement.

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Y o u w a n t to c o n s t a n t l y guard against t h e " o s trich effect;" that's thinking that because you can't s e e t h e s u s p e c t , h e c a n ' t s e e y o u . A c t u a l l y , h i s pers p e c t i v e o n t h e s c e n e is l i k e l y t o b e e n t i r e l y d i f f e r e n t from yours. T h i s was dramatically illustrated to a young Cincinnati patrolman one afternoon when he r e s p o n d e d t o a s i l e n t h o l d u p a l a r m at a d o w n t o w n bank. He properly parked around t h e corner from t h e e n t r a n c e and was cautiously approaching on foot along t h e building's side wall. H e w a s a l m o s t to t h e end w h e n he suddenly realized a major oversight; t h e w a l l w a s of r e f l e c t i v e g l a s s , a n d b e c a u s e i t s m i r r o r e d s u r f a c e h a d k e p t h i m f r o m s e e i n g t h r o u g h it, h e ' d f o r g o t t e n t h a t f r o m t h e o t h e r side t h a t k i n d of g l a s s is l i k e a n o r m a l w i n d o w . P e o p l e i n s i d e t h e b a n k had been able to see h i m perfectly all along. Fortunately, the call turned out to be a false alarm, or r o b b e r s i n s i d e c o u l d h a v e s h o t t h r o u g h t h e g l a s s and killed h i m any t i m e they c h o s e .

Stay conscious of your surroundings in a n o t h e r regard, a l s o : b e f o r e y o u r a r r i v a l , a s u s p e c t , as part of h i s p l a n , m a y h a v e l e f t t h e p r e m i s e s y o u ' r e app r o a c h i n g and m o v e d t o a n o t h e r v a n t a g e p o i n t f r o m w h i c h h e c a n s h o o t . In a n o t h e r O h i o c a s e , t w o s h e r iff's deputies one afternoon were s i m u l t a n e o u s l y a p p r o a c h i n g t h e f r o n t a n d r e a r of a h o u s e w h e r e a rape h a d b e e n r e p o r t e d i n p r o g r e s s . T h e i r a t t e n t i o n w a s so f o c u s e d o n t h e r e s i d e n c e a n d w h a t t h e y would e n c o u n t e r there that t h e y ignored a garage beside it. T h e alleged rapist had hidden there and f r o m i n s i d e w a s a b l e e a s i l y t o t r a i n a . 1 2 ga. s h o t g u n o n o n e of t h e d e p u t i e s . W i t h o u t w a r n i n g , h e s h o t the deputy t w i c e and killed h i m . As y o u approach, t h e n , be alert t o p o s s i b l e h i d i n g p l a c e s , i n c l u d i n g r o o f t o p s and n e a r b y v e h i c l e s . If y o u n e e d t o r o u n d a c o r n e r o n f o o t i n y o u r a p p r o a c h , y o u m a y b e e a s y prey t o a s u s p e c t w a i t i n g o n t h e o t h e r side if y o u c h a r g e a r o u n d a s s u m i n g t h e r e is n o o n e t h e r e or e v e n if y o u s l o w l y s t i c k y o u r head around to look. A young sheriff's deputy in Florida, responding to a robbery-in-progress call, h u r r i e d l y r o u n d e d a c o r n e r of a b u i l d i n g w i t h h i s shotgun in h a n d and ran s m a c k into t w o suspects and a h o s t a g e ; o n e of t h e r o b b e r s s h o t h i m f a t a l l y in the chest w i t h a .45 s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , and w o u n d ed t w o o t h e r o f f i c e r s as w e l l .

A crucial tactic when making an approach is to always assume the suspects] could be anywhere. 51

Applying the quick peek technique. Assume a low position behind cover with your sidearm ready. The suspect will be waiting for you at eye level.

Quickly peek out, then pull your head back to your original position. If the suspect shoots, he will probably fire at shoulder height.

4

Now assume a standing position behind cover. The suspect will now assume you're going to come out shooting. But you don't know if he's still there or not.

Again apply the quick peek technique. If you have a visual on the suspect with no civilians behind, you now can return fire safely.

A profile view of Step 2. Notice the torso and hand positioning relative to the wall barricade.

The armed suspect's point of view reveals no more of your head than this as you apply the quick peek technique.

Y o u ' r e safer, of c o u r s e , t o u s e t h e " q u i c k p e e k " t e c h n i q u e . For this, you squat on the balls of your f e e t , f a c i n g c l o s e t o y o u r side of t h e w a l l w i t h y o u r legs apart and w i t h y o u r p a l m s a g a i n s t t h e w a l l i n a b a l a n c i n g b r a c e . B e c a r e f u l n o t t o e x p o s e a n y of y o u r b o d y p a s t t h e c o r n e r a n d stay low—at or b e l o w waist level. T h e n , shifting your weight o n t o your foot n e a r e s t t h e c o r n e r , s u d d e n l y dart y o u r h e a d o u t b e y o n d t h e c o r n e r and b a c k i n o n e iapid motion. Y o u ' l l get a f a s t b u t fairly t h o r o u g h l o o k at t h e area a r o u n d t h e b e n d , y e t y o u r p e e k w i l l b e s o f a s t that a suspect will not be able to respond effectively. If h e d o e s s h o o t r e f l e x i v e l y , y o u r h e a d w i l l b e s a f e l y b a c k behind the wall before the bullet c a n hit, proba b l y b e f o r e h e e v e n p u l l s t h e trigger. If y o u w a n t a n o t h e r l o o k , a g a i n do t h e u n e x p e c t e d b y q u i c k p e e k i n g f r o m a different level. Q u i c k p e e k i n g c a n a l s o b e u s e d for s e e i n g around barriers other than walls. Generally, y o u ' l l incur the least risk by peeking around the sides r a t h e r t h a n o v e r t h e t o p of m o s t o b j e c t s , b e c a u s e at t h e side y o u ' r e l e s s l i k e l y t o s i l h o u e t t e y o u r s e l f .

How would you rate the approach tactics of these four troopers! Their mission is to search an "abandoned" house owned by the prime suspect who killed two officers and three civilians hours before. The dotted lines indicate an armed suspect's effective kill zone when you approach the front of a stucco or wood surface residence.

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T h r o u g h o u t your approach, you want to utilize all your senses to help evaluate a call. Before entering, y o u m a y b e a b l e t o q u i c k p e e k at w i n d o w s t o g e t a v i s u a l o n t h e a c t i o n , i t s p a r t i c i p a n t s a n d , part i c u l a r l y , o n a n y f i r e a r m s t h a t m a y b e i n v o l v e d or a v a i l a b l e . ( D o n ' t t a k e s l o w p e e k s or l o n g s t a r e s t h r o u g h w i n d o w s , t h o u g h ; it m a k e s y o u t o o g o o d a t a r g e t . ) Y o u r s e n s e of s m e l l m a y s u g g e s t w h e t h e r y o u will be confronting individuals w h o s e judgment has b e e n i m p a i r e d b y t h e u s e of c e r t a i n d r u g s . S o m e t i m e s w h a t you hear will help you plan. Approaching t h e r e a r d o o r of a h o u s e w h e r e a b u r g l a r y h a d b e e n r e p o r t e d o n e n i g h t , a n o f f i c e r h e a r d n o i s e s of d r a w e r s b e i n g y a n k e d o u t a n d d u m p e d t h a t led h i m t o b e l i e v e t h e b u r g l a r w a s s t i l l i n s i d e . I n s t e a d of a t t e m p t i n g a n i m m e d i a t e c o n f r o n t a t i o n , t h e offic e r t i p p e d o v e r a p i c n i c t a b l e i n t h e yard a n d c r o u c h ed b e h i n d it w i t h h i s r e v o l v e r d r a w n . W h e n t h e burglar emerged w i t h a gun and his loot a few m o m e n t s later, the officer a n n o u n c e d h i m s e l f and y e l l e d at h i m t o s t o p . T h e b u r g l a r fired w i l d l y and i n e f f e c t u a l l y i n t o t h e d a r k , u n c e r t a i n w h e r e t h e officer was. But the officer, from his protected, clearv i e w p o s i t i o n , w a s r e a d y t o fire b a c k i m m e d i a t e l y — o n t a r g e t . T h e old w a r n i n g is a g o o d o n e : "stop, look, listen" as y o u a p p r o a c h . Don't rush.

A position of cover affords the safest opportunity for maximum observation and control. In this case, a short brick wall provided that advantage.

If y o u are a p p r o a c h i n g a s c e n e w i t h a b a c k - u p or p a r t n e r , y o u w a n t t o b e a b l e t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h e a c h o t h e r along t h e w a y . Avoid m o v i n g in s h o u l d e r - t o - s h o u l d e r or s i d e - b y - s i d e , b u t i n s t a y i n g apart b e s u r e y o u k e e p p o s i t i o n e d s o t h a t y o u c a n e a c h r e t u r n f i r e if n e c e s s a r y , w i t h o u t p l a c i n g t h e other in cross-fire. M a i n t a i n visual c o n t a c t . Y o u s h o u l d k n o w w h a t e a c h o t h e r is g o i n g t o d o . H a n d s i g n a l s c a n h e l p y o u m a i n t a i n a d i s c r e e t a d v a n c e . In s o m e c a s e s , f l a s h l i g h t s or p e n l i g h t s b l i n k e d o n and

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off rapidly m a y b e an a p p r o p r i a t e s i g n a l s u b s t i t u t e at n i g h t , p r o v i d e d y o u t a k e c a r e n o t t o i l l u m i n a t e each other. O r prearranged code words can b e used w h e r e y o u k n o w t h e s u s p e c t c a n o v e r h e a r y o u . If t h e r e is a n i m m i n e n t t h r e a t t o e i t h e r of y o u , s h o u t o u t a b r u p t l y . Don't assume that youi partner sees and hears everything you do, a n d v i c e v e r s a . A s w i t h t h e o s t r i c h e f f e c t , y o u r p o i n t s of v i e w m a y b e s i g n i f icantly different. If y o u a r e a l o n e , y o u m a y w a n t t o p r e t e n d t o b e c o m m u n i c a t i n g with a hidden partner, o n c e you feel y o u r p r e s e n c e is k n o w n . Y o u c a n do t h i s b y i s s u i n g " c o m m a n d s " or " r e l a y i n g " i n f o r m a t i o n , i n a v o i c e audible to any offender. Suspects are not always i n t i m i d a t e d b y t h e p r e s e n c e of m o r e t h a n o n e offic e r , b u t if a s u s p e c t b e l i e v e s t h e r e is a n o f f i c e r o u t t h e r e w h o m h e c a n ' t s e e , h e m a y b e l e s s s u r e of h i s ability to shoot you and successfully escape. O n e of t h e m o s t d a n g e r o u s m o m e n t s i n a n a p p r o a c h is w h e n y o u r e a c h a d o o r y o u c a n ' t s e e through and are dependent on s o m e o n e else to open, as is t y p i c a l l y t h e c a s e w h e n y o u r e s p o n d t o a c a l l at a r e s i d e n c e . Y o u w a n t t o stay to the side of the door, so if a n a s s a i l a n t i n s i d e d e c i d e s t o s h o o t t h r o u g h it y o u are n o t d i r e c t l y i n h i s l i n e of f i r e .

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Narcotics agents about to make entry to the connecting door of a hotel room in search of a suspect. How would you rate their relative safety!

Here the element with the subject. a semi-automatic just set her house to take her life as

of surprise lies solely The woman holding in her left hand has afire and threatened well as her daughter's.

Y o u r position m a y be even m o r e u n e x p e c t e d to h i m if, r a t h e r t h a n s t a n d , y o u s q u a t d o w n at t h e side b e l o w t h e n o r m a l f i r i n g l e v e l a g a i n s t t h e w a l l , as you reach out w i t h your n i g h t s t i c k in your non-gun h a n d t o rap o n t h e d o o r a n d a n n o u n c e y o u r p r e s e n c e . T h i s w a y , if h e t r i e s t o f i r e t h r o u g h t h e w a l l , h i s s h o t is l i k e l y t o b e t o o h i g h t o h i t y o u . A s s u m i n g there are n o special cover possibili t i e s , y o u r b e s t p o s i t i o n is p r o b a b l y t o t h e r i g h t of w h e r e t h e d o o r k n o b is l o c a t e d . H e r e y o u w i l l b e least readily visible to a n y o n e w h o m a y be waiting i n s i d e t h e r o o m as t h e d o o r o p e n s . O n c e t h e d o o r is o p e n e d , don't be too quick to enter. Your immediate intrusion could precipitate s h o t s f r o m i n s i d e . F r o m as p r o t e c t e d a p o s i t i o n as p o s s i b l e a n d w i t h y o u r g u n s i d e away f r o m t h e per s o n in t h e d o o r , t r y t o a s c e r t a i n m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n If t h e c o m p l a i n a n t a n s w e r s , for e x a m p l e , y o u w a n t t o d e t e r m i n e i m m e d i a t e l y : 1) t h e degree of t h r e a t t o y o u r o w n s a f e t y ; 2) w h e t h e r t h e c o m p l a i n a n t is a r m e d ; 3) w h e r e t h e s u s p e c t i s ; 4) w h e t h e r h e is a r m e d ; 5) w h e t h e r t h e r e a r e any f i r e a r m s o n the p r e m i s e s ; 6) w h o e l s e is i n s i d e a n d 7) w h a t t h e interior p h y s i c a l l a y o u t i s . Don't dismiss the threat potential of any firearm. During a shooting incident t h a t g r e w o u t of a n a t t e m p t t o s e r v e a n a r r e s t warr a n t , a s h e r i f f ' s d e p u t y i n S o u t h C a r o l i n a w a s killed by a suspect wielding an antique rifle.

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If t h e r e is a n y i n d i c a t i o n t h a t t h e s u s p e c t is a r m e d o r h a s a c c e s s t o a g u n , t r y t o get t h e c o m p l a i n a n t o u t s i d e w i t h y o u t o a p o s i t i o n of c o v e r . . . c a l l for b a c k - u p t o h e l p c o n t a i n t h e off e n d e r . . . a n d c o n s i d e r t r e a t i n g t h e s i t u a t i o n as a b a r r i c a d e d s u s p e c t i n c i d e n t . T h e p a s s a g e of t i m e , n e g o t i a t i o n a n d / o r t h e u s e of c h e m i c a l a g e n t s a r e l i k e l y t o p r o v e far safer a l t e r n a t i v e s t h a n y o u r b a r g i n g i n in a n effort to q u e s t i o n or c a p t u r e h i m . A n u n f o r t u n a t e i l l u s t r a t i o n of t h i s p o i n t o c c u r r e d in T e x a s w h e r e t h r e e e s c a p e d p r i s o n e r s w e r e l o c a t e d in a p r i v a t e h o m e . W h e n o f f i c e r s arrived at t h e s c e n e , s e v e r a l p r o m p t l y entered the h o u s e and started upstairs to flush out the suspects. Before t h e y reached the second floor, o n e of t h e e s c a p e e s s u d d e n l y l e a n e d o v e r t h e r a i l i n g and s h o t t h e lead p a t r o l m a n dead w i t h a b l a s t t o t h e n e c k f r o m a . 1 6 ga. s h o t g u n . O n l y a f t e r a g u n b a t t l e did t h e s u r v i v i n g o f f i c e r s r e t r e a t , s t a t i o n t h e m s e l v e s o u t s i d e t h e d w e l l i n g a n d f i n a l l y fire t e a r gas i n s i d e . E v e n if t h e s u s p e c t ( s ) e s c a p e t e m p o r a r i l y , i t ' s b e t t e r than your getting killed during an ill-conceived capture.

A single officer approach to a door which opens in. The low ground position, use of the baton in your non-gun hand and proper distance from the door add to the element of surprise to any possible armed occupant.

B e a l e r t a l w a y s t o t h e p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t you may not get reliable information from civilians you enc o u n t e r during your approach. B e suspicious. T a k e n o t h i n g for g r a n t e d . In N e w Y o r k , a h u s b a n d w h o answered the door w h e n two officers responded to a d i s t u r b a n c e c a l l w a s all s m i l e s a n d c o u r t e s y : " C o m e o n in, o f f i c e r s ! E v e r y t h i n g is a l l r i g h t h e r e , j u s t a little f a m i l y s q u a b b l e . " T h e y relaxed and accepted h i s i n v i t a t i o n — w i t h o u t n o t i c i n g or b e i n g w a r y of o n e h a n d h e l d b e h i n d h i s b a c k . It h e l d a r e v o l v e r with w h i c h he m o m e n t a r i l y shot and killed t h e m both. Indeed, in s o m e cases, y o u m a y n o t even be t a l k i n g t o w h o m y o u think y o u a r e . T w o o f f i c e r s i n M e m p h i s r e s p o n d i n g t o a n a r m e d r o b b e r y a l a r m at a n a l l - n i g h t g r o c e r y s t o r e , for e x a m p l e , w e r e m e t b y a m a l e a d u l t w h o said h e w a s t h e m a n a g e r a n d h a d s e t off t h e a l a r m a c c i d e n t a l l y . I n f a c t , as t h e y f o u n d out too late, he was the robber. (Note: W e have talked here about approaching a b u i l d i n g i n t h e c o n t e x t of y o u r r e s p o n d i n g t o a specific assignment. But a n y t i m e you enter a building, e s p e c i a l l y a p l a c e of b u s i n e s s , t r y t o v i e w t h e i n t e r i o r first, p a r t i c u l a r l y t h e c a s h r e g i s t e r a r e a , t o d e t e r m i n e t h a t e v e r y t h i n g is n o r m a l . A n u m b e r of o f f i c e r s g o i n g a f t e r a p a c k of c i g a r e t s o r a c u p of c o f f e e h a v e b e e n t a k e n by surprise and shot w h e n , w i t h o u t p a u s i n g t o b e o b s e r v a n t , t h e y w a l k e d r i g h t i n t o an armed robbery-in-progress.)

Room Approach A building search is something no officer should undertake alone. T o d o s o is s y m p t o m a t i c of t h e S u p e r m a n s y n d r o m e and invites the c o n s e q u e n c e s suffered by a middle-aged c o n s t a b l e in W e s t Virginia w h o w e n t t o a s u s p e c t ' s h o m e t o a r r e s t h i m for destroying private property. Receiving no response w h e n h e k n o c k e d at t h e d o o r , t h e c o n s t a b l e c l i m b e d into the house through a w i n d o w . T o his surprise, the suspect was waiting inside w i t h t w o strong, young buddies, w h o easily overpowered the officer, stabbed h i m once, then shot h i m four t i m e s . W h e n y o u h a v e a p a r t n e r , t h o u g h , or, b e t t e r , o n e or m o r e b a c k - u p t e a m s , a n a s s i g n m e n t m a y r e quire t h a t you m o v e f r o m r o o m to r o o m in a h o u s e , a n a p a r t m e n t c o m p l e x , a s t o r e or a n o f f i c e b u i l d i n g i n s e a r c h of a s u s p e c t w h o m a y b e a r m e d . Y o u m a y not k n o w w h e t h e r the suspect is, in fact, in t h e building. Y o u m a y be responding to a p r o w l e r c a l l o r c o m p l a i n t of s i g n s of f o r c e d e n t r y or t o s o m e o t h e r c r i m e w h e r e t h e v i c t i m or w i t n e s s e s

are n o t c e r t a i n w h e t h e r t h e o f f e n d e r h a s f l e d t h e p r e m i s e s . If y o u . k n o w h e ' s i n t h e r e , i t ' s s a f e s t t o t r y t o isolate and contain h i m within the building, then force h i m to c o m e out to you. In m o s t cases, you're at a n a d v a n t a g e t o d e a l w i t h t h e s u s p e c t o n y o u r g r o u n d (outside) r a t h e r t h a n h i s ( i n s i d e ) . If y o u d o n ' t k n o w , y o u ' l l h a v e t o go i n , for w h a t is a l w a y s a treacherous, tension-charged—and sometimes b l o o d y — g a m e of c a t and m o u s e . Y o u r d i s a d v a n t a g e s are l e g i o n i n t h i s s i t u a t i o n : q u a r t e r s are l i k e l y t o b e c l o s e , c o v e r s p a r s e , l i g h t poor; y o u are p r o b a b l y u n f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e l a y o u t ; there m a y be myriad obstacles, blind corners, b o o b y - t r a p s a n d p l a c e s of c o n c e a l m e n t a l o n g t h e w a y — y e t you m u s t take t h e initiative in m o v i n g forward to conduct a thorough i n s p e c t i o n . T h e suspect, on the other hand, can secrete h i m s e l f in a good h i d i n g p l a c e , get h i s g u n ( s ) r e a d y t o s h o o t . . . a n d m e r e l y wait for your arrival. T h i s m a k e s building s e a r c h e s o n e of t h e m o s t d i f f i c u l t a n d d a n g e r o u s of y o u r a s s i g n m e n t s . W i t h s u r v i v a l i n m i n d , y o u r g o a l s are t o app r o a c h as q u i e t l y as p o s s i b l e a n d t o g e t a g o o d prev i e w of t e r r i t o r y y o u h a v e t o c r o s s w h i l e y o u s t i l l are in a p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n . T o g a i n t a c t i c a l a d v a n tage, t r y t o e n t e r w h e r e t h e s u s p e c t l e a s t e x p e c t s y o u t o — t h r o u g h a rear door, a s e c o n d f l o o r w i n d o w or an o p e n i n g in t h e r o o f . S t a r t at or m o v e t o t h e u p p e r m o s t s e c t i o n of t h e b u i l d i n g , a n d c o n d u c t y o u r s e a r c h f r o m t o p d o w n , if p o s s i b l e . I t ' s e a s i e r t o f i g h t for y o u r l i f e f r o m a h i g h p o s i t i o n m o v i n g d o w n t h a n f r o m a l o w p o s i t i o n m o v i n g up,- y o u c a n go d o w n s t a i r s f a s t e r t h a n y o u c a n go u p . A l s o , if y o u l e a v e the offender a way to escape—i.e., b y going d o w n and o u t — h e m a y b e c a p t u r e d w h e n h e e x i t s f r o m t h e b u i l d i n g . If h e is t r a p p e d o n t h e t o p f l o o r , h e m a y feel he has no choice but to stand and fight. I d e a l l y , all o f f i c e r s s e a r c h i n g a b u i l d i n g s h o u l d b e i n u n i f o r m . T h i s is e s p e c i a l l y i m p o r t a n t w h e n m a n y o f f i c e r s are i n v o l v e d a n d / o r w h e n t h o s e participating don't know each other. Even w h e n uniforms can help telegraph instant recognition, all o f f i c e r s s h o u l d b e a w a r e of w h e r e e a c h w i l l b e e n t e r ing t h e b u i l d i n g , so t h e y c a n a n t i c i p a t e o n e a n o t h e r ' s l o c a t i o n a n d l e s s e n t h e r i s k of m i s t a k i n g e a c h o t h e r for t h e s u s p e c t . W h e r e t i m e p e r m i t s in a high-risk situation like this, you should a t t e m p t to cover a n y shiny i t e m s (like your nameplate) w h i c h m a y reflect light and d r a w a s u s p e c t ' s a t t e n t i o n t o y o u r l o c a t i o n . S o m e o f f i c e r s c a r r y a s m a l l r o l l of b l a c k e l e c t r i c i a n ' s tape for t h i s p u r p o s e . O n c e officers enter a building, there should be no filing on the structure by any fellow officers w h o

The proper invisible deployment tactic for almost any building approach. This tactic avoids a cross-fire situation and allows officers in both positions to maintain a visual on possible suspect movement.

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r e m a i n o u t s i d e . T h e o n l y e x c e p t i o n t o t h i s order w o u l d be in a c i r c u m s t a n c e in w h i c h the outside o f f i c e r s c o u l d s e e all t h o s e i n s i d e a n d d e t e r m i n e t h a t they were sufficiently isolated from the suspect that s h o t s a i m e d at h i m w o u l d i n n o w a y j e o p a r d i z e them. T o a d e q u a t e l y g u a r d b u i l d i n g s , at l e a s t t w o o f f i c e r s a r e r e q u i r e d o u t s i d e , s i t u a t e d at d i a g o n a l l y o p p o s i t e c o r n e r s in p o s i t i o n s of c o v e r . S u c h p o s i tions p e r m i t e a c h officer to w a t c h t w o sides for a fleeing suspect, yet avoid cross-fire. D o n ' t , however, s t a y c l o s e t o t h e b u i l d i n g , for t h a t a l l o w s a s u s p e c t w h o is i n a n u p p e r w i n d o w or o n t h e r o o f t o g e t a n e a s y s h o t at y o u b e l o w . P o s i t i o n y o u r s e l f a d i s t a n c e a w a y , i n y o u r p a t r o l c a r if n o b e t t e r c o v e r is a v a i l a b l e , s o t h a t y o u c a n w a t c h up as w e l l as a l o n g t h e s i d e s of t h e b u i l d i n g . Inside the building to be searched, y o u want y o u r g u n d r a w n , r e a d y for u s e . W i t h a f i r m , t w o h a n d e d grip, y o u c a n m o v e t h e w e a p o n i n a s h o r t a r c a n d b a c k as y o u a p p r o a c h l o c a t i o n s w h e r e t h e subject might be. T h e gun should follow your eyes.

If t h e r e a r e o n l y t w o of y o u , just one should move at a time. I t ' s e x t r e m e l y d i f f i c u l t t o m o v e a n d s h o o t a c c u r a t e l y at t h e s a m e t i m e , s o w h i l e o n e covers, the other m o v e s to a n e w position, altern a t i n g r o l e s as y o u a d v a n c e . C o n c e n t r a t e o n m o v i n g silently. Noise from your leather belt, from leathers o l e d a n d - h e e l e d s h o e s or b o o t s or f r o m m e t a l j a n gling a g a i n s t m e t a l , l i k e k e y s a n d p o c k e t c h a n g e , c a n quickly signal your approach. A s y o u m o v e d o w n h a l l w a y s or a c r o s s large rooms, you m a y confront numerous doorways that open into closets, storage spaces, b e d r o o m s , offices and o t h e r r o o m s . T o b y p a s s any w i t h o u t c h e c k i n g t h e area it l e a d s t o is e x t r e m e l y r i s k y . A s u s p e c t m a y b e w a i t i n g j u s t i n s i d e f o r y o u t o m o v e o n p a s t , allowing h i m the c h a n c e then to emerge and shoot you from behind. C o m m u n i t y toilets in lower-class a p a r t m e n t b u i l d i n g s and h o t e l s s e e m t o b e e s p e c i a l l y p o p u l a r p l a c e s for s u s p e c t s t o h i d e , b u t don't assume that any potential hiding place is safe to ignore. In a survival course in N e w Y o r k C i t y , based on reallife episodes, trainees sent d o w n a h a l l w a y in search of an a r m e d s u s p e c t c o m e t o o n e d o o r m a r k e d : DANGER! HIGH V O L T A G E ! KEEP D O O R C L O S E D ! T h o s e w h o o b e y t h e sign a n d go o n a r e u s u a l l y " k i l l e d " by a " p s y c h o " w h o suddenly flings the door o p e n a n d p o p s o u t b e h i n d t h e m . If y o u c a r r y w i t h y o u a s m a l l r o l l of e l e c t r i c a l or m a s k i n g t a p e , y o u c a n press a p i e c e a c r o s s t h e c r a c k of e a c h d o o r y o u h a v e c h e c k e d . T h e n if y o u n o t i c e t h e t a p e b r o k e n or p u l l e d off as y o u r e t r a c e y o u r s e a r c h r o u t e later, y o u ' l l k n o w s o m e o n e has b a c k t r a c k e d on y o u . As y o u p l a n y o u r a p p r o a c h t o a d o o r w a y , k e e p in mind w h a t ' s called the "fatal f u n n e l " p h e n o m e n o n . B e c a u s e y o u c a n ' t k n o w for s u r e e x a c t l y w h e r e the suspect will be, you have to be c o n c e r n e d w i t h e v e r y part of t h e r o o m b e y o n d t h a t d o o r w a y e n t r y . B u t f r o m t h e p o i n t of v i e w of o n e or m o r e s u s p e c t s i n s i d e t h e r o o m , all s e n s o r y c o n c e n t r a t i o n c a n b e f u n n e l e d d o w n t o j u s t t h a t s m a l l o p e n i n g . I t ' s your o n l y w a y in, all they n e e d t o w a t c h . F r a m e d b y it, y o u ' d m a k e an o b v i o u s t a r g e t . U s i n g an a p p r o a c h t h a t m i n i m i z e s y o u r f u n n e l f r a m i n g , t h e n , y o u a d v a n c e s i l e n t l y t o w a r d t h e doorw a y b y m o v i n g low a l o n g a w a l l , u t i l i z i n g w h a t ever cover you can along the w a y — r e c e s s e s , hallw a y t r a s h c a n s , f u r n i t u r e , e t c . I t ' s u s u a l l y b e s t if y o u and y o u r p a r t n e r c a n a p p r o a c h t h e d o o r w a y f r o m o p p o s i t e s i d e s . B u t if t h a t ' s n o t p o s s i b l e , o n e of y o u s h o u l d q u i c k l y m o v e a c r o s s t h e c l o s e d d o o r w a y at a l e v e l below t h e d o o r k n o b so y o u are o n o p p o s i t e sides b e f o r e a t t e m p t i n g e n t r y . ( E v e n if t h e d o o r is o p e n , a l o w , f a s t j u m p is l i k e l y t o g e t y o u a c r o s s quickly enough that you w o n ' t be hit by s o m e o n e shooting from inside.)

W i t h o u t e x p o s i n g a n y v i t a l p o r t i o n s of y o u r body, r e a c h w i t h your w e a k h a n d and try t h e k n o b . In n u m e r o u s instances, officers have forced entry through doors that t h e y later discovered w e r e unl o c k e d . S o always try t h e sensible and quiet m e t h o d of l e a s t r e s i s t a n c e f i r s t . If t h e d o o r is u n l o c k e d , o p e n it i n o n e c o n t i n u o u s m o t i o n as y o u h o l d y o u r g u n r e a d y t o f i r e . If t h e d o o r is a l r e a d y ajar, y o u m a y b e a b l e t o m a n e u v e r it f u l l y o p e n b y u s i n g y o u r n i g h t stick, flashlight, a b r o o m h a n d l e or s o m e other p r o b e t h a t a l l o w s y o u t o r e m a i n in p l a c e b e h i n d t h e wall.

The fatal funnel in action. The two black circles represent you and your back-up standing in front of an open door on a "shots-fired" call.

The problems start when you find your field of vision inside the room is restricted, even while standing in the doorway.

O n the other hand, the suspect inside the room has only one place to look to discover your presence. This is why you must always approach a doorway outside and below the kill zone.

Here, you would be standing in the fatal funnel: The only area the suspect has for directing his firepower. Regardless of his position, his visual would be on you at all times.

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T h e hinges can tell you w h e t h e r t h e door opens o u t or i n . If t h e h i n g e p i n s a r e o n t h e o u t s i d e , t h e door s h o u l d o p e n o u t ; t h e o f f i c e r n e a r e s t t h e d o o r k n o b w i l l get t h e first a n d w i d e s t v i e w of t h e r o o m . If t h e h i n g e p i n s are i n s i d e , t h e d o o r s h o u l d o p e n i n , and the officer opposite the k n o b will get t h e quickest l o o k . W i t h doors that open in, the officer nearest the k n o b p u s h e s it i n . B e s u r e t o p u s h h a r d e n o u g h t h a t t h e door b a n g s b a c k w i t h m a x i m u m f o r c e against the wall behind it. If it f a i l s t o do s o , t h a t m a y b e a c l u e t h a t a s u s p e c t is h i d i n g i n t h a t p o s i t i o n . O f f i c e r s e x p e r i e n c e d in s e a r c h i n g r o o m s k n o w t h i s i s a f a v o r e d h i d i n g spot of a r m e d o f f e n d e r s . F r o m t h i s vantage point, they can hear officers approaching and n o t e t h e i r m o v e m e n t s t h r o u g h t h e c r a c k b e t w e e n t h e door and t h e f r a m e . If t h e d o o r s w i n g s o u t w a r d , i n s t e a d of i n , t h e off i c e r n e a r e s t t h e k n o b or h a n d l e g e t s it o p e n , t h e n p u s h e s it t o h i s p a r t n e r , so t h a t n e i t h e r of y o u h a s t o s t a n d or s t r e t c h f u l l y i n f r o n t of i t . G e t t h e d o o r o p e n as fast as y o u c a n and w o r k f r o m a squatting p o s i t i o n . T h i s w i l l p u t y o u at a l o w , u n e x p e c t e d level should a suspect inside decide to shoot.

A proper position for two officers responding to a call at a door which opens in.

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If t h e d o o r is l o c k e d a n d m a n p o w e r p e r m i t s , p o s t a s e n t r y t h e r e t o g u a r d it w h i l e y o u p r o c e e d with the search, eliminating other less resistant h i d i n g p l a c e s . W h e n m a n p o w e r ' s s h o r t or t h e r o o m s e e m s a v e r y l i k e l y h i d e o u t or y o u ' v e c h e c k e d e v e r y p l a c e e l s e , try first t o g e t t h e d o o r o p e n w i t h a p a s s key from the building m a n a g e r . . . o r t a k e t h e door off i t s h i n g e s if t h e y are e x p o s e d . . . o r p o s s i b l y t e l e p h o n e t h e o f f i c e or a p a r t m e n t b e y o n d t h e d o o r and see if a n y o n e is i n s i d e w h o ' l l a n s w e r a n d g i v e y o u s o m e c l u e s t o w h o ' s t h e r e . If y o u m u s t f o r c e e n t r y , consider using a " s l a m p u l l e r " or " d e n t p u l l e r , " a c o m m o n burglary tool available from m o s t auto body repair shops. T h i s tool has a threaded screw on t h e e n d t h a t f i t s i n t o t h e k e y w a y of a l o c k a n d pops it o p e n w h e n t h e h e a v y w e i g h t o n t h e h a n d l e is s l a m m e d b a c k h a r d . Y o u r l a s t r e s o r t is t o k i c k t h e d o o r i n . M a n y doors w i l l defy t h e h a r d e s t k i c k s . Y o u r b e s t c h a n c e is t o s t a n d at a n o b l i q u e a n g l e t o t h e door, r a t h e r t h a n d i r e c t l y i n f r o n t of it, a n d k i c k at t h e m o s t v u l n e r a b l e s p o t : a d j a c e n t t o t h e l o c k system. A s s u m e t h e door is o p e n e d b y o n e m e a n s or a n o t h e r a n d y o u a n d y o u r b a c k - u p are p o s i t i o n e d as w e d e s c r i b e d e a r l i e r o n e i t h e r side of t h e d o o r w a y , b e l o w t h e l e v e l at w h i c h a s u s p e c t is m o s t l i k e l y t o fire. N o w your c o m b i n e d vantage points should give y o u a v i s u a l o n m o s t of t h e r o o m , p r o v i d e d t h e l i g h t is a d e q u a t e . Y o u w o n ' t , h o w e v e r , b e a b l e t o s e e t o t h e sides of y o u i m m e d i a t e l y o n t h e o t h e r s i d e of t h e w a l l — a m o n g t h e l i k e l i e s t s p o t s for a s u s p e c t t o b e w a i t i n g . H e r e , o n e at a t i m e , y o u a n d y o u r p a r t n e r c a n u s e t h e " q u i c k p e e k " t e c h n i q u e t o dart y o u r h e a d s t h r o u g h t h e d o o r w a y a n d b a c k fast e n o u g h t o s e e w h o or w h a t , if a n y t h i n g , is a l o n g t h e w a l l you're each standing behind. R e m e m b e r , you can m a k e t h i s m o v e m e n t in t h e l e a s t e x p e c t e d a n d safe s t w a y b y p e e k i n g first at a l o w l e v e l , t h e n at a h i g h l e v e l . . . a n d never looking from the same level twice. A n o t h e r option for c h e c k i n g around doorways and c o r n e r s is t o u s e a s m a l l m i r r o r o n t h e e n d of a p r o b e , w h i c h y o u c a n e a s i l y c a r r y in y o u r s h i r t or hip p o c k e t . S o m e officers use an a u t o m e c h a n i c ' s i n s p e c t i o n m i r r o r o n a t e l e s c o p i n g w a n d or a dent i s t ' s m i r r o r taped t o a n old car a e r i a l , b u t y o u ' l l get better results with a mirror whose reflecting surface is at l e a s t t w o i n c h e s in d i a m e t e r . A t a h a r d w a r e or a u t o s u p p l y s t o r e y o u c a n b u y a p a r a b o l i c m i r r o r of t h e t y p e a t t a c h e d to t h e side v i e w m i r r o r s of t r u c k s a n d c a m p e r s . If it h a s a s e l f - a d h e s i v e b a c k , y o u c a n a t t a c h it d i r e c t l y t o t h e s u r f a c e of t h e s m a l ler d e n t a l or m e c h a n i c ' s m i r r o r . O r c o n s i d e r s i m p l y h o l d i n g it c u p p e d i n y o u r h a n d . A n g l e d t h r o u g h a d o o r w a y or a r o u n d a c o r n e r , t h e m i r r o r c a n r e f l e c t

Tactical officers making entry to a door which opens out—the mobile home of a man who had opened fire on a parade. A rifle barrel is visible just above the police shotgun. Moments before, a police officer had been killed.

a n y d a n g e r i n t h e r o o m or o n t h e o t h e r s i d e of t h e wall, w h i l e you stay back, unexposed. From the doorway, you m a y be able to see—but n o t see i n t o — o t h e r obvious potential hiding places, l i k e a c l o s e t , f o r i n s t a n c e . If t h e s u s p e c t is t h e r e , y o u m a y be able to bluff h i m out by issuing a verbal chall e n g e f r o m y o u r p r o t e c t e d c o v e r p o s i t i o n . T h e i d e a is t o a c t as if y o u k n o w h e is t h e r e s o if h e is h e ' l l f e e l i t ' s h o p e l e s s t o do a n y t h i n g b u t s u r r e n d e r . If n o o n e emerges from the hiding place, however, y o u ' l l still n e e d t o c h e c k i t . A n d if t h e s u s p e c t i s , i n f a c t , w a i t ing t h e r e , h e ' l l n o w b e f u l l y a l e r t e d t o y o u r p r e s e n c e , so proceed w i t h e x t r e m e c a u t i o n .

The auto inspection minor is held in your non-gun hand and slowly eased around the corner with both hands behind cover.

Your point of view in achieving a safe visual on the suspect. If you turn the book upside down, you will see an armed suspect who's expecting to see your body—not a small mirror.

T o e n t e r t h e r o o m , move in low and fast, o n e at a time, while the other covers. Your swiftest entry for nanow d o o r w a y s is t h e " c r i s s - c r o s s . " T h e offic e r on t h e r i g h t darts a c r o s s t h e t h r e s h o l d t o a n inside position on the left, and vice versa. Again, keep low w h e n m o v i n g ; s o m e o f f i c e r s , o n c e t h e y s t a r t t o m o v e , have a tendency to stand up, w h i c h m a k e s t h e m easier targets. W i t h wide doorways, consider keeping your b a c k close to the frame and ' 'wrapping a r o u n d " swiftly to the other side, rather t h a n plunging a c r o s s t h e o p e n i n g . T h i s p r e s e n t s a m i n i m u m t a r g e t . W i t h e i t h e r m a n e u v e r , of c o u r s e , y o u w a n t t o get o u t of t h e d o o r w a y a s q u i c k l y as p o s s i b l e . The hallway search technique you want to employ is one which provides constant fire cover while your backup \A\ moves into position. As you [B\ approach each doorway from a kneeling position, your back-up assumes a standing cover position. As you approach the final doorway, your back-up now in position A4, takes a position just short of the doorway.

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Inside, w i t h your b a c k against t h e wall, k n e e l in your n e w p o s i t i o n and listen for sounds that m a y signal t h e s u s p e c t ' s presence in t h e v i c i n i t y . U s e y o u r o t h e r s e n s e s , t o o . O n e pair of o f f i c e r s , p a u s i n g in a r o o m t h a t h a d j u s t b e e n e n t e r e d , " c a u g h t a s m e l l of h u m a n f e a r — t h e o d o r of f r e s h e x c r e m e n t " — c o m i n g from beyond another door. Sure enough, that pinpointed the suspect's location! O n c e r o o m e n t r y is m a d e w h e r e p a r t n e r s are inv o l v e d , o n l y o n e o f f i c e r at a t i m e a c t i v e l y s e a r c h e s , w h i l e the other stays still and covers. At night or in l o w - l i g h t s i t u a t i o n s , it m a y b e h a r d t o s e e y o u r p a r t n e r as y o u m o v e a p a r t . S o if y o u s i m u l t a n e o u s l y t r y t o s e a r c h d i f f e r e n t w a l l s , y o u m a y l o s e t r a c k of o n e a n o t h e r ' s l o c a t i o n , i n c r e a s i n g t h e r i s k of s h o o t ing e a c h o t h e r b y m i s t a k e . Y o u ' r e safer h a v i n g o n e r e m a i n s q u a t t e d n e a r t h e d o o r r e a d y t o p r o v i d e defending fire, w h i l e t h e other m o v e s all t h e w a y down o n e w a l l to t h e first corner. If y o u ' r e t h e f i r s t s e a r c h i n g o f f i c e r , y o u c a n u s e n o n - v e r b a l c o m m u n i c a t i o n — l i k e o n e s n a p of y o u r fingers—to indicate you have reached the corner. Y o u r partner can t h e n respond w i t h t w o snaps to ind i c a t e h e h a s h e a r d y o u a n d t h a t h e n o w is m o v i n g along a n o t h e r w a l l — w h i l e you provide cover. B y c o n t i n u i n g to alternate in this fashion, t h e covering o f f i c e r k e e p s a f i x o n h i s p a r t n e r ' s l o c a t i o n a n d is free to s h o o t a n y w h e r e in the r o o m except along the w a l l h i s p a r t n e r is s e a r c h i n g . A s m u c h as p o s s i b l e , t r y t o s t a y b e h i n d b a r r i c a d e s , l i k e p i e c e s of f u r n i t u r e , a s y o u c a u t i o u s l y m o v e a l o n g t h e w a l l s , a r o u n d t h e c i r c u m f e r e n c e of t h e r o o m or t o w a r d t h e n e x t d o o r . Dont forget to always look up in searching the room. In s o m e places, as i n r a f t e r s i n a h o m e garage or a l o f t i n a w a r e h o u s e , s u s p e c t s are a b l e t o h i d e a b o v e e y e - l e v e l , w h e r e officers operating in a r o u t i n e fashion often neglect to c h e c k . C o n t i n u e trying to keep your exact m o v e m e n t as q u i e t as p o s s i b l e . B u t do not attempt to eliminate noise that is already present. T h a t can give away y o u r p o s i t i o n , t o o . In a n e a s t e r n c i t y , a n o f f i c e r t u r n e d off a p o r t a b l e r a d i o t h a t w a s b l a r i n g a c i d r o c k m u s i c w h e n h e entered a t e n e m e n t r o o m in search of a " m a n w i t h a g u n . " T h e s u s p e c t , it t u r n e d o u t , w a s hiding in a closet, u n a b l e to see t h e officer. But he k n e w e x a c t l y w h e r e the radio w a s . T h e m o m e n t it c l i c k e d off, h e b u r s t o u t s h o o t i n g , w i t h deadly accuracy. Pay close attention to the doorway ahead. Officers in a Detroit narcotics case were completing t h e i r s e a r c h of a l i v i n g r o o m w h i c h a p p e a r e d e m p t y , w h e n t h e y n o t i c e d t h e k n o b of a c l o s e d b e d r o o m door turn slightly. S e c o n d s later, five s h o t s splintered t h e door, but b e c a u s e t h e y had b e e n alert, t h e

officers had been able to take cover and escaped inj u r y . (In a s i t u a t i o n l i k e t h i s , it w o u l d b e r i s k y t o fire b a c k t h r o u g h t h e c l o s e d d o o r u n l e s s y o u w e r e certain t h e s u s p e c t w a s t h e only p e r s o n i n t h e r o o m . If a h o s t a g e , a c h i l d or s o m e o t h e r i n n o c e n t p e r s o n is t h e r e , t o o , y o u r firing a n d e n d a n g e r i n g t h e m c o u l d be considered reckless conduct.) In m o v i n g f o r w a r d , d o n ' t get s o e n g r o s s e d t h a t y o u forget t o watch behind you. B y u s i n g o t h e r passageways and other rooms, a suspect m a y be able to circle around behind you and a t t a c k . In s o m e cases, y o u m a y b e a b l e t o rig up a w a r n i n g s y s t e m a g a i n s t that threat. W h e n you c h e c k and pass by a door that s w i n g s o u t i n t o a h a l l w a y or r o o m , c o n s i d e r w e d g ing it or m o v i n g s o m e s o r t of b a r r i e r i n f r o n t of i t . If a n y o n e t r i e s t o c o m e t h r o u g h it t o g e t b e h i n d y o u , h e ' l l e i t h e r b e b l o c k e d e n t i r e l y or at l e a s t m a k e r a c k et t o a l e r t y o u . If i t ' s n e c e s s a r y t o m o v e f r o m f l o o r t o f l o o r , avoid elevators. B e c a u s e they telegraph l o c a t i o n , c o n f i n e m o v e m e n t a n d o f f e r f e w if a n y c o v e r o p tions, they can be death traps. U s e the stairs—even if t h e c h a l l e n g e y o u f a c e is t h e s e a r c h of a h i g h - r i s e building.

Field Interrogation O n e of y o u r p a t r o l o b l i g a t i o n s , a s i d e f r o m r e s p o n d i n g t o s p e c i f i c a s s i g n m e n t s , is t o f i n d . . . s t o p . . . and q u e s t i o n s u s p i c i o u s p e d e s t r i a n s y o u e n c o u n t e r on your beat, according to procedures that legally p e r m i t y o u t o do s o . T h e s e p e r s o n s m a y i n c l u d e i n d i v i d u a l s w h o fit d e s c r i p t i o n s of w a n t e d p e r s o n s or o t h e r s w h o s e a p p e a r a n c e . . . b e h a v i o r . . . a n d / o r l o cation strongly suggests the probability that t h e y are involved in c r i m i n a l activities. S h o o t i n g s often occ u r d u r i n g s u c h " f i e l d i n t e r r o g a t i o n s " or " p e d e s t r i a n s t o p s . " B e c a u s e t h e o f f i c e r is i n c l o s e p r o x i m i t y to the suspect and b e c a u s e the death rate from armed c o n f r o n t a t i o n s tends to be inversely related to d i s t a n c e , f a t a l i t i e s a r e q u i t e l i k e l y t o r e s u l t f r o m t h e g u n f i r e — u n l e s s a proper a p p r o a c h h a s b e e n made first. W h e n you see a person w h o bears investigation, try first t o o b s e r v e h i m for a f e w m o m e n t s , w h e t h e r y o u are in y o u r p a t r o l c a r or o n f o o t y o u r s e l f . T h e s e extra m o m e n t s will allow you t i m e to c h e c k his action...reinforce w h a t e v e r called your a t t e n t i o n to h i m in t h e first p l a c e t o p r o v i d e p r o b a b l e c a u s e t o detain...begin forming a plan for h o w to h a n d l e h i m . . . c a l l for a b a c k - u p if y o u are w o r k i n g a l o n e . . .

a n d , p o s s i b l y , d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r t h e s u s p e c t is a r m e d . R e m e m b e r t h a t w i t h a n e s t i m a t e d 4Vi m i l lion people in t h e U . S . carrying c o n c e a l e d loaded f i r e a r m s , t h i s is always & possibility. If h e ' s w a l k i n g t o w a r d y o u w h e n y o u f i r s t s e e h i m , l e t h i m p a s s b y y o u as if y o u are p a y i n g h i m n o special a t t e n t i o n . Y o u w a n t to approach h i m from b e h i n d , if p o s s i b l e , a n d f r o m a p o s i t i o n w h e r e c o v e r is c l o s e b y if n e e d e d . If y o u s e e m t o i g n o r e h i m a s h e p a s s e s , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o b u i l d a n e l e m e n t of surprise into your challenge. W h e n observing a suspect, scan h i m from top to b o t t o m f o r h i n t s of a c o n c e a l e d f i r e a r m . A h a t t h a t ' s sitting straight on his head w h e n it's styled to be w o r n at a j a u n t y a n g l e m a y b e p o s i t i o n e d t o h e l p b a l a n c e a revolver or s m a l l s e m i - a u t o m a t i c undern e a t h . A m a l e a d u l t w i t h o n e s i d e of h i s s h i r t t a i l o u t m a y b e u s i n g it t o c o n c e a l a l o a d e d g u n . If h e ' s w a l k i n g w i t h h i s c o a t o p e n or s l u n g o v e r h i s a r m i n c o l d w e a t h e r o r if h e ' s w e a r i n g a j a c k e t w h e n i t ' s hot, consider that he m a y be armed. Likewise, a b u l g e at h i s b e l t - l i n e or a j a c k e t t h a t h a n g s h e a v y o n o n e s i d e m a y b e s u s p i c i o u s . P e o p l e w h o are n o t a c c u s t o m e d t o c a r r y i n g a g u n o f t e n t o u c h t h e g u n as t h e y w a l k , for r e a s s u r a n c e that i t ' s still there, to p r a c t i c e r e a c h i n g for it a n d t o e n j o y t h e f e e l of i t s presence. T h i s can be a particularly strong clue w h e n p o t e n t i a l s u s p e c t s are a p p r o a c h i n g p e o p l e w h o m a y b e i n t e n d e d r o b b e r y v i c t i m s . E v e n a l i m p or s t i f f - l e g g e d w a l k m a y b e a w a r n i n g s i g n . In n e i g h b o r h o o d s w h e r e s t r e e t gang f i g h t s are c o m m o n , gang m e m b e r s s o m e t i m e s carry s h o t g u n s to b a t t l e , strapped t o t h e i r l e g s . W h e n you believe y o u are dealing w i t h s o m e o n e w h o m a y b e d a n g e r o u s , t r y t o e n g i n e e r t h e s t o p s o it takes place away from crowded places like restaurants, public buildings, m o v i e theaters, bars, and in s o m e m o r e isolated spot w h e r e i n n o c e n t civilians are less l i k e l y t o be hit by any gunfire, to interfere w i t h y o u r a c t i o n s or i n t e r v e n e o n b e h a l f of t h e s u s p e c t . If i t ' s n e c e s s a r y t o f o l l o w t h e s u s p e c t o n f o o t , you usually will w a n t to stay to his left rear. H e ' s l i k e l y t o b e r i g h t - h a n d e d , ( a b o u t 9 0 p e r c e n t of t h e p o p u l a t i o n i s ) , a n d if s o , t h i s p o s i t i o n w i l l r e q u i r e that h e t u r n t h e farthest to shoot you, t h u s affording y o u s l i g h t l y m o r e t i m e t o r e a c t . (An e x c e p t i o n t o this rule m i g h t be w h e n good, q u i c k l y accessible c o v e r — s u c h as d o o r w a y s , t r e e s , p a r k e d c a r s or l i g h t poles—is to your right. T h e n your best option might b e t o f o l l o w t o h i s r i g h t rear.) Maintain peak alertness at all times. T h e s u s p e c t knows w h o h e is and w h a t he has done, while you m a y n o t be certain. H e m a y i n i t i a t e a d e a d l y a s s a u l t at a n y t i m e t o p r e v e n t a r r e s t , w i t h o u t c o n c e r n for i n n o c e n t b y s t a n d e r s or t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s of h i s a c t i o n s .

W h e n y o u k n o w or s t r o n g l y s u s p e c t a p e r s o n you w a n t to question has a gun, you w a n t to pick a location to stop h i m where you can be behind cover or at l e a s t c o n c e a l e d f r o m v i e w b e f o r e y o u i s s u e a c o m m a n d . T h i s is h i g h l y d e s i r a b l e e v e n w h e n y o u h a v e n o e v i d e n c e h e is a r m e d . ( C o v e r p e r t a i n s t o o b s t a c l e s t h a t a r e d i f f i c u l t or i m p o s s i b l e f o r b u l l e t s t o p e n e t r a t e , s u c h as u t i l i t y p o l e s , m a i l b o x e s or f i r e plugs. C o n c e a l m e n t m e a n s t h a t y o u a r e h i d d e n f r o m view, though not necessarily shielded by a resistant b a r r i e r . Y o u m a y b e c o n c e a l e d at n i g h t , for e x a m p l e , b e h i n d y o u r p a t r o l c a r ' s h e a d l i g h t s , if t h e s u s p e c t is f a c i n g t o w a r d t h e m . ) I n s t o p p i n g a p o t e n t i a l l y dangerous suspect, you want to have your gun drawn and p o i n t e d at h i m b e f o r e y o u a d d r e s s h i m . A n d y o u w a n t to be in a position w h e r e you can respond to and b e p r o t e c t e d f r o m a n y s u d d e n t h r e a t . C o n s e quently, you avoid an approach like that m a d e by t w o p a t r o l m e n in a southern city w h o responded to a shooting in a residential area and spotted t h e suspect walking along the street. W i t h their revolvers still holstered and w i t h o u t taking cover outside their patrol car, they called for h i m to stop. I n s t a n t ly, h e p u l l e d a . 3 8 f r o m h i s w a i s t b a n d a n d b e g a n shooting into their patrol car. O n e officer w a s w o u n d e d in t h e h e a d a n d t h i g h , t h e o t h e r f a t a l l y s h o t in t h e f a c e . In n u m e r o u s o t h e r o f f i c e r f a t a l i t i e s , the v i c t i m s have approached suspects directly and f r o n t a l l y — l i k e t h e o f f - d u t y M a r y l a n d p o l i c e serg e a n t w h o w a l k e d up a n d a n n o u n c e d h i m s e l f t o a b a n k r o b b e r y s u s p e c t s i t t i n g at a b u s s t o p , w h o t h e n drew a g u n and s h o t h i m i n t h e c h e s t . . .or t h e A r k a n sas p a t r o l m a n w h o s p o t t e d a s u b j e c t w a n t e d o n w a r r a n t s at a s e r v i c e s t a t i o n a n d s t r o d e t o w a r d h i m a s k i n g for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n ; t h e s u s p e c t p u l l e d o u t a h a n d g u n i n s t e a d and s h o t t h e u n p r o t e c t e d o f f i c e r t w i c e in the chest. Ideally, you w a n t to be close enough w h e n you initiate the stop that y o u d o n ' t have to run and get o u t of b r e a t h t o r e a c h t h e s u s p e c t , b u t n o t s o c l o s e t h a t h e c a n l u n g e for y o u a n d s t a r t f i g h t i n g . A l s o , y o u want a spot that l i m i t s his possible a v e n u e s for escape. Y o u r order t o s t o p , g i v e n f r o m a p o s i t i o n of c o v e r , s h o u l d b e explicit...direct...forceful: "Police! D o n ' t m o v e ! I w a n t t o t a l k t o y o u . " If h i s b a c k is n o t already t o y o u , order h i m t o t u r n a r o u n d i m m e d i a t e l y so h e c a n ' t w a t c h w h a t y o u ' r e d o i n g . If h i s h a n d s are in h i s p o c k e t s or a n y w h e r e w h e r e y o u c a n ' t see t h e m , you w a n t h i m to keep t h e m there u n t i l a f t e r h e is f a c i n g a w a y f r o m y o u . If h e ' s g o i n g to c o m e out w i t h a firearm, it'll be harder for h i m t o s h o o t y o u if h e h a s t o t u r n a r o u n d f i r s t t o f i n d you.

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If you had responded to this call in which a knife-wielding man is reported to be acting in a bizarre fashion, how would you have approached him! Keep in m i n d that your suspect m a y n o t be cooperative in the least. Even your pointing a gun at h i m m a y n o t s c a r e h i m . T h e n y o u s h o u l d c a l l for b a c k - u p a n d , from a position of cover, continue to repeat your voice c o m m a n d s u n t i l help arrives. O n c e h e ' s i n a p o s i t i o n of r e l a t i v e w e a k n e s s and y o u ' r e i n p o s i t i o n t o r e s p o n d t o s u d d e n t h r e a t , c o n c e n t r a t e o n g e t t i n g h i s hands in view. T h e y are the m o s t dangerous thing about any suspect from y o u r p o i n t of v i e w . If t h e y ' r e in h i s p o c k e t s , t e l l h i m t o r e m o v e t h e m " v e r y , v e r y s l o w l y , " w i t h h i s elb o w s e x t e n d e d a w a y f r o m h i s b o d y . E v e n if h e h a s n o g u n in h i s h a n d , order h i m t o r a i s e h i s h a n d s as h i g h as p o s s i b l e o v e r h i s h e a d a n d s l o w l y t u r n completely a r o u n d , w h i l e y o u c h e c k for g u n s i n h i s w a i s t b a n d . If y o u see a n y w e a p o n s , i m m e d i a t e l y order h i m o n t o t h e g r o u n d , f a c e - d o w n , h e a d a w a y f r o m y o u , a r m s o u t , p a l m s u p . W i t h y o u r p a r t n e r or b a c k - u p p r o v i d i n g c o v e r , t h e n a p p r o a c h h i m as y o u would an incapacitated suspect. W h e r e n o w e a p o n s are v i s i b l e , h a v e h i m s t a n d w i t h h i s b a c k t o y o u and t e l l h i m t o i n t e r l a c e h i s f i n g e r s b e h i n d h i s h e a d , p u s h i n g t h e m t o g e t h e r as hard as h e c a n . Y o u c a n t a l k t o h i m f r o m a d i s t a n c e i n t h i s p o s i t i o n , and if y o u d e c i d e t o a p p r o a c h for c l o s e r i n s p e c t i o n a n d i n t e r r o g a t i o n , y o u c a n grasp t h e t o p t h r e e f i n g e r s of o n e of h i s h a n d s w i t h y o u r n o n - g u n h a n d a n d s q u e e z e t h e m t o g e t h e r as a m e a n s of c o n t r o l l i n g h i m w h i l e y o u h a n d c u f f a n d f r i s k h i m . B e c a u s e of t h e i n t e r l a c i n g , e v e n s l i g h t p r e s s u r e o n his fingers will inflict considerable pain and keep h i m at a d i s a d v a n t a g e . Y o u m a y a l s o w a n t h i m o n h i s k n e e s w i t h h i s legs c r o s s e d at t h e a n k l e s t o further incapacitate h i m . If y o u a r e m a k i n g a n a r r e s t , t h e s u s p e c t ( s ) s h o u l d b e h a n d c u f f e d at first o p p o r t u n i t y a n d t h e n thoroughly searched. W h e n searching an offender, a l w a y s h u n t in t h e l i k e l i e s t p l a c e for a g u n f i r s t . A

The suspect's hands may be in his pockets to conceal a loaded gun, or maybe his hands are just cold. Initially, you have no way of knowing. Your first step involves a verbal command to extend his elbows outward, then slowly to withdraw his hands. Next he places the gun on the ground with the muzzle pointed away from both of you.

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highway p a t r o l m a n w h o stopped to investigate a h i t c h h i k e r on a turnpike in Kansas ignored this rule and s t a r t e d h i s s e a r c h b y g o i n g t h r o u g h t h e s u b j e c t ' s gear. T h e h i t c h h i k e r w a s a l l o w e d t o s t a n d b y u n h a n d c u f f e d and w i t h o u t h a v i n g b e e n p a t t e d d o w n . A s it t u r n e d o u t , h e w a s w a n t e d for m u r d e r in N e w Y o r k S t a t e . W h i l e t h e t r o o p e r w a s p r o b i n g h i s luggage, t h e s u s p e c t d r e w a . 3 2 c a l . r e v o l v e r f r o m h i s waistband and fatally shot t h e officer in t h e head. In s o m e c a s e s , f i e l d i n t e r r o g a t i o n w i l l r e q u i r e less d r a s t i c m e a s u r e s t h a n w e ' v e o u t l i n e d h e r e , at l e a s t i n i t i a l l y . Y o u m a y , for e x a m p l e , n e e d t o app r o a c h a w i t n e s s or c o m p l a i n a n t f o r q u e s t i o n i n g . W i t h a n y o n - f o o t a p p r o a c h , a l w a y s s t a n d at a n o b lique angle to t h e subject; that is, w i t h your n o n - g u n side t u r n e d t o w a r d h i m s o t h a t y o u r f a c e , e y e s , groin and k n e e c a p s — t h e m o s t easily damaged areas of y o u r b o d y — a r e p r o t e c t e d . Never stand with your gun side exposed to anyone for conversation or questioning. Even with a seemingly " h a r m l e s s " subject, try t o p o s i t i o n y o u r s e l f s o s o m e c o v e r is b e t w e e n t h e t w o of y o u or n e a r b y , a n d c l o s e r t o y o u t h a n t o h i m . If h e s u d d e n l y p r e s e n t s a g u n , y o u d o n ' t w a n t h i m t o get t o t h e n e a r e s t c o v e r f i r s t . Y o u s h o u l d c o n s i d e r a d i s t a n c e a r o u n d y o u of at least three feet as y o u r " s a f e t y z o n e . " C l o s e r t h a n t h a t , t h e d a n g e r t h a t y o u w i l l b e s t r u c k or t h a t a n a t t e m p t w i l l b e m a d e t o g r a b y o u r g u n is v a s t l y m u l t i p l i e d . Street-wise suspects m a y try to p e n e t r a t e t h i s z o n e b y : f e i g n i n g d e a f n e s s i n order t o d r a w closer...acting " c o o l , " polite and c o u r t e o u s to blunt your alertness...trying diversionary tactics s u c h as s p l i t t i n g apart w h e n t h e r e a r e t w o o r m o r e s u s p e c t s . . . o r by holding i d e n t i f i c a t i o n papers close t o t h e b o d y in h o p e s y o u ' l l r e a c h o u t or s t e p n e a r e r t o get t h e m . Don't permit anyone to move in closer than 36 inches or try to touch you. H a v i n g b e g u n a n i n t e r r o g a t i o n of a s u s p e c t or w i t n e s s , keep h i m in sight, in your i m m e d i a t e prese n c e . Never turn your back on a suspect or p e r m i t h i m to m o v e where you c a n ' t see. H e m a y be heading t o get a g u n f r o m a n o t h e r l o c a t i o n . A s h e r i f f i n W y o m i n g encountered a m a n on a ranch road w h o had been drinking and reportedly threatening suicide. T h e sheriff talked w i t h h i m a bit, t h e n w a l k e d w i t h h i m t o w a r d t h e m a n ' s n e a r b y c a b i n . H e all o w e d t h e s u s p e c t t o go i n s i d e , o u t of s i g h t , w h i l e i e w a i t e d i n t h e yard t o r e s u m e t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n , n s t e a d of c o m i n g b a c k o u t , t h o u g h , t h e s u s p e c t ired a . 3 0 - . 3 0 cal. rifle through t h e cabin w i n d o w , l i t t i n g t h e s h e r i f f i n t h e c h e s t a n d k i l l i n g h i m instantly. T h e assailant t h e n turned the gun on h i m self and c o m m i t t e d s u i c i d e . T h e k e e p - i n - s i g h t p r i n :iple a p p l i e s , of c o u r s e , w h e n y o u are q u e s t i o n i n g o m e o n e i n d o o r s as w e l l as o u t d o o r s . M o r e t h a n o n e :

Any suspect can be armed, especially a man wearing a suit. Here you can see 13 of the 17 firearms which are secreted on this person's body.

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In conducting a field interview, position yourself at an angle to the subject, and keep your gun side away from his immediate reach.

officer has b e e n slain w h e n t h e suspect in a d o m e s t i c d i s t u r b a n c e , for e x a m p l e , m o m e n t a r i l y d u c k e d i n t o a b e d r o o m during interrogation—and emerged w i t h his t r u s t y deer rifle, ready for a c t i o n . S o m e t i m e s , i t ' s n e c e s s a r y for y o u t o q u e s t i o n s u s p e c t s i n a p a r k e d c a r . H e r e y o u c a n order t h e m o u t of t h e v e h i c l e if y o u a r e b e h i n d c o v e r . O r , if y o u c a n a p p r o a c h w i t h o u t b e i n g s e e n , a n o t h e r o p t i o n is t o c o m e up l o w b e h i n d t h e r i g h t r e a r f e n d e r of t h e i r car, w h e r e y o u ' l l be able to see inside, and use that as y o u r p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n . If y o u are w a l k i n g t o w a r d t h e s u s p e c t s w h e n y o u first s p o t t h e m , y o u p a s s b y , faking disinterest, and then quickly whirl and take p o s i t i o n b e h i n d t h e b a c k f e n d e r . Y o u r p a r t n e r or back-up should assume another protected position t h a t p u t s h i m at a d i f f e r e n t a n g l e f r o m t h e c a r , w h e r e he can cover y o u w i t h o u t exposing y o u to cross-fire. (You should not attempt to question more than two suspects in a car by yourself.) As y o u r e a c h t h e fender, slap it s h a r p l y w i t h y o u r n o n - g u n h a n d t o a t t r a c t t h e s u s p e c t s ' a t t e n t i o n a n d at t h e s a m e t i m e f i r m l y direct t h e m to face forward and not m o v e . G e t their h a n d s i n s i g h t o n t h e s t e e r i n g w h e e l , o n t o p of t h e d a s h b o a r d or b e h i n d t h e i r h e a d s , or order t h e m t o h a n g t h e i r h a n d s o u t of t h e w i n d o w s , b e f o r e b e g i n ning any field interrogation. T h e r e ' s a l w a y s t h e p o s s i b i l i t y , of c o u r s e , t h a t t h e person y o u ' v e singled out for field interrogation is n o t g u i l t y of w r o n g d o i n g . In t h a t c a s e , a p o l o g i z e and explain w h a t prompted y o u to detain h i m : " Y o u r vehicle resembled one w a n t e d on a burg l a r y , " or " Y o u ' r e d r e s s e d l i k e (or h a v e t h e s a m e p h y s i c a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s as) s o m e o n e w a n t e d for h o m i c i d e , " or " W e w e r e t o l d y o u b e a t u p y o u r w i f e , " e t c . M o s t people will accept an e x p l a n a t i o n a n d a n a p o l o g y for t h e i r i n c o n v e n i e n c e if y o u e m ploy an understanding m a n n e r , w i t h o u t arrogance. Don't fail to quiz people who arouse your suspicions merely because you fear embarrassing them. M o s t civilians on legitimate business can e a s i l y p r o v e i t . A n d e v e n if t h e y a r e n ' t g r a c i o u s e n o u g h t o a c c e p t y o u r e x p l a n a t i o n f o r a c t i n g as y o u did, i t ' s b e t t e r t o h a v e t a k e n s t e p s t h a t a l l o w y o u t o be around to answer their complaint tomorrow than for t h e r e t o b e n o t o m o r r o w .

Traffic Stops Few patrol events s e e m m o r e " r o u t i n e " than v e h i c l e pullovers, yet in an average year 12 per c e n t of o f f i c e r s k i l l e d a r e s h o t w h i l e d e t a i n i n g m o t o r i s t s .

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Y o u m a y be a t t a c k e d e v e n b e f o r e y o u a r e o u t of your patrol car. A young city p a t r o l m a n in M i s s o u r i was killed still behind his steering wheel, w h e n a s t o p p e d driver l e a p e d o u t a n d fired t h r e e s h o t s f r o m a . 1 2 ga. s h o t g u n i n t o t h e p a t r o l c a r ' s w i n d s h i e l d . O r v i o l e n c e m a y o c c u r a f t e r y o u think e v e r y t h i n g is under c o n t r o l — a s in t h e Florida case w h e r e a highway patrolman was calmly checking a cooperative driver's identification w h e n a passenger, w h o had appeared t o b e a s l e e p , s u d d e n l y p o p p e d u p a n d o p e n e d fire w i t h a . 2 2 p i s t o l . Dangerous m o t o r i s t s and passengers c a n n o t a l w a y s b e i d e n t i f i e d i n a d v a n c e . T h i s is w h y it is s o c r i t i c a l t o control y o u r s t o p . P e o p l e y o u s t o p m a y have b e e n involved in a c r i m e you k n o w n o t h i n g a b o u t a n d fear y o u w i l l m a k e t h e c o n n e c t i o n . O r t h e traffic v i o l a t i o n alone m a y k i n d l e an angry, violent r e a c t i o n . T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of m o s t v e h i c l e s w o r k s against you, allowing m u c h to be hidden from your view during your approach, including w e a p o n s and s o m e o c c u p a n t s . C o n s e q u e n t l y , in order to have t h e advantage should shooting start, your best m e n t a l a t t i t u d e is o n e t h a t a c k n o w l e d g e s , " T h i s t i m e I r e a l l y c o u l d go d o w n " — e v e n if y o u r " s u s p e c t " is a n 8 5 - y e a r - o l d w o m a n w i t h b l u e h a i r , s t o p p e d for having no tail light. Vehicle approaches should be v i e w e d as t a c t i c a l e x e r c i s e s regardless of t h e m o t o r i s t i n v o l v e d . R e p e t i t i o n of g o o d t a c t i c s f o r m s good t a c t i c a l h a b i t s .

Eight bullet capture the stop which undercover

holes in this windshield eeriness of a non-felony became a fatal stop. Two officers died inside this car.

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W h i l e y o u are s t i l l f o l l o w i n g t h e c a r y o u i n t e n d to stop, relay the license n u m b e r and description to c o m m u n i c a t i o n s to run a N a t i o n a l C r i m e Information C e n t e r (NCIC) c o m p u t e r c h e c k . T h i s m a y give y o u s o m e w a r n i n g of t r o u b l e . If t h e v e h i c l e h a s b e e n r e p o r t e d s t o l e n o r i n v o l v e d i n a c r i m e or t h e r e are w a n t s or w a r r a n t s o n t h e o w n e r , y o u w a n t t o k n o w it before y o u i n i t i a t e t h e s t o p . T h e s a m e is t r u e , of c o u r s e , if y o u r e c o g n i z e t h e v e h i c l e or i t s o c c u pants from a " w a n t e d " description. N O N - F E L O N Y S T O P : E v e n if y o u r p r e l i m i n a r y l i c e n s e c h e c k c o m e s b a c k " c l e a r " a n d it a p p e a r s at the outset that you will be m a k i n g only a misdem e a n o r or s u s p i c i o u s v e h i c l e s t o p r a t h e r t h a n a full-fledged felony pullover, t h e r e ' s n o assurance, of c o u r s e , t h a t t h e v e h i c l e y o u ' r e h a l t i n g d o e s n o t c o n t a i n guns and people ready to use t h e m . A m o t o r i s t m a y g i v e e v e r y a p p e a r a n c e of b e i n g a n o r m a l c i v i l i a n up t o t h e l a s t m o m e n t . In O k l a h o m a , a young t r u c k driver w h o had done n o m o r e than c o m m i t a m i n o r traffic infraction ignited a police killing spree w h e n a city m a r s h a l stopped h i m to issue a t i c k e t . Enraged, the driver murdered the m a r s h a l w i t h a . 1 2 ga. s h o t g u n , t h e n l a t e r k i l l e d a n a u x i l i a r y o f f i c e r a n d a s h e r i f f ' s d e p u t y and c r i t i c a l l y w o u n d e d a police chief w h o tried to arrest h i m . Keep in m i n d that m o r e officers are killed during n o n - f e l o n y p u l l o v e r s , b e c a u s e t h e i r g u a r d is d o w n and t h e y are n o t anticipating t r o u b l e .

The outcome of a non-felony stop. The blood in the roadway is from an officer who was shot in the face, then returned fire to the driver who lies dead in front of the patrol car door.

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W h e n y o u ' r e pulling over w h a t s e e m s to be an " o r d i n a r y d r i v e r " for a m i s d e m e a n o r , g i v e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s your exact location and the car license n u m b e r a n d d e s c r i p t i o n . // you're alone, the dispatcher will be your only partner. Y o u want to keep c o m m u n i c a t i o n s as i n f o r m e d as p o s s i b l e . B e s u r e h e r e s p o n d s t o all y o u r i n q u i r i e s a n d m e s s a g e s before y o u l e a v e y o u r p a t r o l c a r . Don't rush. If t h e w e a t h e r is i n c l e m e n t , y o u m a y h a v e t h e t e n d e n c y t o g e t o u t of y o u r p a t r o l car a n d get b a c k as f a s t as p o s s i b l e . B u t r e m e m b e r , t h e t i m e w h e n both vehicles have c o m e to a stop with e n g i n e s s t i l l r u n n i n g is c r u c i a l . E r r o r s y o u m a k e then m a y backfire a few m o m e n t s later. Alertness and c a u t i o n are m a n d a t o r y . D o n ' t let your c o n c e r n for y o u r o w n c r e a t u r e c o m f o r t s d i v e r t y o u f r o m a good survival attitude. As y o u radio in i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e stop, v i s u a l l y e x a m i n e t h e v e h i c l e . M a k e a h a b i t of l o o k ing f o r c l u e s w h i c h m a y i n d i c a t e s o m e t h i n g is a m i s s . Is t h e l i c e n s e p l a t e p r o p e r l y s e c u r e d , o r is it a f f i x e d in a m a n n e r or i n a c o n d i t i o n t h a t m a y i n d i c a t e it is s t o l e n ? A r e p a s s e n g e r s r e v e a l i n g u n d u e concern about your presence? T h i s m a y be indicated by facial expressions, excited conversations, e t c .

Y o u w a n t t o be sure all doors are closed completely, t o l e s s e n t h e c h a n c e of t h e d r i v e r or a p a s s e n g e r s u d d e n l y l e a n i n g o u t a n d s h o o t i n g , or s e t t i n g off a f i r e a r m b u i l t i n t o t h e door. T h e t r u n k lid, t o o , should be closed tight, w i t h its l o c k in place. In s o m e cases, armed suspects have hidden in t r u n k s and t h e n h a v e s u d d e n l y t h r o w n t h e lid u p t o c o n f r o n t u n s u s p e c t i n g o f f i c e r s , o r t h e y ' v e s h o t at officers through the hole left by a pulled l o c k . W h e n y o u ' r e d e a l i n g w i t h a v a n or r e c r e a t i o n a l v e h i c l e , y o u m a y w a n t t o order t h e d r i v e r o u t a n d h a v e h i m o p e n t h e rear d o o r s for y o u so y o u c a n s e e i n s i d e , on the c h a n c e a r m e d passengers are hiding there, ready t o s h o o t . H e r e y o u h a v e y o u r s i d e a r m o u t , b u t not in plain v i e w . Y o u open your door slightly and position yourself b e h i n d your w i n d s h i e l d post so t h a t y o u r h e a d and c h e s t a r e g i v e n s o m e c o v e r p r o t e c t i o n . W i t h you staying in this s o m e w h a t protected position, the driver's body, n o t yours, is l i k e l y t o b e i n t h e l i n e of a n y g u n f i r e . W i t h ordinary vehicles w h e r e the driver rem a i n s i n s i d e , w a t c h h i s s h o u l d e r s a n d t h o s e of a n y p a s s e n g e r s for m o v e m e n t s t h a t m a y s u g g e s t t h e y a r e d r a w i n g or a i m i n g a f i r e a r m . If t h e y r e a c h i n t o t h e g l o v e b o x , u n d e r a s e a t or a b o v e a s u n v i s o r , t h e y m a y b e g o i n g for a g u n . If y o u s e e a n y f u r t i v e or u n u s u a l m o v e m e n t , order t h e d r i v e r a n d o t h e r s t o r e m a i n in t h e v e h i c l e w i t h t h e i r h a n d s i n p l a i n v i e w . I m m e d i a t e l y c a l l for b a c k - u p a n d g e t t o c o v e r . It m a y be n e c e s s a r y f r o m t h a t p o i n t f o r w a r d t o t r e a t t h e i n c i d e n t as a felony traffic stop. D o n o t , as s o m e o f f i c e r s s e e m p r o n e t o d o , a l l o w a driver t o a p p r o a c h y o u r p a t r o l c a r t o d i s p l a y h i s l i c e n s e or r e g i s t r a t i o n . If h e s t a r t s t o w a r d y o u , order h i m t o s t o p and b e s u r e y o u c a n s e e h i s h a n d s . A driver in I n d i a n a a p p r o a c h e d a l i e u t e n a n t d u r i n g a traffic s t o p w i t h h i s h a n d s b e h i n d h i s b a c k — t h e n , it close range, suddenly produced a .45 semia u t o m a t i c and fatally shot t h e l i e u t e n a n t in t h e ;hest. W h e n you are ready to approach t h e stopped v e h i c l e , y o u w a n t h i s m o t o r t u r n e d off b e f o r e y o u ; x i t , a l t h o u g h y o u l e a v e yours on. C o n s i d e r h a v i n g :he o f f e n d e r t u r n h i s w h e e l s t o t h e r i g h t , t o i n h i b i t l i s driving off. U s e y o u r e x t e r i o r s p e a k e r t o t e l l l i m , if y o u h a v e t o . If h i s m o t o r ' s r u n n i n g as y o u ipproach, h e m a y try t o g u n t h e c a r b a c k w a r d s a n d :rush y o u b e t w e e n t h e v e h i c l e s or d i s a b l e y o u r >atrol c a r a n d t h e n drive off. O n s o m e v e h i c l e s , vhen the m o t o r ' s on, a closed trunk can be opened lutomatically from the inside. As you prepare to exit your patrol car, crank 'our steering wheel to the left. It s o m e o n e t r i e s t o h o o t y o u as y o u s t e p o u t , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o drop iehind t h e w h e e l f o r l i m i t e d c o v e r . A l s o , it w i l l

offer s o m e p r o t e c t i o n t o y o u r l e g s f r o m l o w i n c o m ing b u l l e t s r i c o c h e t i n g off t h e p a v e m e n t . A s y o u exit yo u r car, consider placing your radio m i c r o p h o n e outside t h e w i n d o w b e h i n d your side mirror for f a s t a c c e s s i b i l i t y . If y o u a r e w o r k i n g w i t h a p a r t n e r , h e s h o u l d f l a n k o u t o n t h e p a s s e n g e r s i d e o p p o s i t e y o u r approach to a protected position w h e r e h e can l o o k d i r e c t l y i n t o t h e s i d e a n d r e a r w i n d o w s of t h e s t o p p e d v e h i c l e , p e r h a p s c o n c e a l e d b e h i n d a t r e e or utility pole. H e will t h e n be able to see into the v e h i c l e f r o m a d i f f e r e n t a n g l e t h a n y o u c a n . If h e ' s hidden from the occupants, he can unobtrusively d r a w h i s s i d e a r m or a i m h i s s h o t g u n a n d h a v e it r e a d y t o d e f e n d y o u at a n y h i n t of t r o u b l e . E v e n if t h e y see h i m , his presence in s u c h an u n e x p e c t e d position can be psychologically unnerving to an a r m e d s u s p e c t a n d m a y c o n v i n c e h i m t h a t t h e odds a g a i n s t h i m are o v e r w h e l m i n g . Y o u r p a r t n e r s h o u l d b e c a r e f u l , of c o u r s e , n o t t o t a k e a p o s i t i o n w h e r e he would be jeopardized by cross-fire from your sidearm in t h e event you have to shoot, or v i c e versa. As you walk toward the vehicle, consider unsnapping t h e security strap on your h o l s t e r and resting your strong hand o n your gun b u t t , in p o s i t i o n t o d r a w y o u r w e a p o n w i t h o u t d e l a y if necessary. Y o u can give this hand position a nonthreatening appearance by also resting your w e a k hand on your other hip. Y o u will then seem merely to be approaching in a s o m e w h a t sauntering post u r e , a l t h o u g h i n f a c t y o u are r e a d y f o r t r o u b l e . A n a l t e r n a t i v e is t o c a r r y a d o u b l e c i t a t i o n b o o k or m e t a l c l i p b o a r d w i t h a t h i c k s h e a f of p a p e r s i n your n o n - g u n hand. Should an a r m e d offender start shooting w h i l e still sitting in his car, these i t e m s m a y s t o p or d e f l e c t s o m e b u l l e t s w h i l e l e a v i n g y o u r g u n h a n d f r e e . B u l l e t - r e s i s t a n t c l i p b o a r d s are a v a i l a b l e , w h i c h a r e l i g h t a n d u n o b t r u s i v e , y e t offer protection against m a n y handgun rounds. D u r i n g your approach to the driver, w a t c h the interior through the rear w i n d o w . W i t h your eyes on the v e h i c l e ' s o c c u p a n t s , t o u c h the t r u n k c r a c k to b e s u r e t h e lid is s t i l l s h u t , t h e n g l a n c e i n t o t h e b a c k s e a t f o r f i r e a r m s o r h i d d e n p a s s e n g e r s . S t a y close t o t h e v e h i c l e as y o u m o v e f o r w a r d . T h i s m a y m a k e it harder for t h e driver to see y o u and c e r t a i n l y m o r e d i f f i c u l t for h i m t o t u r n a n d f i r e at y o u t h r o u g h h i s side w i n d o w . S t a t i s t i c a l l y , y o u ' v e e n t e r e d t h e z o n e of g r e a t e s t danger o n c e y o u ' v e reached the v e h i c l e . The c h a n c e s of y o u r s i d e a r m b e i n g g r a b b e d or y o u r b e i n g c o n f r o n t e d by a w e a p o n f r o m inside are greatest f r o m h e r e o n . S o y o u w a n t t o do w h a t y o u c a n to k e e p t h e o t h e r g u y off b a l a n c e .

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Don't stop directly opposite the driver's window. B y s t a n d i n g s l i g h t l y behind his door, you have a v i s u a l i n s i d e b u t y o u m a k e it a w k w a r d for h i m t o s e e or r e a c h y o u . If h e t r i e s t o f l i n g h i s d o o r o p e n , y o u w i l l n o t b e s t r u c k or k n o c k e d off b a l a n c e a n d y o u m a y b e a b l e t o s l a m it s h u t w i t h a h a r d t h r u s t of y o u r n o n - g u n h a n d or l e f t k n e e . D o n ' t b e c o n c e r n e d that h e has to twist to hand you his driver's license; he'll have to twist to shoot you, too. And in the extra split-second that takes h i m , you can be r e a c t i n g t o r e g a i n c o n t r o l . Remain watchful. Hold t h e l i c e n s e and c i t a t i o n b o o k up in your non-gun hand so that the driver and any other o c c u p a n t s r e m a i n w i t h i n your peripheral vision, and your s i d e a r m h a n d is f r e e . T o h e l p y o u k e e p t r a c k of t h e d r i v e r ' s h a n d s , e s p e c i a l l y if h e a p p e a r s n e r v o u s , y o u m a y want to instruct h i m to keep t h e m on the s t e e r i n g w h e e l . If y o u w a n t h i m t o s t e p f r o m t h e v e h i c l e , o p e n t h e d o o r for h i m s o h e k e e p s h i s h a n d s i n s i g h t . M o v e b a c k w a r d w i t h t h e s w i n g of t h e d o o r so y o u c a n m a i n t a i n a v i s u a l o n t h e d r i v e r a n d passengers. Generally, however, you'll have better c o n t r o l if e v e r y o n e s t a y s i n s i d e .

Still another approach option on a suspicious pullover is to unholster your sidearm and keep it in this position as you advance toward the driver. From the driver's point of view, your sidearm is invisible.

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As you approach, touch the trunk crack while maintaining a visual on the interior.

»n yourself close to the driver's it back far enough so he can't u with his door.

What do you observe on this nonfelony stop! If you did not immediate notice the semi-automatic in front of the gear selector, you need to re-evah your ability to perceive danger.

Stay alert against distractions. Passengers m u s t b e w a t c h e d , as w e l l as t h e d r i v e r . T h e y a r e o f t e n t h e g u n m e n (or w o m e n ) i n t r a f f i c s t o p s h o o t i n g s . F e m a l e d r i v e r s or p a s s e n g e r s c a n p o s e a p a r t i c u l a r t h r e a t i n t h i s regard, b e c a u s e t h e y m a y t r y t o d i v e r t y o u r a t t e n t i o n w i t h s e x u a l m a n e u v e r s . M a n y officers s u c c u m b a l m o s t i n s t i n c t i v e l y — n o t so m u c h to s e x y talk, w h i c h m a y c o m e a c r o s s as a n o b v i o u s p l o y , b u t a show of s e x , w h i c h is h a r d e r t o i g n o r e . D u r i n g a survival exercise in California, a f e m a l e v o l u n t e e r in s i m u l a t e d traffic stops was told to turn i n h e r s e a t w h e n o f f i c e r s a p p r o a c h e d h e r c a r , so t h a t her skirt hiked up to expose her bikini panties. O f f i c e r s i n v o l v e d w e r e w a r n e d a h e a d of t i m e t h a t the w o m a n w a s " a r m e d " and would try to " k i l l " t h e m . Y e t every m a n f l a s h e d h i s e y e s f r o m h e r h a n d s to her thighs the m o m e n t her skirt w e n t up. All w e r e " s h o t " o n t h e s p o t . H u m a n n a t u r e is v e r y predictable.

Whatever the driver is doing, your best visual is with his hands in the steering wheel area.

After completing your contact with the driver, walk back to your patrol car while maintaining a visual on the driver. Then wait until the vehicle has re-entered traffic before you assume the traffic stop is concluded.

You want to return to your patrol car to write any citation. It y o u r e m a i n at t h e d r i v e r ' s d o o r , y o u i n v i t e a v e r b a l c o n f r o n t a t i o n , y o u are m o r e e a s i l y d i s t r a c t e d and y o u a r e d a n g e r o u s l y c l o s e s h o u l d s o m e o n e in t h e suspect v e h i c l e decide to take y o u o n . W r i t e t h e c i t a t i o n i n a p o s i t i o n t h a t ' s t o your a d v a n t a g e — a n d never while standing directly behind the suspect vehicle. W h e n for t h i s or a n y o t h e r r e a s o n y o u n e e d t o r e t u r n t o y o u r p a t r o l car, w a l k w i t h y o u r h e a d c o n t i n u a l l y t u r n e d b a c k or walk backwards, keeping a visual on the occupants. T h i s m a y s e e m embarrassing or o v e r r e a c t i v e t o y o u , b u t e m b a r r a s s m e n t i s a big k i l l e r of o f f i c e r s . O f f i c e r s l a y i n g s d u r i n g t r a f f i c s t o p s o f t e n o c c u r as t h e y did t o a p a t r o l m a n i n T e x a s , w h o m a d e a pullover and talked to the f e m a l e driver w i t h o u t i n c i d e n t . W h e n h e s t a r t e d b a c k t o h i s patrol car to run a radio c h e c k on a m a l e passenger, however, he turned his b a c k on the stopped car to walk " n o r m a l l y . " U n b e k n o w n to the officer, the passenger was wanted on fraudulent c h e c k charges. W i t h the officer unable to see h i m , the suspect brought a R u s s i a n - m a d e a u t o m a t i c rifle up f r o m u n d e r t h e s e a t , fired t h r o u g h t h e r e a r w i n d o w a n d dropped h i s v i c t i m w i t h f o u r b u l l e t s , l e a v i n g h i m t o die as t h e c a r sped a w a y .

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E v e n inside your patrol car, d o n ' t b e c o m e so absorbed in w h a t y o u ' r e doing t h a t you fail to keep an eye on t h e v e h i c l e ahead. A M i n n e s o t a h i g h w a y trooper w h o ' d brought a tipsy w o m a n ' s license back t o h i s p a t r o l c a r , f o r e x a m p l e , c o n c e n t r a t e d o n it s o exclusively that he didn't notice her husband emerge from the stopped car—even though the m a n carried a rifle. H e s h o t through the windshield and penetrated the trooper's head. After you've delivered the citation, again w a l k b a c k w a r d s or l o o k b a c k c o n t i n u a l l y as y o u r e t u r n to your patrol car. M a i n t a i n a visual on the violat o r ' s v e h i c l e u n t i l it h a s s a f e l y m e r g e d b a c k i n t o traffic. T h r o u g h o u t y o u r a p p r o a c h , y o u s h o u l d have in mind what you would do at a n y i n s t a n t s h o u l d y o u confront a threatening m o v e . Y o u r plan should allow y o u to capitalize on m o v e m e n t and surprise t o b u y t i m e for y o u r s e l f a n d s t e a l t i m e f r o m y o u r a s s a i l a n t . A n d y o u m u s t b e r e a d y t o e x e c u t e it without hesitation. F E L O N Y S T O P : W h e n y o u k n o w or s u s p e c t you are dealing w i t h individuals w h o m a y be c r i m i nals, you have a highly dangerous situation on your h a n d s . F o r y o u r o w n s a f e t y , y o u s h o u l d assume they are armed felons, w h o m a y s h o o t at a n y opportunit y . C o n s e q u e n t l y , y o u r t a c t i c s w i l l differ i n i m p o r t a n t w a y s f r o m t h o s e for m i s d e m e a n o r p u l l o v e r s . To stop a vehicle occupied by known or suspected felons by yourself is extremely risky. In c i r c u m s t a n c e s that are all too c o m m o n , a p a t r o l m a n in Arkansas stopped a pickup truck fitting the descript i o n of a v e h i c l e u s e d i n a g r o c e r y s t o r e r o b b e r y . Although he was alone and there were three w o m e n in t h e t r u c k , suspected escapees f r o m a reformatory, he w a l k e d up t o t h e v e h i c l e t o a s k for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . He was shot in the chest w i t h a .32 cal. revolver, t h e n s h o t a g a i n a f t e r h e f e l l , w h e n o n e of t h e s u s pects yanked out the officer's own service revolver a n d u s e d it a g a i n s t h i m . S i m i l a r l y , a h i g h w a y p a t r o l m a n in N o r t h C a r o l i n a , t w e n t y - e i g h t y e a r s o n t h e job, tried singlehandedly to apprehend three bank robbery suspects he had stopped in a semi-rural area. As h e approached their car, o n e suspect shot h i m in the n e c k and c h e s t w i t h a sawed-off . 1 2 ga. shotgun. A s a f e r a p p r o a c h is t o r a d i o for b a c k - u p a s s i s t a n c e , e v e n if y o u h a v e a p a r t n e r . T h i s is n o t a sign of c o w a r d i c e , b u t o n l y good s u r v i v a l s e n s e . S p e c i f y y o u r e x a c t l o c a t i o n a n d d i r e c t i o n of t r a v e l . . . w h y y o u need the assistance...where you want it...and how m a n y patrol cars you feel are required to safely cont r o l t h e s i t u a t i o n . If p o s s i b l e , t r a i l t h e s u s p e c t v e h i c l e at a d i s t a n c e of a b o u t 5 0 f e e t u n t i l y o u r b a c k - u p is i n v i e w .

P u l l t h e v e h i c l e o v e r at a p l a c e of your c h o o s i n g , where the visibility...nearby cover...and minimal a m o u n t of v e h i c u l a r a n d p e d e s t r i a n t r a f f i c w o r k i n your favor. ( T h e m o r e people there are around, t h e m o r e t h e y m a y try t o interfere, be injured or b e t a k e n h o s t a g e i n t h e e v e n t of t r o u b l e . T o o m u c h vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic m a y inhibit use of y o u r f i r e a r m s h o u l d y o u r l i f e b e c o m e i n d a n g e r . ) If t h e s u s p e c t t r i e s t o s t o p w h e r e y o u d o n ' t w a n t h i m to, use your outside speaker s y s t e m to direct h i m o n t o y o u r c h o i c e of s t o p . Do not pull abreast of h i m t o g e t h i s a t t e n t i o n . T h i s g i v e s h i m or h i s p a s s e n g e r s a n e a s y t a r g e t . If h e h i t s h i s b r a k e s , y o u w i l l s u d d e n l y b e i n f r o n t of h i m , a v e r y p o o r t a c t i c a l p o s i t i o n . A s y o u are m a k i n g t h e s t o p , n o t i f y c o m m u n i c a t i o n s of y o u r e x a c t l o c a t i o n .

Proper position for primary unit [Car 21] and back-up unit [Car 9) during a felony stop.

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At night, the primary unit [Car 21} uses his high beams for general illumination of the suspect vehicle. Car 21 's left spotlight is aimed at the driver's side mirror. The right spotlight is aimed at the right front passenger's side mirror.

The back-up unit [Car 9] during the night felony pullover, also uses his high beams for general blinding illumination. Car 9's left spotlight will blind the driver as he exits. The right spotlight will blind other occupants as they are removed.

O n a f e l o n y s t o p w h e r e a b a c k - u p u n i t is a s s i s t ing, c o n s i d e r p o s i t i o n i n g y o u r p a t r o l c a r d i f f e r e n t l y t h a n y o u w o u l d for m o s t v e h i c l e p u l l o v e r s . D e p e n d ing o n t h e l o c a t i o n i n v o l v e d , o n e a l t e r n a t i v e m i g h t be t h i s : I n s t e a d of s t o p p i n g s o y o u r p a t r o l c a r j u t s o u t 3 f e e t as y o u o r d i n a r i l y w o u l d t o p r o t e c t y o u r self f r o m t r a f f i c as y o u w a l k t o t h e d r i v e r ' s w i n d o w , park in line with t h e suspect v e h i c l e and about 3 0 feet back. At night, this will allow y o u to use your lights to i l l u m i n a t e the car ahead. Y o u r back-up u n i t c a n t h e n p u l l u p d i r e c t l y a l o n g t h e d r i v e r ' s side of y o u r c a r , b l o c k i n g t r a f f i c i n t h a t l a n e . T h e r e should be just enough r o o m b e t w e e n so that you c a n o p e n y o u r d r i v e r ' s d o o r a n d t h e p a s s e n g e r offic e r in t h e b a c k - u p car c a n o p e n h i s d o o r , w i t h s p a c e for t h e o f f e n d e r t o w a l k b e t w e e n t h e m . You do not want to approach the suspect vehicle on foot. W h e r e t h e r e is k n o w n d a n g e r , a l l o f f i c e r s o p e n t h e i r d o o r s , b u t remain inside their patrol cars. E a c h p o s i t i o n s h i m s e l f i n h i s s e a t s o h i s b a c k r e s t s a g a i n s t a d o o r p o s t for s u p p o r t a n d h e is p r o t e c t e d at l e a s t s o m e w h a t b e h i n d a w i n d s h i e l d post. O n e foot rests on the floorboard while the o t h e r is b r a c e d a g a i n s t t h e d o o r j a m b or t h e o p e n door, not r e s t i n g o n t h e g r o u n d w h e r e y o u r l e g s a r e e x p o s e d t o l o w or r i c o c h e t i n g r o u n d s . A s s u m i n g y o u a r e t h e driver of t h e first p a t r o l c a r , y o u h a v e y o u r s e r v i c e h a n d g u n t r a i n e d o n t h e d r i v e r ' s s i d e of t h e s u s p e c t v e h i c l e . T h e p a s s e n g e r o f f i c e r of t h e back-up car also aims at that side with his h a n d g u n . Y o u r partner covers t h e passenger side of t h e suspect v e h i c l e with his s h o t g u n ; t h e driver of the back-up u n i t covers the suspects inside their v e h i c l e w i t h a shotgun, if one is available. A s t h e driver of t h e first r e s p o n d i n g p a t r o l c a r , y o u a l o n e give orders, y e l l i n g or u s i n g y o u r o u t s i d e s p e a k e r t o address s u s p e c t s a n d a l s o t o order p e d e s trians to leave t h e area. Y o u r f e l l o w officers say n o t h i n g u n l e s s t h e y s e e a s u s p e c t g o i n g for a f i r e a r m . Y e l l (or b r o a d c a s t o v e r y o u r o u t s i d e s p e a k e r ) : " E v e r y o n e ! Put your hands u p . . . i n t e r l a c e y o u r fingers... put your hands behind your heads...look s t r a i g h t a h e a d . D r i v e r ! S h u t y o u r m o t o r off a n d t a k e t h e k e y s in y o u r h a n d . " (If y o u h a v e t o m a k e t h e s t o p b e f o r e h e l p a r r i v e s , y o u c a n i s s u e t h e s e orders and keep t h e suspects in this position u n t i l y o u have back-up. Any m o v e you want any occupant to m a k e , i n c i d e n t a l l y , t e l l h i m t o m a k e w i t h h i s left h a n d . ) N o w y o u w a n t t o g e t t h e m o u t of t h e i r v e h i c l e , o n e at a t i m e , o n t h e driver's s i d e . ( O n e of t h e l e s s d e s i r a b l e m e t h o d s of m a n e u v e r i n g f e l o n y t r a f f i c s t o p s i n v o l v e s e x i t s f r o m t h e p a s s e n g e r s i d e of t h e suspect vehicle, w i t h the o c c u p a n t s put up against

a w a l l f o r c o n t r o l , if o n e is a v a i l a b l e . E x p e r i e n c e h a s s h o w n t h a t a p a s s e n g e r - s i d e e x i t is u s u a l l y l e s s desirable because good cover—like parked cars, trees, utility poles, doorways—is likelier to be on that side and t h u s readily available to s u s p e c t s as t h e y e m e r g e . O n the driver's side, t h e y ' l l ordinarily h a v e f e w e r b a r r i c a d e s b e h i n d w h i c h t o e s c a p e or s h o o t . In a d d i t i o n , e x i t i n g i n t o t h e s t r e e t adds t o t h e i r d i s o r i e n t a t i o n , w h i c h w i l l w o r k t o y o u r adv a n t a g e . A l s o , y o u c a n n o t b e c e r t a i n at t h i s p o i n t j u s t w h o all t h e o c c u p a n t s a r e . O n e or m o r e m a y b e a h o s t a g e . If a l l a r e l i n e d u p i n t r a d i t i o n a l f a s h i o n against a wall and shooting starts, i n n o c e n t people i n t h e l i n e - u p m a y u n k n o w i n g l y b e s h o t b y a n offic e r ' s b u l l e t s . E v e n w h e r e t h i s is n o t a p r o b l e m , perm i t t i n g m o r e t h a n o n e s u s p e c t at a t i m e o u t of t h e stopped v e h i c l e and not under physical restraint lessens your ability to control the situation.) Start w i t h getting t h e driver out. W h e r e several suspects are p r e s e n t , t h e d r i v e r is u s u a l l y t h e l e a d e r , s o y o u w a n t t o i s o l a t e h i m as p r o m p t l y a s p o s s i b l e . Y o u w a n t h i m t o b r i n g t h e c a r k e y s with him, s o t h e y a r e n o t l e f t b e h i n d f o r t h e o t h e r s u s p e c t s or dropped o n t h e p a v e m e n t w h e r e t h e y ' r e i n a c c e s s i b l e t o y o u . If h i s w i n d o w is r o l l e d d o w n , o r d e r h i m t o r e a c h o u t w i t h his left hand s l o w l y and open his door from the o u t s i d e , k e e p i n g h i s o t h e r h a n d b e h i n d h i s h e a d . If t h e w i n d o w is u p , y o u ' l l h a v e t o a l l o w h i m t o l o w e r h i s l e f t (and h o p e f u l l y w e a k ) h a n d o u t of s i g h t l o n g enough to open t h e door. T h e spotlight on t h e first r e s p o n d i n g p a t r o l c a r or t h e b a c k - u p u n i t s h o u l d b e t r a i n e d o n t h e d r i v e r ' s s i d e at a b o u t f i v e f e e t off t h e g r o u n d s o t h a t t h e d r i v e r w i l l f a c e t h e g l a r e of t h e l i g h t as h e s t e p s o u t a n d l o o k s t o w a r d t h e p a t r o l cars. As he steps out, have h i m roll down his wind o w (if it i s n ' t a l r e a d y ) . . . k i c k t h e d o o r s h u t . . . a n d get b o t h h a n d s u p o v e r h i s h e a d as h i g h as h e c a n reach, w i t h h i s fingers spread apart. R e m e m b e r , the k e y i n t h i s s i t u a t i o n is contwl. A s t h e d r i v e r of t h e f i r s t p a t r o l c a r , y o u a n d t h e passenger officer from the back-up unit concentrate on handling the suspect who has exited. Y o u want h i m t o turn s l o w l y in a full circle w h i l e you l o o k for a n y v i s i b l e w e a p o n s . If y o u s e e a n y , order h i m to keep his hands interlaced on his head and to w a l k backwards t o w a r d y o u . A d v i s e h i m t h a t if h e m o v e s h i s h a n d s at a n y t i m e , y o u w i l l p r e s u m e h e is g o i n g for his w e a p o n and y o u w i l l t a k e t h e appropriate a c t i o n . If h e a p p e a r s w e a p o n l e s s , s t i l l a s s u m e h e is a r m e d . C o m m a n d h i m to place h i s h a n d s b e h i n d h i s h e a d a n d w a l k b a c k w a r d s t o w a r d y o u , j u s t as you w o u l d an a r m e d suspect. T o his fellow suspects w h o m a y be watching f r o m t h e s t o p p e d v e h i c l e , it w i l l a p p e a r t h a t h e is

d i s a p p e a r i n g i n t o a w h i t e v o i d of l i g h t as h e m o v e s toward you. Suspects w h o have experienced this i l l u s i o n c o n c e d e t h a t it h a s a s t r o n g , i n h i b i t i n g psychological i m p a c t . As the driver b a c k s b e t w e e n the open patrol car doors, the passenger officer from t h e b a c k - u p car w i l l s t a n d b e h i n d h i m a n d grasp t h e top t h r e e f i n g e r s of o n e of t h e s u s p e c t ' s h a n d s , as d e s c r i b e d for f i e l d i n t e r r o g a t i o n s . T h i s o f f i c e r t a k e s c o n t r o l of t h e s u s p e c t ' s c a r k e y s . T h e s u s p e c t s h o u l d be i m m e d i a t e l y h a n d c u f f e d . . . t h o r o u g h l y s e a r c h e d . . . q u e s t i o n e d a b o u t w e a p o n s o n a n y of t h e p a s s e n g e r s or i n t h e c a r and a b o u t o t h e r p a s s e n g e r s w h o m a y n o t b e v i s i b l e . . . t h e n l o c k e d i n t h e b a c k s e a t of o n e of t h e p a t r o l c a r s .

The key to the felony pullover is control. Here you have the driver exit by opening his door from the outside.

Command the driver to place his hands over his head. Then you can see any gun in his waistband.

Now order the driver to interlace his fingers behind his head and kick his door shut.

Then command him to walk with his hands still interlaced the head

backward behind

Following the s a m e procedures, all visible p a s s e n g e r s a r e r e m o v e d o n e at a t i m e f r o m t h e s u s p e c t c a r , all f r o m t h e d r i v e r ' s s i d e . C l e a r t h e f r o n t s e a t f i r s t (after t h e d r i v e r , t h e m o s t l i k e l y l e a d e r of a gang is t h e r i g h t f r o n t p a s s e n g e r ) , t h e n c o n c e r n y o u r s e l f w i t h g e t t i n g t h e s u s p e c t s o u t of t h e b a c k . If t h e c a r is a t w o - d o o r , b a c k s e a t p a s s e n gers c a n p u s h t h e d r i v e r ' s s e a t b y t r i p p i n g t h e locking latch w i t h a foot so they can exit without lowering their hands. T h e s e procedures in e m p t y i n g a suspect v e h i c l e w i l l w o r k t o y o u r a d v a n t a g e at m o s t l o c a t i o n s . H o w e v e r , w h e n t h e s t o p is b e i n g m a d e o n a b u s y f r e e w a y or w h e n t h e r e a r e o t h e r o v e r w h e l m i n g h a z a r d s t o the left, a d j u s t m e n t in the tactics m u s t be m a d e . It m a y t h e n b e n e c e s s a r y t o e x i t t h e s u s p e c t s f r o m t h e p a s s e n g e r s i d e . If s o , t h e b a c k - u p u n i t s h o u l d p u l l u p o n t h e r i g h t of t h e f i r s t r e s p o n d i n g p a t r o l c a r , e v e n if it m e a n s j u m p i n g a c u r b t o do s o . T h e r o l e s of t h e o f f i c e r s a r e r e v e r s e d , a n d t h e e x i t b e g i n s w i t h the right front passenger, w h o brings the keys. Still, t h e s u s p e c t s a r e b r o u g h t b a c k o n e at a t i m e b e t w e e n the two patrol cars. As the driver reaches the space just in front of the two patrol car doors, place him in the kneeling position.

W h e n the suspect v e h i c l e appears e m p t y , you w a n t t o a d v a n c e and i n s p e c t t h e i n t e r i o r a n d t h e n the trunk, where additional armed passengers have b e e n k n o w n t o s e c r e t e t h e m s e l v e s . T h e r e are s e v e r a l t a c t i c s for c o n d u c t i n g t h e t r u n k s e a r c h . O n e app r o a c h is t o t a k e o n e of t h e h a n d c u f f e d p r i s o n e r s with you to witness your search. Before advancing, m a k e sure you have secured the prisoner's cooperat i o n in bringing h i m t o t h e t r u n k , else y o u are i n f r i n g i n g o n h i s r i g h t s as a p r i s o n e r . W h e n i t ' s t i m e t o o p e n t h e c a r d o o r s or t r u n k lid, do s o b y h o l d i n g h i m securely w i t h your non-gun h a n d and reaching a r o u n d f r o m b e h i n d h i m . ( D o n ' t grip j u s t h i s h a n d cuffs alone. Experienced felons can twist the cuffs a n d t a k e off o n e of y o u r f i n g e r s ) . Y o u r f e l l o w offic e r s , of c o u r s e , c o v e r y o u as y o u m a k e y o u r approach, taking care to avoid cross-fire positions. 94

After all occupants of the suspect vehicle have been secured, the driver aids in the search of the trunk. As one officer provides cover, you reach around and open the trunk. Notice the officer has hold of both handcuffs and the offender's waistband to maintain control.

Another tactic for the trunk search. As you insert the key from a location low and to the side, your back-up maintains fire cover, while resting the nongun hand on the trunk lid.

Now you assume a position at an angle to your back-up, who slowly lets the trunk rise to its open position. A visual on the trunk is now possible by both of you.

95

Firearms Readiness Obviously, you cannot have your sidearm out and ready to use e v e r y t i m e y o u a n s w e r a radio call, c o n d u c t a f i e l d i n t e r v i e w or m a k e a t r a f f i c s t o p . E v e n if d e p a r t m e n t p o l i c y a n d c o m m o n s e n s e perm i t t e d , it w o u l d n o t b e w i s e . S i d e a r m s a n d s h o t g u n s i n d i s c r i m i n a t e l y drawn and displayed will frighten and offend civilians and m a y , in fact, p r o v o k e v i o l e n c e in s o m e s i t u a t i o n s that could o t h e r w i s e be peacefully resolved. M a n y o f f i c e r s , h o w e v e r , do n o t d r a w t h e i r sidea r m s w h e n t h e y should. B a c k - u p officers arriving at t h e s c e n e w h e r e a n o f f i c e r h a s b e e n k i l l e d o f t e n d i s c o v e r t o t h e i r a m a z e m e n t t h a t t h e v i c t i m ' s sidea r m is s t i l l h o l s t e r e d , w i t h n o e v i d e n c e h e a t t e m p t e d t o d r a w , s h o o t or o t h e r w i s e d e f e n d h i m s e l f . Y e t i n m a n y of t h e s e i n s t a n c e s , t h e r e w a s p r i o r w a r n i n g of d a n g e r . T h e rule has been: don't draw unless you intend to shoot. T h a t suggests you wait until the last i n s t a n t t o g e t y o u r s i d e a r m i n y o u r h a n d . T h e surv i v a l a p p r o a c h i s : d o n ' t d r a w u n l e s s y o u are prepared t o s h o o t , m e n t a l l y a n d t a c t i c a l l y , if y o u h a v e to. T h i s a l l o w s for t h e fastest possible " d r a w " : h a v i n g y o u r s i d e a r m i n y o u r h a n d before t h e fight starts. Y o u should have your firearm ready w h e n ever: 1. y o u a r e a p p r o a c h i n g a s i t u a t i o n w h e r e y o u k n o w or r e a s o n a b l y b e l i e v e s o m e o n e h a s p h y s i c a l p o s s e s s i o n of a d e a d l y w e a p o n ; 2. y o u are involved in a high-risk a c t i v i t y , such as a building search or have responded to a v i o l e n t c r i m e - i n - p r o g r e s s , or 3.

y o u h a v e any reason to fear for y o u r safety

or t h e s a f e t y of o t h e r s . W h e n i n d o u b t , y o u m a y w a n t t o go w i t h y o u r gun and risk ruffling a few c o m m u n i t y relations f e a t h e r s r a t h e r t h a n r i s k b e c o m i n g t h e v i c t i m at your own funeral. A n o t h e r a s p e c t of f i r e a r m s r e a d i n e s s is h a v i n g t h e m o s t e f f e c t i v e g u n i n h a n d for a c o n f r o n t a t i o n . T h e m o s t p o w e r f u l a n d i n t i m i d a t i n g w e a p o n , if m a d e a v a i l a b l e o n p a t r o l b y y o u r d e p a r t m e n t , is a . 1 2 ga. s h o t g u n w i t h a n 1 8 - o r 2 0 - i n c h b a r r e l ; y e t i t s i m p r e s s i v e v e r s a t i l i t y for u s e i n m a k i n g a n a p p r o a c h is o f t e n o v e r l o o k e d a n d m i s u n d e r s t o o d . W h e n y o u t a k e it f r o m y o u r p a t r o l c a r , a s h o t gun m a y m a k e a strong psychological impact. Its appearance and reputation m a y be enough in t h e m selves to sober a suspect w h o ' s considering shooting you. Y o u can induce an additional " p u c k e r f a c t o r " w i t h t h e o m i n o u s n o i s e of " r a c k i n g " t h e a c t i o n . O n c e h e a r d , i n t h e s t i l l of t h e n i g h t , i t ' s a s o u n d n e v e r f o r g o t t e n . If y o u are j u s t i f i e d i n u s i n g deadly

f o r c e a n d do h a v e t o u s e it, t h e s h o t g u n c a n b e e v e n m o r e d e s t r u c t i v e t h a n a s u b m a c h i n e g u n , y e t , if y o u are s h o o t i n g at r e l a t i v e l y c l o s e r a n g e , t h e p e l l e t s are n o t l i k e l y t o spread o u t w i d e e n o u g h t o e n d a n g e r people other than your assailant. For long-distance s h o o t i n g , rifled s l u g s c a n b e f i r e d t o a n e f f e c t i v e r a n g e of a b o u t 1 0 0 y a r d s . I n a d d i t i o n , t h e s h o t g u n can be used to fire c h e m i c a l agents. T h e s h o t g u n does h a v e i t s d r a w b a c k s . If y o u h a v e t o r u n or y o u get i n t o a p h y s i c a l f i g h t , it m a y p r o v e c u m b e r s o m e . . . i f y o u n e e d t o p u t it a s i d e , it h a s n o h o l s t e r . . . i f y o u a r e u s i n g y o u r f l a s h l i g h t it m a y b e a w k w a r d t o c a r r y . B u t w h e n y o u know you are f a c i n g a p o s s i b l e a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n , t h e s e a r e d e f i n i t e l y of s e c o n d a r y i m p o r t a n c e . Don't walk into a known dangerous situation with just your handgun. Y o u w a n t superior fire p o w e r , if p o s s i b l e . S o c o n s i d e r e m p l o y i n g y o u r s h o t g u n any time y o u a r e a p p r o a c h i n g : 1.

t h e s c e n e of a f e l o n y - i n - p r o g r e s s ;

2.

a hazardous vehicle stop;

3.

a w a n t e d f e l o n , or

4.

o t h e r s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e t h e r i s k of g e t t i n g s h o t or k i l l e d is h i g h .

Like m a n y officers, you m a y try to avoid t h e shotgun in your patrol car b e c a u s e y o u ' r e u n f a m i l i a r w i t h i t . C h a n c e s are t h e t r a i n i n g y o u h a v e r e c e i v e d w i t h t h i s w e a p o n is m i n i m a l . T h e s c o p e a n d d i r e c tion m a y have been so l i m i t e d that y o u feel y o u h a v e f a i l e d t o m a s t e r t h i s w e a p o n . T h a t is i r o n i c b e c a u s e w h e n y o u n e e d a s h o t g u n t h e m o s t is w h e n you're on a particularly dangerous assignment, where y o u m a y need to draw on m a x i m u m training resources to emerge alive. S o m e range instructors s e e m to feel that even w i t h o u t sufficient practical e x p e r i e n c e y o u c a n p r o t e c t y o u r l i f e or o t h e r i n n o cent lives with a shotgun simply by virtue of its capability to expel powerful m u l t i p l e projectiles. W h e r e lives are on t h e line, t h a t ' s a poor a s s u m p t i o n t o m a k e . Part of s u r v i v a l i n v o l v e s b e c o m i n g f a m i l i a r and p r o f i c i e n t w i t h all f i r e a r m s at y o u r c o m m a n d . Later, we'll e x a m i n e particularly the procedures for s a f e l y t r a n s p o r t i n g a n d h a n d l i n g t h e s h o t g u n during your approach t o a s c e n e and your subseq u e n t i n t e r r o g a t i o n of i n d i v i d u a l s y o u e n c o u n t e r there. A f t e r c o m p l e t i n g a n y a p p r o a c h a n d a r r e s t i n g or releasing the suspect(s) involved, take a few m o m e n t s t o h o n e s t l y c r i t i q u e w h a t y o u did. If y o u have a partner, discuss the actions you both took. Q u i c k l y r e v i e w i n g y o u r j o b p e r f o r m a n c e a n d discovering weaknesses that could have worked to a suspect's advantage will help you sharpen your procedures and tactical m a n e u v e r s in t h e future.

LIGHT CONTROL W h e n t h e l i g h t s go d o w n , y o u r r i s k g o e s u p , as a rule. L i k e a camera, your eye needs light to record i m a g e s , a n d o n n i g h t p a t r o l , i n d a r k n e s s or t h e d e e p s h a d o w s of s t r e e t s , a l l e y s , y a r d s , r o o f t o p s , h a l l w a y s a n d r o o m s , t h e r e m a y b e t o o l i t t l e i l l u m i n a t i o n for y o u t o q u i c k l y p e r c e i v e i m a g e s t h a t w a r n of d a n g e r . Even in d a y t i m e , w h e n an a s s i g n m e n t sends y o u i n t o l o w l i g h t l e v e l l o c a t i o n s l i k e b a r s or b a s e m e n t s , you m a y be temporarily blinded while your eyes adjust to the s c e n e . A suspect already there, cloaked in and adapted to the dark, can present a m e n a c e you w o n ' t even see. M o r e than half the t i m e s armed suspects take o n t h e p o l i c e , t h e y do s o at d u s k . . . a f t e r d a r k . . . o r w h e r e a r t i f i c i a l l i g h t is l i m i t e d . M o r e t h a n t w o t h i r d s of t h e s h o o t i n g s i n w h i c h o f f i c e r s d i e o c c u r b e t w e e n 6 o ' c l o c k at n i g h t a n d 6 i n t h e m o r n i n g , w i t h the deadliest hours the darkest ones, b e t w e e n 10 P M a n d 2 A M . Y e t d a r k n e s s is n o t a l w a y s y o u r e n e m y . S o m e t i m e s it c a n a l l o w y o u t o c o n c e a l y o u r m o v e m e n t s i n r e s p o n d i n g t o c r i m e s . It m a y p r o v i d e y o u w i t h a hiding place. And during p o t e n t i a l l y dangerous n i g h t t i m e t r a f f i c s t o p s , f o r e x a m p l e , it m a y p e r m i t y o u a n i m p o r t a n t t a c t i c a l e d g e : t a k i n g a d v a n t a g e of t h e d a r k , y o u m a y be a b l e t o d r a w y o u r g u n and h o l d it u n o b t r u s i v e l y a b o v e t h e d o o r f r a m e of a v e h i c l e w h i l e q u e s t i o n i n g t h e d r i v e r . O r — a n d t h i s is faster b e c a u s e y o u c a n raise a gun up faster than y o u c a n l o w e r it f r o m a n e l e v a t e d p o s i t i o n — y o u m a y b e a b l e t o s t a n d at t h e v e h i c l e w i t h y o u r g u n a l o n g s i d e y o u r leg. In e i t h e r c a s e , t h e d r i v e r w i l l

likely never be aware that you have a firearm in hand. W h a t ' s r e q u i r e d is t h a t y o u control t h e d o u b l e edged s w o r d of d a r k n e s s . Y o u w a n t t o b e c o n s t a n t l y a w a r e of t h e s o u r c e s of l i g h t a v a i l a b l e t o y o u and the ways you can m a n i p u l a t e light and dark to your advantage and a suspect's disadvantage. Like a proper a p p r o a c h , t h i s c o n t r o l m a y h e l p y o u a b o r t a p l a n n e d s h o o t i n g or at l e a s t p u t y o u i n t h e b e s t position should bullets fly. T h e lights inside buildings, your flashlight and lights on your patrol car are a m o n g t h o s e y o u can c o n t r o l i n a n u m b e r of i m p o r t a n t w a y s . In w e i g h i n g y o u r o p t i o n s w i t h t h e m , y o u w a n t t o p l a n a h e a d and to anticipate just h o w your control will affect your vulnerability to an assailant's shots and your o w n c a p a b i l i t y in s h o o t i n g b a c k .

Try to avoid positioning yourself against any outside background which forces you to become silhouetted.

Building Lights W h e r e y o u n e e d t o e n t e r a d a r k e n e d b u i l d i n g or a s u i t e of d a r k o f f i c e s , t h e r e ' s a l w a y s t h e d a n g e r t h a t t h e s u s p e c t y o u ' r e l o o k i n g for is s e c r e t e d i n s i d e , j u s t w a i t i n g for a bad a p p r o a c h b y a n o f f i c e r . T h a t p r o v e d t o be t h e c a s e in A l a s k a w h e n a p a t r o l m a n r e s p o n d e d t o a b u r g l a r y - i n - p r o g r e s s c a l l at a drug treatment center. T o launch a room-by-room search w i t h fellow officers, he crawled into a darkened r o o m t h r o u g h an o p e n w i n d o w . T h e s u s p e c t w a s h i d i n g i n s i d e t h a t v e r y r o o m — a n d s h o t h i m in t h e head w i t h a 9 m m s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . 99

As an alternative to moving blindly into an a r e a y o u c a n ' t s e e , it m a y b e p o s s i b l e t o g e t s o m e or all of t h e l i g h t s t u r n e d o n a h e a d of t i m e b y m a s t e r s w i t c h e s . T h e b u i l d i n g j a n i t o r , m a n a g e r or o w n e r will probably k n o w the switches' location and the exact lighting they control. Obviously, having the lights on automatically eliminates m a n y suspect h i d i n g p l a c e s a n d i m p r o v e s y o u r v i e w of a r e a s t o b e c r o s s e d a n d s e a r c h e d . B u t t h e l i g h t s s h o u l d not b e a c t i v a t e d u n t i l all officers involved in t h e search are i n protected p o s i t i o n s , s i n c e a s u s p e c t ' s f i e l d of vision m a y also be enhanced.

This photo was taken from the general location of an armed hostagetaker. The officer inside this apartment was unaware that lights were setting him up as a target.

Control of light inside should be achieved by taking a position below the kill zone. In this incident, an armed offender was standing 6 feet away on the other side of the wall with his gun aimed at normal shoulder height. 100

W h e r e general lighting is n o t possible, it's usually s a f e r t o t u r n o n l i g h t s a r e a b y area as y o u p r o g r e s s , as o p p o s e d t o m o v i n g i n t h e d a r k a n d n o t k n o w i n g w h a t is o u t f r o n t . A g a i n , y o u w a n t t o b e behind cover—and with your sidearm drawn— b e f o r e a n y l i g h t i n g is t u r n e d o n . R e a c h for s w i t c h e s from a low position rather than standing beside t h e m at y o u r n o r m a l h e i g h t , as a w a i t i n g s u s p e c t m a y b e e x p e c t i n g . N o t e : If y o u s m e l l g a s , do n o t turn on any lights. An electrical arc from the switch c a n e a s i l y t o u c h off a n e x p l o s i o n .

If c o v e r is n o t r e a d i l y a v a i l a b l e , y o u m a y d e c i d e y o u are b e t t e r off i n t h e d a r k , p o s s i b l y r e l y i n g o n s p o r a d i c b u r s t s of l i g h t s f r o m y o u r f l a s h l i g h t . Y o u m a y e v e n w a n t t o t u r n r o o m l i g h t s off if t h e y are a l r e a d y o n , g i v i n g y o u r s e l f at l e a s t t h e c o n c e a l m e n t b e n e f i t s of d a r k n e s s as y o u m o v e t o a safe a r e a . If y o u h a v e p r a c t i c e d at a r a n g e u n d e r n i g h t t i m e conditions, you k n o w it's harder to shoot and hit a target i:i t h e d a r k . A s u s p e c t w i l l h a v e t h e s a m e d i f f i c u l t y . If y o u are s e a r c h i n g a n o p e n a r e a l i k e a warehouse and the suspect happens to be hiding in t h e r a f t e r s , h a v i n g l i g h t s o n w i l l aid h i m a n d j e o p a r dize y o u . E v a l u a t e t h e t y p e of b u i l d i n g y o u are i n and p l a y off y o u r e n v i r o n m e n t in m a k i n g d e c i s i o n s . Remain conscious always of where any light source is in relation to your body. Light c o m i n g f r o m b e h i n d y o u , s u c h as s t r e e t l i g h t t h r o u g h a w i n d o w or l i g h t s l e f t o n i n a r o o m y o u h a v e j u s t s e a r c h e d , c a n s i l h o u e t t e y o u as a p e r f e c t t a r g e t . S o c a n l i g h t s o v e r d o o r w a y s y o u i n t e n d t o e n t e r . If, as part of y o u r a p p r o a c h , y o u c a n ' t w o r k a s w i t c h t o t u r n off l i g h t s a b o v e d o o r s or r e a c h u p a n d u n s c r e w t h e b u l b s w i t h o u t o u t l i n i n g y o u r s e l f in t h e d o o r w a y , consider smashing the bulbs w i t h your n i g h t s t i c k or f l a s h l i g h t . R e m e m b e r a l s o t h a t l i g h t h i t t i n g y o u r b o d y f r o m c e r t a i n a n g l e s w i l l c a s t s h a d o w s . If, for example, your shadow extended out beyond a corn e r , a s u s p e c t w a i t i n g o n t h e o t h e r s i d e c o u l d s e e it and be alerted to your approach.

Flashlight An important point to r e m e m b e r about this v e r s a t i l e t o o l is t h a t it d o e s n o t a l w a y s h a v e t o r e m a i n c o n n e c t e d to your hand in order to help y o u detect and defend yourself against potential danger. W i t h t h e " f l a s h l i g h t r o l l " t e c h n i q u e , for e x a m p l e , y o u .md y o u r p a r t n e r or b a c k - u p c a n i l l u m i n a t e a d a r k e n e d r o o m i n s e a r c h of a s u s p e c t w i t h o u t h a v i n g t o l e a v e p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n s o n e a c h s i d e of t h e d o o r w a y . W i t h t h e door o p e n all t h e w a y b a c k a n d the flashlight in your w e a k hand, squat beside t h e d o o r w a y a n d h o l d t h e f l a s h l i g h t s o i t s l e n s e n d is sticking through the entry. P u s h t h e slide b u t t o n " o n " a n d r e l e a s e t h e f l a s h l i g h t s o it r o l l s off y o u r c u p p e d f i n g e r s t o w a r d t h e o p p o s i t e side of t h e doorway. T h e flashlight should roll across the opening a l m o s t s t r a i g h t or i n a s l i g h t a r c . Y o u r p a r t n e r c a n p i c k it t.p w i t h o u t s i g n i f i c a n t e x p o s u r e a n d t h e n roll it b a c k f r o m h i s p o s i t i o n of c o v e r . A s t h e f l a s h l i g h t is r o l l i n g , y o u b o t h s h o u l d b e l o o k i n g :.nto t h e r o o m as far as t h e r o l l i n g b e a m penetrates, w i t h your firearms ready. B e t w e e n both y o u r v a n t a g e p o i n t s y o u ' l l b e a b l e t o s e e m u c h of

the area and m a y discover a suspect w h o o t h e r w i s e w o u l d r e m a i n h i d d e n . Caution: do not enter the doorway while the light is on-, c o n f r o n t e d w i t h a n u n e x p e c t e d l i g h t , a s u s p e c t m a y i n s t i n c t i v e l y fire d i r e c t l y at t h e s o u r c e , figuring a n o f f i c e r is b e h i n d i t . Also, understand that flashlights with certain s h a p e s — n o t a b l y , large o n - o f f s w i t c h e s — m a y n o t w o r k w e l l for this t a c t i c , b e c a u s e t h e y preclude t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of a s m o o t h r o l l . S o know your equipment a n d m a k e s u r e it w o r k s p r o p e r l y b e f o r e y o u use it. High angle view of two officers properly positioned behind cover and using the flashlight to avoid becoming a victim of the fatal funnel.

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A n o t h e r r o o m search tactic involves the flashl i g h t s of b o t h o f f i c e r s . F i r s t , y o u h o l d y o u r l i g h t a r o u n d t h e d o o r f r a m e , w h i l e k e e p i n g t h e v i t a l port i o n s of y o u r b o d y b e h i n d t h e w a l l . F r o m a l o w or prone position on his side, your partner c h e c k s the p o r t i o n of t h e r o o m i l l u m i n a t e d b y y o u r l i g h t . T h e n y o u r e v e r s e r o l e s : h e p u t s h i s l i g h t a r o u n d h i s side of the frame, w h i l e you c h e c k . In b o t h cases, t h e o f f i c e r w i t h t h e l i g h t w a n t s t o h o l d it a b o v e t h e l e v e l of h i s h e a d w h i l e i n a s q u a t t i n g p o s i t i o n , t o b e as d e c e p t i v e as p o s s i b l e a b o u t h i s t r u e p o s i t i o n . A w a y from doorways, you still should be behind s o m e k i n d of c o v e r — a c h i m n e y , a g a r b a g e c a n , a store c o u n t e r , e t c . — w h e n trying to search an area w i t h y o u r f l a s h l i g h t . Y o u w a n t t o h o l d t h e l i g h t as far f r o m y o u r b o d y as p o s s i b l e , w i t h as l i t t l e of y o u r s e l f e x p o s e d as y o u c a n m a n a g e . . . u s e t h e l i g h t as s p a r i n g l y as p o s s i b l e . . . a n d m o v e t o a n e w p o s i t i o n i m m e d i a t e l y after you shine it. W h e r e c o v e r is n o t a v a i l a b l e , p r o b a b l y y o u r b e s t o p t i o n is t h e " f l a s h - a n d - m o v e " t e c h n i q u e . W i t h y o u r s i d e a r m d r a w n a n d y o u r l e g s a p a r t and b e n t , y o u h o l d y o u r f l a s h l i g h t at a r m ' s l e n g t h i n 102

y o u r w e a k h a n d . . . h i g h e r t h a n t h e l e v e l of y o u r h e a d . . . a n d o u t f r o m y o u r s h o u l d e r at a b o u t a 4 5 degree a n g l e . T h i s p l a c e s t h e l e n s t o t h e s i d e , a b o v e and s o m e w h a t a h e a d of y o u r b o d y a n d k e e p s y o u r vital areas from being brightly illuminated by the a u r a of l i g h t t h r o w n off a r o u n d t h e f l a s h l i g h t h e a d . B e s u r e y o u s t a y behind t h e b e a m of l i g h t , n o t i n i t s p e r i p h e r y , t o m i n i m i z e t h e r i s k of b e i n g v i s i b l e in t h e flashlight's " b a c k - s p l a s h . " Y o u r flashlight s h o u l d h a v e a d a r k a n d n o n - r e f l e c t i n g s u r f a c e of fairly h e a v y - g a u g e m e t a l a n d s h o u l d b e e q u i p p e d w i t h b o t h slide a n d b u t t o n c o n t r o l s . P r e s s t h e button just e n o u g h to b l i n k the light on for an i n s t a n t , a l l o w i n g y o u a q u i c k fix o n t h e a r e a , t h e n m o v e i m m e d i a t e l y to a n e w location, preferably t o w a r d c o v e r . If y o u l e a v e t h e l i g h t o n c o n s t a n t l y , t h e n y o u m a k e y o u r s e l f a c o n s t a n t t a r g e t . If y o u h a v e to s h o o t , s h o o t a n d m o v e w i t h t h e l i g h t off. T h e n u m b e r one consideration in such a situation, of c o u r s e , w i l l be p o s i t i v e i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of y o u r intended target. Y o u don't w a n t to shoot a fellow officer, a private security officer or an i n n o c e n t h o m e o w n e r m o v i n g in the dark. If t h e s u s p e c t s h o o t s , h e ' l l p r o b a b l y fire d i r e c t l y at t h e p J a c e h e l a s t s a w t h e b e a m or j u s t t o h i s r i g h t of i t . If y o u ' r e h o l d i n g y o u r l i g h t as w e ' v e d e s c r i b e d , y o u s h o u l d be c l e a r of t h e s h o t . In o n e c a s e , i n w h i c h officers entered a darkened house to apprehend a m a n w h o had gone berserk and murdered his landlady, t h e s u s p e c t s h o t s o a c c u r a t e l y w i t h a r i f l e t h a t h e s h a t t e r e d t h e f l a s h l i g h t h e l d in o n e o f f i c e r ' s hand. T h e bullet kept going, but because the officer had extended the light to his side, his body w a s c l e a r of i:he s h o t e n t i r e l y a n d h e w a s a b l e t o k i l l t h e s u s p e c t w i t h r e t u r n f i r e . Do not try to control your flashlight with its slide switch. T h e b u t t o n is f a s t e r and t h e r e is n o t t h e d a n g e r , if y o u drop it, of t h e l i g h t r e m a i n i n g o n a n d h i g h l i g h t i n g y o u for a n adversary. If y o u ' r e m o v i n g f r o m o n e a r e a t o a n o t h e r , t r y t o avoid u s i n g y o u r f l a s h l i g h t . O f t e n t h e r e is e n o u g h a m b i e n t l i g h t f r o m n a t u r a l ( m o o n , s t a r s ) or a r t i f i c i a l (street l i g h t s , signs) s o u r c e s t o a l l o w y o u t o m a k e y o u r w a y . U s e of t h e f l a s h l i g h t w i l l d e s t r o y y o u r n i g h t v i s i o n , at l e a s t m o m e n t a r i l y , a n d m a y p i n p o i n t y o u r p o s i t i o n for a w a t c h i n g s u s p e c t . If y o u f e e l y o u m u s t u s e y o u r f l a s h l i g h t , a n g l e it t o w a r d t h e g r o u n d and p a r t i a l l y c o v e r t h e b e a m w i t h y o u r h a n d so t h e light is j u s t large e n o u g h t o i n s u r e safe f o o t i n g . K e e p t h e l i g h t l o w . . . a h e a d of y o u r b o d y . . . a s far t o o n e s i d e . . . a n d t u r n e d o n as b r i e f l y as p o s s i b l e , n e v e r for long p e r i s d s of t i m e . Y o u d o n ' t w a n t t o s i l h o u e t t e yourself. During traffic stops, your flashlight and patrol car s p o t l i g h t c a n be t r a i n e d o n t h e d r i v e r ' s side v i e w

m i r r o r as y o u a p p r o a c h . If h e ' s t r y i n g t o w a t c h y o u , the b e a m will blind h i m temporarily, and he'll l i k e l y turn a w a y . O n c e you r e a c h h i s door, s h i n e t h e light directly i n t o his eyes, destroying his night v i s i o n . If h e t u r n s o u t t o b e o k a y , y o u c a n a l w a y s a p o l o g i z e a n d m a k e it s e e m a c c i d e n t a l . If n o t , y o u m a y h a v e d e l a y e d h i s g e t t i n g o n t a r g e t if h e h a s a gun. Under no circumstances should you use your flashlight i n t h e s e or o t h e r m a n e u v e r s by holding it in the center of your body mass or near your face. T h e h a z a r d of d o i n g s o w a s b i z a r r e l y i l l u s t r a t e d b y t h e f a t e of a b u r g l a r w h o c r a w l e d t h r o u g h t h e w a s h r o o m w i n d o w of a b a n k o n e n i g h t , a c r o w b a r u n d e r one arm, a .45 cal. T h o m p s o n s u b m a c h i n e gun u n d e r t h e o t h e r a n d a s m a l l f l a s h l i g h t in h i s m o u t h . A security officer waiting in the darkness inside s a w t h e l i g h t b o b i n t o t h e l o b b y . H e did w h a t m o s t o f f i c e r s — o r s u s p e c t s — w o u l d do; f i r e d at t h e o n l y v i s i b l e p o r t i o n of h i s o p p o n e n t , t h e f l a s h l i g h t . It was still in the burglar's m o u t h . T h e bullet hit the f l a s h l i g h t , d r o v e t h e b a t t e r y spring d e e p i n t o t h e m a n ' s t o n g u e a n d a n g l e d t h r o u g h h i s m o u t h and out his n e c k w i t h fatal results.

When you hold your flashlight extended with your non-gun hand, make sure you stay behind the beam of light, or this is what the suspect will see. 104

You can avoid the backsplash effect by placing your flashlight on the ground, as you take two steps to your left. Your goal is to remain invisible to the suspect. You are also now free to use your twohand instinct shooting position.

Vehicle Lights R e c e n t tests c o n d u c t e d by B r i t i s h a u t h o r i t i e s s h o w t h a t if y o u s i m u l t a n e o u s l y b l i n d a n d d i s t r a c t an armed suspect you can often delay his shooting b y a n a p p r e c i a b l e s p a n of t i m e . Y o u m a y b e a b l e t o d i s t r a c t h i m w i t h a l o u d n o i s e or b y t h r o w i n g s o m e t h i n g at h i m . B u t e v e n w i t h o u t d i s t r a c t i o n , b l i n d ness alone will cause serious disorientation in s o m e s u s p e c t s , e s p e c i a l l y if t h e y a r e t r y i n g t o e n g a g e m o r e t h a n o n e o f f i c e r i n a g u n f i g h t or if t h e y h a v e t o s h o o t m o r e t h a n o n c e at t h e s a m e o f f i c e r . A m o n g y o u r b e s t t o o l s are t h e h i g h - b e a m f l a s h lights and spotlight(s) on your patrol car, particularly during n i g h t t i m e traffic stops and field interrog a t i o n s . U s i n g t h e l i g h t s of y o u r c a r a n d a b a c k - u p car, y o u r e a b l e t o c o n t r o l a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 m i l l i o n candlepower to your advantage. 1

• " S o m e C o m m e n t s on the Hostage S i t u a t i o n , " by J.C. Muirhead, Police Ch.ef, February, 1 9 7 8 .

The

Field interrogations at night can be conducted from behind a curtain of Ugh t. You and your partner quietly flank out to positions away from your patrol car. From the suspects' viewpoint you are invisible. 105

If, f o r e x a m p l e , y o u w a n t t o q u e s t i o n a s u s p e c t in a darkened alley, y o u can approach w i t h your p a t r o l c a r p o i n t e d d i r e c t l y at h i m , h i g h - b e a m s a n d s p o t l i g h t o n . S t o p a b o u t 15 t o 2 0 f e e t f r o m h i m . N o w h e a n d t h e area a r o u n d h i m a r e c l e a r l y l i g h t e d , f r o m y o u r p e r s p e c t i v e . B u t w h e n he l o o k s i n y o u r d i r e c t i o n , h e ' l l s e e a c u r t a i n of b r i g h t , w h i t e l i g h t , a n d v e r y l i t t l e if a n y t h i n g b e y o n d i t . If h e d o e s dec i d e t o s h o o t , h e ' l l p r o b a b l y fire i n t o t h e l i g h t s o n the driver's side, where h e figures you're m o s t likely to b e . T o defeat that possibility, y o u w a n t to m o v e a r o u n d l o w t o t h e r e a r of t h e c a r as s o o n as y o u s t o p , or f l a n k o u t t o a p o s i t i o n of c o v e r n e a r b y , b e i n g c a r e f u l t o s t a y behind t h e c u r t a i n of l i g h t c r e a t e d by your headlights. T h e t a c t i c is t o put some distance between yourself and your light source and yet t a k e advant a g e of t h e b l i n d i n g e f f e c t it a f f o r d s . F r o m a p r o t e c t e d position behind the lights, you can keep your gun on the suspect w h i l e you issue h i m verbal c o m m a n d s . He w o n ' t be able to see your e x a c t location, a n d if y o u m o v e o c c a s i o n a l l y , h e ' l l h a v e a h a r d t i m e p i n p o i n t i n g j u s t w h e r e y o u r v o i c e is c o m i n g from. As you m o v e away, you can m a i n t a i n the impression you're still stationary by speaking slightly louder. While you keep a suspect distracted with comm a n d s , y o u r p a r t n e r or b a c k - u p m a y b e a b l e t o k e e p h i m s e l f c o n c e a l e d in shadows and m o v e around the p e r i m e t e r of t h e l i g h t s s o t h a t h e c o m e s u p b e h i n d t h e s u s p e c t , a s s u m i n g t h e s u s p e c t is f a c i n g t o w a r d your lights. Provided you protect your partner and yourself from cross-fire, your partner t h e n will b e i n a g o o d p o s i t i o n t o s u r p r i s e y o u r s u s p e c t if h e appears threatening. T w o survival-savvy patrolmen in California showed a police instructor just h o w effective this t e c h n i q u e can be w h e n they were being tested on routine field interrogation tactics. T h e y turned their lights directly on the instructor, w h o was p l a y i n g t h e r o l e of a s u s p e c t , a n d t h e d r i v e r - o f f i c e r began interrogating h i m from behind the light curt a i n . A f t e r a f e w m o m e n t s of c o n v e r s a t i o n , t h e i n s t r u c t o r called a halt to t h e e x e r c i s e and said he w a s f l u n k i n g b o t h of t h e m . W h y ? a s k e d t h e driverofficer. "Because," the instructor announced, " y o u r p a r t n e r is s o l a z y h e n e v e r e v e n g o t o u t of the patrol c a r ! " At that instant, directly behind his h e a d , t h e i n s t r u c t o r h e a r d t h e c l i c k of a s e m i a u t o m a t i c being cocked. T h e second officer was standing inches behind h i m . W h i l e the instructor w a s b l i n d e d b y t h e l i g h t s a n d assuming the second officer had r e m a i n e d in the car, h e a c t u a l l y had f l a n k e d o u t i n d a r k n e s s a r o u n d t h e edge of t h e

h e a d l i g h t s a n d s i l e n t l y c r e p t up b e h i n d t h e " s u s p e c t " t o a p o s i t i o n of s t r o n g a d v a n t a g e . O n n i g h t t i m e traffic stops, you m a y w a n t to u s e y o u r e x t e r n a l s p e a k e r t o order t h e s t o p p e d driver t o t u r n o n h i s i n s i d e d o m e l i g h t . T h i s p l o y t e n d s to u n n e r v e s u s p e c t s a n d a l l o w s y o u t o g e t a b e t t e r v i s u a l of t h e i n t e r i o r b e f o r e y o u l e a v e y o u r p a t r o l c a r . Y o u c a n t h e n get a n e v e n b e t t e r v i e w and d i s o r i e n t t h e driver a b i t m o r e b y f l o o d i n g t h e i n t e r i o r t h r o u g h t h e rear w i n d o w w i t h y o u r h i g h b e a m s a n d s p o t l i g h t ( s ) . If y o u a r e a l o n e a n d h a v e t w o s p o t l i g h t s o n y o u r p a t r o l car, b e s u r e t o t u r n o n b o t h and o p e n y o u r p a s s e n g e r d o o r . T h i s m a y fool a suspect into believing you have a partner whose whereabouts c a n ' t be seen from the suspect vehicle. Be careful during traffic stops n o t to w a l k b a c k toward your patrol car and stand directly in front of t h e h e a d l i g h t s t o w r i t e a t i c k e t , as s o m e o f f i c e r s do. T h e b r i g h t l i g h t s w i l l l i k e l y d e s t r o y y o u r n i g h t vision while they clearly silhouette you from the p e r s p e c t i v e of t h e s t o p p e d d r i v e r , t h e r e b y t u r n i n g your headlights to the s u s p e c t ' s advantage. Similarly, back-up cars responding to a nightt i m e c a l l m u s t t a k e c a r e t h a t t h e i r h e a d l i g h t s do n o t b l i n d or m a k e s i l h o u e t t e t a r g e t s of o f f i c e r s a l r e a d y o n t h e s c e n e . If p o s s i b l e , b a c k - u p s s h o u l d t u r n off all t h e i r l i g h t s as t h e y n e a r t h e s c e n e , e x cept their parking lights. T h e cars' rooftop emerg e n c y l i g h t s s h o u l d be i n c l u d e d i n t h i s b l a c k o u t . T h e y c a n b e d i s t r a c t i n g , as w e l l as d a n g e r o u s l y illuminating. Parking lights will keep the back-up c a r s m i n i m a l l y v i s i b l e , b u t n o t m a k e t h e m destructive to their own forces.

Improving Night Vision It u s u a l l y t a k e s a b o u t t h i r t y m i n u t e s for y o u r " n i g h t v . s i o n " to develop to the point that your eyes can distinguish objects in dim light w i t h full a c u i t y . B u t t h e r e are w a y s y o u c a n h a s t e n t h e p r o c ess a bit when your a s s i g n m e n t demands that you m o v e q u i c k l y from light t o u a r k areas. S a y , for e x a m p l e , y o u are c a l l e d t o a d i m l y lit b a r or r e s t a u r a n t t o s t o p a f i g h t — a s i t u a t i o n i n w h i c h a n u m b e r of o f f i c e r s h a v e l o s t t h e i r l i v e s . W h i l e y o u are s t i l l i n t h e w e l l - l i g h t e d o u t d o o r s s t a r t i n g y o u r a p p r o a c h to t h e s c e n e , c l o s e o n e e y e , preferably y o u r s t r o n g e y e . T h e n , as y o u s t e p i n s i d e , open that eye. Y o u r visual a d j u s t m e n t will already be a s t e p a h e a d . I n a d a r k e n e d area, try t o u t i l i z e o f f - c e n t e r v i s i o n . In o t h e r w o r d s , w h e n y o u f o c u s y o u r a t t e n t i o n o n a n o b j e c t , d o n ' t l o o k d i r e c t l y at i t . D i r e c t

v i s i o n r e q u i r e s t h e u s e of e y e c e l l s t h a t a r e l e a s t s e n s i t i v e at n i g h t . W h e n y o u l o o k s l i g h t l y t o t h e s i d e , a b o v e or b e l o w a n o b j e c t , t h e i m a g e is f o r m e d o n t h e a r e a of t h e e y e w i t h c e l l s m o s t s e n s i t i v e i n darkness. T h e m o s t sensitive eye area varies w i t h i n d i v i d u a l s , b u t u s u a l l y y o u c a n h i t it b y l o o k i n g 6 t o 10 d e g r e e s a w a y f r o m a n o b j e c t , s o y o u s e e i t , i n e f f e c t , o u t of t h e c o r n e r of y o u r e y e . S c a n n i n g s t r e n g t h e n s y o u r o f f - c e n t e r v i s i o n . If y o u t r y t o h o l d a n i m a g e i n t h e c o r n e r of y o u r e y e l o n g e r t h a n a b o u t 4 t o 1 0 s e c o n d s , it g r a d u a l l y " b l e a c h e s " o u t . B u t if y o u s h i f t y o u r e y e s e v e r y f e w s e c o n d s in abrupt, irregular m o v e m e n t s over a n d a r o u n d t h e o b j e c t or p e r s o n y o u ' r e w a t c h i n g , you can m o v e the image to fresh cells. Colds, headaches, fatigue, narcotics use, heavy smoking a n d e x c e s s i v e u s e of a l c o h o l r e d u c e y o u r a b i l i t y t o s e e at n i g h t . In a d d i t i o n , of c o u r s e , t h e y a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t y o u r s k i l l s at a n t i c i p a t i n g a n d r e s p o n d i n g t o d a n g e r , w h e t h e r t h e l i g h t is g o o d or b a d . In s h o r t , t h e y w o r k for t h e s u s p e c t . . . a n d against y o u r survival.

VERBAL CHALLENGE "Police! Don't move!" I t ' s hard t o p r e d i c t w h a t w i l l h a p p e n w h e n y o u voice this c o m m a n d to an a r m e d suspect. H e m a y s t o p dead i n h i s t r a c k s , t h r o w d o w n h i s g u n a n d plead w . t h y o u n o t t o s h o o t h i m . . . h e m a y i g n o r e y o u or p r e t e n d h e d i d n ' t h e a r and w a l k a w a y . . . h e m a y c l a i m h e is a p l a i n c l o t h e s o f f i c e r a n d order you t o p u t a w a y your g u n . . . h e m a y c o n s i d e r y o u r words an invitation to a g u n f i g h t — a n d start shooting.... A n y w a y y o u s l i c e it, t h e m o m e n t of c o n f r o n t a t i o n is a t e n s e o n e , and t h o s e t h r e e w o r d s — "Police! D o n ' t m o v e ! " — o f t e n mark the turning p o i n t of a n a r m e d e n c o u n t e r . Y o u m a y b e a c c u s t o m e d to individuals doing w h a t you say, but w h e n you issue a c o m m a n d to a person w h o has a loaded g u n , y o u h a v e t o b e prepared for anything. T h i s m u c h is c e r t a i n . . . W h e n t h e r i s k s a n d p o t e n t i a l b e n e f i t s are w e i g h e d , t h e r e is a l w a y s o n e p e r s u a s i v e a r g u m e n t for a t t e m p t i n g a v e r b a l c h a l l e n g e before s h o t s are fired: situations where you confront armed individuals are not always what they seem. By clearly a n n o u n c i n g your office and g i v i n g an order t o s t o p t h e a c t i o n , y o u m a y be a b l e to buy t i m e in w h i c h to better establish the suspect's identity and intentions. T h e last thing you w a n t is t o u s e d e a d l y f o r c e a g a i n s t s o m e o n e w h o did n o t c o m m i t a c r i m e . T w o contrasting episodes illustrate the point. O n e n i g h : in C h i c a g o a n o f f i c e r w a s c a l l e d t o a

tavern to put down a fight a m o n g t h e patrons. H e got everybody c a l m e d down and was preparing to l e a v e w h e n s o m e o n e s h o u t e d : " T h e y ' r e at it a g a i n ! " T h e o f f i c e r r a n t h e l e n g t h of t h e b a r , a n d as h e r o u n d e d t h e e n d , h e s a w o n e of t h e b a r t e n d e r s f l a t on his b a c k on the floor, a young Latino sitting on h i s c h e s t . A f l a s h of m e t a l f r o m t h e y o u n g m a n ' s h a n d l o o k e d l i k e h e h a d a g u n o r a k n i f e at t h e bartender's throat. T h e officer's revolver was out, r e a d y t o s h o o t . . . t h e n e e d for a c t i o n s e e m e d u r g e n t . B u t he paused long enough to issue a verbal chall e n g e . It w a s a d e c i s i o n h e h a s a l w a y s b e e n g r a t e f u l for. T h e b a r t e n d e r t u r n e d o u t t o b e e x p e r i e n c i n g a n epileptic seizure. T h e L a t i n o was t h e c o o k in t h e p l a c e w h o w a s t r y i n g t o h o l d t h e m a n ' s t o n g u e in place w i t h a fork to keep h i m from swallowing it. Foi maximum protection, issue verbal commands from behind cover. If this suspect spins around and shoots, the officer [right] is shielded by the wall.

A n o t h e r night, in M i c h i g a n , an off-duty officer h e a r d t h r e e s h o t s fired i n rapid s u c c e s s i o n i n a h a l l w a y o u t s i d e h i s b e d r o o m . It s o u n d e d as if h e w e r e under a t t a c k . W i t h o u t saying a word, h e picked up h i s r e v o l v e r a n d s h o t b a c k i n t h e d i r e c t i o n of t h e noise. His bullet s t r u c k t h e " o f f e n d e r " in t h e c h e s t — h i s six-year-old daughter, w h o was playing w i t h her brother's cap pistol. A consistent c o m m a n d like " P o l i c e ! D o n ' t m o v e ! " c a n p r e v e n t s u c h t r a g e d i e s . C o m m i t it t o m e m o r y r i g h t n o w if y o u r d e p a r t m e n t d o e s n ' t specify a different c o m m a n d . Even w h e n used against a genuine suspect, this s t a t e m e n t , forcef u l l y d e l i v e r e d f r o m a p o s i t i o n of c o v e r e i t h e r b y y o u r d i r e c t v o i c e or o v e r y o u r e x t e r i o r s p e a k e r , m a y be sufficiently intimidating to keep the situation f r o m e s c a l a t i n g i n t o v i o l e n c e . It i n s t a n t l y e s t a b l i s h e s w h o y o u are a n d t e l l s t h e p e r s o n c h a l l e n g e d e x a c t l y w h a t y o u w a n t h i m t o d o . If h e f o l l o w s y o u r order, his s a f e t y is p r o t e c t e d a n d y o u c a n g a i n c o n t r o l of the a c t i o n w i t h o u t g u n f i r e . B e c a u s e of t h e s t r e s s a n d h e i g h t e n e d e m o t i o n involved :n m o s t confrontations, a verbal challenge is r a r e l y a s i m p l e , c u t - a n d - d r i e d m a t t e r . Your c h a l l e n g i n g a s u s p e c t s u c c e s s f u l l y a n d m a k i n g it s t i c k in m a n y cases will heavily depend on your ability to understand and use applied p s y c h o l o g y . And like other survival procedures, your tactics c a n b a c k l i r e if n o t p r o p e r l y and c o n f i d e n t l y e m ployed. Practice and experience will sharpen your s k i l l s . M e a n w h i l e , h e r e are s o m e of t h e n u a n c e s y o u ' l l w a n t to keep in m i n d in using verbal language, d e p e n d i n g o n w h e t h e r y o u ' r e f a c i n g a c r i m i n a l . . . a f e l l o w o f f i c e r w h o s e i d e n t i t y is h i d d e n . . . o r an i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n .

Suspect Control Y o u ' r e s a f e s t if y o u a l w a y s a s s u m e at t h e o u t s e t t h a t t h e p e r s o n y o u ' r e c h a l l e n g i n g is a n o f f e n d e r and w i l l r e s p o n d v i o l e n t l y . W h e r e t h a t p r o v e s n o t to b e t h e c a s e , y o u ' v e l o s t n o t h i n g w i t h a c o n s e r v ative a p p r o a c h , a n d w h e r e it is s o , y o u m a y g a i n everything. T h e r e f o r e , w h e r e possible: 1. issue your command from behind cover. This t a c t i c c o u l d h a v e s a v e d a s t a t e t r o o p e r i n u p date N e w Y o r k w h o tried to arrest a young m a n w h o vas s t a n d i n g i n a s t r e e t w i t h a . 2 2 c a l . r i f l e a f t e r laving murdered his girlfriend. W h e n the trooper ;ot o u t of h i s c a r a n d o r d e r e d t h e s u s p e c t t o drop lis r i f l e , t h e m a n i n s t e a d a b r u p t l y r a i s e d it. H e s h o t

the u n p r o t e c t e d officer in the thigh, then, as he fell to the ground, rushed up and killed h i m w i t h a shot in t h e head. 2. have your gun in hand or have your holster unsnapped and your hand properly positioned, ready to draw. T h e s u s p e c t m a y m o v e f a s t , as i n t h e c a s e a b o v e , or, if h i s b a c k is t o y o u w h e n y o u i s s u e y o u r c o m m a n d , h e m a y h a v e a g u n i n his h a n d t h a t y o u c a n n o t s e e . If y o u know h e ' s armed, have your f i r e a r m o n t a r g e t before y o u o p e n y o u r m o u t h . 3. voice your verbal challenge before the suspect makes one of his own. Sometimes, whoever m a n a g e s to speak first gains an i m p o r t a n t p s y c h o l o g i c a l , a n d o f t e n p h y s i c a l , edge t h a t m a y t h e n prevail throughout the incident. W h e r e a challenge has anticipated trouble and was planned ahead, i s s u i n g t h e c h a l l e n g e is l i k e l y t o c o i n c i d e w i t h a s t a t e of r e a d i n e s s , w h i l e t h e r e c i p i e n t of it m a y n o t y e t h a v e r e a c h e d t h a t l e v e l of p r e p a r e d n e s s . I n o n e m i d w e s t e r n case, a m a n w h o had b e e n reportec a c t i n g " s u s p i c i o u s " i n a n a l l e y w a t c h e d t w o offic e r s d r i v e t h e i r p a t r o l c a r u p t o h i m a n d get o u t t o i n v e s t i g a t e . H e l o o k e d i n n o c u o u s e n o u g h , b u t as s o o n as t h e y s t e p p e d a w a y f r o m t h e c a r , h e w h i p p e d a sawed-off shotgun from under his coat and then i s s u e d a v e r b a l c h a l l e n g e : " D r o p y o u r g u n s , or I'l b l o w you a w a y . " One-upped, t h e officers w e r e in no position t h e n to issue h i m any orders. O n e was kidn a p p e d a n d h e l d h o s t a g e for s e v e r a l h o u r s w i t h a g u n t o h i s h e a d b e f o r e o t h e r o f f i c e r s n e g o t i a t e d an end to the episode. F r o m the outset, y o u w a n t to m a i n t a i n a n offensive position, not a defensive one. If y o u f o l l o w t h e s e p r o c e d u r e s a n d t h e s u s p e c t still ignores w h a t you tell h i m and keeps moving, you can pursue h i m . . . c o n t i n u e issuing the chall e n g e . . . a n d , i d e a l l y , w i t h t h e h e l p of b a c k - u p o f f i c e r s , t r y t o t a k e p h y s i c a l c o n t r o l of h i m . T h e r e ' s a l w a y s t h e c h a n c e t h a t h e d i d n ' t h e a r y o u r order (he m a y h a v e a r a d i o t o h i s e a r o r t u r n e d u p louc if h e ' s i n a v e h i c l e ) , d i d n ' t u n d e r s t a n d it (he m a y s p e a k a f o r e i g n l a n g u a g e ) or d i d n ' t t h i n k y o u m e a n t it. I n o n e C a l i f o r n i a c a s e , o f f i c e r s s p o t t e d a y o u n g m a n o n t h e s t r e e t w h o a n s w e r e d t h e d e s c r i p t i o n o: a sniper suspect. As h e w a l k e d toward t h e m they ordered h i m to s t o p — b u t h e kept c o m i n g . . . a n c r e a c h e d t o w a r d h i s b a c k . T h i n k i n g h e w a s going for a gun, t h e y s h o t and killed h i m — t o discovei t h a t h e r e a l l y w a s r e a c h i n g f o r h i s w a l l e t t o show t h e m a c a r d t h a t i d e n t i f i e d h i m as a d e a f - m u t e . R e m e m b e r , y o u ' r e justified in shooting a sus p e c t u n d e r m o s t s t a t e l a w s only if h e h o l d s youi l i f e or o t h e r s i n m o r t a l d a n g e r , or w h e n y o u know h e is f l e e i n g f r o m a v i o l e n t f e l o n y . ( O b v i o u s l y , pan of y o u r f i r e a r m s p r e p a r e d n e s s i n v o l v e s u n d e r s t a n d 112

ing precisely w h a t t h e law states in your jurisdict i o n . ) T h e f o r m e r j u s t i f i c a t i o n for s h o o t i n g r e a s o n a b l y a p p l i e s if a s u s p e c t c o n t i n u e s t o p o i n t h i s g u n at y o u (or s h o o t s ) w h e n y o u t e l l h i m t o p u t it d o w n . As to t h e latter, you need to be very certain in s o m e j u r i s d i c t i o n s of w h a t y o u " k n o w . " O n e o f f i c e r spotted two suspects standing inside a damaged s c r e e n d o o r at a c l o s e d g r o c e r y s t o r e o n e n i g h t . W h e n t h e y ignored his verbal challenge and fled, h e s h o t at t h e m . A n o t h e r o f f i c e r did t h e s a m e w h e n his words were ineffective in halting a m a n h e saw running through an alley carrying a television set and a tape player. Although n e i t h e r officer hit his target, b o t h w e r e officially r e p r i m a n d e d — t h e first because subsequent investigation s h o w e d no burglary h a d a c t u a l l y o c c u r r e d a n d t h e o t h e r b e c a u s e h e c o u l d n ' t b e sure a f e l o n y h a d b e e n c o m m i t t e d . In o t h e r w o r d s , j u s t b e c a u s e y o u ' r e f r u s t r a t e d . . . can't run any farther...or c a n ' t t h i n k of another w a y t o s t o p a s u s p e c t is n o j u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r u s i n g deadly f o r c e if y o u r v e r b a l c h a l l e n g e f a i l s t o w o r k initially. Indeed, even in jurisdictions that p e r m i t t h e s h o o t i n g of f l e e i n g f e l o n s , m a n y d e p a r t m e n t s , t o l e s s e n t h e c h a n c e of a t r a g e d y , l i m i t t h e i r offic e r s t o f i r i n g only w h e n n e c e s s a r y t o d e f e n d a l i f e . Legally, t h a t ' s the safest position. In s o m e s t a t e s , o f f i c e r s h a v e t h e o p t i o n of t e l l ing a s u s p e c t , " Y o u ' r e u n d e r a r r e s t , " i m m e d i a t e l y after issuing their initial c h a l l e n g e . A n y disobed i e n c e or a g g r e s s i v e b e h a v i o r o n h i s p a r t a f t e r t h a t is r e s i s t i n g a r r e s t , w h i c h is a f e l o n y i n t h o s e j u r i s d i c t i o n s . W h e t h e r t h i s w i l l w o r k f o r y o u , of c o u r s e , depends o n your state laws.

The officer here points his revolver at the driver of a bulldozer [being stopped pending court approval to demolish a hotel]. The officer is reported to have told the driver ' 'move that thing and I'll blow your head off. " 113

S o m e officers believe they can persuade reluct a n t suspects to cooperate by underscoring their c h a l l e n g e s w i t h verbal threats. T h e y argue that strong talk, a la " D i r t y H a r r y , " can overpower an adversary m e n t a l l y and c o n v i n c e h i m he has no c h a n c e of s u r v i v i n g a c o n f r o n t a t i o n . T h e i d e a is t o appear u t t e r l y m e n a c i n g , e v e n e a g e r f o r a n e x c u s e to s h o o t . At the very least, facing a suspect on the s t r e e t , a n o f f i c e r of t h i s p e r s u a s i o n m i g h t y e l l : " G e t u p a g a i n s t t h e f u c k i n g c a r or I ' l l b l o w y o u r h e a d o f f ! " O r : ' ' Y o u f e e l l u c k y today? Y o u w a n t t o die t o d a y ? " O r , i n a t o n e of l e t h a l s i n c e r i t y : ' ' T h i n k y o u c a n get to that gun? I hope y o u ' r e stupid e n o u g h t o t r y ! " " M a k e h i m t h i n k , if h e d o e s , y o u ' r e gonna put six in t h e big ten r i n g , ' ' explains a devotee of t h i s a p p r o a c h . " I f y o u ' r e c l o s e e n o u g h , m a y b e you s t i c k your gun up against h i s head and let h i m h e a r y o u c o c k i t . S a y , ' M a n , if y o u e v e n fart y o u r h e a d ' s g o n n a b e all o v e r t h a t w a l l ! ' Y o u w a n t t h e crook to t h i n k Attila the H u n was a pussy compared to y o u . " M o s t d e p a r t m e n t s ' b r a s s get a p o p l e x y t h i n k i n g about such dialog. T h e y point out, quite properly, that its use constitutes unprofessional conduct. A n d t h e y r a i s e t h e v a l i d q u e s t i o n , W h a t do y o u do if f e a r f a i l s t o w o r k a n d t h e s u s p e c t c a l l s y o u r bluff? W e k n o w , of c o u r s e , t h a t v e r b a l t h r e a t s are u s e d o n t h e s t r e e t a n d t h a t t h e y do w o r k for some suspects. B u t there are real hazards you should r e c o g n i z e . T h e c h a n c e s are o v e r w h e l m i n g t h a t y o u ' l l b e b e s t off t o l e a v e t h i s a p p r o a c h t o t h e t e l e vision cops. F o r o n e t h i n g , i t ' s d i f f i c u l t t o shoot at t h e s a m e t i m e y o u ' r e talking: usually your m o u t h h a s to s t o p b e f o r e y o u r trigger f i n g e r c a n s t a r t . T h e r e f o r e , if y o u g e t i n v o l v e d i n a n e x t e n d e d v e r b a l c h a l l e n g e , you're actually slowing down your own reaction time. In a d d i t i o n , t h r e a t e n i n g l a n g u a g e c a n f u e l a n already volatile situation. Ideally, w i t h a verbal c h a l l e n g e you want to effect a de-escalation of force. Y o u r s u c c e s s is c o n f i r m e d , r e a l l y , b y n o o n e firing a s h o t . By using aggressive t h r e a t s , you m a y provoke v i o l e n c e in a suspect w h o w o u l d otherw i s e s u b m i t . H e m a y get t h e m e s s a g e t h a t y o u ' r e taking h i m o n and feel, in desperation, that his o n l y h o p e is t o t r y t o s h o o t h i s w a y o u t . O r h e m a y i n t e r p r e t y o u r e x a g g e r a t e d l a n g u a g e as e v i d e n c e that y o u are really terrified—and v u l n e r a b l e . T h e n , t o o , if y o u are f o r c e d t o s h o o t h i m and a c o m p l a i n t is f i l e d a s a r e s u l t , y o u r d e f e n s e w i l l u n d o u b t e d l y b e w e a k e n e d if y o u r v e r b a l c h a l l e n g e h a s m a d e it a p p e a r y o u w e r e u n s c r u p u l o u s l y agg r e s s i v e in t h e u s e of f i r e a r m s . U n l e s s y o u ' r e an outstanding a c t o r and an ex-

c e p t i o n a l judge of h u m a n r e s p o n s e , y o u ' r e p r o b a b l y b e t t e r off t o d r a w o n s o m e of t h e b a s i c p r i n c i p l e s behind threatening challenges and o m i t the abusive l a n g u a g e . T h a t i s , in d e l i v e r i n g a c h a l l e n g e , y o u w a n t to sound a u t h o r i t a t i v e . . . f o r c e f u l . . . s i n c e r e , so you control and d o m i n a t e the s c e n e . B a r k out your c o m m a n d s , f a s t . . i o u d Y o u r t o n e of v o i c e is v e r y i m p o r t a n t . You mean business. It's not: " D o n ' t move," it's D O N ' T M O V E ! " — w i t h your voice c o n v e y i n g t h a t y o u ' r e o n t h e v e r y b r i n k of a c t i o n . If y o u f e e l y o u n e e d t o u n d e r s c o r e y o u r c o m m a n d , keep your words short, plain, uncluttered: " D r o p t h e g u n or y o u ' r e d e a d . . . N o w ! " I n all c a s e s , y o u avoid telling a suspect, " I d o n ' t w a n t to shoot y o u , " or p l e a d i n g , " D o n ' t m a k e m e s h o o t y o u . " T h i s c o n v e y s a l a c k of c o m m i t m e n t o n y o u r p a r t t h a t he m a y try to exploit. I t ' s best also to avoid stating questions, even rhetorical ones; you're telling, not asking. If y o u f e e l y o u must t r y t o r e a s o n w i t h a s u s p e c t , b e t t e r t h a n t h e m a c h o a p p r o a c h m i g h t be t o tell h i m : " P u t down the gun. Y o u h a v e n ' t killed a n y o n e y e t . If y o u t r y t o s h o o t m e , I ' l l s t i l l g e t a s h o t o f f . " M a k e it c l e a r t h a t n o o n e is g o i n g t o escalate violence unless he does—and that he has a vested interest in n o t doing so. W h a t e v e r you tell h i m , be sure it's nothing m o r e t h a n y o u ' r e prepared t o b a c k u p . U n l e s s i t ' s true, y o u d o n ' t s a y t h i n g s l i k e , " I ' m t e l l i n g y o u o n e l a s t t i m e , " e t c . If h e c a l l s y o u r b l u f f a n d y o u do n o t h i n g , y o u ' v e l o s t y o u r c r e d i b i l i t y as w e l l as y o u r o f f e n s i v e p o s i t i o n . B y t h e s a m e t o k e n , if h e d o e s o b e y y o u , b e c a r e f u l . T h e t e n d e n c y t h e n is t o r e l a x , l e t y o u r guard d o w n . T h i s c a n b e t h e m o s t dang e r o u s m o m e n t for y o u of t h e c h a l l e n g e . Throughout your challenge, w a t c h his hands. Hands kill. If h e h a s o n e i n h i s p o c k e t , order h i m t o t u r n h i s b a c k t o y o u if i t ' s d a y l i g h t or f a c e y o u r s p o t l i g h t at n i g h t . T h e n h a v e h i m w i t h d r a w h i s l a n d . . . s l o w l y . O r , if y o u are c l o s e , p u l l it o u t y o u r self, slowly from behind h i m . Y o u don't w a n t h i m to b r i n g h i s h a n d o u t u n r e s t r i c t e d or u n c o n t r o l l e d , f h e h a s a g u n i n h i s h a n d , order h i m t o drop it or, even safer, t o l a y it d o w n s l o w l y . E x c e p t for c a r r y i n g o u t y o u r o r d e r s , y o u w a n t t o l o l d f i r m w i t h y o u r c o m m a n d of " D o n ' t m o v e . " Tell h i m if h e m o v e s in a n y w a y c o n t r a r y t o y o u r irders, you'll be " f o r c e d to t a k e appropriate aci o n . " T h a t ' s technically vague, but h e ' l l draw h e r i g h t c o n c l u s i o n . If y o u a l l o w a s u s p e c t t o n o v e of h i s o w n v o l i t i o n , y o u b e c o m e a c c u s t o m e d o seeing h i m m o v e . Y o u tend to relax...and t h e n le m a y m a k e h i s big m o v e , u n e x p e c t e d l y . Ordinarily, when you issue a verbal challenge, o u h a v e t h e s u s p e c t in s i g h t or k n o w w h e r e h e is

B u t s o m e t i m e s y o u c a n u s e it s u c c e s s f u l l y t o det e r m i n e w h e r e h e i s . Y o u do t h i s h y a n n o u n c i n g y o u r o f f i c e a n d s h o u t i n g c o m m a n d s at l i k e l y h i d i n g p l a c e s . D u r i n g a r o o m s e a r c h , for e x a m p l e , y o u m i g h t address a c l o s e t : " P o l i c e ! D o n ' t m o v e ! Y o u in t h e c l o s e t — s l o w l y c o m e o u t w i t h y o u r h a n d s u p ! " A suspect inside might be bluffed into thinking you really k n o w h e ' s there. But again, issue your c h a l l e n g e f r o m b e h i n d c o v e r a n d b e p r e p a r e d for anything. He m i g h t c o m e out m e e k l y and surrender... or h e m i g h t suddenly burst o u t . . . o r shoot t h r o u g h t h e d o o r . A n d if t h e r e ' s n o r e s p o n s e f r o m the possible hiding place, you'll still have to c h e c k it o u t b e f o r e p a s s i n g o n . B e t t e r t o t r y a b l u f f e d c h a l l e n g e t h a n t o b e left w o n d e r i n g if it w o u l d h a v e w o r k e d , a f t e r i t ' s t o o late. L i k e t h e officers in L o u i s i a n a w h o were s e a r c h i n g a l o n g a n a p a r t m e n t h o u s e b a l c o n y for a burglar w h o had killed a civilian and wounded a policeman. As they looked ahead, they spotted a w o o d e n s h u t t e r ajar f r o m t h e w a l l , n o t a n i m p r o b a b l e p l a c e t o h i d e . B u t i n s t e a d of first s h o u t i n g a challenge, they walked up on the shutter, cold. T h e suspect was standing behind it. As the officers g o t c l o s e , h e fired o n t h e m w i t h a . 3 5 7 c a l . r e v o l v e r , s t r i k i n g a d e t e c t i v e f a t a l l y in t h e c h e s t .

Officer Identification W h i l e y o u s h o u l d a s s u m e i n i t i a l l y t h a t an> s u s p e c t y o u ' r e c h a l l e n g i n g is a c r i m i n a l , b e a r ir m i n d if y o u s e e t h a t h e ' s a r m e d t h a t h e m a y b e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r , o u t of u n i f o r m b e c a u s e h e ' s off d u t y o r a s s i g n e d t o a p l a i n c l o t h e s d e t a i l . T h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s m a y m a k e it h a r d for y o u t o tel! i m m e d i a t e l y . S a y , f o r e x a m p l e , y o u ' r e o n patrol when s o m e o n e claims he has just been robbed. Y o i r u n d o w n a n a l l e y in t h e d i r e c t i o n h e ' s p o i n t i n g anc b e h i n d a trash d u m p s t e r y o u spot one m a n face down on the ground, another bending over hir p o i n t i n g a g u n at h i s h e a d . B o t h are c a s u a l l y d r e s s e d w i t h n o d i s t i n g u i s h i n g i n s i g n i a . Is t h e m a n w i t l t h e g u n a r o b b e r , f l e e c i n g a n o t h e r v i c t i m , or ar undercover detective making a pinch? A c a s e n o t u n l i k e t h i s o c c u r r e d o n L o n g Island N e w Y o r k . A n o f f i c e r w o r k i n g a t r a f f i c d e t a i l hearc a s h o t n e a r h i s i n t e r s e c t i o n a n d w h e n h e r a n t( investigate, he found a m a n w i t h a gun standin; o v e r a n o t h e r m a n , w i t h b l o o d o n t h e g r o u n d aroun( t h e m . W h e n t h e p a t r o l m a n y e l l e d , " D r o p i t ! " thj a r m e d s u s p e c t t u r n e d t o w a r d t h e o f f i c e r . " I sav t h e b a r r e l of t h e g u n d i r e c t l y at m e , a n d I c o u l d se<

the loaded c h a m b e r s on both s i d e s , " the p a t r o l m a n s a i d . H e fired a s i n g l e s h o t . T h e " s u s p e c t " h e h i t w a s l a t e r i d e n t i f i e d as a d e t e c t i v e — b u t b y t h e n t h e bullet had ricocheted f r o m a bone in t h e plainc l o t h e s m a n ' s shoulder and penetrated several vital organs, causing his death. In another N e w Y o r k case, an officer was told by an excited civilian that t w o b l a c k m e n w e r e f i g h t i n g o v e r a g u n in f r o n t of a s t o r e . H e c a u t i o u s l y a p p r o a c h e d a n d i d e n t i f i e d h i m s e l f f r o m b e h i n d t h e m . O n e of t h e " s u s p e c t s " — in fact, a p l a i n c l o t h e s m a n trying to subdue a robber—turned toward the challenging officer w i t h a non-regulation revolver in his hand. T h e officer shot and killed h i m .

Off-duty officer lies wounded in the abdomen after being shot by another off-duty officer while reaching for identification. The other officer thought he was reaching for a firearm.

A s t h e n u m b e r of o f f i c e r s h a s p r o l i f e r a t e d i n r e c e n t y e a r s and m o r e h a v e b e e n a s s i g n e d t o civilian dress, such risks have m u s h r o o m e d . Even if y o u ' r e i n a s m a l l t o w n w h e r e y o u k n o w all y o u r fellow officers, your not recognizing a suspect w i t h a g u n as a l a w m a n m a y n o t b e c o n c l u s i v e . S u p p o s e he's on assignment from an outside agency...or j u s t an o u t - o f - t o w n o f f i c e r o n v a c a t i o n w h o h a p pened to w i t n e s s the crime-in-progress and responded w h i l e passing through. O r suppose i t ' s just t o o d a r k for y o u to s e e p l a i n l y . I n large c i t i e s , of c o u r s e , t h e r e c o g n i t i o n p r o b l e m is i m p o s s i b l y m a g n i f i e d . In N e w Y o r k C i t y , b e s i d e s t h e p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t , there are the FBI, the Secret Service, the Treasury Department, the State's Attorney's Office, the Transit Authority, the Housing Authority, the C o r r e c t i o n s D e p a r t m e n t , A m t r a k , the P o r t A u t h o r i t y . . . a l a u n d r y l i s t of i n d e p e n d e n t a g e n c i e s w i t h a t o t a l of s o m e 4 1 , 0 0 0 a r m e d o f f i c e r s , in u n i f o r m a n d p l a i n c l o t h e s , at w o r k or o f f - d u t y in t h e m e t r o p o l i t a n area o n a n y g i v e n day. S c a l e d down appropriately, the s a m e situation exists in other cities coast to coast. 117

Officers in p l a i n c l o t h e s are exceptionally v u l n e r a b l e . C o m p a r e d t o t h e p e r c e n t a g e of p o l i c e a c t i o n s t h e y a r e i n v o l v e d in, t h e r a t i o at w h i c h t h e y are k i l l e d b y g u n s h o t s is d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e l y h i g h . A n d i n i n c i d e n t s t h a t are e s p e c i a l l y t r a g i c , a dist u r b i n g n u m b e r of t h e m are s h o t b y f e l l o w o f f i c e r s w h o m i s t a k e t h e m for a r m e d a s s a i l a n t s . S u c h a case occurred in L o u i s i a n a w h e n police responded to a store robbery. T h e v i c t i m reported that a w h i t e car sped past his b u s i n e s s just after t h e bandit ran out. Police spotted the car and gave chase. Soon, t h e v e h i c l e stopped, and the driver e m e r g e d w i t h a g u n i n h i s h a n d . H e w a s s h o t i m m e d i a t e l y in t h e c h e s t by approaching officers and died. U n fortunately, he turned out to be a police tow truck operator w h o had been chasing t h e real robber in his private automobile. T h i s risk can be m i n i m i z e d w i t h an appropriate " c h a l l e n g e and r e p l y " procedure and an i m m e d i a t e c o n c e r n for b e i n g u n d e r s t o o d . In t h i s c a s e , t h e c h a l lenge b e c o m e s a two-way street, involving responsible words and a c t i o n s by b o t h the challenging officer and the challenged " s u s p e c t . " Realistically

You 're a uniformed officer just arriving at this scene. How would you react to the man with the gun! 118

speaking, the officer being challenged has the primary responsibility to give proper responses, but the challenging officer has the obligation to use sound judgment and t a c t i c s in h i s approach.

If y o u are t h e c h a l l e n g i n g officer: T r y t o t a k e c o v e r , as a l w a y s , b e f o r e v o i c i n g your challenge. Positioning yourself behind a " s u s p e c t " allows y o u m o r e t i m e to judge his reactions and gives you a certain tactical advantage over b e i n g t o h i s s i d e . B u t r e m e m b e r , a p l a i n c l o t h e s officer surprised by a challenge from behind w h i l e h e ' s m a k i n g a n a r r e s t or e n g a g e d i n o t h e r p o l i c e a c t i v i t y m a y i m p u l s i v e l y w h i r l a n d s h o o t , or at least start to turn in your direction. T h i s possibility is p a r t i c u l a r l y k e e n s h o u l d y o u n e g l e c t t o a n n o u n c e t h a t y o u are a p o l i c e o f f i c e r at t h e o u t s e t of y o u r c o m m a n d . If y o u a r e b e h i n d c o v e r , y o u m a y n o t h a v e t o s h o o t at h i m i m m e d i a t e l y .

Actually, he's a detective. Here he has taken time to protect himself by exiting the doorway with the badge visible. 119

Don't b e c o m e a v i c t i m of t h e "symbolic opponent s y n d r o m e , " that is, m a k i n g assumptions b e c a u s e of a p r e c o n c e i v e d n o t i o n t h a t p l a c e s a pers o n i n t o a " b a d g u y " c a t e g o r y b e c a u s e of h i s r a c e , n a t i o n a l i t y , age, g r o o m i n g or m o d e of d r e s s . Looks can be deceiving a n d s h o u l d n o t b e u s e d as t h e b a s i s for i r r e v e r s i b l e p o l i c e a c t i o n . O f f i c e r s i n t a c t i c a l u n i t s or o n u n d e r c o v e r a s s i g n m e n t s m a y b e d e l i b erately dressed to l o o k like " s u s p e c t t y p e s " in order t o b l e n d i n w i t h t h e i r w o r k e n v i r o n m e n t . T h e i r h a n d g u n s , t o o , m a y b e s m a l l , c h e a p or o t h e r w i s e u n c o n v e n t i o n a l . At one t i m e , an officer's gun w a s l i k e l y t o b e " f a c t o r y b l u e d , " w i t h a 2- or 4 - i n c h b a r r e l a n d m a n u f a c t u r e d b y S m i t h & W e s s o n or C o l t . In recent years, however, there has been a trend t o w a r d t h e s t a i n l e s s s t e e l or n i c k e l / c h r o m e p l a t e d r e v o l v e r , o n c e s t e r e o t y p e d as c a r r i e d b y c r i m i n a l s . U n d e r c o v e r personnel, especially, m a y carry derringers or s m a l l s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s , s o a v a r i e t y of g u n s are " p o l i c e g u n s " n o w a d a y s . If, i n r e s p o n s e t o y o u r c h a l l e n g e , t h e " s u s p e c t " c l a i m s h e is a p o l i c e o f f i c e r , f i r s t order h i m t o s l o w l y holster his gun. T h e n in a firm but courteous m a n ner, tell h i m to slowly produce his identification c a r d , b a d g e or a n y o t h e r c r e d e n t i a l s t h a t w i l l identify h i m . E x a m i n e t h e m carefully to d e t e r m i n e their validity and, w h e r e possible, c h e c k to see t h a t a n y description in t h e credentials fits t h e s u s p e c t . Y o u m i g h t w a n t to pursue h i s identity by asking h i m something police officers, but not m o s t civilians, might reasonably k n o w — l i k e the numbered designation for h o m i c i d e in your s t a t e ' s penal code. Do not take your gun off the "suspect" until you are 100 per cent certain h i s s t o r y is l e g i t . E v e n t h e n , r e m a i n on guard and a t t e n t i v e . C r e d e n t i a l s c a n b e f o r g e d . . . p o l i c e b a d g e s c a n b e l o s t , s t o l e n or counterfeited.

If y o u are t h e c h a l l e n g e d officer: K e e p f i r m l y i n m i n d t h a t y o u are at a s t r o n g tactical disadvantage. R e m e m b e r : to the challenging o f f i c e r , y o u are a s u s p e c t . Act as you would have a suspect act if y o u w e r e c h a l l e n g i n g h i m . A l s o , r e m e m b e r t h a t t h e o f f i c e r m a y or m a y n o t b e i n u n i f o r m and m a y or m a y n o t c o n f o r m to your s t e r e o t y p e of a l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r . A s s o o n as y o u a r e c h a l l e n g e d v e r b a l l y , i d e n t i f y y o u r s e l f as a l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r i n a l o u d , clear voice, then state your rank...name...and a s s i g n m e n t . . . a n d t h e n a t u r e of y o u r a c t i o n s ( m a k i n g 120

arrest, e t c . ) . If y o u r s i d e a r m or s h o t g u n is n o t d r a w n or is w h e r e h e c a n ' t s e e it, i n f o r m h i m y o u a r e a r m e d . If y o u a r e c o v e r i n g a s u s p e c t , a s k y o u r c h a l l e n g e r ' s p e r m i s s i o n t o k e e p y o u r g u n o n h i m . If h e i n s i s t s y o u drop it, p l a c e t h e f i r e a r m o u t of t h e suspect's reach and try to m a i n t a i n c o n t r o l over h i m as b e s t y o u c a n . F o l l o w all y o u r c h a l l e n g e r ' s i n s t r u c t i o n s , w i t h out " t a k i n g an a t t i t u d e " about being challenged. Remain motionless, e v e n if it m e a n s s t o p p i n g y o u r p u r s u i t of a f l e e i n g s u s p e c t . If i n d o u b t a b o u t y o u r c h a l l e n g e r ' s d i r e c t i o n s or q u e s t i o n s , a s k h i m t o repeat. D o n ' t argue; h e ' s in c o m m a n d . A s s o o n as p o s s i b l e , t r y t o d e v e l o p d i a l o g w i t h your challenger, using words and phrases c o m m o n l y familiar only to police personnel. N e w Y o r k C i t y , for e x a m p l e , a d v i s e s c h a l l e n g e d o f f i c e r s t o p e r h a p s begin a response with " I ' m on the j o b ! " w h i c h c o n s t i t u t e s s o m e t h i n g of a c o d e p h r a s e . It m a y b e n e c e s s a r y for y o u t o a s k y o u r c h a l l e n g e r w h a t h e w a n t s y o u t o d o , i n t e r m s of m o v e m e n t s . If h e d o e s n o t d e m a n d y o u r I D , a s k p e r m i s sion to s h o w it. Before reaching for it, i n f o r m h i m of i t s e x a c t l o c a t i o n a n d get h i s p e r m i s s i o n b e f o r e m o v i n g . In a n t i c i p a t i o n of b e i n g c h a l l e n g e d , o n e o p t i o n is t o c a r r y y o u r b a d g e or o t h e r c r e d e n t i a l s in a n o n - s h o o t i n g h a n d p o c k e t w h e n y o u ' r e i n p l a i n c l o t h e s . T h e n y o u c a n r e a c h for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n w i t h o u t m o v i n g y o u r s i d e a r m , if y o u r c h a l l e n g e r has allowed you to retain it. R e a c h in and w i t h d r a w your hand slowly...in a controlled m a n n e r . . . a n d without unnecessary m o v e m e n t . Another possibili t y is t o h o l d y o u r badge or c r e d e n t i a l s i n y o u r w e a k hand w i t h your arm raised w h e n m a k i n g a plainc l o t h e s p o l i c e i n t e r v e n t i o n . T h e n if y o u a r e c h a l l e n g e d , t h e i d e n t i f i c a t i o n c a n r e a d i l y be s h o w n t o t h e c h a l l e n g e r . A v a r i a t i o n is t o h o l d y o u r b a d g e and f i r e a r m t o g e t h e r i n a t w o - h a n d e d grip, s o a n y o n e s e e i n g y o u r g u n w o u l d have to see your badge, too. R e m e m b e r that in any sustained police action, your shield should be fastened to your o u t e r m o s t garment. As w i t h other survival t a c t i c s , there are few absolutes. Y o u will need to m a i n t a i n flexibility. H o w e v e r , t h e r e are c e r t a i n g u i d e l i n e s t h a t a r e always i m p o r t a n t to keep in m i n d . No matter what the circumstances: DO NOT

S i m u l t a n e o u s l y r e a c h for your identification and tell the chall e n g i n g o f f i c e r w h o y o u a r e . If y o u d o n ' t h a v e y o u r g u n in h a n d , r e a c h i n g for y o u r I D m a y r e v e a l it a n d c a u s e t h e o f f i c e r t o t h i n k y o u are t r y i n g t o d r a w .

DO NOT

T u r n and face your challenger unt i l h e t e l l s y o u t o do s o , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u h a v e a f i r e a r m i n h a n d . T h e s i g h t of a f i r e a r m is m o s t l i k e l y to m a k e h i m react in a m a n n e r dangerous to you.

DO NOT

Move your that could the stress h o s t i l e or

hands in any m a n n e r be interpreted under of t h e m o m e n t as a menacing movement.

S o m e d e p a r t m e n t s try to r e d u c e t h e l i k e l i h o o d of u n w i t t i n g e n c o u n t e r s b e t w e e n o f f i c e r s b y i s s u i n g color-coded identification i t e m s to plainclothes a n d u n d e r c o v e r u n i t s . T h e y a r e d i s t r i b u t e d o n l y at roll call and are c h a n g e d daily. If s u c h i t e m s are n o t a v a i l a b l e t o y o u a n d y o u are i n p l a i n c l o t h e s , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o u s e y o u r radio to gain s o m e protection. W h e n responding to a c r i m e s c e n e w h e r e u n i f o r m e d officers are likely to be present, notify c o m m u n i c a t i o n s that you are g o i n g i n a n d g i v e a d e s c r i p t i o n of y o u r v e h i c l e and c l o t h i n g . T h i s i n f o r m a t i o n c a n t h e n be broadcast to alert u n i f o r m e d officers approaching the s c e n e . If y o u a r e n o t o r d e r e d t o t h e s c e n e , y o u ' r e s a f e s t t o s t a y a w a y u n t i l t h i n g s c o o l off, if p o s s i b l e . N o t e : E v e n if y o u are i n u n i f o r m y o u m a y b e m i s t a k e n as a s u s p e c t b y a n o t h e r o f f i c e r . T h i s is m o s t likely to happen in d i m light w h e n the chall e n g e r is b e h i n d y o u a n d y o u are w e a r i n g a b l a c k l e a t h e r j a c k e t . . . a r e i n n e e d of a h a i r c u t . . . a r e n o t wearing your uniform hat. O n e way to lessen this r i s k is t o w e a r y o u r h a t w h e n e v e r y o u l e a v e y o u r v e h i c l e for a n y r e a s o n , if y o u r d e p a r t m e n t i s s u e s hats.

Apologies Occasionally, you will issue a verbal challenge to a person w h o turns out to be n e i t h e r a c r i m i n a l nor a fellow officer, but an i n n o c e n t civilian who j u s t h a p p e n e d t o b e i n t h e w r o n g p l a c e at t h e w r o n g t i m e or w h o s e a c t i o n s y o u r e a s o n a b l y i n t e r p r e t e d as s u s p i c i o u s . H e m a y , for e x a m p l e , b e t h e v i c t i m of a c r i m e w h o has armed h i m s e l f to pursue his a s s a i l a n t , or h e m a y b e c a r r y i n g a g u n f o r s o m e o t h e r good reason. B y the t i m e you get t h e facts straightened out, this person m a y be confused and resentful a b o u t y o u r " u n n e c e s s a r y " d i s p l a y of f o r c e . W h e n y o u r e a l i z e f u r t h e r a c t i o n is u n w a r r a n t e d , apologize and give t h e civilian an explanation. 122

S o m e t i m e s , h e m a y v e r b a l l y a b u s e y o u or e v e n file a f o r m a l c o m p l a i n t . B u t in n o case should worry about the c o n s e q u e n c e s cause you to be ridiculously cautious w h e n you feel a verbal chall e n g e a n d q u i c k f o l l o w - u p a c t i o n are n e e d e d .

123

Two officers, surprised by a shotgun

USE OF SURPRISE O n e night in California, t w o officers on stakeo u t w e r e s i t t i n g i n t h e i r p a t r o l car, c h a t t i n g q u i e t l y t o w h i l e a w a y t h e dragging h o u r s . In t h e d a r k n e s s , a m a n s i l e n t l y c r e p t up f r o m b e h i n d , l e v e l e d a . 3 0 c a l . c a r b i n e at t h e i r b a c k w i n d o w a n d c a r e f u l l y drew a bead on one officer's head. W i t h o u t a word, he racked a round into the c h a m b e r and pulled the trigger. B u l l e t s s h a t t e r e d t h r o u g h t h e b a c k g l a s s . T o the offender's a s t o n i s h m e n t , neither officer was hit—because neither was any longer there w h e n the bullets whizzed over the front seat and smashed into the dashboard and windshield. At t h e s p l i t - s e c o n d s o u n d of t h e r i f l e b e i n g r a c k e d , w i t h o u t e x c h a n g i n g a w o r d or a g l a n c e , e a c h h a d i n s t a n t l y dived b e l o w t h e l i n e of f i r e , f l u n g o p e n h i s d o o r a n d r o l l e d o u t of t h e p a t r o l c a r t o a p o s i t i o n of c o v e r — a l l i n o n e f l u i d m o t i o n . B y the t i m e their would-be killer absorbed what had h a p p e n e d , he w a s o n t h e r e c e i v i n g e n d of then fire. S o m e c o n f r o n t a t i o n s are s o h e a v i l y w e i g h t e d i n t h e s u s p e c t ' s favor t h e y s e e m i m p o s s i b l e t o s u r v i v e . A n y a t t e m p t t o s h o o t y o u r w a y o u t as a first r e a c t i o n m a y b e u n r e a l i s t i c or o u t of t h e q u e s t i o n . Y o u r o f f e n d e r m a y h a v e t h e drop o n y o u c o l d . . . o r , as i n t h e c a s e of t h e C a l i f o r n i a o f f i c e r s , h e ' s i n t h e p r o c e s s of s h o o t i n g b e f o r e y o u are e v e n a w a r e of h i s p r e s e n c e . . . o r , o n e of t h e w o r s t p r e d i c a m e n t s , he has snatched away your gun to use against you. Whether you emerge alive from such a " n o w i n " s i t u a t i o n w i l l p r o b a b l y h i n g e , as it did w i t h 125

t h e s e o f f i c e r s , o n y o u r a b i l i t y t o c o n t r o l lag t i m e and c o n f o u n d a s u s p e c t ' s assault through the use of p l a n n i n g a n d s u r p r i s e . Lag t i m e r e l a t e s t o h e s i t a n t r e a c t i o n . S p e c i f i cally, i t ' s t h e delay t h a t ' s involved w h i l e : your senses perceive danger...transmit the alarm to your brain...your brain decides w h a t you should do... r e l a y s t h e m e s s a g e t o t h e p a r t of y o u r b o d y it w a n t s to react.. .and you t h e n actually respond. T h i s t a k e s longest w h e n you are distracted, u n p r e p a r e d or i n a t t e n t i v e at t h e m o m e n t of t h r e a t and your brain m u s t first b e called b a c k f r o m w h e r e v e r it h a s w a n d e r e d a n d c h a n g e g e a r s b e f o r e it c a n e v a l u a t e t h e a l a r m a n d d i s p a t c h a r e a c t i v e m e s s a g e . Lag t i m e i s s h o r t e s t — a n d c a n a l m o s t b e e l i m i n a t e d , w i t h p r a c t i c e — w h e n y o u r b r a i n is primed to send a " g o " signal b e c a u s e you have anticipated possible danger and have potential r e a c t i o n s i n m i n d . It d o e s n ' t h a v e t o t h i n k w h a t it w i l l h a v e y o u d o it a l r e a d y knows a n d is j u s t w a i t i n g for y o u r s e n s e s t o p e r c e i v e t h e n e e d . W h e n you are able to s h o r t - c i r c u i t your o w n lag t i m e , y o u o f t e n c a n t u r n t h e t a b l e s b y i n d u c i n g it i n y o u r a d v e r s a r y . B y u s i n g s u d d e n , d e c i s i v e action that h e ' s not expecting—in other words, s u r p r i s e — y o u m a y t h r o w h i m off b a l a n c e s o h e ' s f o r c e d t o s h i f t g e a r s m e n t a l l y i n o r d e r t o grasp a n d react to what has happened. While h e ' s hesitating, you gain precious seconds in w h i c h to re-establish c o n t r o l of t h e s i t u a t i o n . ;

In s o m e c i r c u m s t a n c e s , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o use noise to create surprise. S o m e t i m e s blinding l i g h t w i l l w o r k . S o m e s u s p e c t s m a y f a l l for a r e a l i s t i c b l u f f . In T u l s a , a n i n t e n d e d s h o o t i n g v i c t i m s t a r e d w i d e - e y e d at h i s a s s a i l a n t ' s g u n , g a s p e d for b r e a t h , g r a b b e d h i s c h e s t , w e n t rigid a n d c r u m p l e d o v e r — i n a fake heart a t t a c k . T h e suspect w a s so d i s c o n c e r t e d h e fled w i t h o u t s h o o t i n g . But m o r e times than not—and especially when y o u a r e i n d e s p e r a t e s t r a i t s — a l l y o u ' l l h a v e t o surprise an offender w i t h will be your ability to m o v e . E x e c u t e d p r o p e r l y , t h a t m a y b e e n o u g h . If y o u ' r e a hunter, you k n o w that any m o t i o n by the a n i m a l y o u h o p e t o bag m a k e s it h a r d e r t o h i t . If t h e m o t i o n is u n e x p e c t e d a n d t h e n e r r a t i c , it c o m p o u n d s t h e d i f f i c u l t y of g e t t i n g o n t a r g e t . T h e s a m e p r i n c i p l e s apply w h e n you axe t h e p r e y . T h e b e s t m o v e m e n t s are t h o s e t h a t :

126

1.

b e f u d d l e or i m m o b i l i z e t h e s u s p e c t ;

2.

g e t y o u o u t of t h e l i n e of f i r e q u i c k l y , a n d

3.

c a r r y y o u t o a l o c a t i o n or i n t o a p o s t u r e f r o m w h i c h y o u c a n s h o o t or o t h e r w i s e incapacitate your assailant.

T h o s e d i s c u s s e d h e r e are t h e l i k e l i e s t t o w o r k in c o m m o n c o n f r o n t a t i o n s i t u a t i o n s . B u t k e e p i n m i n d t h a t t h e r i g h t m o v e at t h e r i g h t t i m e is h a r d t o p u l l off. C e r t a i n of t h e s e t e c h n i q u e s r e q u i r e a c t i o n o n y o u r part t h a t is o p p o s i t e o n e ' s n o r m a l impulse. T h a t m a k e s t h e m tough to m a s t e r — b u t adds i m m e a s u r a b l y t o t h e i r e l e m e n t of s u r p r i s e .

Exiting the Kill Zone An important truth to r e m e m b e r w h e r e a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n s are c o n c e r n e d is t h a t d e s p i t e c e r t a i n superficial resemblances, a law enforcement agency is not a n a r m y . C o n s e q u e n t l y , p o l i c e a c t i o n at a s h o o t i n g s c e n e s h o u l d n o t b e regarded t h e s a m e as a m i l i t a r y m a n e u v e r . It i s n ' t P o r k C h o p H i l l , w h e r e y o u h a v e t o h o l d t h e g r o u n d at all c o s t s . I n f a c t , your b e s t — a n d m o s t surprising—response in s o m e s h o o t i n g s i t u a t i o n s is t o pull back a n d t e m p o r a r i l y y i e l d t e r r i t o r y t o t h e s u s p e c t . In o t h e r w o r d s , get o u t of t h e k i l l z o n e , t h a t area t h e s u s p e c t c a n e f f e c tively control w i t h hostile weapons fire. T h i s can w o r k b o t h w h e n y o u first s p o t a n a r m e d s u s p e c t w h o has not yet started to shoot...and w h e n you are a l r e a d y u n d e r f i r e . E x i t i n g t h e k i l l z o n e is m o s t p r a c t i c a l w h e n there's s o m e distance b e t w e e n y o u and your a s s a i l a n t a n d w h e n y o u are s t i l l i n y o u r p a t r o l c a r . It's especially advisable w h e n : • your adversary has hostages... • fires o n y o u f r o m a s n i p e r p o s i t i o n y o u see...

can't

• h a s s u p e r i o r fire p o w e r , s u c h as a r i f l e or s h o t gun... • is p o s i t i o n e d at a h i g h e r l e v e l , s o y o u ' d t o s h o o t u p t o r e a c h h i m , or • w h e n h i s s h o t s or y o u r r e t u r n f i r e w o u l d danger i n n o c e n t bystanders.

have en-

M o s t officers in these c i r c u m s t a n c e s stop their patrol cars and try to figure out w h a t ' s happ e n i n g . O r t h e y e x i t w i t h t h e i n t e n t i o n of s t a n d i n g t h e i r g r o u n d . O n a n I n d i a n r e s e r v a t i o n in A r i z o n a , for e x a m p l e , t w o t r i b a l p o l i c e m e n r e s p o n d i n g t o a c a l l a b o u t an i n d i v i d u a l s h o o t i n g o u t s t r e e t l i g h t s w e r e fired u p o n as t h e y p u l l e d u p . T h e s u s p e c t h a d a . 3 0 - . 3 0 cal. rifle. H i s first shot shattered the w i n d s h i e l d a n d sprayed f r a g m e n t s of g l a s s i n t o o n e officer's face. He ducked to the floor—but his partner exited the vehicle in t h e open and started firing h i s h a n d g u n at t h e s u s p e c t , w h o w a s w e l l protected b e h i n d a parked car. W i t h understandable

ease, the assailant killed this w o u n d s to the head and c h e s t .

patrolman

with

Under circumstances like these, where the odds of h i t t i n g y o u r a s s a i l a n t a r e so h e a v i l y a g a i n s t y o u , q u i c k l y l e a v i n g t h e k i l l z o n e as y o u r f i r s t r e a c t i o n is n o t c o w a r d i c e , b u t g o o d s e n s e . B y a v o i d ing a s h o o t - o u t , y o u m a y s a v e n o t o n l y y o u r o w n l i f e b u t o t h e r s i n t h e k i l l z o n e , as w e l l . B e c a u s e o n c e you r e m o v e yourself, you probably r e m o v e the a s s a i l a n t ' s m o t i v a t i o n for firing. T h e direction you exit will depend on the e n v i r o n m e n t a r o u n d y o u a n d t h e l o c a t i o n of t h e s u s p e c t , as n e a r as y o u c a n f i g u r e i t . Y o u r o p t i o n s may include: 1. making a fast tight-angle turn into an alley, driveway or street. If, b y u s i n g t h i s m o v e m e n t , y o u c a n p u t b u i l d i n g s or o t h e r b a r r i e r s b e t w e e n yourself and the assailant, y o u effectively r e m o v e yourself from the kill zone and gain excell e n t c o v e r t o m a n e u v e r b e h i n d . In r e s i d e n t i a l a r e a s , y o u m a y be able to drive i n t o a garage, w h i c h will afford o t h e r c o v e r p o s s i b i l i t i e s . 2. slamming your car into reverse and peeling backward or doing a "f-turn" or a "U-turn" (provided t h e r e ' s a c l e a r f i e l d b e h i n d ) . P e r h a p s y o u ' v e j u s t e n t e r e d a k i l l z o n e (say y o u ' v e r o u n d e d a c o r n e r and spotted a suspect w i t h a long-gun ahead) but t h e suspect h a s n o t yet fired. O r y o u ' r e already t a k i n g r o u n d s f r o m t h e f r o n t or s i d e . T h i s m a n e u v e r is l i k e l y t o b e y o u r l e a s t e x p e c t e d r e s p o n s e . E s p e c i a l l y if a s u s p e c t is " t r a c k i n g " y o u w i t h h i s g u n , i t ' l l t h r o w h i m off. 3. floorboarding the accelerator and speeding forward. T h i s r e s p o n s e is r a r e l y t h e m o s t d e s i r a b l e , b e c a u s e it is t h e o n e a s u s p e c t is m o s t l i k e l y t o a n t i c i p a t e . Indeed, you m a y b e driving ahead toward a secondary a m b u s h prepared by lay-off m e n . B u t if y o u must d r i v e a c r o s s t h e k i l l z o n e t o s a f e t y , y o u w a n t as m u c h p r o t e c t i o n a n d s p e e d as p o s s i b l e o u t of y o u r p a t r o l c a r . Get down low, fast. Y o u r dropping d o w n at t h e first h i n t of d a n g e r c a n f o i l a s u s pect w h o ' s expecting your head and chest level to r e m a i n c o n s t a n t . E i t h e r s c o o t far d o w n i n y o u r s e a t t o s h i e l d as m u c h of y o u r u p p e r b o d y as y o u can and look ahead through the steering wheel...or lean over o n t o the seat, steering w i t h your left hand and b o b b i n g u p a n d d o w n e r r a t i c a l l y t o c h e c k a h e a d . W h a t e v e r y o u r e x i t , r a d i o f o r h e l p as y o u m o v e . Do not stop or c o n s i d e r g e t t i n g o u t of y o u r c a r w h i l e u n d e r f i r e , u n l e s s it is d i s a b l e d or b e t t e r c o v e r is i m m e d i a t e l y a c c e s s i b l e . O n c e y o u are o u t of t h e k i l l z o n e , t u r n at t h e f i r s t r i g h t a n g l e t h a t w i l l p u t a barrier b e t w e e n you and the assailant.

Hostile weapons fire against officers on patrol can involve a primary ambush whose arc is indicated by the solid line. One surprise response for Car 9 is to make a fast right-angle turn.

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The right-angle turn tactic is also effective if a secondary ambush [indicated by dotted lines] is part of the offenders' assault plan.

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A serpentine movement forward can be effective if you 're being fired upon from the rear or side. 132

In y o u r r a d i o c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , g i v e as m u c h i n f o r m a t i o n as p o s s i b l e a b o u t t h e n u m b e r of a s s a i l ants, their weapons and positions. Advise responding u n i t s a b o u t h o w t o a p p r o a c h t h e a r e a for m a x i m u m safety. Y o u have a responsibility to other o f f i c e r s n o t to d r a w t h e m i n t o t h e k i l l z o n e . Because you leave a scene does not mean you abandon it. F r o m y o u r n e w p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n , y o u w a n t t o lay t h e g r o u n d w o r k for p r o c e d u r e s t o t a k e c o n t r o l of t h e s u s p e c t . S p e c i a l i z e d , t a c t i c a l t e a m s and h o s t a g e n e g o t i a t o r s m a y n e e d t o b e b r o u g h t i n . But until help arrives, you try to position yourself where you can: observe the suspect's location... k e e p h i m c o n t a i n e d w i t h i n i t . . . a n d w o r k t o s e a l off t h e area f r o m c i v i l i a n i n v o l v e m e n t . T h e way t w o officers handled a shooting episode o n a r e s i d e n t i a l s t r e e t i n a s u b u r b of C h i c a g o i l l u s trates good survival procedures. Fired on in their patrol car f r o m an a p a r t m e n t h o u s e by a sniper armed w i t h a pistol and rifle, they i m m e d i a t e l y m o v e d — g u n n e d t h e i r p a t r o l c a r t o a p o s i t i o n of safety where they could w a t c h the building—rather than stopping abruptly and trying to shoot b a c k . W h e n r e i n f o r c e m e n t s arrived, t h e assailant w a s t r e a t e d as a b a r r i c a d e d s u s p e c t . H i s n e i g h b o r s w e r e e v a c u a t e d . . . t e a r gas c a n n i s t e r s w e r e l o b b e d i n t o his r o o m s . . . a n d , eventually, h e was shot in t h e s t o m a c h and a r m w h e n he emerged and tried to fire at an o f f i c e r . In C l e v e l a n d , a s u c c e s s f u l r e t r e a t w a s m a d e at closer range w h e n a beat patrolman unexpectedly interrupted a drugstore robbery. T h e robber grabbed t h e druggist as a s h i e l d and fired at t h e o f f i c e r , w h o , r a t h e r t h a n s h o o t i n g b a c k , d u c k e d o u t of t h e s t o r e t o a p o s i t i o n of s a f e t y o u t s i d e . T h e r e h e t r a i n e d h i s revolver on the doorway. T h e robber c a m e out w i t h t h e druggist as a h o s t a g e , b u t i n m a n e u v e r i n g through the exit, he turned in such a w a y that t h e o f f i c e r w a s a b l e t o fire t h r e e s h o t s i n t o h i s c h e s t . B o t h the officer and the hostage escaped the incident u n i n j u r e d . ( S h o o t i n g u n d e r s u c h c i r c u m s t a n c e s is e x t r e m e l y risky, however, and should n o t b e a t t e m p t e d u n l e s s y o u are certain the i n n o c e n t party w i l l n o t be h a r m e d . )

Movement Inside the Kill Zone S o m e t i m e s , t r a f f i c or o t h e r f a c t o r s m a y p r e v e n t a prompt exit from the scene, and you will be r e s t r i c t e d t o m o v i n g within the kill zone. Again, depending on your surroundings and location rela-

tive to your assailant, you m a y have several possibilities for surprising m o v e m e n t . F o r p u r p o s e s of i l l u s t r a t i o n , a s s u m e y o u ' r e cruising a residential street w h e n s o m e o n e with a r i f l e s u d d e n l y s h o o t s at y o u f r o m a g r o u n d - l e v e l p o s i t i o n . If y o u are a l o n e , o n e o p t i o n is t o t u r n at a right angle and head toward t h e s u s p e c t ' s location, u s i n g a d r i v e w a y or b o u n c i n g o v e r t h e c u r b . T h i s is a basic military tactic—to storm the sniper's nest. Right away you surprise h i m . B y staying low in the s e a t a n d d r i v i n g s o y o u r side of t h e c a r is a w a y f r o m h i s h o s t i l e f i r e , y o u m a i n t a i n t h e p r o t e c t i o n afforded by your v e h i c l e . . . a n d quite l i k e l y y o u can drive d i r e c t l y t o a t r e e or b a r r i c a d e i n t h e yard t h a t w i l l p r o v i d e g o o d c o v e r . If t h a t is n o t p o s s i b l e , d r i v e straight toward h i m . Assault his position w i t h your vehicle. D o n ' t touch the brake, don't stop, but try to run right over h i m . A n o t h e r p o s s i b i l i t y w h e n y o u a r e a l o n e is t o m a k e a f a s t U - t u r n , a s s u m i n g , of c o u r s e , t h a t t h e h o s t i l e w e a p o n s fire is c o m i n g f r o m y o u r side of the vehicle. Depending on the suspect's angle to you, y o u c a n w h i p the turn to the right, to the left, b y b a c k i n g — w h a t e v e r m o v e g e t s y o u r s i d e of t h e car away from h i m fastest. N o w you have the width of the car to shield you while you bail out, s t a y l o w , a n d m o v e t o a p o s i t i o n of c o v e r b e h i n d o n e of t h e w h e e l s . If y o u h a v e a p a r t n e r i n t h i s i l l u s t r a t i o n , y o u ' d h a v e t o m o v e t o get a n d / o r k e e p h i s side of t h e patrol car away from t h e s u s p e c t ' s fire w i t h o u t e x p o s i n g y o u r o w n . H e r e , a p o s s i b i l i t y is t o t u r n sharply in a direction opposite t h e s u s p e c t ' s location. T h e n drive away along a line perpendicular to h i s p o s i t i o n . T h i s p u t s at l e a s t h a l f y o u r p a t r o l c a r b e t w e e n you and the suspect and prevents h i m from g e t t i n g a b r o a d s i d e s h o t at e i t h e r of y o u . T h i s t a c t i c m a y a l s o w o r k , of c o u r s e , w h e n y o u ' r e a l o n e . W h a t e v e r t a c t i c y o u u s e -with y o u r p a t r o l c a r , y o u n e e d t o m o v e i m m e d i a t e l y . If y o u g e t p i n n e d down, especially in a well-planned a m b u s h situation, y o u can be in e x t r e m e l y serious trouble. In s o m e c a s e s , y o u m a y n e e d t o m o v e f r o m place to place w i t h i n the kill zone on foot, to reach b e t t e r c o v e r . I n d e e d , t h a t ' s l i k e l y t o b e t h e only reason you'll m o v e w h e n under fire; you d o n ' t want to c h a n g e from one protected position to another j u s t for t h e s a k e of m o v e m e n t . W h e n i t ' s d e s i r a b l e t o c h a n g e l o c a t i o n , y o u ' r e s a f e s t if y o u c a n s t a y l o w and run in short sprints f r o m cover to cover u n t i l y o u r e a c h y o u r u l t i m a t e g o a l . If i t ' s n e c e s s a r y t o t r a v e l a c r o s s o p e n s p a c e d i r e c t l y t o w a r d or dir e c t l y a w a y f r o m t h e s u s p e c t , r u n in a zigzag pattern to m a k e yourself a harder target. 134

In reaching cover, on foot, try to keep your movement low and erratic. U n d e r certain c i r c u m s t a n c e s , you m a y w a n t to roll f r o m p l a c e t o p l a c e , r a t h e r t h a n r u n . T h i s m i g h t b e t r u e w h e n y o u are u n d e r i m m e d i a t e a s s a u l t b y a s u s p e c t i n a f o r t i f i e d p o s i t i o n , w h e r e c o v e r is r e l a t i v e l y c l o s e y e t far e n o u g h a w a y t h a t r u n n i n g d i r e c t l y t o it s e e m s e x t r e m e l y d a n g e r o u s , or w h e r e y o u c a n r e a d i l y r e a c h t h e p r o t e c t i o n of a g u t t e r b y rolling. Rolling has its disadvantages; it's slower than running, you lose your ability to change direct i o n rapidly, y o u r v i e w is d i s t o r t e d a n d y o u m a y l o s e visual c o n t a c t with the suspect or be u n a b l e to w a t c h for a d d i t i o n a l a s s a i l a n t s ; if y o u ' r e o n c o n c r e t e or o t h e r hard s u r f a c e , l o w r o u n d s m a y r i c o c h e t into your face w h e n y o u ' r e so close to the ground. O n the other hand, being close to the ground, y o u are l i k e l y t o appear a s m a l l e r target f r o m t h e s u s p e c t ' s p e r s p e c t i v e . If h e is c o n s i d e r a b l y h i g h e r t h a n y o u , in an u p p e r w i n d o w or o n a r o o f t o p , t h e e f f e c t is e v e n b e t t e r . M a n y p e o p l e , w h e n s h o o t i n g d o w n , t e n d t o over-shoot w h a t t h e y ' r e a i m i n g for. B y rolling, you m a y exaggerate this t e n d e n c y b e c a u s e y o u are so m u c h l o w e r t h a n a n y h e i g h t a n a s s a i l a n t is n o r m a l l y c o n d i t i o n e d t o e x p e c t . W i t h one tactic, rolling allows you to lay down 135

As you move over a wall, you want to create the smallest possible target. Assume the low crawl position, rolling over, rather than standing up or jumping over.

fire c o v e r as y o u m o v e . T h i s is m o s t e f f e c t i v e w i t h a shotgun. As y o u begin your roll, y o u hold the s h o t g u n i n a s h o o t i n g grip, l e n g t h w i s e a g a i n s t y o u r body, w i t h the barrel extending over the shoulder of y o u r s h o o t i n g s i d e . Y o u r a c k t h e g u n (or r e l o a d it) w h i l e y o u a r e o n y o u r b a c k . W h e n y o u r o l l a r o u n d on your chest, you're ready to shoot w i t h a slight b r a c i n g of y o u r e l b o w s . B y r e p e a t i n g t h i s p a t t e r n , y o u c a n c o n t i n u e s h o o t i n g as y o u m o v e , w i t h o u t losing m o m e n t u m . Y o u r shots c o m i n g in fast f r o m a low position will probably be s o m e t h i n g your a s s a i l a n t is n o t e x p e c t i n g a n d w i l l l i k e l y t h r o w h i m off g u a r d and d e l a y h i s r e a c t i o n t i m e . T h i s t a c t i c c a n b e o n e of y o u r b e s t u s e s of s u r p r i s e , b u t t h e r e ' s n o d o u b t t h a t it r e q u i r e s extensive practice to master. Of course, you should also use a rolling m o v e m e n t t o get o v e r w a l l s a n d o t h e r o b s t a c l e s . T h a t is, y o u h u g t h e t o p of t h e b a r r i c a d e a n d " w r a p " y o u r s e l f o v e r t o t h e o t h e r s i d e , p r e s e n t i n g as s m a l l a target as p o s s i b l e , if y o u j u m p or go o v e r u p r i g h t , you attract m o r e attention and m a k e yourself a larger t a r g e t , b y s i l h o u e t t i n g y o u r s e l f a g a i n s t t h e background.

Close-Up Surprise From the statistics about officer killings, you k n o w that your danger increases m a r k e d l y w h e n an armed confrontation erupts suddenly and the susp e c t is c l o s e t o y o u . If a n y t h i n g , t h e t i m e y o u h a v e 136

t o r e a c t w i l l be e v e n s h o r t e r ( t h e e n c o u n t e r is l i k e l y to be over, start to finish, in less t h a n three seconds) and the space in w h i c h y o u can m a n e u v e r will p r o b a b l y be r e s t r i c t e d . Y o u r m o v e s m u s t b e s c a l e d down to reflect the armed s u s p e c t ' s p r o x i m i t y . And w i t h t h e u s e of s u r p r i s e , y o u c a n r e a l i s t i c a l l y e x p e c t to buy only m i l l i s e c o n d s . Y o u ' r e l i k e l y t o b e b e s t off, of c o u r s e , if y o u have your sidearm out and ready w h e n a suspect s u d d e n l y t r i e s t o d r a w h i s g u n or y o u s u d d e n l y confront a suspect with a gun already drawn. W h e n a n o f f e n d e r is as s u r p r i s e d b y y o u r a r m e d p r e s e n c e as y o u are b y h i s , y o u r ready f i r e - p o w e r m a y p e r m i t a standoff where you can negotiate a resolution, if for s o m e r e a s o n y o u f e e l i m m e d i a t e s h o o t i n g o n y o u r part is u n d e s i r a b l e . A N e w Y o r k C i t y p o l i c e sergeant chasing an armed robber through a tenem e n t , for i n s t a n c e , rounded a c o r n e r to find the robber waiting, gun in hand, five feet a w a y . B e c a u s e the sergeant had his revolver ready to shoot, too, the suspect hesitated—and the sergeant managed to persuade h i m he was wiser to surrender and take a fall for r o b b e r y t h a n t o r i s k a f i r s t - d e g r e e m u r d e r c h a r g e or b e i n g k i l l e d h i m s e l f , b y firing. W h e r e t h e s u s p e c t is c o m m i t t e d t o s h o o t i n g , you m a y , w i t h your sidearm ready, be able to m o v e swiftly into an " i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g " position and fire o n h i m b e f o r e h e c a n s h o o t y o u . I n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g , w h i c h w e ' l l d i s c u s s in d e t a i l l a t e r , b a s i cally involves point-and-shoot maneuvering. Y o u c a n adapt it t o m a x i m i z e s u r p r i s e . H a d t h e N e w Y o r k sergeant encountered a determined suspect when he rounded the t e n e m e n t corner, his least e x p e c t e d a c t i o n p r o b a b l y w o u l d h a v e b e e n t o drop backwards to the floor and shoot f r o m a sitting p o s i t i o n . For t h i s t a c t i c , y o u c r o s s y o u r a n k l e s , f l e x y o u r k n e e s a n d b r i n g y o u r h a n d s t o g e t h e r as y o u are f a l l i n g . T h e f o r c e of t h e l a n d i n g w i l l r o c k y o u b a c k , a n d as y o u r c r o s s e d a n k l e s c o m e u p , y o u q u i c k l y lay t h e b a r r e l of y o u r g u n b e t w e e n t h e m and fire w i t h a t w o - h a n d e d grip. T h e s u s p e c t u n d o u b t e d l y is a n t i c i p a t i n g a t a r g e t at n o r m a l h e a d or c h e s t l e v e l ; if h e f i r e s r e f l e x i v e l y , t h e b u l l e t w i l l go t h r o u g h t h i n air. B y t h e t i m e h e r e g i s t e r s w h e r e y o u a c t u a l l y a r e , y o u s h o u l d b e a b l e t o r e t u r n fire e f f e c t i v e l y . (As w i t h o t h e r u n u s u a l t a c t i c s , t h i s r e q u i r e s e x t e n s i v e p r a c t i c e s o t h a t it is e x e c u t e d as a r e f l e x i v e r e a c t i o n w h e n c i r c u m s t a n c e s are a p p r o p r i a t e . If y o u t a k e t w o s e c o n d s t o t h i n k a b o u t doing it, t h e a d v a n t a g e is l o s t . ) If y o u don't h a v e y o u r s i d e a r m u n h o l s t e r e d for a c o n f r o n t a t i o n , your c h a n c e s for survival d i m i n i s h . A fast d r a w may w o r k . In C i n c i n n a t i , a n o f f i c e r c h e c k i n g a bar i n s e a r c h of a r o b b e r y s u s p e c t a s k e d o n e p a t r o n t o get up o u t of a b o o t h f o r q u e s t i o n i n g .

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T h e m a n c a m e out w i t h a .25 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , which he j a m m e d into the officer's stomach. As fast as h e c o u l d , t h e o f f i c e r d r e w h i s r e v o l v e r a n d p u m p e d five s h o t s i n t o t h e s u s p e c t ' s s t o m a c h . T h e s u s p e c t did n o t fire o n c e . H e e v i d e n t l y w a s so startled that the officer would draw against h i m under the c i r c u m s t a n c e s that he developed m o n u m e n t a l lag t i m e . F a s t - d r a w s u c c e s s e s , h o w e v e r , are extremely r a r e . M o r e o f t e n t h a n w i n t h e c o n f r o n t a t i o n for y o u , t h e y ' l l p r o v e s u i c i d a l if y o u r a d v e r s a r y is c l o s e t o or a l r e a d y o n t a r g e t . A f t e r all, y o u ' r e n o t f a s t - d r a w i n g against his fast d r a w — h e ' s got a head start and can, if h e ' s p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y p r e p a r e d t o k i l l , s h o o t in a b o u t o n e - t h i r d t h e t i m e it t a k e s y o u t o get o n t a r g e t . M o r e o v e r , t h e t y p e of h o l s t e r t h a t m o s t r e a d i l y f a c i l i t a t e s f a s t d r a w i n g is p o o r l y d e s i g n e d for s t r e e t u s e . In order t o a c c o m m o d a t e s p e e d , t h i s s t y l e h o l s t e r s a c r i f i c e s s e c u r i t y . Its d e s i g n i n c r e a s e s t h e r i s k of y o u r s i d e a r m f a l l i n g o u t d u r i n g a f i g h t or o t h e r e x e r t i o n a n d p e r m i t s d a n g e r o u s l y e a s y a c c e s s t o a s u s p e c t g r a b b i n g for y o u r g u n . In a large p r o p o r t i o n of c a s e s w h e r e o f f i c e r s a r e s h o t w i t h t h e i r o w n f i r e a r m s , t h e i n i t i a l l o s s of t h e g u n c a n be d i r e c t l y a t t r i b u t e d t o t h e h o l s t e r . A s s u m i n g fast draws to be inappropriate, then, in t h e o v e r w h e l m i n g p r e p o n d e r a n c e of s i t u a t i o n s , other, m o r e surprising m o v e m e n t m a y still be used to derail a s u s p e c t ' s i n t e n t i o n and s t r e t c h out t h e a c t i o n e n o u g h for y o u to bring your gun i n t o play. D u r i n g y o u r q u e s t i o n i n g of a d r i v e r i n a t r a f f i c s t o p , for e x a m p l e , t h e c l i p b o a r d , c i t a t i o n b o o k or f l a s h l i g h t y o u ' v e c a r r i e d i n y o u r non-gun hand during y o u r a p p r o a c h c a n m a k e a p o w e r f u l d i s t r a c t i o n if h e s u d d e n l y r e a c h e s for or c o m e s o u t w i t h a g u n at c l o s e r a n g e b e f o r e y o u h a v e a c h a n c e t o d r a w y o u r s . A s s o o n as y o u p e r c e i v e t h e t h r e a t , h u r l t h e object in his face w i t h your w e a k hand, while simultaneously drawing your gun w i t h your strong hand. A s h i s e y e b a l l is t h r e a t e n e d , h i s b o d y a l a r m r e a c t i o n w i l l f o r c e a n i n v o l u n t a r y r e s p o n s e o n h i s part t h a t m a y d e l a y h i s s h o o t i n g o r at l e a s t t h r o w h i m off t a r g e t . M e a n w h i l e , y o u c a n fire a n d / o r drop b e l o w w i n d o w l e v e l and r o l l t o t h e r e a r of h i s v e h i c l e , o u t of t h e k i l l z o n e , w h e r e y o u ' l l h a v e b e t t e r c o v e r . I n Detroit, a narcotics addict w h o had just m a d e a buy f r o m an u n d e r c o v e r d e t e c t i v e s i t t i n g i n a n u n m a r k e d v e h i c l e s u d d e n l y d r e w a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , s t u c k it i n t h e w i n d o w at t h e o f f i c e r a n d c o c k e d t h e h a m m e r . Without hesitation, the detective swung the door o p e n w i t h all h i s s t r e n g t h a n d k n o c k e d t h e s u s p e c t b a c k w a r d s , as h e d r e w h i s o w n s e m i a u t o m a t i c a n d fired. If y o u ' r e w o r k i n g w i t h a p a r t n e r , h e m a y b e a b l e t o c a u s e d i s t r a c t i o n . A s h o u t or o t h e r l o u d

n o i s e to t h e side m a y cause t h e suspect to turn h i s h e a d l o n g e n o u g h for y o u t o d r a w a n d s h o o t . N o i s e f r o m b e h i n d — a w i n d o w being s m a s h e d , for instance—is especially effective. It's corny, but somet i m e s just shifting your glance to look behind a s u s p e c t as if s o m e o n e e l s e is a p p r o a c h i n g w i l l b e e n o u g h t o i n d u c e lag t i m e . R e m e m b e r , any u n e x p e c t e d m o v e m e n t , n o m a t t e r h o w m i n u t e , is better than just standing there waiting to be shot. S o m e t i m e s you can capitalize on distractions t h a t are s u r p r i s i n g t o y o u , as w e l l as t o t h e s u s p e c t . N o i s e s or m o v e m e n t m a y o c c u r a r o u n d y o u , i n d e p e n d e n t of a n y a c t i o n b y y o u or a p a r t n e r , a n d if y o u are a l e r t y o u c a n i n s t a n t l y e x p l o i t t h e m . I n a m i d w e s t e r n city, an off-duty officer was waiting at a b u s s t o p w h e n a c a r p u l l e d u p a n d a m a n i n s i d e asked directions. As the officer was responding, a passenger in t h e b a c k seat suddenly pointed a revolv e r at h i m a n d s n a p p e d , " T h r o w a l l y o u r m o n e y in t h e c a r ! " A t t h a t m o m e n t , a p a s s i n g c a r b a c k fired w i t h a l o u d b a n g , a n d t h e o f f e n d e r s d u c k e d . T h e o f f i c e r i m m e d i a t e l y dropped d o w n a n d c i r c l e d t h e r e a r of t h e i r v e h i c l e , c o m i n g u p t o t h e i r surprise o n t h e o t h e r side, h i s revolver ready. In a C h i c a g o case, an officer w a s c h a t t i n g w i t h a n e m p l o y e e of a d r u g s t o r e w h e n a n a p p a r e n t c u s t o m e r approached and joined in t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n . T h e s t r a n g e r said h e w a s a p o l i c e m a n , t o o , a n d s h o w e d a star and identification f r o m a suburban police department. T h e n , suddenly, he drew a .22 cal. revolver and announced a holdup. Understanda b l y , t h e o f f i c e r did n o t h a v e h i s r e v o l v e r i n h a n d . B u t as t h e s t o r e ' s e m p l o y e e s f o l l o w e d t h e r o b b e r ' s o r d e r s t o get m o n e y , get w a t c h e s , a n d get b a r b i t u r a t e s , o n e of t h e m m a d e s o m e m o v e m e n t t h a t caused the offender m o m e n t a r i l y to look away. In that split-second, the officer drew his revolver.

Being part of a hostage incident involving a fellow officer required a plan and firearm discipline. Would you try to shoot this offender! Did you consider the lives of civilians sitting in the restaurant behind them! 140

W h e n t h e s u s p e c t s p u n b a c k , t h e odds w e r e s u d d e n l y c h a n g e d . T h e o f f i c e r fired o n e s h o t , a n d t h e robber fell to t h e floor, hit by t h e officer's b u l l e t . A special c i r c u m s t a n c e that m a y demand closeu p u s e o f s u r p r i s e for s u r v i v a l is w h e n y o u , y o u r p a r t n e r or a f e l l o w o f f i c e r a r e t a k e n h o s t a g e b y o n e or m o r e s u s p e c t s . H e r e , as i n o t h e r d a n g e r s i t u a t i o n s , a pie-ananged p l a n a n d q u i c k a c t i o n w i l l aid an effective response. In C a l i f o r n i a , a b a c k - u p o f f i c e r r e s p o n d i n g t o a r o b b e r y - i n - p r o g r e s s at a p a w n s h o p w a s g r e e t e d b y t w o s u s p e c t s w a l k i n g o u t of t h e p l a c e w i t h t h e first r e s p o n d i n g o f f i c e r at g u n p o i n t . T h e y h a d t a k e n h i s gun, and they intended to escape in his car. T h e y demanded the second officer's gun, too. Fortunately, the back-up officer had positioned h i m s e l f behind cover during his approach, w i t h his sidearm drawn. H e fired o n e s h o t o v e r t h e s u s p e c t s ' h e a d s . A t t h a t i n s t a n t , t h e h o s t a g e o f f i c e r dropped d o w n , l e a v i n g the startled suspects m o m e n t a r i l y unshielded. T h e back-up officer was able to kill t h e m b o t h . In o t h e r i n s t a n c e s , h o s t a g e o f f i c e r s h a v e f a k e d h e a r t a t t a c k s a n d g o n e l i m p as dead w e i g h t in t h e i r c a p t o r ' s a r m s . In t h e s p l i t - s e c o n d c o n f u s i o n t h a t followed, fellow officers were able to take effective a c t i o n . Whatever you do, it must be instantaneous and believable, with complete follow through. D o n ' t t r y h a l f - h e a r t e d m e a s u r e s , or y o u or s o m e o t h e r o f f i c e r m a y w i n d u p i n a n e v e n w o r s e predicament.

In this incident, the officer on the right was led out of a bar as a hostage. He faked a heart attack. The offender was so surprised, his reaction was to drop his gaze. This gave the partner officer the opportunity to disarm the offender.

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Just h o w unprepared m o s t officers are to react is d e m o n s t r a t e d b y a n e x e r c i s e u s e d at o n e s u r v i v a l s c h o o l . T w o o f f i c e r s w h o h a v e b e e n p a r t n e r s for s e v e r a l y e a r s are c a l l e d t o t h e f r o n t of t h e r o o m . W h e n t h e y are close, t h e i n s t r u c t o r suddenly grabs one officer and puts a gun loaded w i t h b l a n k s to his head. " I ' m going to c o u n t to t e n , " the " h o s t a g e t a k e r " tells the officer's partner, " t h e n I ' m going to shoot. O n e . . . t w o . . . t h r e e . . . . " T h e free officer usually sputters s o m e t h i n g like, " H e y , wait! I wasn't ready...." ''.. .Five.. .six... s e v e n . . . . " "Wait! Wait!" " . . . N i n e . . . t e n ! " B A N G ! T h e g u n g o e s off. T h e h o s t a g e o f f i c e r is " d e a d " w i t h a s h o t t o h i s h e a d before h i s partner does anything to help h i m . O f f i c e r s o n w h o m t h i s e x e r c i s e is p u l l e d o f t e n a d m i t a f t e r w a r d s t h a t i n f i v e y e a r s or m o r e of r i d i n g t o g e t h e r t h e y h a d day a f t e r d a y or n i g h t a f t e r n i g h t discussed great broads, great r e s t a u r a n t s , great fishing h o l e s , great places to b u y c l o t h e s and a hundred other time-killing subjects. But not once h a d t h e y d i s c u s s e d o p t i o n s for a c t i o n s h o u l d o n e or b o t h of t h e m f i n d t h e m s e l v e s at t h e m e r c y of desperate individuals.

Firearm Retention In s o m e c l o s e e n c o u n t e r s , a s u s p e c t m a y grab for y o u r s i d e a r m i n a n e f f o r t t o d i s a r m y o u . T h e n your e q u i p m e n t , your stance and your ability to react m a y literally decide your fate. Lose your gun and you quite likely will lose your life. A notori o u s l y h i g h p e r c e n t a g e — s o m e e s t i m a t e s s a y 90 per cent—of suspects who succeed in disarming police officers, end up attempting to kill them. More than 2 0 per c e n t of o f f i c e r d e a t h s e a c h y e a r are c a u s e d b y t h e o f f i c e r ' s o w n s i d e a r m s , i n t h e h a n d s of suspects. 1

Y o u r f i r s t l i n e of d e f e n s e is t o p r e v e n t a s u s p e c t f r o m s e i z i n g c o n t r o l of y o u r s i d e a r m . T h a t ' s far p r e f e r a b l e t o t r y i n g t o g e t it b a c k o n c e h e h a s t a k e n it. Y o u r leather gear should be c h o s e n w i t h this i n m i n d . A g o o d h o l s t e r h i d e s a n d p r o t e c t s as m u c h of y o u r s i d e a r m as p o s s i b l e , b a l a n c i n g y o u r a c c e s s t o it w i t h s e c u r i t y a g a i n s t s o m e o n e e l s e y a n k i n g it out. Faulty leather gear—specifically fast-drawtype holsters—proves to be a m a j o r contributing factor every year to officers losing their firearms. A

study

1 Revolver Retention, partmcnt, 1976.

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in

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City

has

revealed

that

Marvin Van Kirk, Kansas City (MO) Police

Dei

a n o t h e r c o m m o n f a c t o r i n o f f i c e r d i s a r m i n g s is leaving the holster unsnapped or snapped improperly i n t h e s u s p e c t ' s p r e s e n c e . If y o u do r e l e a s e y o u r h o l s t e r , at l e a s t k e e p y o u r h a n d p r o t e c t i v e l y o n t h e b u t t of y o u r g u n . O r if y o u h a v e a t h u m b - b r e a k holster, you can leave the safety strap in place u n t i l you are ready to draw. Even with these precautions, some suspects m a y b e d r u n k , drugged, m e n t a l l y d i s t u r b e d , c o c k y

Many trainers won't teach firearm retention because they feel it takes too much time to perfect. What odds do you give this deputy for survival, knowing he wasn't prepared to deal with this moment!

One effective alternative when the suspect tries to disarm you when your sidearm is holstered.

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or d e s p e r a t e e n o u g h t o t r y t o s n a t c h a w a y y o u r f i r e a r m a n y w a y . T h e n y o u r a b i l i t y t o m o v e dec i s i v e l y a n d w i t h o u t h e s i t a t i o n — a n d know what you are doing—will be critical. R e t e n t i o n procedures require practice, and they m a y be difficult to execute effectively against a stronger opponent or w h e n you are f a c i n g m u l t i p l e s u s p e c t s . B u t t h e y m a y b e t h e o n l y o p t i o n y o u h a v e at t h a t p a r t i c u l a r m o m e n t . // a suspect lunges for your sidearm while it's in your holster, y o u r b e s t d e f e n s e is t o i n d u c e s o m e d i s t r a c t i n g , i n v o l u n t a r y r e a c t i o n i n h i m . G o for h i s e y e s . O n e or t w o f i n g e r s j a b b e d at h i s e y e s w i l l at t h e very least cause h i m to close t h e m m o m e n t a r i l y . So w i l l a b l o w t o t h e f o r e h e a d b e t w e e n h i s e y e s . If h i s b u i l d m a k e s it f e a s i b l e , a s u d d e n p u n c h t o t h e s o l a r plexus or a hard shove to his chest w i t h your nongun hand, palm open, m a y k n o c k h i m backwards a n d off b a l a n c e w h i l e y o u d r a w y o u r g u n w i t h y o u r strong h a n d . O r pivot your gun hip to t h e rear to protect your firearm. As you turn, deliver a hard e l b o w t o t h e j a w or w i t h y o u r h a n d s t i f f a n d f l a t , a sharp jab that strikes his throat b e t w e e n your t h u m b and first finger. Either m o v e m e n t will leave y o u in a g o o d p o s i t i o n t o d r a w a n d t o c o n t i n u e h i t t i n g and s h o v i n g w i t h y o u r n o n - g u n h a n d . It m a y s u r p r i s e h i m e v e n m o r e if y o u grab h i s c l o t h i n g w i t h y o u r w e a k hand and y a n k h i m forward. At the s a m e t i m e , d e l i v e r a k n e e k i c k t o h i s g r o i n as y o u p u s h h i m away from your gun.

When a suspect manages actually to get his hand on youi gun butt, y o u w a n t i m m e d i a t e l y t o pin h i s h a n d w h e r e it i s . C l a m p d o w n hard with y o u r g u n h a n d o n t o p of h i s h a n d as t h o u g h y o u w e r e going to draw your firearm. T h i s will k e e p h i m from pulling your gun from the holster and also give you control over his hand. At the s a m e t i m e , use your weak hand to further hold your gun. N o w , with your gun hand, curl your fingers into the suspect's palm and press your t h u m b into the b a c k of h i s h a n d . Y o u r n e x t m o v e i n v o l v e s t h r e e s i m u l t a n e o u s a c t i o n s : 1) k e e p y o u r w e a k h a n d f i r m l y o n y o u r g u n 2) p i v o t y o u r g u n s i d e a r o u n d t o t h e r e a r so y o u end up facing your a t t a c k e r after a 180degree t u r n ; 3) as y o u t u r n , t w i s t h i s p a l m o u t . T h i s will bend his wrist, forcing h i m to release his hold on your gun. W h e n you c o m p l e t e your turn, y o u c a n f o r c e h i s h a n d a n d a r m h i g h e r i n t o t h e air, w h i c h w i l l drop h i m t o h i s k n e e s f r o m t h e p a i n . Y o u w a n t t o t a k e h i m d o w n i n s t a n t l y ; if h e s t a y s o n h i s f e e t , h e m a y b e a b l e t o t w i s t o u t of y o u r h o l d . W i t h h i m down, you're n o w in a position to s w i t c h hands: bring y o u r w e a k hand up to c o n t i n u e t h u m b press u r e t o t h e b a c k of h i s h a n d a n d u s e y o u r s t r o n g hand to draw your gun. ;

S o m e t i m e s an assailant m a y j u m p you w i t h the i n t e n t i o n of g r a b b i n g y o u r g u n f r o m i t s h o l s t e r during a b r a w l . A s y o u t r y t o s u b d u e h i m , y o u r p r i n c i p a l c o n c e r n is t h e h a n d t h a t is n e a r e s t y o u r

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The close quarters position with the sidearm resting just above the hip. If the suspect now makes a sudden move, you can easily move back while pushing the suspect forward with your weak hand.

g u n . S o l o n g as y o u c a n c o n t r o l t h a t , t h e r e ' s h o p e of c o n t r o l l i n g h i m . In a situation where you're standing with your gun drawn, a suspect m a y consider grabbing your w r i s t o r t h e b a r r e l of y o u r g u n i n a n e f f o r t t o c o n t r o l w h e r e y o u ' r e p o i n t i n g it or f o r c e y o u t o d r o p i t . I n s t a n d a r d t r a i n i n g c o u r s e s , o f f i c e r s o f t e n are t a u g h t c o m p l i c a t e d m a n e u v e r s for r e t a i n i n g t h e i r f i r e a r m s in the event the suspect m o v e s w i t h such intent. T h e s e p r o c e d u r e s a r e r a r e l y d e m o n s t r a t e d or p r a c ticed under realistic conditions or m a s t e r e d to the point t h e y can be r e m e m b e r e d in crisis. A s i m p l e r , m o v e e f f e c t i v e a p p r o a c h is t o avoid t a k i n g a s t a n c e t h a t o p e n s y o u t o t h i s k i n d of a t t a c k in t h e first place. W h e n you are c l o s e e n o u g h t o a s u s p e c t t h a t h e m i g h t r e a c h y o u or y o u r d r a w n gun, your gun should be in t h e " c l o s e q u a r t e r s " p o s i t i o n . T h a t i s , y o u r g u n h a n d is p u l l e d b a c k so t h a t t h e w r i s t is a g a i n s t y o u r s i d e j u s t a b o v e y o u r h i p . Y o u r g u n is not t h r u s t o u t at a r m ' s l e n g t h t o w a r d t h e s u s p e c t , w h e r e it o r y o u r w r i s t c a n b e grabbed. S o m e officers imagine that pointing a gun o u t at a n e a r b y s u s p e c t l i k e a n a c c u s i n g f i n g e r m a k e s it a p p e a r m o r e t h r e a t e n i n g . A c t u a l l y , t h e y merely make themselves more vulnerable. By keeping your gun b a c k in t h e close quarters position and standing oblique to the suspect w i t h your gun side turned slightly a w a y f r o m h i m , y o u can easily s i d e s t e p , m o v e b a c k w h i l e d e f l e c t i n g h i s h a n d or k n o c k h i m a w a y if h e d o e s l u n g e t o w a r d y o u . A l s o , you're in a good position to b l o c k h i m w i t h your w e a k - s i d e leg if h e t r i e s t o k i c k y o u i n t h e g r o i n .

4 <

If h e s h o u l d s o m e h o w r e a c h y o u r g u n or w r i s t , d o n ' t get i n t o a wrestling m a t c h for t h e w e a p o n . Y o u w a n t t o g e t h i s m i n d off y o u r g u n as q u i c k l y as p o s s i b l e . H a n g o n t o it f i r m l y — w h i l e k i c k i n g h i m i n t h e t e s t i c l e s or p o k i n g h i s e y e s t o d i s t r a c t h i m . Y o u will maintain control. By remaining alert you often can anticipate a suspect's threatening m o v e b e f o r e i t ' s m a d e . If h i s e y e s go t o y o u r g u n w h i l e y o u ' r e q u e s t i o n i n g h i m , for e x a m p l e , h e ' s t e l e g r a p h i n g t o y o u t h a t h e ' s at l e a s t c o n s i d e r i n g t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of t a k i n g it a w a y .

Disarming Physically disarming a suspect w h o has a gun p o i n t e d at y o u is p r o b a b l y t h e most desperate mane u v e r y o u c a n a t t e m p t . If h e h a s t a k e n y o u r o n l y g u n or for s o m e o t h e r r e a s o n y o u s e e n o c h a n c e of successfully drawing and shooting, you m a y have no c h o i c e but to try to wrest t h e w e a p o n f r o m h i m . T h e a l t e r n a t i v e of c o m p l y i n g w i t h h i s o r d e r s , if h e does n o t s h o o t y o u p r o m p t l y , d o e s n o t g u a r a n t e e you will be spared. N o t atypically, a Florida sheriff's d e p u t y w h o w a s s u r p r i s e d at g u n p o i n t d u r i n g a five-man grocery store holdup obeyed w i t h o u t resistance w h e n he w a s ordered face-down o n t o t h e f l o o r — o n l y t o h a v e o n e of t h e r o b b e r s t h e n s h o o t h i m i n t h e b a c k of t h e h e a d at p o i n t - b l a n k r a n g e . N o n e t h e l e s s , disarming should be recognized as a last resort. M o s t disarming t e c h n i q u e s are e x t r e m e l y d i f f i c u l t t o p u l l off. E v e n i n n o n - s t r e s s situations, one outstanding tactical instructor conc e d e s t h a t h e m a y m i s s t w o o u t of t e n t i m e s . Consequently, you should attempt disarming only in a n i n t h - i n n i n g s i t u a t i o n , when you honestly feel your assailant will kill you o t h e r w i s e . A b o u t t h e o n l y a d v a n t a g e y o u h a v e is i n k n o w i n g what y o u are g o i n g t o a n d when you're g o i n g t o do i t — i n o t h e r w o r d s , y o u r a b i l i t y t o surprise your adversary. O b v i o u s l y , a disarming a t t e m p t is r e a l i s t i c o n l y w h e n t h e s u s p e c t is a c t u a l l y t o u c h i n g y o u w i t h t h e g u n o r if i t ' s w i t h i n your a r m ' s l e n g t h . O t h e r w i s e h e ' l l b e a b l e t o s h o o t Defore y o u c a n r e a c h h i m . Y o u r b e s t h o p e is t o c o m m i t y o u r s e l f to a d i s a r m i n g t a c t i c immediately, and t h e n t o f o l l o w t h r o u g h w i t h o u t s t o p p i n g a n d with t o t a l f o r c e . If y o u r a c t i o n is d e l a y e d or t e l e graphed, it m a y o n l y w o r s e n y o u r r i s k of b e i n g s h o t . Left to their o w n i n s t i n c t s , m o s t officers m a k e i i s a r m i n g m o v e s t h a t are i n e f f e c t i v e . E x p e r i m e n t s n one midwestern police department have revealed :hat f o u r o u t of five o f f i c e r s , i n c l u d i n g s e a s o n e d

v e t e r a n s , e i t h e r p u l l o n t h e s u s p e c t ' s g u n or t w i s t it f r o m s i d e t o side i n a n e f f o r t t o r e m o v e it f r o m his h a n d . W h i l e doing so, m a n y also ignore t h e f i r s t i m p e r a t i v e of d i s a r m i n g : to direct the muzzle so you are out of the line of fire as y o u t r y t o t a k e c o n t r o l of t h e f i r e a r m . A f e w o f f i c e r s , u n f o r t u n a t e l y , s t i l l b e l i e v e o l d w i v e s ' t a l e s s u c h as t h e c l a i m t h a t j a m m i n g t h e m e a t y part of y o u r p a l m a g a i n s t t h e m u z z l e of a . 4 5 s e m i - a u t o m a t i c w i l l p r e v e n t t h e g u n f r o m f i r i n g b e c a u s e it w i l l i n t e r f e r e w i t h t h e slide m o v i n g . All t h a t ' s really n e c e s s a r y to foil that m o v e is for t h e s u s p e c t t o p u l l t h e g u n b a c k s l i g h t l y a n d s q u e e z e t h e trigger. S u c h m o v e s w i l l m o r e p r o b a b l y get y o u s h o t than get the suspect disarmed. W h a t ' s likelier to b e u n e x p e c t e d a n d d i s a b l i n g t o h i m is o n e of t h e f o l l o w i n g o p t i o n s . W i t h e a c h , y o u ' l l m a x i m i z e surp r i s e if y o u m a i n t a i n e y e c o n t a c t w i t h t h e s u s p e c t (assuming h e ' s facing you) and use your peripheral vision to w a t c h his hands, u n t i l y o u ' v e m a d e your initial m o v e . Usually, you can m o v e m o s t effect i v e l y if y o u f i r s t t r y t o d i s t r a c t h i m w i t h t a l k . If you start to tell h i m s o m e t h i n g , h e ' s likely to shift his concentration slightly to process what you're saying. W h i l e h e ' s thinking about that, he can't b e t h i n k i n g a b o u t s h o o t i n g y o u at t h e s a m e t i m e . In t h a t s p l i t - s e c o n d of d i v e r s i o n , y o u a c t . O P T I O N 1: If t h e s u s p e c t is s t a n d i n g in f r o n t of y o u w i t h a g u n a n d y o u s t i l l h a v e y o u r s i d e a r m in your holster, swing your w e a k h a n d hard, p a l m o p e n , d i r e c t l y a g a i n s t t h e side of h i s w e a p o n . F o l l o w t h r o u g h s o y o u r a r m s w e e p s a c r o s s t h e f r o n t of y o u r body to give your hit t h e m o s t powerful i m p a c t . Y o u p r o b a b l y w o n ' t k n o c k t h e g u n o u t of h i s h a n d , b u t t h e b l o w m a y p u s h t h e m u z z l e off y o u for an instant. S i m u l t a n e o u s with this m o v e , draw your o w n gun. Y o u m a y be able to shoot h i m before he can get b a c k on target. O n e l i m i t a t i o n : y o u c a n ' t fully control the suspect's gun.

OPTION 2: If y o u ' r e c o n f r o n t e d w i t h a revolver t h a t is uncocked, grab t h e r e v o l v e r w i t h y o u r h a n d c l a m p e d d o w n hard a r o u n d t h e c y l i n d e r , y o u r f i n g e r s u n d e r t h e trigger g u a r d . If y o u c l u t c h tightly enough, you can keep the cylinder from t u r n i n g and t h i s w i l l p r e v e n t a l i v e c a r t r i d g e f r o m m o v i n g u n d e r t h e firing p i n w h e n t h e s u s p e c t p u l l s t h e trigger. B y s i m u l t a n e o u s l y t w i s t i n g t h e r e v o l v e r so h i s f i n g e r s are b e n t b a c k w a r d s , y o u m o v e t h e m u z z l e away from you and also inflict u n e x p e c t e d p a i n . If h e k e e p s h i s f i n g e r i n s i d e t h e t r i g g e r g u a r d , t h i s m o v e w i l l b r e a k i t . In N e w Y o r k C i t y , a n o f f i c e r used this t e c h n i q u e to keep an e x - c o n v i c t w h o had already killed t w o p o l i c e m e n in a s i d e w a l k gunfight from shooting a third w h o m he had disarmed and w a s h o l d i n g at g u n p o i n t . // the revolver is cocked, grabbing the cylinder will not keep the gun from being fired. T h e n y o u ' l l need to try to h i t t h e rev o l v e r w i t h y o u r h a n d i n t h e m a n n e r of O p t i o n 1 . If y o u m o v e f a s t , t h e b u l l e t w i l l l i k e l y go b y y o u s h o u l d it f i r e . N o t e : W i t h s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s , g r a b bing hold will not prevent the weapon from firing. B u t if y o u are a b l e t o d e f l e c t t h e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c and k e e p y o u r grip, y o u c a n p r e v e n t t h e fired r o u n d f r o m e j e c t i n g or t h e n e x t r o u n d f r o m c h a m b e r i n g and t h u s j a m t h e f i r e a r m . OPTION 3: C l a m p both hands over t h e susp e c t ' s gun hand. Press your t h u m b s hard into the b a c k of h i s h a n d s as y o u r a i s e h i s a r m a n d t u r n t h e gun toward h i m . U s e your fingers to pull his fingers o p e n as y o u p u s h t h e b a r r e l i n t o h i m . H e c o n t r o l s t h e trigger u n t i l y o u r e l e a s e h i s i n d e x f i n g e r , b u t if t h e g u n d o e s go off, t h e m u z z l e is n o w p o i n t e d at a d e s i r a b l e t a r g e t . OPTION 4: W h e r e a s u s p e c t is behind you, say w i t h a s h o t g u n or r i f l e p o i n t e d at y o u r b a c k , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o t u r n a n d grab t h e b a r r e l . F i r s t , try to look over your shoulder slightly to see w h i c h of y o u r a r m s h e ' s c l o s e s t t o . T h a t w i l l d e t e r m i n e t h e d i r e c t i o n of y o u r t u r n . If h e ' s c l o s e s t t o y o u r r i g h t s i d e , for e x a m p l e , t w i s t o r p i v o t b a c k q u i c k l y so y o u r r i g h t e l b o w a n d u p p e r a r m s h a r p l y k n o c k t h e g u n t o h i s l e f t . A s s o o n as y o u h i t t h e g u n off t a r g e t , grab t h e b a r r e l w i t h y o u r r i g h t h a n d a n d hold the m u z z l e away from you. T h e n use your left h a n d t o h e l p t w i s t t h e g u n a w a y f r o m h i m as y o u bring your k n e e up to his groin. O f course, reverse if h e ' s c l o s e s t t o y o u r l e f t s i d e . If t h e g u n d o e s d i s c h a r g e w h i l e y o u ' r e s t r u g g l i n g , it is l i k e l y t o s h o o t i n t o t h e air. S t i l l , t h e b l a s t m a y i n c a p a c i t a t e y o u t e m p o r a r i l y if i t ' s n e a r y o u r h e a d . If y o u d o n ' t

Option 2

Option 3

have easy access to his groin as you turn, hold the gun away w i t h o n e hand. W i t h your other arm, r e a c h o v e r h i s s h o u l d e r a n d a r o u n d t h e b a c k of h i s h e a d a n d h o o k y o u r f i n g e r s o v e r t h e l e n g t h of h i s n o s e f r o m t h e o t h e r s i d e . E x e r t i n g as m u c h s t r e n g t h as y o u c a n , y o u p u l l h i s n o s e t o t h e s i d e as if y o u were " p e e l i n g " his face. T h e force and pain will quickly twist h i m to the ground.

1

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Option 4

OPTION 5: A p i v o t i n g t e c h n i q u e c a n also w o r k w h e n y o u r a s s a i l a n t is b e h i n d y o u w i t h a h a n d g u n . Say h e h a s it in his r i g h t h a n d , a g a i n s t your head. Y o u simultaneously d u c k and pivot a r o u n d t o w a r d y o u r left. Y o u r left a r m g o e s u p and h i t s h i s g u n a r m , k n o c k i n g t h e g u n off t a r g e t and a w a y f r o m y o u a s y o u slide y o u r a r m d o w n t o w a r d h i s w r i s t . G r a b t h e g u n w i t h y o u r left h a n d as y o u c o m p l e t e your pivot. At the s a m e time, slam the inside edge of y o u r stiffened r i g h t h a n d i n t o his t h r o a t (this b l o w c a n c r u s h h i s l a r y n x ) a n d bring y o u r k n e e u p t o his g r o i n . Remember, whatever disarming tactic you t r y — a n d y o u m a y k n o w of o t h e r s b e s i d e s t h e s e t h a t are e f f e c t i v e — d o n ' t let go once you have a grip on the gun or the suspect's gun hand. S t r i k e h i m w i t h y o u r k n e e s a n d e l b o w s . . . r a k e his s h i n w i t h y o u r s h o e . . . p u n c h o r jab h i s w i n d p i p e , e y e s a n d n o s e , a n d c o n tinue trying to w r e n c h the w e a p o n away from h i m , but D O N ' T L E T G O . A l s o , t r y t o u s e y o u r p o w e r s of o b s e r v a t i o n before m a k i n g y o u r m o v e . F o r i n s t a n c e , if y o u r a s s a i l a n t is h o l d i n g a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , is it a d o u b l e action m o d e l or single-action? Double-action semia u t o m a t i c s h a v e t h e trigger in t h e m i d d l e of t h e trigger g u a r d ; w i t h a s i n g l e - a c t i o n , t h e trigger is t o

This double-action semi-automatic is ready to shoot and the safety [S] is in the "off" position. Notice the trigger [T] is in the middle of the trigger guard.

This single-action semi-automatic is cocked, but the safetyisin the "on" position. Notice the trigger is to the rear.

t h e r e a r . If t h e g u n is a s i n g l e - a c t i o n a n d t h e h a m m e r is d o w n , it m e a n s t h a t t h e s u s p e c t w i l l h a v e t o c o c k the gun before he can fire. T h i s m a y give you an e x t r a f r a c t i o n of a s e c o n d , a s l i g h t edge, t o u s e t o y o u r a d v a n t a g e . If t h e h a m m e r is d o w n o n a d o u b l e a c t i o n s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , h o w e v e r , t h e g u n is r e a d y t o shoot. U n l e s s h e ' s too surprised to act, the suspect can respond by firing i m m e d i a t e l y . A n o t h e r factor t o o b s e r v e is w h e t h e r t h e s a f e t y o n a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c or l o n g g u n is o n or off. In d i s a r m i n g , as i n s o m a n y o t h e r c o m p o n e n t s of s t r e e t s u r v i v a l , i t ' s i m p o r t a n t t h a t y o u r e c o g n i z e and u n d e r s t a n d f i r e a r m s a n d t h e i r s t a t e s of r e a d i n e s s . H a v i n g m o r e t h a n j u s t a p a s s i n g k n o w l e d g e of firearms will significantly heighten your survival quotient.

Practice It's not enough that you k n o w h o w the tactics of s u r p r i s e s h o u l d b e d o n e . F o r s u r v i v a l , y o u n e e d t o b e a b l e t o p e r f o r m t h e m , w i t h o u t lag t i m e , a n d t h a t t a k e s a great amount of regular practice and personal c o m m i t m e n t . Probably no tactics require more practice than disarming techniques. In a s e n s e , w h a t ' s r e q u i r e d is t h a t y o u c o n d i t i o n y o u r s e l f as y o u w o u l d for a h i g h - s p e e d s p o r t , s o your reflexes are sharp.. .your c o o r d i n a t i o n s m o o t h . . . your m o v e m e n t s i n s t i n c t u a l and anticipatory. Y o u should practice with a partner, using deactivated w e a p o n s o r t o y g u n s , b u t w e a r i n g or c a r r y i n g a l l t h e e q u i p m e n t y o u o r d i n a r i l y do o n t h e j o b ( e x c e p t , of c o u r s e , y o u r f i r e a r m s ) , i n c l u d i n g t h e a c c e s s o r i e s o n y o u r l e a t h e r g e a r . U n d e r t h e p r e s s u r e of t i m e l i m i t s , take turns springing on e a c h o t h e r w i t h the w i d e s t v a r i e t y of a t t a c k s y o u c a n i m a g i n e . T h e proficiency you attain will doubtless be directly related t o t h e a m o u n t of t i m e y o u p r a c t i c e a n d t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of t i m e s y o u p e r f o r m e a c h t e c h n i q u e . T r y to involve s o m e participants in your pract i c e w h o do n o t k n o w t h e t e c h n i q u e s y o u ' l l b e t r y i n g . T h e r e ' s l e s s c h a n c e t h e n of b e i n g a b l e t o merely waltz through the exercises w i t h a cooperative partner. At the very least, y o u ' l l learn h o w very hard it c a n be t o g a i n c o n t r o l o v e r a s u s p e c t w h o h a s t h e drop o n y o u . Ideally, you want to condition yourself to m o v e )y instinct as s o o n as y o u see a g u n c o m e u p a g a i n s t y o u . M o v e w i t h o u t h e s i t a t i o n — t h e s a m e as y o u w o u l d if y o u s a w a b a s e b a l l f l y i n g t o w a r d y o u r h e a d .

COVER AWARENESS

T h e w a y s o m e o f f i c e r s r e a c t w h e n shooting threatens, you'd t h i n k they'd gotten their surviva t r a i n i n g f r o m w a t c h i n g High Noon o n t h e Lat( Show. Like the old-time western marshal, the) a d v a n c e o n t h e s u s p e c t or s t a n d t h e i r g r o u n d i n the open, no m a t t e r w h a t . Seeking protective cove: is s o m e t h i n g t o o m a n y t h i n k of t o o l a t e . W h e n a s m a l l t o w n police c h i e f in N o r t l C a r o l i n a a n s w e r e d a " m a n - w i t h - a - g u n " c a l l at < local r e s i d e n c e , for e x a m p l e , h e spotted the suspeel s i t t i n g o n t h e f r o n t p o r c h , a . 1 2 ga. s h o t g u n cradlec o n h i s l a p . T h e c h i e f p r o m p t l y c l i m b e d o u t of h i : v e h i c l e a n d s t a r t e d a c r o s s t h e o p e n yard t o w a r c h i m . . . A t a h i g h w a y rest stop in California, i sheriff's deputy located a truck camper that be l o n g e d t o a m a n s o u g h t for f i r i n g g u n s h o t s i n i residential neighborhood. T h e deputy had walkec d i r e c t l y t o t h e side of t h e c a m p e r w h e n t h e drivei suddenly thrust a .30 cal. rifle through the win dow...In C i n c i n n a t i , t w o patrolmen were investigating v i c e l a w v i o l a t i o n s w h e n t h e y s a w a m a n t h e y h a d b e e n w a r n e d w a s a r m e d n e a r a t a v e r n . A s they approached h i m on foot, t h e s u s p e c t suddenly p u l l e d a . 3 8 c a l . r e v o l v e r a n d fired a s h o t i n t o the air. T h e officers stood stationary on the sidewal a f e w f e e t f r o m h i m , i d e n t i f i e d t h e m s e l v e s a n d tolc h i m to stop. H e turned toward t h e m and pointec h i s r e v o l v e r at t h e s t o m a c h of o n e , as h i s f i n g e i t i g h t e n e d o n t h e trigger a g a i n . . . . U n f o r t u n a t e l y , but n o t surprisingly, t h e officer i n e a c h of t h e s e c a s e s w a s s h o t d e a d . Y e t i n t h e s e and n u m e r o u s other i n s t a n c e s w h e r e officers are 154

killed, solid objects were in t h e i m m e d i a t e v i c i n i t y that could have provided a protective shield from t h e g u n m e n , h a d t h e v a l u e of c o v e r a n d t h e w a y s t o r e c o g n i z e a n d u s e it o n l y b e e n p a r t of t h e v i c t i m s ' orientation.

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I HB HB I I In d e v e l o p i n g s u r v i v a l - m i n d e d n e s s , t h e r e a r e t w o p o i n t s of o b s e r v a t i o n t h a t d e m a n d y o u r c o n s t a n t , c o n s c i o u s a t t e n t i o n . F i r s t , as y o u c r u i s e y o u r b e a t or s p e e d t o t h e s c e n e of a c r i m e , y o u s h o u l d always k n o w the last i n t e r s e c t i o n y o u passed; y o u m a y need to relay your location w i t h o u t faltering in a c a l l for h e l p . S e c o n d , a n d of e v e n g r e a t e r i m p o r t a n c e , y o u w a n t a l w a y s t o b e a w a r e of y o u r n e a r est cover. As y o u approach any s i t u a t i o n , y o u w a n t t o be i n t h e h a b i t of l o o k i n g f o r c o v e r , so y o u c a n r e a c t a u t o m a t i c a l l y t o r e a c h it s h o u l d t r o u b l e e r u p t . I t ' s d i f f i c u l t t o go s e e k i n g it a f t e r t h e l e a d is f l y i n g . C o v e r a w a r e n e s s a p p l i e s w h e t h e r y o u are i n y o u r c a r or o n f o o t — a p p r o a c h i n g a s c e n e , s e a r c h i n g a n area, q u e s t i o n i n g a s u s p e c t , m a k i n g a n a r r e s t , e v e n eating your lunch.

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liquor store adjacent to a robberyprogress. This is the suspect's vis as he exited the store.

A l t h o u g h c o v e r is p r o b a b l y t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t single t a c t i c for surviving a dangerous situation, a b o u t t w o - t h i r d s of t h e o f f i c e r s w h o b e c o m e i n v o l v e d i n s h o o t i n g s m a k e no u s e of i t . S o m e t i m e s t h e a c t i o n h a p p e n s t o o f a s t or i n a n a r e a w h e r e c o v e r is t o o far a w a y . B u t o f t e n , e v e n a f t e r s h o t s h a v e already b e e n fired, t h e r e ' s still t h e opportunity t o g e t b e h i n d p r o t e c t i o n , if y o u c a n o v e r c o m e t h e t e n d e n c y t o s t a n d a n d fire f r o m w h e r e v e r y o u happen to be. In m a n y encounters, officers have stood 2 f e e t f r o m a t r e e a n d s h o t it o u t w i t h a s u s p e c t , w h e n a q u i c k m o v e b e h i n d it w o u l d h a v e g i v e n t h e m e x cellent protection—and still allowed t h e m to shoot. I t ' s a r a r e s i t u a t i o n i n w h i c h some t y p e of c o v e r is n o t a v a i l a b l e : O U T D O O R S — a w o o d e n or m e t a l utility pole, a u t o m o b i l e , trash can, call or signal b o x , fire h y d r a n t , m a i l b o x , e m b a n k m e n t , c o n c r e t e o r s t e e l s t e p s o r t h e c o r n e r of a b u i l d i n g ; I N D O O R S — a store counter, walls, heavy furniture, e t c . E v e n if t h e s i t u a t i o n is s o u r g e n t t h a t y o u n e e d t o f i r e at t h e s u s p e c t i m m e d i a t e l y a n d then m o v e t o cover, that's usually better than staying indefinitely in w h a t a m o u n t s to a " f r e e f i r e " z o n e . R e m e m b e r : No exposed firing position offers you as much insurance as firing from cover. O f course, w h e n y o u k n o w in advance t h a t you are c o n f r o n t i n g a p o t e n t i a l l y dangerous firearms s i t u a t i o n , as did t h e o f f i c e r s i n t h e t h r e e i n c i d e n t s cited above, you want to k n o w not only where your n e a r e s t c o v e r i s , y o u w a n t t o u t i l i z e it i n m a k i n g your approach. B y staying b e h i n d cover in s u c h c i r c u m s t a n c e s and issuing verbal challenges to the suspect, you can: 1. b u y additional t i m e in w h i c h t o positively identify your adversary (especially important in dim-light situations); 2. b e t t e r e v a l u a t e t h e s i t u a t i o n y o u are f a c i n g b e f o r e m a k i n g r i s k y or d e c i s i v e m o v e s , a n d 3. g a i n t h e a d v a n t a g e of a p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n , w h i c h w i l l allow y o u to return fire w i t h less likelih o o d of b e i n g h i t if a g u n f i g h t d o e s d e v e l o p . T o get the m a x i m u m benefit from cover, you m u s t understand: the relationship b e t w e e n yourself, your cover, your gun and t h e s u s p e c t ' s l o c a t i o n . . . h o w to select t h e best cover from various options you m a y have available...how to position yourself b e h i n d it i n o r d e r t o g e t off a c c u r a t e s h o t s w i t h o u t exposing your o w n body t o g u n f i r e . . . w a y s t o overc o m e cover your assailant m a y be using...and the i m p o r t a n c e of m a i n t a i n i n g g o o d c o v e r , r e g a r d l e s s of p r o v o c a t i o n , w h e n " b l o w i n g " it m i g h t s u b j e c t you to an adversary's killing s h o t s . 156

For t h e s e a n d o t h e r a s p e c t s of c o v e r a w a r e n e s s , h e r e are s o m e t h i n g s t o k e e p i n m i n d a n d a c t i v e l y apply.

Cover and Concealment M a n y officers use these t e r m s s y n o n y m o u s l y , t h o u g h t h e y are s i g n i f i c a n t l y d i f f e r e n t . L e a r n i n g t o d i s t i n g u i s h b e t w e e n t h e m is t h e f i r s t s t e p t o s u r v i v a l and e f f e c t i v e c o v e r u s e .

Tall grass and bushes offer concealment only. Because of body position, the officer on the right is less concealed than the one on the left.

An officer attempting to use a trunk lid as cover. This approach probably offered limited concealment as well because of the officer's exposed feet and the fact that the trunk was up in the first place.

Concealment pertains to protection from being seen b y a s u s p e c t . It m a y b e p r o v i d e d b y n a t u r a l or m a n - m a d e objects—bushes, brush, small trees, tall g r a s s , h e a v y s h a d o w s , s m o k e , c r o w d s , l i n e s of m o v i n g v e h i c l e s — a n y t h i n g t h a t w i l l hide your p r e s e n c e or m o v e m e n t s f r o m y o u r a d v e r s a r y . C o n c e a l m e n t m a y k e e p y o u f r o m g e t t i n g s h o t e v e n if the suspect does detect your presence. However, c o n c e a l m e n t a l o n e w i l l not stop bullets. Cover w i l l — o r at l e a s t d e f l e c t t h e m or s l o w t h e m down. Usually cover incorporates concealm e n t , b u t i t s s a l i e n t f e a t u r e is i t s c a p a c i t y for protecting you from hostile fire. T o illustrate: A pasteboard packing carton m i g h t provide you e x c e l l e n t c o n c e a l m e n t , but a s u s p e c t c o u l d s h o o t t h r o u g h it a n d i n t o y o u as e a s i l y as h e c o u l d t h r o u g h a n y o t h e r p a p e r p r o d u c t . O n the other hand, a six- to eight-inch c o n c r e t e street c u r b i n f r o n t of a h o u s e m i g h t p r o v i d e l i f e - s a v i n g cover against a suspect standing s o m e distance a w a y i n t h e y a r d . If y o u k e p t y o u r h e a d d o w n , s h o t s

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h e fired at y o u r l o c a t i o n w o u l d m o s t l i k e l y h i t t h e f l a t t o p of t h e c u r b a n d r i c o c h e t r i g h t o v e r y o u . W h a t ' s t r a g i c is t h a t s o m e o f f i c e r s h a v e b e e n shot to death behind w h a t they thought w a s suitable cover. T h e y crouched behind w o o d e n fences, plywood doors, s m a l l shrubs, t h i n w a l l s — w i t h o u t distinguishing that these objects m a y be s o m e w h a t concealing, but by no m e a n s impenetrable. N e i t h e r is d a r k n e s s . B e c a u s e it c a n h i d e y o u so w e l l , i t ' s t e m p t i n g t o t h i n k of d a r k n e s s as a shield. Standing b a c k in shadows 3 to 6 feet c a n give you good c o n c e a l m e n t . B u t n i g h t t i m e shadows s o m e t i m e s can be turned i n t o traps by an u n e x p e c t e d s w i n g of a u t o m o b i l e h e a d l i g h t s . A n d a s t r e e t - w i s e suspect m a y deliberately shoot into heavy shadows t o " c l e a r " t h e m , w h e t h e r or n o t h e t h i n k s y o u ' r e t h e r e . F i n d i n g g e n u i n e c o v e r a n d k e e p i n g it b e t w e e n y o u a n d y o u r a d v e r s a r y is as i m p o r t a n t i n t h e d a r k as it is i n d a y l i g h t . N o r is d i s t a n c e a n y r e a s o n t o a b a n d o n c o v e r c o n s c i o u s n e s s . W i t h a good, solid b e n c h rest and t h e r i g h t g u n , if y o u ' r e w i t h i n t h e r a n g e w h e r e a s u s p e c t c a n s e e y o u , h e c a n s h o o t — a n d h i t . In o t h e r w o r d s , if y o u c a n b e s e e n , y o u c a n b e h i t , a n d if y o u c a n be h i t , y o u c a n b e k i l l e d .

Evaluating Choices A n y c o v e r is b e t t e r t h a n n o n e , b u t c e r t a i n c o v e r is b e t t e r t h a n o t h e r s . A n d w h e r e y o u h a v e t h e c h o i c e , t h e s e c r e t is t o k n o w t h e d i f f e r e n c e . O f t e n in s h o o t i n g s i t u a t i o n s , o f f i c e r s t e n d t o l o o k o n l y t o s i z e — c h o o s i n g t h e l a r g e s t o b j e c t as c o v e r , r e g a r d l e s s of i t s p o w e r t o s t o p b u l l e t s . In r a n g e t r a i n i n g , they've probably received m o r e emphasis on h o w to stand and hold a sidearm b e h i n d a p l y w o o d barric a d e t h a n a n y real a p p r e c i a t i o n of t h e p o s s i b i l i t i e s and l i m i t a t i o n s of c o v e r a v a i l a b l e o n t h e s t r e e t . M u c h of w h a t d i s t i n g u i s h e s g o o d c o v e r f r o m b a d a c t u a l l y h a s t o do w i t h f o r m , t h i c k n e s s a n d density. B r i c k s and c e r a m i c s u b s t a n c e s tend to be good cover, c o n c r e t e b l o c k s poor; m a n y bullets will blast right through a b l o c k wall n o m a t t e r h o w big it m i g h t b e . T h e w o o d i n m o s t m o d e r n d o o r s , especially hollow-core doors, offers y o u l i t t l e prot e c t i o n . In a s c e n a r i o t h a t is r e p l a y e d r e p e a t e d l y each year, a suspect inside his a p a r t m e n t in W i s c o n sin h e a r d o f f i c e r s k n o c k o n h i s d o o r t o q u e s t i o n l i m about a dispute over a hospital bill. H e grabbed 12 ga. s h o t g u n a n d fired t w i c e t h r o u g h t h e d o o r , cilling a p a t r o l m a n as r e a d i l y as if t h e r e h a d b e e n n o t h i n g b e t w e e n t h e m . In C h i c a g o , a s n i p e r i n s i d e 159

In this shoot-out, you see two wounded civilians plus four cover alternatives: A patrol car, fireplug, utility pole and metal standard. The officer being fired at took cover behind the fourth option. Why I

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a high school shot through a plywood door. T h e bullet traveled down a corridor m o r e than 3 0 0 feet before hitting its v i c t i m , and even t h e n still had m o m e n t u m enough to pass through b o t h his thighs. O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , a d o o r j a m b w i l l s t o p a l o t of b u l l e t s . A n d t h e w o o d of a g o o d - s i z e d t r e e is e x c e l lent c o v e r — " a l m o s t like a sponge in t a k i n g s l u g s , " as o n e s u r v i v a l e x p e r t p u t s i t . " A l w a y s h a v e a t r e e w i t h y o u " is a g o o d r u l e , w h e r e y o u c a n f o l l o w i t . A t e l e p h o n e p o l e is g o o d , t o o , a g a i n s t m o s t a m munition you'll encounter—yet a ten-inch pole can be p e n e t r a t e d b y a . 3 0 c a l . r i f l e f i r i n g m e t a l j a c k e t e d bullets.

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W h e r e m e t a l is c o n c e r n e d , s t e e l u t i l i t y p o l e s , fire h y d r a n t s or p o s t a l s e r v i c e m a i l b o x e s g e n e r a l l y are superior to trash c a n s , car bodies and t h e l i k e . In s h o o t i n g t e s t s , for i n s t a n c e , m a i l b o x e s h a v e been k n o w n to stop a 125 grain, s e m i - j a c k e t e d h o l l o w point and a 158 grain full-jacketed round fired f r o m a . 3 8 S p e c i a l , as w e l l a s . 0 0 B u c k f r o m 2 0 - i n c h barrel s h o t g u n s — t h e equivalent, in other w o r d s , o f m o s t of w h a t y o u ' l l e n c o u n t e r o n t h e street. Fire hydrants are tougher. T h e y ' l l b r e a k up o n i m p a c t a m m u n i t i o n s u c h as . 3 0 - 0 6 f u l l m e t a l j a c k e t , . 3 0 8 cal. j a c k e t e d soft point and . 2 2 3 cal. m i l i t a r y rifle rounds. T h e damage to a fire hydrant from these powerful bullets, w h i c h could tear through a car body l i k e butter, could be corrected w i t h a d a b of p a i n t . In a cover s w e e p s t a k e s , solid b r i c k s , large trees, fire h y d r a n t s a n d t h e e n g i n e b l o c k s of c a r s w o u l d p r o b a b l y c o m e i n t o p s . I n c h f o r i n c h , p o u n d for pound, these objects will stop more bullets than any other cover you're likely to have available in a shooting situation.

Changing Cover B e c a u s e y o u have s o m e cover in an a r m e d conf r o n t a t i o n s h o u l d n ' t stop you from seeking b e t t e r c o v e r , p r o v i d e d , of c o u r s e , y o u c a n c h a n g e l o c a tions w i t h o u t getting shot in t h e process. As usual, y o u w a n t t o p l a n a h e a d ; select youi next position before you move. If p o s s i b l e , y o u s h o u l d c h a n g e f r o m p l a c e t o p l a c e behind cover. Y o u m i g h t be able to m o v e a r o u n d a r o o m , for i n s t a n c e , b y p u s h i n g or p u l l i n g an overstuffed chair across the floor w h i l e you stay low b e h i n d it. Outdoors, you m a y be able to t a k e a d v a n t a g e of f u r r o w s , c u l v e r t s , t r e n c h e s or n a t u r a l i n d e n t a t i o n s i n t h e g r o u n d , as w e l l a s u p r i g h t o b jects. W h e r e you m u s t cross open space w i t h no c o v e r , y o u r f i r s t c h o i c e is r u n n i n g , as l o w a n d as f a s t as y o u c a n . Y o u ' r e s a f e s t if y o u c a n r u n across y o u r assailant's line of f i r e it's hardest to draw a bead o n a t a r g e t m o v i n g f a s t i n a l a t e r a l d i r e c t i o n . If y o u have to run in a path t h a t ' s parallel to his gun, zigzag or m o v e at a n u n e v e n p a c e . ;

Don't move fust for the sake of moving. And in evaluating the cover you're heading toward, be s u r e it w o n ' t p l a c e y o u i n a n u n m a n e u v e r a b l e p o s i t i o n . F l e x i b i l i t y is i m p o r t a n t i n a g u n f i g h t . If y o u r c o v e r b o x e s y o u i n w h e r e i t ' s i m p o s s i b l e or d i f f i c u l t t o m o v e r a p i d l y , y o u m a y e n d up " b o x e d i n , " permanently. 162

Where you must cross open space without cover, your first choice is running, as low and as fast as you can. Here an officer applies that tactic in rushing a child to safety during a sniper attack in which 2 were killed and 44 injured, including 6 policemen.

Position and Grips G e t t i n g safe is t h e g o a l of s e e k i n g c o v e r . Y o u r a b i l i t y t o r e t u r n fire f r o m b e h i n d it a n d t o b e c o m f o r t a b l e t h e r e are s e c o n d a r y c o n s i d e r a t i o n s . T h e r e fore, t h e posture you a s s u m e b e h i n d cover should be geared first a n d f o r e m o s t t o a c h i e v i n g m a x i m u m c o n c e a l m e n t from the suspect and protection from his bullets. T h i s m e a n s y o u w a n t t o blend in with the shape of your cover. If y o u r c o v e r ' s a m a i l b o x , c r o u c h a n d spread y o u r legs s o e a c h is b e h i n d o n e of t h e b o x ' s s u p p o r t s . If y o u ' r e b e h i n d a u t i l i t y p o l e o r t r e e , y o u r i n c l i n a t i o n m a y b e t o go t o a l o w p o s i t i o n if y o u ' r e b e i n g s h o t a t . B u t if y o u go l o w , y o u ' l l s p r e a d o u t , exposing your kneecaps and legs. Y o u ' r e usually safer t o s t a n d u p r i g h t , t u r n e d s i d e w a y s t o t h e p o l e w i t h y o u r w e a k - s i d e leg f o r w a r d , t a k i n g m o s t of y o u r w e i g h t . S i m i l a r l y , if y o u ' v e s c r a m b l e d b e h i n d a fireplug or t r a s h c a n , y o u m a y b e i n c l i n e d t o s q u a t there. B u t a low kneeling position will likely give you more protection. G o down on your strong-side k n e e a n d sit b a c k o n t h a t leg, w i t h y o u r b o d y h u n c h e d a n d t u c k e d i n t i g h t t o k e e p as m u c h of it as y o u c a n w i t h i n t h e o u t l i n e of y o u r c o v e r . O n o n e k n e e , y o u c a n s t i l l m o v e q u i c k l y if n e c e s s a r y . W h e n y o u a r e b e h i n d large c o v e r , l i k e a w a l l , t h e n you m a y reasonably have a choice between getting l o w or s t a y i n g e r e c t . T w o p o s i t i o n s y o u a l m o s t a l w a y s w a n t t o avoid b e h i n d c o v e r a r e : 1) s i t t i n g a n d 2) p r o n i n g o u t . T h e s e are p r o b a b l y a c c e p t a b l e f o r m i l i t a r y u s e s , but for law e n f o r c e m e n t purposes t h e y generally a l l o w y o u too Utile maneuverability in case y o u need to m o v e fast to a n e w l o c a t i o n . T h e prone

p o s i t i o n , p a r t i c u l a r l y , is a d i f f i c u l t o n e t o s h o o t f r o m if t h e s u s p e c t is a n y p l a c e b u t g r o u n d l e v e l . O v e r a l o n g p e r i o d of t i m e , t h i s p o s i t i o n c a n i n d u c e considerable fatigue in your head, n e c k and a r m s . In a d d i t i o n , if y o u a r e o n c o n c r e t e or s o m e o t h e r hard s u r f a c e , t h e s e p o s i t i o n s i n c r e a s e y o u r r i s k of b e i n g h i t b y r i c o c h e t b u l l e t s . I n s t e a d of a g l a n c i n g r o u n d c a t c h i n g y o u i n t h e leg, as it m i g h t if y o u ' r e s t a n d i n g or k n e e l i n g , y o u t a k e t h e c h a n c e of b e i n g s t r u c k i n t h e s t o m a c h if y o u ' r e s i t t i n g or i n t h e h e a d if y o u ' r e p r o n e . A l s o , f a l l i n g t o g e t i n t o t h e s e positions m a y needlessly expose you to injury from rocks, rusty cans, cactus, broken glass and other n a t u r a l or m a n - m a d e h a z a r d s . T h e r e are e x c e p t i o n s , of c o u r s e . If a l o w c u r b is y o u r only c o v e r , t h e n i t ' s y o u r b e s t , a n d p r o n i n g o u t i n t h e g u t t e r is y o u r o n l y p r a c t i c a l c h o i c e . ( G e n e r a l l y t h e c u r b is h i g h e s t — a n d t h u s m o s t protective—near intersections and s t o r m sewer d r a i n s . ) A l s o if y o u are o n or j u s t b e y o n d t h e s l o p e of a n e m b a n k m e n t — s a y a l o n g r a i l r o a d t r a c k s — t h e prone position m a y w o r k w e l l . Here any r i c o c h e t b u l l e t s w o u l d l i k e l y b o u n c e off t h e t r a c k s a n d o v e r your head.

If rolling into a curb becomes the only cover option, remember that curbs are usually highest near corners where the drains are located.

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In c h o o s i n g c o v e r a n d p o s i t i o n i n g y o u r s e l f , r e m e m b e r the ostrich effect: the suspect's perspect i v e m a y b e d r a s t i c a l l y d i f f e r e n t f r o m y o u r s . If y o u are c r o u c h e d b e h i n d c o v e r a n d h e is l o c a t e d at a n upper elevation, the barrier m a y b l o c k h i m from y o u r v i e w — y e t h e m a y b e a b l e t o s e e over it t o s p o t you perfectly. T h i s w a s t h e case in N e w O r l e a n s where officers confronted a suspect shooting from a h i g h - r i s e m o t e l . T h e y f e l t t h e y w e r e safe h i d i n g behind a high brick fence, not realizing that from their assailant's high angle the wall was no hind r a n c e at all t o p i c k i n g t h e m off. F r o m b e h i n d cover, y o u w a n t to keep a good v i s u a l o n y o u r s u s p e c t ' s l o c a t i o n , if y o u c a n ' t s e e h i m p e r s o n a l l y . S o l o n g as y o u k n o w r o u g h l y w h e r e h e is, y o u h a v e h i m c o n t a i n e d . U n o b s e r v e d , h e m a y try to escape or m o v e to c i r c u m v e n t y o u r cover, c a u s i n g y o u t o l o s e c o n t r o l of t h e s i t u a t i o n . If y o u c a n ' t w a t c h h i m directly from w h e r e you're positioned, you m a y be able to utilize the reflections in w i n d o w s to see his area. O r u s e t h e q u i c k peek t e c h n i q u e , g l a n c i n g o u t at d i f f e r e n t l e v e l s f r o m behind your barricade. R e m e m b e r , try to peek out from low, unexpected levels and not from the s a m e level consistently.

As you move to cover, avoid getting so close to the suspect's location that your position threatens your safety. Hereon officer has positioned himself about 6 feet from occupants of a house who are shooting at police.

If a direct assault is not imminent, positioning yourself with your head over the top will give you a broader field of view.

.... However, shooting from the side of the mailbox will offer better cover and concealment. What is sacrificed is your total area of observation.

W h e n y o u ' r e forced to stay b e h i n d cover for a l o n g p e r i o d of t i m e , t r y t o s h i f t y o u r p o s i t i o n s l i g h t l y e v e r y s o o f t e n if y o u c a n do s o s a f e l y . O t h e r w i s e , the fatigue and restricted blood circulat i o n t h a t c o m e f r o m rigidly h o l d i n g o n e p o s t u r e for a n e x t e n d e d t i m e m a y b l u r y o u r v i s i o n a n d m a k e it d i f f i c u l t for y o u t o s e e t h e s u s p e c t . U l t i m a t e l y , y o u w i l l a d o p t a p o s i t i o n t h a t is c o m f o r t a b l e a n d w o r k s b e s t for y o u . A s far as f i r i n g at y o u r a d v e r s a r y is c o n c e r n e d , y o u w a n t t o s h o o t around y o u r c o v e r w h e n p o s s i b l e , r a t h e r t h a n over t h e t o p of i t . V i s u a l i z e t h e s e t w o p o s i t i o n s f r o m a m a i l b o x as c o v e r a n d y o u ' l l s e e t h a t s h o o t i n g f r o m t h e side w i l l e x p o s e a m u c h s m a l l e r p o r t i o n of y o u r v i t a l a n a t o m y t o a s u s p e c t ' s h o s t i l e shots. T h e exact posture you adopt will depend on the s h a p e of y o u r c o v e r a n d t h e s u s p e c t ' s l o c a t i o n , t h e idea of b e i n g t o get o n t a r g e t w h i l e r i s k i n g as l i t t l e of y o u r h i d e as y o u c a n . W h e n b u l l e t s are f l y i n g a n d you're under stress, you w a n t to be able to call a u t o m a t i c a l l y on survival skills that are s i m p l e ,

e f f e c t i v e a n d e a s i l y a p p l i e d . S o , as a k e y t o s h o o t i n g , y o u n e e d a b a s i c grip t h a t w i l l h o l d y o u r g u n s t e a d y a n d t h a t c a n b e a d a p t e d t o a v a r i e t y of b e h i n d - c o v e r p o s t u r e s . S e l e c t a grip y o u ' r e c o m f o r t a b l e w i t h . . . p r a c t i c e it r e g u l a r l y . . . t h e n s t i c k w i t h it w h e n y o u g e t i n t r o u b l e . If y o u c a n l e a r n t o s h o o t o n e w a y and learn to shoot o n e way effectively, t h a t ' s a strong plus for y o u r staying alive. T h e old m e t h o d involved pressing your support hand flat against the barricade w i t h the t h u m b j u t t i n g o u t t o f o r m a n " L . " T h e w r i s t of y o u r g u n h a n d t h e n rested in this c r o t c h , and y o u braced yourself w i t h your opposite foot forward against the wall. Even when the cover was conveniently f l a t , as it u s u a l l y w a s o n t h e r a n g e s w h e r e t h i s f o r m w a s t a u g h t , t h e grip t e n d e d t o b e s h a k y . B u t it w a s e v e n l e s s s u i t a b l e b e h i n d c u r v e d or i r r e g u l a r s h i e l d s , l i k e p o l e s a n d f i r e p l u g s , w h i c h y o u are far m o r e likely to encounter on the street. For s h o o t i n g from b e h i n d cover in an armed c o n f r o n t a t i o n , y o u ' l l p r o b a b l y f i n d o n e of t h e s e m o r e s t a b l e grips easier to use and m o r e effective in delivering a c c u r a t e fire: 1. the two-handed combat hold. T h i s is t h e s a m e grip u s e d i n t h e b a s i c i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g s t a n c e . Basically, one hand holds your gun, and the other h a n d w r a p s a r o u n d it t o p r o v i d e a d d i t i o n a l s u p p o r t . T h e f i n g e r s of t h e t w o h a n d s m a y b e f i r m l y i n t e r t w i n e d or l o c k e d t o g e t h e r , or t h e s u p p o r t h a n d m a y s i m p l y wrap around your shooting h a n d . As y o u fire, t h e b a c k of y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d b e t w e e n w r i s t a n d k n u c k l e s presses against t h e side of your cover. T h i s grip a l l o w s for a s l i g h t g u n - h a n d p u s h a n d support-hand pull w h i c h will give you a steady, s o l i d grip o n t h e g u n . 2. the wrist clench. Here you hold your nonshooting a r m b e n t and parallel to the ground and p l a c e t h e b a c k edge of it a g a i n s t y o u r c o v e r . I n a n over-handed grip, your n o n - s h o o t i n g h a n d t h e n c l u t c h e s y o u r g u n h a n d at t h e w r i s t . T h i s h o l d allows you to brace yourself against your cover a n d p r o v i d e s s o m e s t e a d y i n g of y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d as y o u f i r e . If y o u ' r e c o m f o r t a b l e u s i n g it, the two-hand combat hold is the superior grip for shooting from cover. Y o u s h o u l d p r a c t i c e it u n t i l it b e c o m e s ins t i n c t i v e . W i t h it, you can shoot around anything, w h e t h e r i t ' s a square corner, a round corner, a fire h y d r a n t , a m a i l b o x , t h e h o o d of a c a r or w h a t - h a v e y o u . T h e grip w o r k s w h e t h e r y o u are s t a n d i n g , crouching, kneeling, even sitting or proned out. In the k n e e l i n g position, y o u can bolster the support it g i v e s y o u r g u n b y p l a c i n g t h e e l b o w of y o u r 170

n o n - s h o o t i n g a r m o n your raised k n e e to form roughly a " V " between your shoulder and gun. T o keep this brace steadiest, avoid direct c o n t a c t b e t w e e n your elbow and k n e e b o n e and instead p l a c e t h e f l e s h y part of y o u r a r m j u s t a b o v e t h e elbow against t h e k n e e area. Depending on the suspect's location, you m a y n e e d t o " p o p o u t " s o m e of y o u r u p p e r b o d y f r o m b e h i n d y o u r c o v e r i n order t o f i r e at h i m . B u t b y m o v i n g f a s t a n d u s i n g t h e p r i n c i p l e s of i n s t i n c t shooting, you can keep your exposure t i m e to a minimum.

Your best position around most barricade cover will involve the two-hand hold. Notice the relationship of hands to this right-sided barricade. Also notice that at no point does the revolver actually touch the cover surface.

The proper position next to this pole is appropriate to almost every barricade cover situation.

Moreover, the a m o u n t of your body exposed d u r i n g t h a t t i m e c a n a l s o b e m i n i m i z e d , if y o u train yourself to be an ambidextrous shooter, able to fire p r o f i c i e n t l y w i t h t h e gun in e i t h e r your left or r i g h t h a n d , as y o u r c o v e r a n d t h e s u s p e c t ' s location dictate. M o s t training on the range e m phasizes only strong-hand shooting, but in s o m e street situations, you m a y find yourself behind a "left-handed barricade," one that requires you to " p o p o u t " t o t h e l e f t t o s h o o t a r o u n d . If y o u a r e normally a right-handed shooter, you should be able in this c i r c u m s t a n c e to shoot a c c u r a t e l y w i t h y o u r g u n i n y o u r l e f t h a n d . T h e r e is n o d o u b t t h a t d o i n g s o c a n g i v e y o u e x t r a p r o t e c t i o n . If y o u d o n ' t use y o u r left h a n d b e h i n d a left-handed barricade, b u t l e a n o u t far e n o u g h i n s t e a d t o s h o o t w i t h y o u r r i g h t h a n d , y o u are e x p o s i n g a p p r o x i m a t e l y three times the a m o u n t of your body that would be n e c e s s a r y for a w e a k - h a n d s h o t . T h i s a d d i t i o n a l exposure involves m o s t l y your head and chest areas. T h a t creates a significant increase in your survival r i s k , e v e n if t h e e x p o s u r e t i m e i n v o l v e d is m e a s u r e d i n s e c o n d s or l e s s . I n a d d i t i o n , w e a k - h a n d s h o o t i n g c a n b e i m p o r t a n t if y o u r s t r o n g h a n d is s h o t or o t h e r w i s e i n j u r e d . If y o u ' r e a m b i d e x t r o u s , y o u c a n still defend yourself. Although m o s t officers have a strong psychological urge to use their strong h a n d in shooting

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f r o m b e h i n d both right- and left-sided barricades, weak-hand shooting can be developed to the level t h a t y o u will u s e it u n d e r s t r e s s . It is l e a r n e d b e h a v i o r , a n d y o u c a n l e a r n it w e l l . T h e t a c t i c is w e l l w o r t h t h e e f f o r t , b u t l e a r n i n g it d o e s r e q u i r e extensive practice. In a d d i t i o n t o t r a i n i n g y o u r h a n d s , y o u h a v e t o c o n d i t i o n y o u r s e l f so y o u d o n ' t s t i c k y o u r h e a d all t h e w a y o u t t o s h o o t w i t h b o t h e y e s or w i t h y o u r s t r o n g e r e y e . If y o u h a v e n ' t p r a c t i c e d to the point that you can use w e a k - h a n d shooting c o m f o r t a b l y a n d c o n f i d e n t l y , y o u will r e v e r t u n d e r pressure to shooting w i t h your stronger hand, w h i c h , in certain c i r c u m s t a n c e s , can be l e t h a l . F o r w e a k - h a n d s h o o t i n g , of c o u r s e , y o u u s e t h e s a m e grip. Just transfer your gun t o your w e a k hand and e m p l o y y o u r strong hand for support. (If y o u ' r e u s i n g a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , y o u ' l l f i n d a definite a w k w a r d n e s s in operating t h e safety and s l i d e r e l e a s e , w h i c h is n o r m a l l y d o n e w i t h t h e t h u m b of y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d . T h e s e l e v e r s w i l l h a v e t o b e m o v e d w i t h t h e i n d e x f i n g e r of y o u r weak hand.)

The proper body and shotgun position behind a right-sided barricade. Notice that the shotgun does not touch the barricade.

verting to the strong-hand position zft photos] around a left-sided barricade ill expose your head and torso every Tie. The same is true when holding shotgun.

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In applying barricade cover, both feet are placed firmly on the ground, with your gun-side foot placed back a comfortable distance.

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In s h o o t i n g w i t h e i t h e r h a n d , a p r o p e r f o o t p l a c e m e n t is i m p o r t a n t f o r b a l a n c e a n d c o n t r o l . If y o u ' r e in a s t a n d i n g p o s i t i o n b e h i n d a b a r r i c a d e , t h e f o o t o n t h e s a m e side as y o u r g u n h a n d s h o u l d b e placed about one step back. Again, you'll probably need to e x p e r i m e n t to find the p o s i t i o n t h a t offers y o u t h e b e s t c o m b i n a t i o n of c o m f o r t , b a l a n c e a n d accuracy. R e m e m b e r to shift your weight on the b a l l s of y o u r f e e t f r o m t i m e t o t i m e d u r i n g p e r i o d s of i n a c t i v i t y t o r e l i e v e f a t i g u e . B e s u r e w h e n s h o o t i n g t h a t no part of youi gun touches your barricade. B e c o n s c i o u s of w h e r e t h e b a r r e l is ( c y l i n d e r , t o o , if y o u ' r e u s i n g a r e v o l v e r ) , and k e e p it s l i g h t l y a w a y f r o m a n y s u r f a c e . Y o u m a y have shot on a range by resting your gun on a little s a n d b a g , b u t t h i s is n o t c o m p a r a b l e t o a h a r d s u r f a c e t h a t h a s n o " g i v e . " If y o u r g u n is t o u c h i n g s u c h a s u r f a c e , it w i l l b o u n c e w h e n y o u f i r e . T h i s c h a n g e i n the recoil action will m a k e your shots inaccurate a n d l e n g t h e n y o u r r e c o v e r y t i m e for g e t t i n g b a c k o n target f o r y o u r n e x t s h o t . Be careful also to keep your m u z z l e c o m p l e t e l y c l e a r of y o u r c o v e r . In I l l i n o i s , a n o f f i c e r s u f f e r e d a painful ear injury w h i l e shooting from b e h i n d a railroad e m b a n k m e n t . H e u n w i t t i n g l y l e t t h e b a r r e l of h i s s h o t g u n drop d o w n s o part of t h e m u z z l e w a s pointing into the train track he was trying to shoot over. T h i s can cause n o t only an u n u s u a l l y i n t e n s e sound reverberation w h i c h can injure your eard r u m s , as h a p p e n e d i n t h i s c a s e , b u t a l s o c a n c a u s e your a m m u n i t i o n to deflect dangerously, bringing i n j u r y t o y o u r s e l f or f e l l o w o f f i c e r s . E v e n w i t h o u t m i s h a p , shooting from behind covet is different from shooting in the open. Your a c c u r a c y r a t e is l i k e l y t o b e l o w e r . T h e o n l y w a y t o c o r r e c t t h a t is b y a d h e r i n g t o t h e o n e u n c h a n g i n g s u r v i v a l p r i n c i p l e : practice builds proficiency.

Patrol Car as Cover A l o t of s h o o t i n g s go d o w n n e a r p a t r o l c a r s . O f t e n y o u r c l o s e s t s o u r c e of c o v e r is y o u r c a r i t s e l f . If y o u ' r e i n s i d e it, y o u m a y b e a b l e t o m o v e q u i c k l y t o a protected position just by shifting a few i n c h e s in y o u r s e a t . O u t s i d e t h e car, t h e r e a r e s e v e r a l p l a c e s w h e r e t h e v e h i c l e ' s c o n s t r u c t i o n offers y o u e x c e l l e n t s h i e l d i n g . If n o t h i n g e l s e , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o drive y o u r u n i t t o a p o s i t i o n w h e r e g o o d c o v e r is a v a i l a b l e . T h e r e are, h o w e v e r , s o m e popular m i s c o n c e p tions about patrol car cover. M Y T H : Y o u have good cover by c r o u c h i n g b e h i n d a wide-open v e h i c l e door and s h o o t i n g through t h e

open window. Actually, this position leaves you v u l n e r a b l e in several w a y s . Y o u r legs are exposed below the door they can be k n o c k e d out from under y o u b y r i c o c h e t fire f r o m t h e s u s p e c t ' s p o s i t i o n . Y o u r h e a d a n d u p p e r t o r s o are e x p o s e d as y o u r i s e u p i n t h e w i n d o w t o s h o o t . A n d if t h e s u s p e c t is s m a r t and has e n o u g h firepower, h e c a n l i k e l y shoot right through the door and hit you. Indeed, t h e r e ' s enough f i r e p o w e r f o r t h a t i n a . 2 2 c a l . r i f l e h o t l o a d . (If y o u must u s e a c a r d o o r for c o v e r , t r y t o a n g l e t h e d o o r i n relation to the suspect's fire. T h e n there's a greater c h a n c e of h i s b u l l e t s r i c o c h e t i n g off.) ;

// you've ever considered a cover tactic like this, consider yourself lucky you've never tested it during a shooting confrontation.

Patrol car doors make for poor and much blood.

cover

MYTH: Flopping over the hood, over the rear fender or o v e r t h e c a r t o p is a g o o d w a y t o r e t u r n f i r e . S o m e of t h e s a m e l e t h a l p r o b l e m s a p p l y . Y o u ' r e e x p o s i n g a s i z e a b l e p o r t i o n of y o u r b o d y t o h o s t i l e fire o n c e y o u g e t a b o v e c o v e r . If y o u ' r e s h o o t i n g o v e r t h e t o p , f o r e x a m p l e , at l e a s t y o u r h e a d a n d s h o u l d e r s are e x p o s e d o n t h e r o o f a n d y o u r m i d - s e c t i o n is v u l nerable through the windows. And your assailant 176

still m a y be able to take out your legs by skipping bullets. Indeed, positions like these m a y invite shots. T h e y certainly have in the past.

MYTH: W h i l e s e a t e d in y o u r c a r , y o u c a n s h o o t through the windshield and hit your adversary. T h i s m a y w o r k i n C l i n t E a s t w o o d m o v i e s , b u t don't t r y it i n r e a l l i f e . T h e b u l l e t a c t u a l l y m a y t r a v e l d o w n t h e g l a s s , r a t h e r t h a n t h r o u g h it, a n d d e f l e c t i n t o y o u r c a r . O r it m a y j u s t lodge i n t h e g l a s s . A t t h e very least, your eardrums will experience pain f r o m t h e s h o t fired w i t h i n t h e c o n f i n e s of t h e c a r . O n e w a y t o r e m a i n i n s i d e y o u r p a t r o l c a r and s h o o t e f f e c t i v e l y , at l e a s t w h e n y o u r a s s a i l a n t is i n r o n t of y o u , as m i g h t b e t h e c a s e i n a t r a f f i c s t o p t h a t g o e s s o u r , is t o u s e t h e b a c k b r a c e p o s i t i o n . W i t h y o u r d o o r at l e a s t p a r t i a l l y o p e n , y o u s l i d e o v e r in y o u r s e a t s o y o u r b a c k is r e s t i n g a g a i n s t t h e d o o r post. O n e leg s t a y s i n s i d e , y o u k e e p t h e o t h e r u p off t h e p a v e m e n t b y b r a c i n g y o u r f o o t a g a i n s t t h e 3pen d o o r . Scoot down low a n d p o s i t i o n y o u r side177

a r m i n t h e c r o t c h f o r m e d b y t h e f r o n t edge of t h e door and the windshield post. T h e m e t a l can serve as a b e n c h r e s t f o r y o u r h a n d s , e n a b l i n g y o u t o get off m o r e a c c u r a t e r o u n d s w i t h e i t h e r y o u r s i d e a r m or s h o t g u n . I n t h i s p o s i t i o n , y o u r f a c e a n d c h e s t a r e p a r t i a l l y p r o t e c t e d b e h i n d t h e h e a v y m e t a l of t h e windshield post, and, depending on the exact location of the suspect, you m a y achieve additional shielding from the car's engine block. Of course, y o u k e e p y o u r e n g i n e r u n n i n g so y o u c a n b a c k up or p u l l o u t of t h e r e f a s t if n e c e s s a r y or d e s i r a b l e . One tactic for using your vehicle as cover is to position yourself like this. Brace your foot to keep the door open. This position also keeps your legs clear of low rounds.

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If t h e s u s p e c t is p o s i t i o n e d w h e r e y o u ' r e b e t t e r off or h a v e t i m e t o e x i t y o u r p a t r o l c a r , y o u w a n t t o e x i t o n t h e side a w a y f r o m h o s t i l e w e a p o n s f i r e . If y o u ' r e t h e driver a n d i t ' s safe t o e x i t t h r o u g h y o u r door, h i t y o u r s e a t b e l t r e l e a s e a n d at t h e s a m e t i m e t u c k your left a r m under the shoulder h a r n e s s . Y o u shed the harness w i t h a pushing m o t i o n and open t h e door l a t c h w i t h y o u r l e f t h a n d . T h e n p u s h t h e door o p e n w i t h y o u r l e f t k n e e , l e a v i n g b o t h h a n d s free as y o u s t a r t o u t . (If y o u ' r e t h e p a s s e n g e r o f f i c e r , u s e y o u r r i g h t h a n d a n d k n e e for t h i s m a n e u v e r . ) Y o u w a n t t o r o l l o u t of t h e car, l a n d i n g o n y o u r hands and k n e e s and keeping l o w u n t i l y o u reach cover, say b e h i n d a w h e e l . If y o u n e e d t o e x i t f r o m t h e s i d e of t h e c a r opposite where you're sitting, d u c k down, stretch o u t a c r o s s t h e s e a t a n d o p e n t h a t d o o r . G r a b t h e edge of t h e s e a t a n d p u l l y o u r s e l f a c r o s s o n y o u r b e l l y a n d side, a n d c o n t i n u e t o slide o n o u t . Y o u c a n u s e y o u r f e e t a g a i n s t t h e o p p o s i t e d o o r f o r a n e x t r a p u s h forward. T h i s keeps your head and c h e s t , your m o s t v u l n e r a b l e a r e a s , as l o w as p o s s i b l e a n d a l l o w s y o u to present the lowest profile w h i l e e x i t i n g — a n d t h a t ' s y o u r t o p p r i o r i t y . Do not t r y t o d r a w y o u r gun w h i l e g o i n g t h r o u g h t h e s e m a n e u v e r s . Y o u m a y e n d up a c c i d e n t a l l y s h o o t i n g y o u r s e l f . D r a w a f t e r y o u ' r e outside, w h e n y o u ' r e c a p a b l e of r e t u r n i n g fire s a f e l y . V e h i c l e e x i t s are u s u a l l y g i v e n l i t t l e a t t e n t i o n in b a s i c t r a i n i n g . B u t o n e of t h e t h i n g s y o u ' l l l e a r n q u i c k l y i n t r y i n g an o p p o s i t e - d o o r e x i t is t o k e e p t h e e q u i p m e n t that you store on the front seat to an a b s o l u t e m i n i m u m . C o n s o l e s , radar a n d o t h e r n e c essary e q u i p m e n t that m a y be in the w a y will slow y o u d o w n e n o u g h . If a s u s p e c t ' s b u l l e t s are t u r n i n g your unit into a sieve, you don't w a n t extra debris to further h a m p e r your getting out! O u t s i d e the patrol car, m o v e i m m e d i a t e l y to h e r e y o u h a v e m a x i m u m p r o t e c t i o n . C r o u c h i n g or k n e e l i n g b e h i n d o n e of t h e w h e e l s is l i k e l i e s t t o fully c o n c e a l y o u and protect y o u from r i c o c h e t o u n d s a n d a l s o p u t s a b a r r i e r of r u b b e r a n d m e t a l — o s s i b l y t w o of t h e m — b e t w e e n y o u a n d a s u s p e c t ' s irect fire. B e h i n d a front w h e e l , y o u m a y also be rotected by t h e engine b l o c k , the least penetrable o m p o n e n t of a n y v e h i c l e . Beware of standing or neeling between wheel bases. T r u e , y o u ' v e g o t t h e h o l e l e n g t h or w i d t h of t h e c a r as c o v e r , b u t y o u r egs are e x p o s e d u n d e r n e a t h . In t h e i n f a m o u s T e x a s ower incident in 1 9 6 6 , an a m b u l a n c e driver t o o k uch a position outside his vehicle, thinking he was afe f r o m t h e s n i p e r s h o t s c r a c k l i n g a r o u n d h i m . h a r l e s W h i t m a n s t r u c k h i m at l e a s t o n c e b y u s i n g icochet shooting under the ambulance.

Again, depending on the suspect's location, you m a y be able to m o s t safely sight h i m by q u i c k p e e k i n g u n d e r t h e c a r . If y o u ' r e u p f r o n t a n d h e ' s situated appropriately, o n e w a y for y o u to s h o o t that m a i n t a i n s g o o d c o v e r is t o r o c k f o r w a r d a n d fire a r o u n d t h e f r o n t of t h e c a r , j u s t a b o v e t h e b u m p e r . T h i s t e n d s t o b e a b e t t e r p o s i t i o n t h a n t h e traditional one, taken by t w o officers in Maryland w h o tried to apprehend a teenage b a n k robbery suspect. W h e n h e fired at t h e m w i t h a . 2 0 g a . s h o t g u n , t h e y shot b a c k over their patrol car. H e killed t h e m both with blasts to the head. If y o u r a s s a i l a n t c h a n g e s l o c a t i o n a n d y o u n e e d t o m o v e f r o m o n e side of t h e p a t r o l c a r t o t h e o t h e r , u n d e r f i r e , s t a y l o w as y o u c i r c l e t h e e n d of t h e c a r . K e e p a v i s u a l o n t h e s u s p e c t t h r o u g h t h e car glass, so h e ' s under c o n s t a n t surveillance. As soon as y o u r o u n d t h e v e h i c l e , a g a i n t a k e c o v e r b e h i n c a wheel.

Most suspects will expect you to remain by your vehicle. Moments after this picture was taken, the officer with the shotgun was killed by sniper fire from a hotel across the street. 182

U n d e r s t r e s s , w e a l l t e n d t o r e v e r t t o s o u r c e s of t r e n g t h . In a c r i s i s , w i t h o f f i c e r s , a p r i n c i p a l s o u r c e tends to be the patrol car. I t ' s f a m i l i a r . . . i t ' s m o b i l e . . . i t s radio m a y s y m b o l i z e a lifeline. B u t in s o m e situations, to save your life, y o u ' l l have to abandon i t . Y o u r p o s i t i o n t h e r e , e v e n if y o u m a k e t h e b e s t p o s s i b l e u s e of t h e c a r as c o v e r , m a y b e t o o v u l n e r able. T h i s was tragically illustrated in a m i d w e s t e r n incident w h e r e t w o officers were fired u p o n in their patrol car by t w o suspects in a n o t h e r car. T h e officer w h o was driving was killed in t h e first volley. O n e of t h e s u s p e c t s t h e n c l i m b e d o u t of t h e s u s p e c t v e h i c l e and a p p r o a c h e d t h e p a t r o l c a r o n f o o t . T h e p a s s e n g e r o f f i c e r s a w h i m e m e r g i n g b u t i n s t e a d of e x i t i n g t h e p a t r o l c a r for c o v e r , h e s t a y e d i n s i d e t o r a d i o for h e l p . H e w a s t h e n s h o t l i k e a s i t t i n g d u c k by the suspect firing through t h e w i n d s h i e l d . As y o u m a n e u v e r i n a n d a r o u n d y o u r p a t r o l c a r , keep in mind your other cover options. Remember, your car has definite l i m i t a t i o n s . T h e r e should be n o u m b i l i c a l c o r d t y i n g y o u t o it if y o u c a n s a f e l y r e a c h something better somewhere else. T h i s m a y m e a n sacrificing your c o m m u n i c a t i o n s contact unless you have a portable radio. B u t protecting y o u r life is, after all, your top priority. A solid shield will p r o b a b l y do t h a t b e t t e r t h a n a m i c r o p h o n e i n a n imminent shoot-out.

enetration Power M a n y officers t h i n k that w h a t they c a n ' t see t h e y c a n ' t s h o o t . A v i v i d t e s t of t h i s t h a t r a r e l y fails is p e r f o r m e d r e g u l a r l y b y o n e i n s t r u c t o r i n s u r v i v a l t a c t i c s . O n e at a t i m e , h e a r m s h i s s t u d e n t s with a deactivated revolver and tells t h e m to ' s h o o t " h i m as h e s i t s f a c i n g t h e m , a b o u t 2 f e e t a w a y . T h e t r i c k is t h a t h e h o l d s a s h e e t of t y p i n g paper i n f r o n t of h i m . A l m o s t i n v a r i a b l y , a c u r i o u s choreography promptly develops: the student moves t h e g u n t o t r y t o s h o o t around t h e p a p e r , t h e i n s t r u c t o r j e r k s t h e paper in f r o n t of t h e m u z z l e , t h e s t u e n t s h i f t s t h e g u n , t h e i n s t r u c t o r b l o c k s it w i t h h e p a p e r a n d s o o n , ad i n f i n i t u m . H a r d l y a n y o n e ver " s h o o t s " through t h e paper, t h o u g h a b u l l e t bviously w o u l d p u n c h right through to t h e instrucor. O n t h e s t r e e t , t h e s a m e sort of t h i n g s o m e t i m e s a p p e n s . O n e o f f i c e r s a v e d h i s life b y h o l d i n g u p h i s p e n p a l m i n f r o n t of a s u s p e c t ' s g u n a n d c o n i n u i n g t o m o v e it as t h e s u s p e c t t r i e d t o s h o o t round the officer's hand. S o m e t i m e s it's the suspect who capitalizes on he failure to acknowledge p e n e t r a t i o n power. In

m o r e than one armed encounter, the offender has ducked behind a hedge—and the officer has stopped s h o o t i n g at h i m , e v e n t h o u g h h i s l o c a t i o n is k n o w n a n d t h e o f f i c e r ' s a m m u n i t i o n is c l e a r l y c a p a b l e of penetrating to it. T h e officer w a i t s to shoot u n t i l the s u s p e c t ' s head pops up. W i t h a firearm and a m m u n i t i o n that are powerful e n o u g h , y o u c a n p e n e t r a t e v i r t u a l l y any c o v e r . W i t h a h i g h - v e l o c i t y . 3 0 c a l . r i f l e — l i k e a . 3 0 8 or .30-06—you can punch through about anything. Even with your service handgun—and especially w i t h a shotgun loaded w i t h rifled slugs rather t h a n .00 B u c k — y o u can shoot through m a n y objects a suspect might c o m m o n l y hide behind, including d o o r s , e x t e r i o r a n d i n t e r i o r w a l l s of m a n y b u i l d i n g s a n d c e r t a i n p a r t s of c a r s .

Bullets do penetrate walls. A suspect being hunted on a felony charge heard an officer walk into his bathroom during the search. Once the officer's presence was revealed the suspect shot through the wall from another room and killed a target he didn't need to see.

If a s u s p e c t p u l l s a g u n o n y o u as y o u a p p r o a c h h i s d o o r i n a t r a f f i c s t o p , for i n s t a n c e , y o u m a y b e a b l e t o s h o o t h i m b y f i r i n g t h r o u g h t h e d o o r as y o u drop i n t o a p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n b e l o w t h e w i n d o w l e v e l . Y e a r s ago, w h e n c a r s w e r e m a d e d i f f e r e n t l y , t h i s m i g h t n o t h a v e b e e n p o s s i b l e . B u t t o d a y , despite s o m e c l a i m s to the contrary, car bodies often can b e p e n e t r a t e d b y s t a n d a r d p o l i c e a m m u n i t i o n , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u are a f e w f e e t b a c k f r o m t h e c a r so the bullet has a c h a n c e to gain s o m e stability before it i m p a c t s . In o n e C a l i f o r n i a i n c i d e n t , a n o f f i c e r fired 9 m m r o u n d s f r o m a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c at a s u s pect sitting in a Ford P i n t o . Eight b u l l e t s w e n t through t h e t r u n k lid, the b a c k seat, t h e front seat, i n t o the suspect and out again. (Where car doors are c o n c e r n e d , t h e c h a n c e s of p e n e t r a t i o n are g r e a t e s t if y o u s h o o t s t r a i g h t o n . E v e n a s h a l l o w l y a n g l e d s h o t is l i k e l i e r t o r i c o c h e t off t h e m e t a l . If t h e w i n d o w is d o w n , t h a t ' s a n o t h e r f a c t o r h a m p e r i n g p e n e tration. Cold weather m a y be, too; ice on the metal would tend to heighten the ricochet effect.) S o m e t i m e s f i r i n g t h r o u g h c o v e r is t h e s u r e s t w a y of i n c a p a c i t a t i n g y o u r a s s a i l a n t . If h e ' s s h o o t i n g at y o u f r o m a w i n d o w , for e x a m p l e , y o u m a y h a v e a tough t i m e c a t c h i n g h i m in t h e opening. B u t w i t h a w o o d or s t u c c o b u i l d i n g y o u c o u l d p o s s i b l y fire t h r o u g h t h e w a l l t o e i t h e r s i d e of t h e w i n d o w or b e l o w it a n d h i t h i m w h i l e h e ' s s t a n d i n g or c r o u c h ing t h e r e b e t w e e n s h o t s . In a s i t u a t i o n l i k e t h i s , i n c i d e n t a l l y , y o u r first s h o t s h o u l d p r o b a b l y b e t o t h e r i g h t - h a n d w a l l as y o u f a c e t h e w i n d o w . If t h e s u s p e c t is r i g h t - h a n d e d , as 9 0 per c e n t of t h e p o p u l a t i o n i s , t h a t ' s w h e r e h e ' s likeliest to stand. O N E C A U T I O N : s h o o t i n g t h r o u g h c o v e r is r i s k y . M a n y d e p a r t m e n t s d i s c o u r a g e it. It s h o u l d b e a t t e m p t e d only w h e n y o u a r e 1 0 0 p e r c e n t certain of t h e s u s p e c t ' s i d e n t i t y . . . c e r t a i n of h i s e x a c t l o c a t i o n . . . a n d c e r t a i n t h e r e is no one else w i t h h i m

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behind his barricade w h o m i g h t be struck by your bullets. Y o u should also consider w h a t m i g h t happ e n if y o u r r o u n d s s h o u l d d e f l e c t f r o m t h e c o v e r a n d r i c o c h e t t o o t h e r l o c a t i o n s . If y o u i g n o r e t h e s e p r o v i s o s a n d s h o o t j u s t b e c a u s e y o u can, y o u m a y end up w i t h a tragedy—and facing an i n d i c t m e n t — i n s t e a d of a d e a d a s s a i l a n t . T h e p o t e n t i a l f o r m i s c a l c u l a t i o n is m e m o r a b l y illustrated by a case in t h e m i d w e s t w h e r e officers a r r i v e d o u t s i d e a n a p a r t m e n t i n r e s p o n s e t o a disturbance call. T h r o u g h the door they could hear loud sounds like a w o m a n being tortured. T h e y ordered the door opened. N o response. T h e n they t r i e d t o k i c k it i n , b u t it f e l t as if s o m e o n e o n t h e o t h e r s i d e w a s h o l d i n g it s h u t . T h e s o u n d s g r e w l o u d e r a n d m o r e a n g u i s h e d . In f r u s t r a t i o n a n d c o n c e r n for t h e v i c t i m , o n e officer s h o t t h r o u g h t h e door. Later, t h e y discovered the noises were being

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If it's completely safe to penetrate the armed suspect's cover, shoot at the surface most likely to contain the largest part of the suspect's body. 186

m a d e b y p e o p l e in t h e a p a r t m e n t " t r y i n g t o i m i t a t e d i s c o s o u n d s . " T h e r e was n o c r i m e - i n - p r o g r e s s . Fortunately, the penetrating bullet failed to hit a n y t h i n g b u t t h e f l o o r o n t h e o t h e r s i d e of t h e d o o r . P e n e t r a t i o n p o w e r , i n c i d e n t a l l y , is o n e of t h o s e two-way streets that an astute suspect will try to m a k e u s e of, as w e l l as y o u . M a k i n g s u r e h e c a n ' t , of c o u r s e , is y o u r p r i m e c o n s i d e r a t i o n i n s e l e c t i n g your cover.

"Blowing" Cover O n c e y o u h a v e g o o d c o v e r , maintain it. D o n ' t " b l o w i t " and s a c r i f i c e y o u r s a f e t y b e c a u s e y o u : • w a n t to reach your radio. S o m e officers have b e e n k i l l e d b e c a u s e t h e y left g o o d c o v e r u n d e r fire a n d t r i e d t o r u n t o t h e i r p a t r o l c a r s . T h e y w o u l d h a v e b e e n b e t t e r off r u n n i n g a w a y f r o m the car and using s o m e o n e ' s telephone to call for h e l p . • w a n t t o h e l p a f e l l o w o f f i c e r w h o h a s b e e n inj u r e d . If y o u are s h o t i n t h e p r o c e s s of t r y i n g t o get h i m t o s a f e t y , y o u o n l y c o m p l i c a t e t h e s i t u a tion. It's a natural i m p u l s e to w a n t to help, but t h e r e ' s a good possibility that s i n c e h e ' s down, h e w i l l n o t b e fired o n a g a i n . W a i t . • w a n t t o get t h e a c t i o n o v e r w i t h . A s o b e r i n g e x a m p l e of h o w i m p a t i e n c e d e f e a t s s u r v i v a l proc e d u r e s is f o u n d in a c a s e w h e r e t w o h e a v i l y a r m e d e x - c o n v i c t s , r e c e n t l y p a r o l e d as " r e h a b i l i t a t e d , " w e r e surprised by police w h i l e robbing a neighborhood supermarket. Realizing the m a r k e t was surrounded by officers, the bandits took cover by running upstairs to the m a n a g e r ' s office. For the next 2 0 m i n u t e s , the sergeant in c o m m a n d called on the two to surrender, but t h e y did n o t r e s p o n d . S u d d e n l y , a p a t r o l m a n left the protected position w h e r e he had been waiting and started up t h e stairs, revolver in hand. T h e sergeant ordered h i m b a c k behind cover, but he muttered, " T h o s e bastards don't s c a r e m e a n y . L e t ' s get t h i s o v e r w i t h . " H e w a s six steps from the top w h e n s i m u l t a n e o u s blasts from t w o sawed-off shotguns reverberated from the manager's office. His fellow officers below w a t c h e d i n h o r r o r a n d d i s b e l i e f as h i s b o d y tumbled backward down the stairs, his head blown almost entirely away.

SHOOTING TECHNIQUES A p a t r o l m a n h a d j u s t g o t t e n off d u t y a n d w a s walking to his car parked on a shadowy Chicago side street, w h e n a m a n driving by suddenly s l a m m e d t o a s t o p . T h e s t r a n g e r g o t o u t of h i s c a r a n d for n o k n o w n r e a s o n fired at t h e o f f i c e r w i t h a n i c k e l plated revolver. Good cover was too distant to r e a c h . . . t h e assailant was only 10 feet away; the officer had little c h o i c e but to shoot b a c k in t h e m o s t effective way he could. He drew his revolver a n d fired f o u r s h o t s at t h e s u s p e c t , k i l l i n g h i m o n the spot. T h e m e t h o d h e u s e d is w h a t w e ' v e r e f e r r e d t o p r e v i o u s l y as " i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g . " T h i s t e c h n i q u e allows you to get on target fast and to conclude the c o n f r o n t a t i o n as r a p i d l y a n d e f f e c t i v e l y as p o s s i b l e . W i t h o u t doubt, it's the m o s t efficient m e a n s today of f i r i n g at m o s t a s s a i l a n t s i n m o s t l a w e n f o r c e m e n t situations. I n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g is a n a d a p t a t i o n of a t a c t i c developed by A m e r i c a n soldiers in V i e t n a m to deal w i t h a n e n e m y w h o f r e q u e n t l y s u r p r i s e d t h e m at close quarters in areas w i t h little available cover. B e c a u s e suspects c o m m o n l y confront officers under just t h o s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s , i t ' s ideal for u s e in law e n f o r c e m e n t . B a s i c a l l y , it i n v o l v e s t a k i n g a i m at y o u r t a r g e t b y pointing youi gun as you would point your index finger, at t h e s p o t y o u w a n t t o h i t . It a l l o w s a n i d e a l b a l a n c e of s p e e d a n d a c c u r a c y a n d p o w e r — t h e triple header that w i n s g u n f i g h t s — w i t h o u t using the conventional sight picture proced u r e . It c a n h e l p y o u g e t t h e edge w h e n e v e r y t h i n g s e e m s to be against you: poor lighting, irregular

terrain, an obstructed view, t h e cover and m o v e m e n t of y o u r a d v e r s a r y — n o t t o m e n t i o n t h e t r e m e n dous physical and e m o t i o n a l stress that sledge h a m m e r s you from the m o m e n t you perceive d a n g e r . I n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g is s i m p l e . . . e a s y t o l e a r n . . . c a n be u s e d b e h i n d c o v e r as w e l l as i n t h e o p e n . . . a n d is v e r s a t i l e e n o u g h t o s e r v e y o u i n a v a r i e t y of p o s i t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g , as w e ' v e m e n t i o n e d p r e v i o u s l y , k n e e l i n g and f a l l i n g d o w n . Ironically, the principle behind this technique is u n c o n s c i o u s l y e m p l o y e d b y m o s t s u s p e c t s . T h e y r a r e l y h a v e i l l u s i o n s of b e i n g t r a i n e d m a r k s m e n ; t h e y j u s t p o i n t t h e i r g u n s a n d p u l l t h e trigger. J o h n W i l k e s B o o t h did t h a t a g a i n s t L i n c o l n . . . J a c k R u b y against O s w a l d . . . c o u n t l e s s n a m e l e s s , faceless ass a i l a n t s o v e r t h e y e a r s h a v e d o n e it a g a i n s t c o u n t l e s s o f f i c e r s . . .and t h e b a d g u y w h o t a k e s you o n w i l l p r o b a b l y do it a g a i n s t y o u . H i s v e r s i o n of i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g , h o w e v e r , i s likely to be a relatively crude, one-handed form that d e p e n d s m o s t l y o n s u d d e n n e s s a n d s u r p r i s e for s u c c e s s . W h a t y o u c a n p e r f e c t is a p o l i s h e d proc e d u r e t h a t is e q u a l l y f a s t b u t a l s o is d e s i g n e d w i t h specific survival needs in m i n d . April 14, 1865. Booth's shooting technique conformed amazingly with today's patterns of encounter.

Sept. 29, 1978. Female suspect shoots into unoccupied patrol car in the start of a siege which involved an exchange of 15 shots. Note the one-hand hold and close distance factor similar to Booth's.

K n o w i n g h o w t o s h o o t , of c o u r s e , is o n l y part of t h e p r e s c r i p t i o n f o r s u c c e s s f u l l y r e s o l v i n g a n a r m e d e n c o u n t e r and probably t h e last c o m p o n e n t . A m o n g other things, you m u s t also be proficient at: properly identifying your target...dealing w i t h m o r e t h a n o n e assailant in a single episode...and coping w i t h unpredictable reactions by yourself and by the s u s p e c t if h i t . In a d d i t i o n , y o u n e e d t o u n d e r s t a n d c l e a r l y w h e n t h e r i s k of s h o o t i n g is g r e a t e r t h a n t h e p r o b a b l e b e n e f i t a n d b e a b l e t o a v o i d f i r i n g in t h o s e situations. T h a t ' s a l o t t o c o o r d i n a t e i n a m a t t e r of a f e w seconds, when you're ducking bullets some suspect h a s d e c i d e d h a v e y o u r n a m e o n t h e m . It d e m a n d s a k e e n l e v e l of m e n t a l a n d p h y s i c a l c o n d i t i o n i n g . W h a t follows w i l l help you achieve it. Bear in m i n d that any shooting we discuss here is a s s u m e d t o b e l e g a l l y j u s t i f i e d . W e ' r e n o t c o n c e r n e d w i t h e v a l u a t i n g whether you should shoot, o n l y w i t h the methods y o u c a n b e s t e m p l o y if s h o o t i n g is d e m a n d e d .

Instinct Shooting Position In a typical shooting, your assailant will fire first. H e ' l l be standing still or m o v i n g toward you. And h e ' l l be so close you'll have little choice but t o s h o o t b a c k i m m e d i a t e l y , i n a n e f f o r t t o p u t him on the defensive and perhaps allow y o u a c h a n c e to m o v e t o c o v e r . S o l o n g as y o u s u b j e c t h i m t o e f f e c tive fire, his s h o t s are l i k e l y to be i n e f f e c t i v e . In m i l i t a r y p a r l a n c e , t h i s is c a l l e d e s t a b l i s h i n g a n d Under pressure, you will revert to whatever position you have practiced.

m a i n t a i n i n g fire superiority.

Y o u d o n ' t have to be an " e x p e r t " shooter, in t h e u s u a l target p r a c t i c e s e n s e . B u t y o u do h a v e t o h a v e g o o d e y e - a n d - h a n d c o o r d i n a t i o n a n d be a b l e to position yourself correctly and bring your gun into action q u i c k l y and properly, w i t h o u t c o n s c i o u s a t t e n t i o n t o t h e m e c h a n i s m s of f i r i n g . If y o u ' v e t r a i n e d c o r r e c t l y , t h e n e c e s s a r y m e c h anisms will c o m e instinctively w h e n you're faced with a crisis situation. O n the other hand, crack target s h o o t e r s w h o h a v e n o t r o u b l e h i t t i n g a s t a t i o n a r y target 2 0 y a r d s a w a y b u t w h o h a v e n o t t r a i n e d for i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g m a y n o t h i t a m o v i n g , firing s u s p e c t o n l y 6 f e e t a w a y . A c a s e i n p o i n t o c c u r r e d in a n e a s t e r n c i t y w h e n a s u s p e c t g r a b b e d a c l e a n i n g w o m a n in t h e f e d e r a l c o u r t h o u s e , p u t a g u n to h e r h e a d a n d d e m a n d e d t o s e e a b a n k r u p t c y referee. During the negotiations that subsequently d e v e l o p e d , a p l a i n c l o t h e s p o l i c e m a n p o s i n g as a l a w y e r w a s a b l e t o get c l o s e t o t h e g u n m a n . T h e o f f i c e r w a s a r m e d w i t h a s n u b - n o s e r e v o l v e r in a c o n c e a l e d a n k l e h o l s t e r a n d w a s r a t e d as a n e x c e l l e n t target s h o o t e r . At t h e r i g h t m o m e n t , t h e o f f i c e r drew h i s r e v o l v e r a n d s t a r t e d s h o o t i n g . T h e s u s p e c t was less than 5 feet a w a y — l i t t l e m o r e t h a n an a r m ' s r e a c h . Y e t w h e n t h e o f f i c e r fired, h e missed t h e s u s p e c t f o u r t i m e s o u t of f i v e . F r o m a n a l y z i n g r e p o r t s of officer-involved shootings, it's obvious that m a n y officers in highstress situations tend to hold their guns w i t h one h a n d a n d s h o o t o n e r o u n d . T h i s is b e c a u s e under stress t h e y fall b a c k o n w h a t t h e y k n o w b e s t — b a s i c a c a d e m y range training, w h i c h usually e m p h a s i z e s a o n e - h a n d grip for firing o n e s h o t at a t i m e .

Occasionally, one-handed shooting m a y be necessary; y o u m a y be w o u n d e d in t h e o t h e r hand, or y o u m a y b e h o l d i n g y o u r g u n i n o n e h a n d w h i l e c r a w l i n g t h r o u g h a w i n d o w o r u p a fire e s c a p e , for e x a m p l e . U s u a l l y , h o w e v e r , your preferred option is t h e b e t t e r - c o n t r o l l e d t w o - h a n d e d s h o o t i n g , f i r i n g m u l t i p l e s h o t s in rapid s u c c e s s i o n . T h i s gives y o u t h e b e s t c h a n c e of e f f e c t i v e l y s t o p p i n g a s u s p e c t w h o is t h r e a t e n i n g y o u r l i f e or s o m e o n e e l s e ' s . D R A W : If y o u ' v e a n t i c i p a t e d d a n g e r , y o u ' l l already h a v e your gun u n h o l s t e r e d and in t h e firing p o s i t i o n ( n o t at y o u r side) w h e n y o u n e e d t o s h o o t . If n o t , y o u b e g i n m o v i n g i n t o t h e i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g p o s i t i o n as y o u d r a w . M o s t o f f i c e r s ' d r a w c o n s i s t s of a s e r i e s of j e r k s : the hand c o m e s up, the hand c o m e s down, the gun goes up, t h e gun goes o u t . T h i s b a c k and forth seq u e n c e is i n e f f i c i e n t . F o r g o o d i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g , your draw should be one continuous motion, with smoothness more important than an attempt at speed alone. Y o u w a n t to bring your gun out to the s a m e place w i t h the s a m e fluid m a n e u v e r every t i m e y o u w i t h d r a w it f r o m y o u r h o l s t e r . A s y o u d r a w , y o u r h a n d s h o u l d b e p o s i t i o n e d for t h e proper s h o o t i n g grip s o t h a t y o u do n o t h a v e t o r e a d j u s t it once the gun clears leather. T h i s helps enhance y o u r a c c u r a c y . W i t h t h e d r a w , as w i t h o t h e r i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g c o m p o n e n t s , s p e e d is f i n e ; a c c u r a c y is f i n a l . Y o u r a d v e r s a r y m u s t b e hit t o b e i n c a p a c i t a t e d ; t h e m e r e n o i s e of y o u r f i r e a r m g o i n g off w o n ' t do i t . T o d r a w , grasp t h e s t o c k of y o u r g u n f i r m l y , w i t h y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d h i g h o n t h e grip p a n e l s . Y o u r t h u m b a n d f i n g e r s s h o u l d b e i n p o s i t i o n for s h o o t i n g — e x c e p t for y o u r t r i g g e r f i n g e r . K e e p t h i s f i n g e r e x t e n d e d o u t s i d e t h e h o l s t e r at f i r s t , p a r a l l e l t o t h e b a r r e l , a n d a l l o w it t o f a l l a l o n g s i d e t h e f r a m e a b o v e t h e trigger as y o u w i t h d r a w t h e g u n . T h i s will prevent an accidental discharge. D r a w from your wrist and a r m . Bring t h e m u z z l e up so t h e b a r r e l b e c o m e s p a r a l l e l t o t h e g r o u n d as y o u e x t e n d your shooting arm toward the suspect. Simultaneously, y o u swing your other a r m up so your hands c o m e t o g e t h e r i n a s u p p o r t e d grip, j u s t as y o u r g u n enters your peripheral vision. T h e s e m o v e m e n t s s h o u l d b e fast a n d forceful, t a k i n g a b o u t 1 t o 1.5 s e c o n d s w i t h p r a c t i c e a n d c u l m i n a t i n g i n y o u r h a n d s a n d a r m s punching the g u n o u t at y o u r t a r g e t , m u c h as y o u ' d t h r o w a l o w p u n c h t o h i s b o d y . You don't look down at the gun as you draw a n y m o r e t h a n y o u ' d l o o k at y o u r h a n d Draw your sidearm before your approach to danger. Upon contact with your sidearm, your hand and fingers should be positioned for the proper shooting grip. 194

i n t e n d e d t o j a b h i m or s h i n e y o u r f l a s h l i g h t o n h i m . Concentrate on the suspect. For safety, e v e n if y o u i n t e n d t o f i r e i m m e d i a t e l y , y o u r f i n g e r s h o u l d s t a y o u t s i d e t h e trigger g u a r d u n t i l y o u r g u n

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h a s c l e a r e d t h e h o l s t e r a n d t h e m u z z l e is p o i n t i n g f o r w a r d , c l e a r of y o u r b o d y . G R I P : In a shoot-out, you'll be so scared you can taste it. Y o u r heart and lungs will k i c k i n t o high gear...your brain will race furiously...adrenalin surge i n t o y o u r b l o o d s t r e a m . . . y o u r m u s c l e s p o s s i b l y t r e m o r . U n l e s s y o u r grip s t e a d i e s a n d s t r e n g t h e n s your shooting hand, your accuracy m a y be seriously affected.

High angle view of one of the accepted grip positions for instinct shooting.

The recommended grip for a semi-automatic is with the thumb of the weak hand alongside the thumb of the strong hand (left photo). Otherwise, with the traditional placement of the weak-hand thumb (right photo) the slide may scrape your skin as it moves back in firing. 195

For the r e c o m m e n d e d , t w o - h a n d c o m b a t hold, y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d c o m e s u p u n d e r or a l o n g s i d e y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d as y o u m o v e y o u r g u n o n t a r g e t . T h e r e are s e v e r a l o p t i o n s for h o w y o u r h a n d s a r e u l t i m a t e l y p o s i t i o n e d . Y o u m a y : 1) s o l i d l y l o c k t h e l i t t l e f i n g e r of y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d b e t w e e n t h e f i r s t t w o f i n g e r s of y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d ; 2) w r a p y o u r s u p port hand around the middle, ring and s m a l l fingers of y o u r g u n h a n d , or 3) c u p t h e p a l m of y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d u n d e r t h e b u t t of y o u r s i d e a r m a n d c r o s s t h e f i n g e r s of y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d o v e r t h o s e of y o u r g u n h a n d . In e a c h c a s e , t h e t h u m b of y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d e i t h e r o v e r l a p s t h a t of y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d , or b o t h t h u m b s l i e a l o n g t h e l e f t side of y o u r s i d e a r m (ass u m i n g you are right-handed). Y o u r s h o o t i n g hand s h o u l d b e h i g h o n t h e b a c k - s t r a p of y o u r g u n , a n d your support hand should e n c o m p a s s and reinforce as m u c h of y o u r s h o o t i n g h a n d as p o s s i b l e . B y t h e t i m e y o u r h a n d s are l o c k e d t o g e t h e r i n f i n a l p o s i t i o n , y o u s h o u l d b e r e a d y t o s h o o t . T h i s grip w o r k s b o t h as a b r a c e a n d a b e n c h for y o u r g u n a n d a l l o w s y o u t o m o v e it i n a n y d i r e c t i o n . M o r e o v e r , w i t h p r a c t i c e , it is n o s l o w e r — a n d m u c h m o r e s t a b l e — than one-handed shooting. The proper tactic for shooting onehanded when your gun-hand has been disabled.

Y o u want to keep a firm hold on your gun, but don't clutch it. C l u t c h i n g can m a k e your hands s h a k e , d e s t r o y i n g t h e p u r p o s e of t h i s " l a y e r e d " grip. A l s o , if y o u a r e u s i n g a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , b e s u r e y o u r hands are positioned so that t h e slide c a n c o m e b a c k w h e n y o u shoot w i t h o u t eating up t h e skin on your t h u m b ) s ) or k n u c k l e s . If f o r s o m e r e a s o n y o u m u s t s h o o t o n e - h a n d e d — say y o u ' v e b e e n w o u n d e d in t h e o t h e r — y o u c a n still m a k e your non-shooting arm useful by positioning it t o p r o v i d e s u p p o r t , e v e n if y o u c a n ' t u s e t h a t hand for gripping. Y o u hold t h e a r m taut and place it u n d e r y o u r s h o o t i n g a r m at t h e w r i s t . T h i s prov i d e s s o m e t h i n g of a b e n c h r e s t for y o u r s h o o t i n g hand while firing. STANCE: Y o u r grip s h o u l d b e p a r t of a s o l i d , f i r m s t a n c e t h a t l e t s y o u r w h o l e b o d y w o r k at keeping your gun steady so y o u c a n c o n c e n t r a t e fully on m a k i n g your shots c o u n t . T w o basic posit i o n s are s u i t a b l e for i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g . B y experim e n t i n g in y o u r p r a c t i c e s e s s i o n s y o u c a n l e a r n w h i c h is m o r e c o m f o r t a b l e a n d e f f e c t i v e f o r y o u . Rather than just planting your feet and facing downrange, try these positions extensively on surprise t a r g e t s at d i f f e r e n t a n g l e s a n d d i s t a n c e s t o g e t t h e feel for h o w t h e y ' l l w o r k in a real c o n f r o n t a t i o n . For our purposes here, we'll describe each s t a n c e as i t ' s a s s u m e d if y o u are c a u g h t i n t h e o p e n in a gunfight. W i t h appropriate m o d i f i c a t i o n , e a c h c a n b e a d a p t e d for u s e b e h i n d c o v e r , w h e r e y o u n e e d t o c o n f o r m t o t h e s h a p e of y o u r b a r r i c a d e .

196

T h e m o r e c o m m o n l y t a u g h t s t a n c e is t h e i s o s c e l e s or c o m b a t s t a n c e p o s i t i o n , s o c a l l e d b e c a u s e y o u r a r m s are e x t e n d e d a w a y f r o m y o u r c h e s t l i k e t w o e q u a l sides of a t r i a n g l e . A s y o u r g u n c o m e s o u t and u p , y o u f a c e t h e s u s p e c t s q u a r e l y , a n d if y o u ' r e right-handed, you m o v e your left foot straight out t o t h e l e f t s o y o u r legs a r e i n a s o l i d , b r a c e d p o s i t i o n and y o u h a v e m a x i m u m m o b i l i t y i n a n y d i r e c t i o n , should y o u w a n t to m o v e to cover, engage a second opponent, etc. Bend your torso slightly forward from the hips and flex your k n e e s to a s s u m e a c r o u c h s i m i l a r t o t h a t of a b a s e b a l l i n f i e l d e r . A s y o u r a r m s m o v e u p for t h e s u p p o r t e d grip, y o u t h r u s t y o u r h a n d s o u t at t h e m i d l i n e of y o u r body, straight out f r o m your c h e s t . N e i t h e r a r m d o m i n a t e s ; in the final on-target position, b o t h are p o i n t e d s t r a i g h t t o w a r d y o u r a s s a i l a n t . Y o u r w r i s t s , e l b o w s a n d s h o u l d e r s are f i r m l y l o c k e d , w i t h t h e m u z z l e of y o u r g u n at or j u s t s l i g h t l y b e l o w e y e l e v e l . In e f f e c t , y o u r g u n b e c o m e s a n e x t e n s i o n of y o u r a r m s a n d f i n g e r s . R e m e m b e r , straight arms help to shoot straight. Also, they carry the recoil back into your shoulders to help reduce the shock t o y o u r h a n d s a n d k e e p y o u f r o m " b o u n c i n g " off target w h e n y o u f i r e .

The proper isosceles stance for instinct shooting involves locking your wrists and elbows with your torso bent slightly forward. Your arms will absorb the recoil and prevent you from pulling off target. 197

S o m e theorists claim that crouching, except behind a low barricade, lessens accuracy and slows you down. But knowledgeable shooting veterans understand that this m o v e m e n t lets you get your gun up and " o n " quicker. B o t h your sidearm and y o u r e y e s are at a b o u t t h e c h e s t l e v e l of t h e s u s p e c t , w h i c h s h o u l d h e l p y o u r a i m . A l s o , t h e c r o u c h provides better balance. Real-life shoot-outs often u n f o l d in i c y a l l e y w a y s or o n t e n e m e n t s t a i r c a s e s , a n d o n t h e s e u n e v e n s u r f a c e s y o u ' l l n e e d all t h e balance benefits you can get. By getting low, the c r o u c h m a k e s y o u a s m a l l e r target and capitalizes on Forming the isosceles stance can be thought of as a logical extention of the one-handhold. The one-hand hold

the fact that m a n y suspects tend to shoot high w i t h a handgun, especially w h e n the shoot-out takes place in d i m light.

T h e o t h e r b a s i c i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g p o s i t i o n is t h e W e a v e r s t a n c e , n a m e d for i t s C a l i f o r n i a i n v e n t o r . Here you stand essentially erect w i t h your feet s h o u l d e r - w i d t h apart, y o u r w e a k f o o t f o r w a r d so t h a t y o u r b o d y is t u r n e d at a s l i g h t a n g l e t o t h e s u s p e c t . Y o u r s h o o t i n g a r m is h e l d s t r a i g h t o u t at s h o u l d e r l e v e l or f l e x e d j u s t a b i t . Y o u r w e a k a r m p r o v i d e s a s u p p o r t i n g grip b u t is f l e x e d s h a r p l y at the elbow, 3 0 to 45 degrees, depending on your b o n e s t r u c t u r e . In e f f e c t , it is p o s i t i o n e d s i m i l a r t o a weight lifter's w h e n curling a dumbbell. By pulling b a c k at t h e grip w i t h y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d a n d s i m u l taneously pushing forward from the shoulder on your strong side, y o u produce a certain i s o m e t r i c t e n s i o n that helps steady your gun and reduce the recoil.

The Weaver stance involves your weak-hand at a different

positioning angle

Its p r o p o n e n t s argue that t h e W e a v e r s t a n c e " t u r n s a handgun into a rifle—shot from the strong shoulder and braced from below by the weak arm and h a n d . " Unfortunately, a handgun, being a tool for c l o s e c o m b a t , n e v e r r e a l l y a p p r o x i m a t e s a r i f l e . B u t t h e W e a v e r s t a n c e is e s p e c i a l l y s u i t a b l e for accurate, fast shooting w h e n y o u ' r e using heavy l o a d s or a h a r d - k i c k i n g s i d e a r m , b e c a u s e of t h e shock-absorber effect created by the b e n t e l b o w and push-pull pressure. T h i s pressure tends to hold the f i r e a r m d o w n a n d i n p l a c e as it d i s c h a r g e s . U s i n g this s t a n c e properly, s o m e shooters can control e v e n a . 4 4 M a g n u m under very rapid fire. However, the Weaver requires considerable p r a c t i c e t o m a s t e r . T h e e x a c t a l i g n m e n t of b e n t a r m s is s o m e t h i n g m a n y o f f i c e r s h a v e t o f u m b l e for. In a f e w w o r d s , i t ' s n o t as n a t u r a l f o r m o s t p e o p l e as t h e s t r a i g h t - o u t , l o c k e d - i n isosceles s t a n c e , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u h a v e b e e n t a u g h t t o c r o u c h . A s h o t g u n , as w e l l as y o u r h a n d g u n , c a n a l s o b e q u i c k l y p o s i t i o n e d for i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g . A g a i n , y o u have several options. In the traditional stance, you stand erect w i t h feet apart, w e a k foot slightly forward and k n e e s b e n t , s o m e w h a t l i k e a b o x e r , a n d s w i n g t h e g u n up t o y o u r s t r o n g s h o u l d e r s o y o u r c h e e k is a g a i n s t t h e s t o c k . Y o u r strong h a n d grasps t h e s t o c k just b e h i n d t h e trigger guard; your w e a k h a n d h o l d s t h e shotg u n ' s fore-grip or s l i d e w i t h y o u r w e a k a r m b e n t at t h e e l b o w . T h e w e a p o n is h e l d j u s t s l i g h t l y b e l o w y o u r e y e l e v e l . T h e b a r r e l is t h e r e f o r e p o s i t i o n e d i n y o u r p e r i p h e r a l v i s i o n as y o u k e e p y o u r p r i m a r y vision fixed on the suspect. T h i s position has a " b u s i n e s s " l o o k a b o u t it t h a t ' s p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y int i m i d a t i n g , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u r a c k i n a r o u n d . I n t h e v a s t m a j o r i t y of c a s e s i n w h i c h a s h o t g u n is u s e d , t h i s p s y c h o l o g i c a l i m p a c t s u f f i c e s ; a r o u n d is n e v e r f i r e d . Y e t i n t h e e v e n t y o u do n e e d t o s h o o t , f i r i n g f r o m t h e s h o u l d e r p o s i t i o n is l i k e l y t o g i v e y o u t h e m o s t effective target acquisition. In c a s e s w h e r e y o u d o n ' t h a v e t i m e t o b r i n g t h e s h o t g u n to shoulder level, t h e r e are several a l t e r n a t i v e i n s t i n c t - s h o o t i n g p o s i t i o n s , all of t h e m keeping the gun lower. T h e l o w e s t p o s i t i o n is w i t h t h e s i d e of t h e s t o c k pressed firmly against your hip on your shooting s i d e . (Just p r e s s t h e s t o c k a g a i n s t y o u r s i d e a r m if i t ' s i n t h e w a y . ) H e r e y o u b e n d s l i g h t l y f o w a r d t o m a k e a s m a l l e r t a r g e t , g r a s p i n g t h e fore-grip w i t h y o u r w e a k h a n d , a n d l o c k i n g t h e e l b o w of t h a t a r m s t r a i g h t ; if it is b e n t , t h e r e c o i l w i l l c a u s e t h e b a r r e l t o j u m p u p a n d t h r o w off y o u r a c c u r a c y . A l t h o u g h this position m a y lessen the psychological impact of a s u s p e c t l o o k i n g d i r e c t l y d o w n t h e b a r r e l of y o u r 200

s h o t g u n , i t ' s s t i l l a good o n e t o u s e f o r q u i c k r e s p o n s e and w h e n y o u are a d v a n c i n g o n a s u s p e c t . Y o u can shoot a n e w round w i t h every step you take w i t h a reasonably effective range. Other low-level positions involve pressing the shotgun stock firmly against your rib cage, about half way b e t w e e n your hip and your armpit on your shooting side. O r bring the s t o c k up i n t o your armpit, so y o u r s t r o n g a r m c l a m p s it t i g h t l y i n t o y o u r side. After you rack a shotgun, consider extending t h e i n d e x f i n g e r of y o u r s u p p o r t h a n d a l o n g t h e o u t s i d e of t h e s l i d e , at t h e s u s p e c t . T h i s w i l l h e l p guide your shots. T a k e care n o t to t o u c h t h e barrel, though, b e c a u s e the m e t a l heats up from shooting and c a n b u r n y o u .

AIM: With instinct shooting, you don't waste t i m e t r y i n g t o l i n e u p a s i g h t p i c t u r e of t h e s u s p e c t . W i t h t h e t o p of y o u r g u n at or s l i g h t l y b e l o w e y e l e v e l , y o u r e y e s f u n c t i o n as y o u r s i g h t s , w h e t h e r y o u a r e s h o o t i n g a h a n d g u n or a l o n g g u n . Y o u a i m t h e g u n b y p o i n t i n g it, as y o u w o u l d your finger or your flashlight. Y o u keep your eyes f o c u s e d s t r a i g h t a h e a d , l o o k i n g o v e r t h e t o p of y o u r gun. Y o u r eyes c o n c e n t r a t e on the suspect, not on y o u r s i g h t s . If y o u a r e r e a d y t o s h o o t , r a t h e r t h a n t r y i n g t o c o n c e n t r a t e o n h i s w h o l e b o d y , l o o k at t h e c e n t e r of h i s c h e s t . T h e t o p of y o u r g u n b a r r e l w i l l b e i n y o u r p e r i p h e r a l v i s i o n a n d a s y o u l o o k a l o n g it at t h e a r e a or b o d y m a s s y o u w a n t t o h i t , t h e m u z z l e w i l l t e n d t o l i n e u p a c c o r d i n g l y , j u s t as t h e t i p of a p o i n t i n g f i n g e r w o u l d . I n o t h e r w o r d s , your hands—and gun—will instinctively follow your eyes. Bullets are v e r y dependable,- t h e y t e n d t o go w h e r e t h e y a r e p o i n t e d . W h e n y o u s q u e e z e t h e trigger, t h e b u l l e t should go w h e r e you are looking. H i s t o r i c a l l y , getting a target in precise sight a l i g n m e n t h a s b e e n e m p h a s i z e d for l o n g - r a n g e s h o o t i n g w h e r e t h e r e ' s a desire for p i n p o i n t a c c u r a c y . B u t f o r t h e c l o s e - r a n g e f i r i n g of m o s t s t r e e t

In most cases, your adversary won't give you the time to leisurely close one eye and line up a sight picture. Your primary vision must be on your suspect, not your sights. 202

c o n f r o n t a t i o n s , c a r e f u l a l i g n m e n t is n o t n e e d e d . I n d e e d , it m a y be a h a z a r d t o y o u r s u r v i v a l b e c a u s e it w i l l d e l a y y o u in g e t t i n g off t h e f a s t e s t p o s s i b l e shots. Y o u c a n h i t j u s t as w e l l — a n d m u c h f a s t e r — w i t h t h e a i m i n g p r o c e d u r e d e s c r i b e d a b o v e at d i s t a n c e s of 7 y a r d s or l e s s . W i t h e x t e n s i v e p r a c t i c e y o u m a y )e a b l e t o d e v e l o p p r o f i c i e n c y at 1 2 y a r d s or m o r e . At n i g h t or in l o w l i g h t l e v e l c o n d i t i o n s , y o u can still aim accurately with this procedure. An officer depending on traditional sight a l i g n m e n t , on t h e o t h e r h a n d , w o u l d be l o s t b e c a u s e w i t h i n s u f ficient i l l u m i n a t i o n he w o u l d n ' t be able even to see lis sights. Painting the front sight w h i t e m a y help, ) u t i n s t i n c t a i m i n g is l i k e l y t o be m o r e r e l i a b l e . // y o u can see o r point at your adversary, you can hit him, w h e t h e r y o u r s i g h t s a r e v i s i b l e or n o t . T h e s e c r e t , r e g a r d l e s s of l i g h t q u a l i t y , is t o ceep y o u r e y e s " o u t t h e r e " t o g u i d e y o u r g u n . Don't look down, d o n ' t b r i n g t h e b a r r e l of y o u r g u n u p t o o l i g h . If y o u d o , y o u ' l l get h o o k e d i n t o t r y i n g t o f o r m a sight p i c t u r e and l o s e y o u r edge. R e m e m b e r , drawing and sighting to shoot takes over 2Vi times as ong as drawing and shooting with the instinct technique. F I R I N G : Y o u r s h o t s s h o u l d a l w a y s b e fired double-action because t h a t ' s faster and a natural c o m p o n e n t of t h e i n s t i n c t p r o c e d u r e . D o n ' t p u m p or j e r k t h e trigger, b u t s q u e e z e it s m o o t h l y a n d q u i c k l y . If y o u ' r e firing a r e v o l v e r , y o u r trigger inger s h o u l d be p l a c e d so t h e trigger f a l l s b e t w e e n t h e first and s e c o n d f i n g e r j o i n t s , t o a l l o w a d e q u a t e everage for t h e c o c k i n g / f i r i n g m e c h a n i c s of a double-action pull. T h e s a m e finger p l a c e m e n t w o r k s b e s t for m o s t o f f i c e r s o n a s h o t g u n trigger. W i t h a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , you w a n t the fleshy portion of y o u r f i r s t f i n g e r j o i n t d i r e c t l y o n t h e t r i g g e r . S o you can anticipate the t i m e to reload, try to count y o u r s h o t s or y o u r trigger p u l l s . If p o s s i b l e , y o u w a n t t o a v o i d s h o o t i n g y o u r g u n dry. If y o u ' r e s h o o t i n g w i t h a h a n d g u n a n d y o u r s h o t s are h i t t i n g h i g h , l o w or w i d e , i t ' s m o s t l i k e l y because y o u are a l l o w i n g y o u r w r i s t t o f l e x w h e n i r i n g . . . b e c a u s e y o u are h o l d i n g t h e g u n w i t h a w e a k g r i p . . . o r b e c a u s e y o u are e r r a t i c a l l y s n a p p i n g t h e trigger. S o m e t i m e s , in a d d i t i o n t o b e i n g d a n g e r o u s , a very w i d e trigger or a g r o o v e d trigger w i l l a l s o adversely affect a c c u r a c y . With a shotgun, you m a y tend to shoot high ' r o m t h e h i p p o s i t i o n b e c a u s e y o u r h a n d c o m e s off the s t o c k or y o u r a r m s b e n d w h e n y o u p u l l t h e trigger, and t h i s a l l o w s t h e m u z z l e t o e l e v a t e . Y o u ; a n c o m p e n s a t e for t h i s b y a i m i n g for t h e s u s p e c t ' s a b d o m i n a l area, if h e is at s o m e d i s t a n c e . B u c k s h o t

tends to rise and thus should hit his chest area w h e n it i m p a c t s . If y o u a i m for h i s c h e s t , as y o u w o u l d w i t h a handgun, your shots m a y go over his head. A g a i n , p r a c t i c e s q u e e z i n g , n o t j e r k i n g , t h e trigger. Perhaps the greatest i m p e d i m e n t to your shooting, u n l e s s y o u ' v e p r o p e r l y c o n d i t i o n e d y o u r s e l f for survival, will be your o w n m e n t a l attitude. Shooting at p e o p l e is d i f f e r e n t f r o m s h o o t i n g at p a p e r t a r g e t s . Y o u m a y b a l k at d o i n g i t . B u t r e m e m b e r : a h u m a n i s t i c a t t i t u d e o n y o u r p a r t at t h e w r o n g t i m e c a n get y o u , y o u r p a r t n e r or s o m e i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n k i l l e d . If y o u a r e l e g a l l y j u s t i f i e d i n s h o o t i n g (an o b v i o u s p r e r e q u i s i t e ) , t h e n s h o o t . If y o u m u s t t a k e a l i f e t o s a v e i n n o c e n t l i v e s , t h a t is s i m p l y p a r t of y o u r j o b .

Multiple Adversaries When you're confronted with more than one a s s a i l a n t — a s h a p p e n s t o o f f i c e r s in at l e a s t 4 0 per c e n t of a l l a r m e d e n c o u n t e r s — y o u ' l l n e e d t o c o m bine instinct shooting with the u t m o s t expression of m e n t a l d i s c i p l i n e . E x t r a o r d i n a r y d e m a n d s for your physical and e m o t i o n a l a t t e n t i o n m a y c o m e s i m u l t a n e o u s l y f r o m s e v e r a l s u s p e c t s , p l a c e d perh a p s at w i d e l y d i f f e r e n t a n g l e s , d i f f e r e n t r a n g e s and/or different elevations. T h e y ' r e hard to deal w i t h b e c a u s e y o u r d e p t h p e r c e p t i o n m a y b e adversely affected by your e x c i t e m e n t and stress. Y e t y o u m u s t f o r c e y o u r s e l f t o c o n c e n t r a t e o n o n e adv e r s a r y at a t i m e , n o m a t t e r h o w b r i e f l y , a n d d e l i v e r the m o s t destructive rounds you can to h i m before c o n f r o n t i n g t h e n e x t . M u l t i p l e assailants are ext r e m e l y d a n g e r o u s n o t o n l y b e c a u s e of t h e o b v i o u s tacical problems handling t h e m presents, but because they tend to energize e a c h other. W h e r e one m a n a l o n e m i g h t s u r r e n d e r , t w o or m o r e t o g e t h e r m a y give one a n o t h e r the " b a l l s " to take you on, and to k e e p shooting even after you shoot b a c k . If c o n d i t i o n s p e r m i t , y o u w a n t t o fire f i r s t at t h e s u s p e c t w h o p r e s e n t s t h e greatest or most immediate danger to you. Usually, that m e a n s the one w i t h the largest caliber g u n facing o n e assailant w i t h a sawed-off shotgun and a n o t h e r w i t h a .38 S p e c i a l r e v o l v e r , for e x a m p l e , y o u ' r e p r o b a b l y b e s t off t o t a k e y o u r c h a n c e s w i t h t h e . 3 8 w h i l e y o u try first t o k n o c k o u t t h e s h o t g u n . S o m e t i m e s , t h o u g h , p r o x i m i t y b e c o m e s a factor; an assailant 2 feet a w a y f r o m y o u w i t h a h u n t i n g k n i f e m a y b e of m o r e i m m e d i a t e danger than a second assailant 2 0 yards away with a handgun. ;

Y o u ' l l h a v e t o p r o c e s s t h i s i n f o r m a t i o n at c o m p u t e r s p e e d , or t h e p u r p o s e for s e l e c t i o n w i l l b e 204

n u l l i f i e d . T h e idea is t o d e c i d e f a s t — a n d s h o o t . Don't become encumbered with mental processes... d o n ' t get " t a r g e t f i x a t i o n " o n t h e f i r s t g u n m a n a n d block out his partner(s). Besides deciding w h o m to shoot first, y o u ' l l h a v e t o a s s e s s t h e c o n f r o n t a t i o n in t e r m s of h o w m a n y shots to deliver before m o v i n g on to the n e x t a s s a i l a n t . T o t h e degree p r a c t i c a l , y o u ' l l p r o b a b l y w a n t t o spread y o u r r i s k . H i t t h e f i r s t s u s p e c t w i t h a t w o - r o u n d b u r s t , t h e n e n g a g e t h e n e x t m o s t dang e r o u s , t h e n t u r n b a c k t o t h e f i r s t if h e ' s s t i l l n o t down. If t h e r e is n o c o v e r a v a i l a b l e a n d y o u m u s t r e m a i n in t h e o p e n , try t o m o v e l i k e a g u n t u r r e t o n a t a n k or b a t t l e s h i p w h e n y o u s h i f t y o u r f i r e a r m f r o m o n e a s s a i l a n t t o t h e n e x t . Y o u are i n t h e i n s t i n c t i v e s h o o t i n g c r o u c h , a r m s l o c k e d at t h e s h o u l d e r , e l b o w and w r i s t . K e e p y o u r f e e t p l a n t e d as t h e y a r e , k n e e s f l e x e d . N o w s w i v e l y o u r t o r s o , h e a d a n d a r m s as o n e unit from your flexed knees. Y o u want to point your w h o l e b o d y t r u n k at t h e n e x t s u s p e c t y o u ' r e g o i n g shoot. T h i s m e t h o d of m o v i n g m a i n t a i n s t h e e y e - g u n s h o u l d e r r e l a t i o n s h i p n e c e s s a r y for g o o d i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g . If y o u s w i n g y o u r a r m s f r e e l y r a t h e r t h a n moving t h e m locked in place w i t h your upper body, you risk swinging past your adversary and " o v e r s h o o t i n g " h i m , because your a r m s will be hard to stop directly on target. W i t h t h e " t u r r e t t r a v e r s e , " y o u c a n fire c o n trolled rounds w i t h i n a 180-degree arc w i t h speed and a c c u r a c y , w i t h o u t m o v i n g y o u r f e e t . If y o u n e e d o turn in a wider angle, pivot; keep your weight on your strong-side foot and swing the o t h e r out and a r o u n d y o u as y o u t u r n . As in single-suspect c o n f r o n t a t i o n s , y o u ' l l w a n t fire as m a n y of y o u r s h o t s as p o s s i b l e f r o m b e h i n d o v e r . If y o u ' r e n o t t h e r e w h e n y o u f i r s t e n c o u n t e r our m u l t i p l e a d v e r s a r i e s , m o v e t h e r e at y o u r first pportunity. G o o d cover offers your b e s t i n s u r a n c e g a i n s t i n j u r y or d e a t h , a n d it w i l l a l l o w y o u r m o r e l m e for target s e l e c t i o n a n d for r e l o a d i n g , t o o , if hat b e c o m e s necessary. Don't make assumptions about the number of dversaries you axe facing. T h o s e you see m a y not e the only ones present, and the ones y o u don't ee right a w a y m a y b e t h e m o s t d a n g e r o u s . A n offu t y o f f i c e r w a s w a l k i n g w i t h h i s g i r l f r i e n d in ew Y o r k C i t y w h e n a civilian ran from a bank, o u t i n g t h a t it w a s b e i n g r o b b e d . T h e o f f i c e r t o l d is girl t o c a l l for h e l p . H e t h e n ran i n t o t h e b a n k , here he saw two m e n with guns. He identified l m s e l f a n d o r d e r e d t h e m t o drop t h e i r w e a p o n s , n k n o w n to h i m , a third robber was standing be-

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hind the b a n k ' s entrance. As the officer concentrated on the suspects he saw, the third one killed h i m with one shot.

Center Mass However m a n y adversaries you face, you don't shoot to s c a r e . . . y o u d o n ' t shoot to w o u n d . . . y o u d o n ' t s h o o t t o d i s a r m . Y o u s h o o t t o stop the action of a t h r e a t b e i n g m a d e t o y o u r l i f e or s o m e o n e e l s e ' s . Y o u w a n t t o get t h e s u s p e c t t o c e a s e h i s i l l e g a l a t t a c k as q u i c k l y a n d e f f i c i e n t l y as p o s s i b l e . W h e t h e r h e s u r v i v e s or d i e s f r o m y o u r r o u n d s is not the consideration. Getting h i m stopped is. S h o o t i n g at c e r t a i n p a r t s of h i s b o d y w i l l l i k e l y a c c o m p l i s h this goal m o r e readily than shooting at o t h e r a r e a s . T h e area in w h i c h i m p a c t i n g b u l l e t s prove m o s t devastating and i m m e d i a t e l y incapacitating is shaped like the letter T . T h e crossbar, 2 to 3 inches wide, extends across the forehead just above the eyes. T h e vertical portion, about the same width, r u n s d o w n t h e c e n t e r of t h e b o d y t o t h e l o w e r s t o m a c h . In t h i s z o n e l i e t h e b r a i n . . . t h e m a j o r b l o o d v e s s e l s . . . t h e s p i n e . . . a n d m o s t of t h e v i t a l o r g a n s — in s h o r t , t h e b o d y ' s l i f e - s u p p o r t s t r u c t u r e . A h i t t o a s u s p e c t ' s h e a d is h i g h l y e f f e c t i v e . A b u l l e t of a n y c a l i b e r t o t h e b r a i n w i l l u n d o u b t e d l y produce the greatest and m o s t instantaneous incapacitation. But the head constitutes a relatively small target. Also, the suspect can easily and instinctively m o v e it o u t of y o u r l i n e of f i r e b y b o b b i n g , d u c k i n g or w e a v i n g if h e s e e s y o u r m u z z l e p o i n t i n g at it. E v e n at r a n g e s as c l o s e as 3 f e e t , y o u ' l l l i k e l y m i s s if y o u a i m for t h e h e a d . S o m e t h e o r i s t s a r g u e t h a t t h e b e s t s p o t t o shooi is t h e s u s p e c t ' s a b d o m i n a l c a v i t y , b e c a u s e slug; punching into h i m there will cause h i m to " r e l a x ' and pitch forward. Practical experience indicate: t h a t t h a t c o n c e p t d e f i n i t e l y is m o r e t h e o r e t i c a l t h a i r e a l i s t i c . S h o o t i n g t o t h i s a r e a d o e s t h r e a t e n th< b l a d d e r , t h e l o w e r i n t e s t i n e , s o m e i m p o r t a n t ar teries and v e i n s and m a y also shatter the pelvis B u t t h e s h o c k i n g a n d i n c a p a c i t a t i n g e f f e c t is l i k e h t o be s l o w e r t h a n y o u c a n a f f o r d . If y o u are u s i n g large c a l i b e r b u l l e t s , say ii t h e .45 s e m i - a u t o m a t i c range, a w o u n d in a nonvita a r e a may be fatal through a p h e n o m e n o n calle " h y d r o s t a t i c s h o c k . " B e c a u s e t h e b o d y is c o m p o s e l a r g e l y of w a t e r a n d b e c a u s e l i q u i d s a r e n o n c o m p r e . s i b l e , t h e s h o c k of a h i g h - v e l o c i t y e n t r y b y a larg bullet can be transmitted throughout the body, i

a w a v e of p r e s s u r e . T h i s m a y c a u s e w i d e s p r e a d organ d a m a g e , d i s r u p t i o n of t h e n e r v o u s s y s t e m a n d even death. S t i l l , the best place to shoot foi maximum stopping poweiis "center mass, " t h e p o r t i o n of t h e T that crosses your assailant's chest area.

) ' J

The "T" zone, 2 to 3 inches wide, spans above the eye brows and intersects in the middle with an imaginary line which extends to the navel. 207

Usually, hits to the center mass area are the most devastating because they penetrate vital organs and shatter bone T h e sooner you are able to cause major interference w i t h a suspect's life-support structure—by directly puncturing vital organs, shattering bones or b y i n d u c i n g p r o f u s e b l e e d i n g — t h e q u i c k e r h e is likely to collapse. T h i s will probably require m o r e than one shot and m a y t a k e m a n y , depending in part o n t h e e f f i c i e n c y of y o u r w e a p o n a n d a m m u n i tion. S o m e o f f i c e r s m a k e t h e m i s t a k e of s h o o t i n g o n c e a n d t h e n w a i t i n g t o s e e w h a t t h e r o u n d is g o i n g t o d o . It m a y m i s s e n t i r e l y . S t a t i s t i c a l l y , m o s t b u l l e t s fired i n g u n f i g h t s do j u s t t h a t . O r y o u r s h o t m a y have freak c o n s e q u e n c e s . A N e w Y o r k officer recalls firing on a s u s p e c t w h o tried to rob h i m after duty early one morning. T h e y were no m o r e than 2 feet apart, and the officer a s s u m e d his bullet hit t h e s u s p e c t ' s a b d o m e n and relaxed after shooting. A c t u a l l y , it s t r u c k t h e c y l i n d e r of t h e r o b b e r ' s r e v o l v e r , l e a v i n g h i m a b l e t o f l e e b e f o r e t h e bew i l d e r e d o f f i c e r c o u l d g e t off e f f e c t i v e f i r e . A n d even if y o u r f i r s t s h o t h i t s , it m a y do l i t t l e m o r e than just get the suspect's physical defense system r e a c t i n g , e s p e c i a l l y if h e ' s h i g h o n drugs or i n s o m e o t h e r a l t e r e d m e n t a l s t a t e . O f c o u r s e , y o u t r y tc m a k e t h e f i r s t r o u n d c o u n t , b u t y o u s h o u l d not be trying for t h e single, perfect s h o t . Instead, y o i should be reacting, subconsciously, to this question "How many rounds can I get into him before hi kills me!" A s a minimum, i t ' s w i s e s t t o fire twc s h o t s i n r a p i d s e q u e n c e ; t w o b u r s t s of t w o s h o t ; each will deliver even m o r e incapacitation. 208

Unique series of photographs of a kidnapper who barricaded himself in his car with a hostage, then leaped out to open fire on the police. Notice the body's tendency to go back slightly, then the upper torso moves forward as the body falls to the ground. As these moments were captured on film, the offender was shot with multiple rounds to the head and chest.

T h e u p p e r t o r s o is l i k e l y t o b e h i s b i g g e s t b o d y region and t a k e longest for h i m t o m o v e , so a i m i n g t h e r e o f f e r s y o u t h e b e s t c h a n c e of h i t t i n g a s w e l l as i n c a p a c i t a t i n g h i m . Y o u w a n t t o l o o k d i r e c t l y at t h e c e n t e r of h i s b o d y , at a b o u t a r m p i t l e v e l , h a l f w a y between his breast nipples, where you w a n t the bullets to hit. As they slam h o m e , he m a y m o v e b a c k w a r d s i n r e a c t i o n t o t h e p a i n , t h r o w i n g h i m off b a l a n c e for d e l i v e r i n g e f f e c t i v e r e t u r n f i r e . P e r h a p s m o s t i m p o r t a n t , s h o t s to his c e n t e r m a s s are l i k e l y to prove doubly devastating to his vital organs. Going in, there's a good c h a n c e your bullets will s h a t t e r o n e or m o r e b o n e s . S h a r p f r a g m e n t s of b o n e s w i l l f l y o u t i n s i d e h i s b o d y at t h e s a m e v e l o c i t y with which your bullets hit. T h i s internal "shrapn e l " will contribute to the impact and to the s e v e r i t y of h i s w o u n d s a n d h i s r a p i d i n c a p a c i t a t i o n . H o w e v e r m a n y s h o t s are n e c e s s a r y , y o u s h o u l d keep shooting—fast and a c c u r a t e l y — u n t i l the susp e c t c e a s e s b e i n g a t h r e a t . If h e ' s a r m e d a n d d e t e r m i n e d to shoot, every second h e ' s on his feet and able to respond brings you closer to death. T r y to c o u n t your s h o t s so y o u can a n t i c i p a t e t h e need to r e l o a d , a n d m o v e b e h i n d c o v e r if y o u r a r e n o t already there. N o t e : If c e n t e r m a s s s h o t s h a v e n o e f f e c t o n the suspect, he m a y be wearing body armor. M a n y officers believe that bulletproof v e s t s can be sold only t o l a w e n f o r c e m e n t personnel, but in fact n o federal or state law prohibits t h e sale to a n y o n e w i t h t h e m o n e y . U s e of b o d y a r m o r b y c r i m i n a l s d a t e s b a c k t o t h e d a y s of J o h n D i l l i n g e r a n d B a b y Face Nelson. S o m e suspects today fashion their own c h e s t p l a t e s o u t of f i b e r g l a s s b o a t r e p a i r k i t s ; o t h e r s buy vests through military surplus stores. Where a suspect appears armored, superior firepower m a y s t i l l b r i n g h i m d o w n . In D e t r o i t , a g u n m a n w e a r i n g b o d y a r m o r s h o t it o u t w i t h p o l i c e , w o u n d i n g o n e officer. T h e suspect was finally killed by a volley of . 3 0 c a l . c a r b i n e f i r e w h i c h p i e r c e d h i s h a n d g u n rated vest. W i t h c o n v e n t i o n a l weapons, consider s h o o t i n g at t h e s u s p e c t ' s h e a d or, m o r e p r a c t i c a l l y , s h o o t i n g l o w . S h o t s at o r b e l o w t h e w a i s t c a n b e f a t a l , as w i t n e s s e d b y t h e f a c t t h a t n e a r l y t e n per c e n t of t h e o f f i c e r s k i l l e d i n a n a v e r a g e y e a r a r e s h o t t h e r e . If n o t h i n g m o r e , y o u m a y b r e a k t h e s u s p e c t ' s h i p s or p e l v i s or k n o c k h i s l e g s o u t f r o m u n d e r h i m . In C a l i f o r n i a , a n a s s a i l a n t w h o k i l l e d t w o d e t e c t i v e s with a .45 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c carbine while he was shielded by a bulletproof vest was finally cut down by a sheriff's deputy w h o got i n t o position w h e r e h e c o u l d fire at t h e s u s p e c t ' s b a c k . F r o m t h a t a n g l e , o n e b l a s t f r o m a s h o t g u n did t h e j o b . 210

Ricochet Shooting In s o m e c a s e s , y o u m a y n o t h a v e t o f i r e d i r e c t l y at a n a s s a i l a n t t o h i t h i m , b e c a u s e of t h e r i c o c h e t or " b o u n c i n g b u l l e t " p h e n o m e n o n . A s w e ' v e s e e n i n d i s c u s s i n g c o v e r , s l u g s c a n g l a n c e off h a r d s u r faces and cause serious injury. W h i l e y o u w a n t to protect yourself from being w o u n d e d by s u c h fire, i t ' s s o m e t h i n g y o u m a y be a b l e t o u s e t o y o u r a d v a n tage a g a i n s t a s u s p e c t . F o r e x a m p l e , r i c o c h e t i n g y o u r s h o t s off a w a l l if h e ' s s h o o t i n g f r o m a d o o r w a y f a r t h e r d o w n . . . o r off t h e p a v e m e n t u n d e r a c a r if h e ' s b e h i n d i t . . . o r off a s i d e w a l k if y o u ' v e a l r e a d y dropped h i m b u t h e ' s s t i l l f i r i n g at y o u f r o m a p r o n e position m a y be the surest way to deliver bullets that will finally stop the action.

Ricochet shooting woiks against any hard surface. [ You are positioned on the left. \

As you adjust your position while maintaining cover, shoot to impact the surface at less than a 45° angle.

The bullet will then flatten out and travel between 1 and 8 inches off the surface until impact with the armed suspect. 211

I n e a c h of t h e s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s , t h e s u s p e c t i s a difficult target. Y o u m a y be able to see only a s m a l l p o r t i o n of h i m , l i k e h i s h e a d a n d s h o o t i n g a r m s t i c k i n g o u t of t h e d o o r w a y or h i s l e g s u n d e r t h e v e h i c l e . O r , if h e ' s c l o s e t o t h e g r o u n d or p r o n e d out, his position m a y effectively m a k e his body s m a l l e r . W i t h so little to a i m for, direct h i t s are tough. R i c o c h e t shooting, for practical purposes, e x p a n d s t h e t a r g e t . H i t t h e w a l l , t h e p a v e m e n t or t h e s i d e w a l k at a n y p o i n t i n f r o n t of a n d i n l i n e w i t h his body and t h e bouncing slugs will travel t h e r e s t of t h e w a y t o h i m . T h a t ' s b e c a u s e l e a d d e f l e c t s off a h a r d s u r f a c e differently than does a rubber ball. A ball b o u n c e s off at t h e s a m e a n g l e at w h i c h it i m p a c t s . B u t s l u g s or b u c k s h o t t e n d t o f l a t t e n o u t f r o m t h e f o r c e of h i t t i n g a n d t h e n fly i n a s l i g h t l y e r r a t i c m a n n e r at a very low angle above the surface.

To deliver ricochet rounds, you use the same instinct shooting grip.Notice the officer's position relative to cover.

Y o u c a n s e e e v i d e n c e of t h i s at m o s t i n d o o r f i r i n g r a n g e s . U s u a l l y as a b a c k s t o p t o t a r g e t s a r a n g e u s e s h e a v y s t e e l a r m o r p l a t e , t i l t e d at a b o u t a 3 0 - t o 60-degree angle. Bullets strike the plate and ricochet d o w n i n t o s a n d or a b u l l e t t r a p . If y o u l o o k at t h e b o t t o m of t h e b a c k s t o p w h e r e t h e d e f l e c t e d r o u n d s end up, you'll notice that they land close to the s t e e l p l a t e . In o t h e r w o r d s , t h e i r a n g l e of d e f l e c t i o n has b e e n very slight. T h e s a m e h o l d s t r u e off h a r d s u r f a c e s l i k e y o u ' l l encounter on the street. Occasionally, a f r e a k ' ' flyer'' behaves differently, b u t m o s t handgun bullets and b u c k s h o t w i l l s k i m a l o n g f r o m t h e p o i n t of i n i t i a l impact to w h e r e they finally c o n n e c t w i t h your t a r g e t w i t h a d e f l e c t i o n of n o m o r e t h a n 1 t o 8 i n c h e s off t h e s u r f a c e ( a s s u m i n g t h e r e ' s n o t s o m e d e f e c t in the surface that interferes w i t h t h e flight). T h e harder the surface, the less the deflection. B e c a u s e t h e slug f l a t t e n s o u t , it t e n d s t o m a k e a m o r e d e v a s t a t i n g e n t r y w h e n it d o e s h i t t h e s u s p e c t , a l t h o u g h it w i l l h a v e l o s t s o m e v e l o c i t y a f t e r i m p a c t i n g w i t h the hard surface. T o deliver ricochet rounds, you use the s a m e i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g grip a n d a i m t h a t y o u do f o r d i r e c t shots. S o m e officers t h i n k t h e y get the best results by a i m i n g for a spot o n t h e w a l l or ground about t w o - t h i r d s of t h e w a y b e t w e e n t h e m a n d t h e a s s a i l a n t . H o w e v e r , t h e i d e a l a n g l e w i l l d e p e n d o n the s u r f a c e a n d t h e t y p e a n d v e l o c i t y of t h e r o u n d s you're using. Consequently, you'll want to practice u s i n g y o u r g u n ( s ) a n d a m m u n i t i o n off a v a r i e t y of surfaces to develop an approach t h a t ' s best for y o u . F o r y o u r p r a c t i c e s e s s i o n s , y o u c a n u s e b a l l o o n s or cardboard s i l h o u e t t e s to s i m u l a t e a r m e d suspects. N o r m a l l y , w e t h i n k of r i c o c h e t s h o o t i n g w o r k ing off c o n c r e t e , a s p h a l t , b r i c k s o r o t h e r r o c k - h a r d ,

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n o n p o r o u s s u r f a c e s . B u t it m a y a l s o w o r k off t u r f , flat p a c k e d s a n d , e v e n s t i l l w a t e r or i c e u n d e r c e r t a i n c o n d i t i o n s . T h e e f f e c t i v e r a n g e u s u a l l y is u p t o 2 5 yards or a b i t m o r e . If y o u t r y a n d b o u n c e b u l l e t s into a suspect m u c h beyond that, results b e c o m e e r r a t i c and t h e r i c o c h e t e f f e c t is of l i t t l e r e l i a b l e value. S o m e r a n g e m a s t e r s t h i n k r i c o c h e t s h o o t i n g is o n l y a g i m m i c k . B u t a p p l i e d p r o p e r l y , it h a s a r e p u table place a m o n g your survival options. O c c a s i o n ally, w h e n there's an obstacle b e t w e e n you and the suspect, bouncing bullets m a y allow you your only s h o t at h i m . . . o r i n n o c e n t p e o p l e i n t h e v i c i n i t y m a y m a k e d i r e c t s h o t s u n s a f e . O f c o u r s e , y o u s h o u l d not c o n s i d e r r i c o c h e t s h o o t i n g a p r o p e r s u b s t i t u t e for w e l l - a i m e d , d i r e c t fire i n all or e v e n m o s t a r m e d encounters. A n d y o u w a n t t o r e m e m b e r t h a t a s s a i l a n t s , as w e l l as o f f i c e r s , s o m e t i m e s k n o w t h i s t a c t i c . T h a t ' s o n e r e a s o n proper c o v e r is so i m p o r t a n t . In a s m a l l m i d w e s t e r n t o w n , for e x a m p l e , a u n i f o r m e d officer approaching a liquor store w h e r e a burglar alarm w a s ringing w a s confronted by t w o s u s p e c t s w h o b o l t e d o u t of t h e f r o n t d o o r . T h e o f f i c e r d o v e t o t h e p a v e m e n t and a s s u m e d a p r o n e p o s i t i o n , f r o m w h i c h h e y e l l e d , " P o l i c e ! H a l t ! " O n e of t h e b u r g l a r s fired at t h e c o n c r e t e 6 feet i n f r o n t of t h e o f f i c e r . T h e slug r i c o c h e t e d a n d s l a m m e d i n t o t h e o f f i c e r ' s s k u l l , j u s t b e l o w t h e b i l l of h i s h a t . R i c o c h e t e d b u l l e t s c a n b o u n c e off w a l l s as w e l l as p a v e m e n t . C o n s e q u e n t l y , y o u w a n t t o a v o i d positioning yourself near any wall in s u c h a w a y t h a t t h e s u r f a c e c a n b e u s e d for r i c o c h e t f i r e b y a suspect against you. S o m e t i m e s suspects' guns achieve this effect s t r i c t l y b y a c c i d e n t . In a w e s t e r n c i t y , a d e t e c t i v e ired at a f u g i t i v e w h o h a d d r a w n a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c after b e i n g c o r n e r e d in a m o d e r n s t e e l - a n d - c o n c r e t e building. T h e o f f i c e r ' s s h o t h i t t h e s u s p e c t , and h e t u m b l e d b a c k w a r d . R e f l e x i v e l y , h e fired at t h e i l t e d c o n c r e t e f l o o r s e v e r a l f e e t i n f r o n t of t h e e t e c t i v e . T h e bullet r i c o c h e t e d up and severed an artery in t h e o f f i c e r ' s t h i g h , c a u s i n g h i s d e a t h . \gain, p r o p e r c o v e r in all p r o b a b i l i t y w o u l d h a v e e f l e c t e d t h e b o u n c i n g b u l l e t a n d a s s u r e d t h e officer's s u r v i v a l .

Muzzle Flash W h e n y o u fire a s h o t , an i n c a n d e s c e n t b u r s t of ight f l a r e s o u t of t h e s p a c e b e t w e e n t h e c y l i n d e r a n d h e b a r r e l and a l s o f r o m t h e m u z z l e . T h i s s o - c a l l e d 213

" m u z z l e f l a s h " is c a u s e d b y t h e s u d d e n r e l e a s e of h i g h e n e r g y g a s e o u s p o w d e r p a r t i c l e s as t h e b u l l e t b l a s t s o u t of t h e c h a m b e r a n d e x i t s t h e e n d of t h e barrel. Under adequate lighting conditions, you'll h a r d l y n o t i c e i t . B u t i n t h e d a r k or i n d i m l i g h t , i t s sudden, a c c e n t u a t e d vividness m a y seriously affect your p r o f i c i e n c y , b o t h by startling y o u and by briefly destroying your night vision. B y anticipating m u z z l e flash and getting yourself a c c u s t o m e d t o it t h r o u g h n i g h t - f i r i n g p r a c t i c e , it w i l l c o m e as l e s s of a d i s c o n c e r t i n g s u r p r i s e . T h e n y o u ' l l be in a good position to u s e this phen o m e n o n to your advantage.

Muzzle flash during even daylight can be seen at a distance.

hours

If, for e x a m p l e , y o u ' r e u p a g a i n s t a n a r m e d b u r g l a r i n s i d e a w a r e h o u s e w h e r e t h e l i g h t is s o bad y o u c a n ' t see h i m , try t h r o w i n g s o m e t h i n g away from w h e r e y o u ' r e standing to draw his fire. T h e n w a t c h for t h e m u z z l e flash f r o m his gun t o position h i m . For an instant, t h e flash w i l l partially sil h o u e t t e h i m . A f t e r w a r d s , e v e n if y o u c a n n o l o n g e r see h i m , you still m a y be able to hit h i m . Y o u wil o n l y s h o o t , of c o u r s e , if y o u a r e p o s i t i v e of y o u r i d e n t i f i c a t i o n of t h e s u s p e c t . S h o o t o n b o t h s i d e s of w h e r e y o u s a w t h e f l a s h firing first just slightly to t h e right. B e c a u s e m o s t people are right-handed, t h a t ' s w h e r e his center m a s s is l i k e l i e s t t o b e , if h e h a s n ' t m o v e d s i n c e f i r i n g . In t h e d a r k , w i t h o n l y m u z z l e f l a s h as a g u i d e m o s t people tend to shoot high, so c o n s c i o u s l y keep y o u r s h o t s l i g h t l y d o w n . A h i g h s h o t is w o r t h l e s s b u t a l o w s h o t m i g h t at l e a s t p r o d u c e a n e f f e c t i v ricochet. R e m e m b e r , a smart suspect m a y try to use you m u z z l e f l a s h t o h i s a d v a n t a g e . If y o u ' r e n o t i n a gooc p r o t e c t e d p o s i t i o n , t r y t o m o v e t o o n e as s o o n as y o i s h o o t . If n o c o v e r is a v a i l a b l e , at l e a s t t r y t o shi: l o c a t i o n a f t e r e a c h s e r i e s of s h o t s t o t h w a r t h i h i t t i n g y o u b y f i r i n g at y o u r f l a s h . A n u n t r a i n e d o p o o r l y t r a i n e d s h o o t e r or o n e w h o d o e s n ' t p r a c t i c e m u c h h a s a t e n d e n c y t o j e r k t h e trigger, a n t h i s , in t u r n , s e n d s h i s s h o t s t o h i s l e f t . T h a t m a well be the case with a suspect. So on the g o o c h a n c e h e ' l l s h o o t t o y o u r r i g h t (his l e f t as h e f a c e you| y o u ' r e p r o b a b l y s a f e s t t o m o v e t o y o u r l e f t a f t e you fire. As y o u m o v e to cover, keep low to increas t h e odds of h i s s h o o t i n g o v e r y o u .

Unpredictable Reactions A m o n g t h e l e a s t p r e d i c t a b l e a s p e c t s of a gur f i g h t are w h a t t h e r e a c t i o n s of y o u r s e l f or t h e su; 214

p e c t w i l l be if h i t . In e i t h e r c a s e , y o u r s u r v i v a l m a y be d i r e c t l y a f f e c t e d . W h e r e t h e s u s p e c t is c o n c e r n e d , r o u n d s t h a t s h o u l d drop h i m m a y n o t ; h e m a y k e e p going—firing b a c k — w i t h a s t a m i n a that defies credibility. By contrast, you m a y s u c c u m b to a relatively m i n o r wound that should be " s u r v i v a b l e , " u n l e s s y o u are prepared p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y f o r t h e p h y s i c a l a n d e m o t i o n a l i m p a c t of b e i n g s h o t . Medical researchers have established that n e a r l y 20 per cent of the time, suspects who aie shot will not be incapacitated by just one round, e v e n t h o u g h t h e y are f a t a l l y w o u n d e d . T h e y ' r e d e a d . . . t h e y j u s t d o n ' t k n o w i t ! S o m e 1 3 per c e n t w i l l k e e p g o i n g up t o f i v e m i n u t e s ; n e a r l y 7 per c e n t , e v e n l o n g e r . In P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n a s s a i l a n t w a s s h o t s q u a r e in t h e h e a r t — y e t h e m a n a g e d t o w a l k d o w n a f l i g h t of s t a i r s and o p e n t w o d o o r s b e f o r e h e c o l l a p s e d . In N e w Y o r k , a s u s p e c t h i t i n t h e s t o m a c h , bladder and gallbladder ran t h r e e b l o c k s before collapsing. Even m u l t i p l e shots will not b r i n g d o w n s o m e s u s p e c t s . In L o s A n g e l e s , a n o t h e r s u s p e c t k e p t f i r i n g t h r o u g h 20 hits, b e f o r e t h e 2 1 s t f i n a l l y dropped h i m . In a n o t h e r c a s e , a s u s p e c t w a s shot 33 times with 9 m m rounds before ceasing his threatening movement. Even hits from multiple shotgun rounds have failed to i m m e d i a t e l y stop some assailants.

Liquor store robber who was shot 33 times with 9mm rounds before becoming incapacitated.

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T h e damage a suspect can inflict during this s o - c a l l e d " a m b u l a t i o n a f t e r d e a t h " is s u b s t a n t i a l . In a n a t t e m p t t o t h w a r t t h e r o b b e r y of a t a v e r n , a n officer shot one suspect in the chest and s t o m a c h a n d w a t c h e d h i m fall t o t h e f l o o r . A f t e r l y i n g m o t i o n l e s s for a few s e c o n d s , t h e robber, to t h e officer's a s t o n i s h m e n t , scrambled b a c k to his feet, grabbed the shotgun that had fallen from his hands and began shooting again. He killed the officer i m m e d i a t e l y a n d w o u n d e d s e v e r a l p a t r o n s of t h e b a r b e f o r e h e f i n a l l y d i e d . D u r i n g a n o t h e r t a v e r n h o l d u p in California, an off-duty sheriff's deputy w h o w a s a patron in t h e place shot a suspect in t h e c h e s t , a w o u n d that proved fatal e v e n t u a l l y . B u t in t h e m e a n t i m e , t h e r o b b e r e n g a g e d t h e o f f i c e r i n a struggle a n d m a n a g e d t o b e a t h i m t o d e a t h w i t h a s a w e d off r i f l e . In still a n o t h e r case, an officer e m p t i e d h i s .38 r e v o l v e r at c o n t a c t d i s t a n c e i n t o t h e c h e s t of a s u s pect w h o w a s trying to shoot h i m after having w o u n d e d his partner. T h e bullets broke several ribs p e n e t r a t e d b o t h l u n g s a n d p u n c t u r e d e n o u g h blooc vessels to produce massive internal bleeding. Yet t h e s u s p e c t f e l l o n l y t e m p o r a r i l y a n d c a m e b a c k of: the ground still clutching his 9 m m s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . H e p o i n t e d it d i r e c t l y at t h e o f f i c e r t o r e s u m e t h e gun b a t t l e . T h i s officer saved his life b e c a u s e h e w a s a l e r t e n o u g h t o u s e s u r p r i s e . H e dropped h i s o w n e m p t y gun and lunged for t h e revolver on t h e belt of h i s w o u n d e d p a r t n e r . W i t h t h i s w e a p o n , h e s h o t t h e s u s p e c t t h r o u g h t h e h e a d , d r o p p i n g h i m instantly. S o m e o f f i c e r s b l a m e t h e i r a m m u n i t i o n for s h o t suspects n o t falling w h e n they should. I t ' s true that i n e x p e r i m e n t a l t e s t i n g t h e k i n d s of r o u n d s u s e d b y m a n y l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a g e n c i e s do n o t a l w a y s disp l a y as m u c h " s t o p p i n g p o w e r " as s o m e o t h e r c o m m e r c i a l l y available a m m u n i t i o n ; because they f a i l t o " s p r e a d " or f l a t t e n o u t m u c h as t h e y t r a v e l through tissue, s o m e traditional " p o l i c e " bullets tend to penetrate too extensively, while not expanding i n f l e s h a n d i n c a p a c i t a t i n g . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , s i n g l e s h o t s of s t a n d a r d . 3 8 S p e c i a l h a n d g u n a m m u n i t i o n , like that carried by i n n u m e r a b l e officers, have killed 350-pound bears, w h o s e weight and body m a s s far e x c e e d t h o s e of m o s t s u s p e c t s . T h e r e ' s probably less hard information available a b o u t b u l l e t e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d p o t e n t i a l o n the h u m a n b o d y t h a n a b o u t a n y o t h e r f a c e t of b a l l i s t i c s . E x p e r t s c a n m e a s u r e v e l o c i t y , r a n g e , t r a j e c t o r y anc answer s o m e other questions about bullet perform a n c e w i t h a h i g h d e g r e e of a c c u r a c y a n d profess i o n a l i s m . B u t w h e n it c o m e s t o h o w a m a n oi w o m a n w i l l r e a c t w h e n s h o t , t o o m a n y variables

are i n v o l v e d f o r pat a n s w e r s . T h e i d e a t h a t a h e a v y " round like a .45 cal. bullet, will spin a s u s p e c t a r o u n d a n d k n o c k h i m d o w n e v e n if i t s t r i k e s h i m o n t h e t h u m b is p u r e m y t h . N o h a n d g u n b u l l e t w i l l do t h a t . I n a d d i t i o n , y o u h a v e t o r e m e m ber t h a t w h i l e a larger, h e a v i e r b u l l e t m a y p e r f o r m i t s i n t e n d e d t a s k m o r e e f f i c i e n t l y , it w i l l a l s o g i v e you a harder recoil, louder m u z z l e blast and brighter m u z z l e f l a s h — a l l of w h i c h m a y a d v e r s e l y a f f e c t your accuracy, the m o s t i m p o r t a n t factor in w h e t h e r bullet does its job. Multiple shots to the suspect's center mass are your best hope of producing instant collapse, whatever factory a m m u n i t i o n your department s p e c i f i e s . H o w e v e r , no p a t t e r n of i n j u r y is guaranteed. S u s p e c t s w i t h i d e n t i c a l d a m a g e t o t h e s a m e vital organs have responded radically differently. Factors other than bullets' impact m a y temporarily d o m i n a t e — a n d the problem s e e m s to be getting worse. For i n s t a n c e , y o u ' r e m o r e l i k e l y t o d a y t h a n s a y t e n y e a r s ago t o c o n f r o n t a n a s s a i l a n t w h o ' s j a c k e d up o n drugs, i n c l u d i n g p o w e r f u l h a l l u c i n o g e n s a n d P C P . T h e s e p e o p l e , a l o n g w i t h t h e s t e a d i l y prol i f e r a t i n g n u m b e r of d r u n k s a n d p s y c h o s , v e r y o f t e n fail t o r e a c t t o b u l l e t s l i k e t h e y " s h o u l d " . F r e q u e n t l y , t h e i r s e n s i t i v i t y t o p a i n is d u l l e d , a l l o w i n g t h e m t o a b s o r b a n u n b e l i e v a b l e a m o u n t of i t . A t t h e same t i m e their altered consciousness m a y i m b u e them with enormous strength to keep going. Even n o r m a l suspects m a y draw great staying power just from the adrenalin and steroids that rush into their bloodstream a u t o m a t i c a l l y during an alarmed state. O n e a r g u m e n t for officers m a k i n g greater u s e of t h e s h o t g u n in a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n s is t h a t i t s superior destructiveness will i n s t a n t l y bring down t h e a s s a i l a n t i n a g r e a t e r p e r c e n t a g e of c a s e s . Y e t some suspects have managed temporarily to withs t a n d b e i n g h i t e v e n w i t h a r i f l e d s l u g fired f r o m 12 ga. s h o t g u n , c o n s i d e r e d t h e u l t i m a t e i n p o w e r n police weaponry. T h e l e s s o n h e r e is c l e a r : a n y f i r e a r m y o u ' r e sing m a y n o t do w h a t y o u t h i n k it w i l l . Don't bet our life on a suspect reacting the way he's suposed to when you shoot him. AND NEVER S S U M E HE'LL R E A C T LIKE S U S P E C T S D O O N E L E V I S I O N . B e prepared t o keep on firing until e c e a s e s t o b e a t h r e a t , e v e n if y o u ' v e a l r e a d y h i t im with ' 'fatal'' rounds. J u s t as y o u p r e p a r e f o r t h e s u s p e c t ' s r e a c t i o n t o e i n g s h o t , y o u w a n t t o p r e p a r e f o r y o u r o w n so y o u o n ' t overreact. S o m e officers s e e m to be condii o n e d t o b e l i e v e t h a t if t h e y a r e h i t d u r i n g a g u n f i g h t hat a u t o m a t i c a l l y m e a n s they m u s t die. Police

s u r g e o n s t e l l of t h o s e w h o s i m p l y a b a n d o n t h e fight and s u c c u m b to w o u n d s that are superficial and should not have been fatal, like t h e Illinois officer w h o fell d o w n and died after being shot in t h e arm with one .22 cal. bullet. W h a t doctors call " p s y c h o s o m a t i c d e a t h " — t h a t is, sudden death in w h i c h emotional states like hopelessness, helpl e s s n e s s a n d f e e l i n g s of a b a n d o n m e n t a r e p r i m a r y contributing factors—is being increasingly recogn i z e d as a s i g n i f i c a n t f a c t o r i n o f f i c e r k i l l i n g s . T h e e f f e c t s of t r a u m a t i c s h o c k , s t r e s s a n d fear w h e n y o u a r e s h o t c a n b e p r o f o u n d a n d c a n , of c o u r s e , do s t r a n g e t h i n g s t o y o u r b o d y . N o t all a r e within your ability to control. Nonetheless, a positive mental attitude can have a remarkable i n f l u e n c e o n y o u r s u r v i v a l . Because you axe shot, even in a critical area, does not necessarily mean you will die. If y o u are h i t , t r y t o k e e p o n f i g h t i n g b a c k . A s e n s e of p u r p o s e a n d a s t r o n g w i l l t o s u r v i v e w i l l help you stay alive. W h e n the s m o k e clears and you c a n a s s e s s t h e d a m a g e , y o u r w o u n d m a y n o t b e as bad as y o u t h o u g h t — p a r t i c u l a r l y if, b y s t i c k i n g w i t h the e n c o u n t e r and marshalling the survival tactics y o u ' v e trained to use, y o u are able to i n c a p a c i t a t e the suspect and prevent h i m f r o m hitting y o u again. D o n ' t f a l l i n t o t h e trap of a s s u m i n g t h a t b e c a u s e y o u are h i t , t h e s u s p e c t w i l l s t o p s h o o t i n g . T r y i n g t o p l a y p o s s u m or h o p i n g t h a t y o u ' l l b e l e f t f o r dead or g i v e n m e r c y if y o u go d o w n a r e r i s k y g a m e s . In f a c t , o n c e y o u fall a n d s t o p s h o o t i n g , t h e s u s p e c t is m o r e l i k e l y t o t r y t o f i n i s h y o u off. T w o N e w Y o r k C i t y incidents illustrate this point vividly. In one, t w o patrolmen were shot from behind by two m e m b e r s of a b l a c k r e v o l u t i o n a r y g r o u p . A s o n e o f f i c e r lay on his b a c k , wounded, h e raised h i s a r m s and pleaded, " D o n ' t kill m e ! " T h e suspects shot h i m 1 3 t i m e s . In t h e s e c o n d c a s e , t w o o t h e r o f f i c e r s f e l l w o u n d e d i n a n a m b u s h . T h e s u s p e c t s t h e n app r o a c h e d a n d d e l i b e r a t e l y s h o t t h e e y e s o u t of o n e fallen officer and shot t h e other t w i c e in the genitals. If y o u d o n ' t a l r e a d y h a v e y o u r f i r e a r m i n h a n d w h e n y o u are w o u n d e d , y o u w a n t t o d r a w it i m m e d i a t e l y . Y o u s h o u l d p r a c t i c e so t h a t y o u c a n d r a w your sidearm with either hand, from any position, i n c l u d i n g l y i n g o n y o u r f a c e or b a c k . N e v e r g i v e u p ! I n s t e a d , act t o s u r v i v e .

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RELOADING UNDER FIRE

B a s e d o n s t a t i s t i c s , it w o u l d s e e m t h a t r e l o a d i n g is n o t a n i m p o r t a n t part of g u n f i g h t s . T h e average c o n f r o n t a t i o n is o v e r b e f o r e e i t h e r s i d e f i r e s e v e n as m a n y as t h r e e r o u n d s , and o n l y a b o u t f o u r per c e n t of o f f i c e r s i n s h o o t - o u t s e v e r f i n d it n e c e s s a r y t o reload under fire the closer t h e e n c o u n t e r , t h e less the c h a n c e that reloading will b e c o m e a factor. For g a m b l e r s , t h e s e odds m i g h t b e r e a s s u r i n g . B u t part of c o n d i t i o n i n g y o u r s e l f for s u r v i v a l is l e a r n i n g t o c o p e w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n a l as w e l l as t h e c o m m o n place. ;

All the statistics belittling reloading w o n ' t help y o u a b i t if, l i k e a n u n f o r t u n a t e m i n o r i t y of o f f i c e r s , you have to expend m o r e t h a n the " a v e r a g e " n u m b e r of r o u n d s d u r i n g a l o n g f o o t c h a s e or a l l - o u t f i r e f i g h t or a g a i n s t o n e or m o r e w e l l - p r o t e c t e d assailants—and still face an adversary w h o ' s u n h i t a n d firing b a c k w h e n t h e r e ' s n o t h i n g l e f t i n y o u r o w n gun to shoot. W h e t h e r it's " s u p p o s e d to h a p p e n " or n o t , w h e n it d o e s you're better off with a sack full of rocks than standing there with an empty gun. T h e faster your recovery r a t e — t h e speed w i t h w h i c h y o u c a n r e p l e n i s h y o u r a m m u n i t i o n a n d get b a c k o n t a r g e t — t h e s t r o n g e r y o u r c h a n c e s of emerging from the confrontation alive. For the action doesn't c o m e to a halt w h i l e you reload; i n d e e d , it m a y e s c a l a t e t o a n e w a n d m o r e d a n g e r o u s level.

W h i l e y o u ' r e o u t of c o m m i s s i o n : • t h e s u s p e c t m a y c h a n g e l o c a t i o n s . If y o u ' r e distracted w i t h reloading, y o u m a y n o t be able to find h i m i m m e d i a t e l y w h e n y o u ' r e ready to start shooting again. And he m a y have m o v e d to a vantage point where he can kill you with his next round; • h e m a y r u s h y o u . In a s t r e e t b a t t l e w i t h a burglar, an O h i o officer c r o u c h e d b e h i n d his patrol car to reload. T h e suspect, w h o had been n e a r t h e f r o n t of t h e car, r a n a r o u n d t h e side a n d a t t a c k e d t h e officer f r o m t h e rear, s h o o t i n g h i m in t h e head; • he m a y get a good " f r e e " shot e v e n w i t h o u t moving. A Georgia patrolman approaching the s c e n e of a d o m e s t i c d i s t u r b a n c e g o t i n t o a g u n fight w i t h a suspect w h o was a r m e d w i t h a .22 cal. rifle. T h e officer was away from his patrol car w h e n the shooting started and was pinned d o w n b y t h e s u s p e c t ' s f i r e s o h e c o u l d n ' t get back. But w i t h his .38 cal. revolver he managed t o k e e p t h e a s s a i l a n t s o off b a l a n c e t h a t h e missed consistently, even w i t h his superior w e a p o n . . . u n t i l the officer had to reload. In that m o m e n t a r y pause, t h e suspect got t h e one good shot he needed. H e killed the patrolman with a bullet to the chest.

Efficient Recovery T h e r e are w a y s t o reload that m i n i m i z e s u c h risks while maximizing recovery efficiency. S o m e 0 1 the m e c h a n i c a l procedures vary, depending on the t y p e of f i r e a r m y o u ' r e u s i n g . B u t r e g a r d l e s s of t h e gun, t h e r e are certain survival principles regarding reloading you will want to follow whenever possible: 1. A s a g e n e r a l r u l e , try to reload during a "tactical pause" or break in s h o o t i n g and especially b e f o r e y o u a d v a n c e y o u r p o s i t i o n . E v e n if t h e a m m u n i t i o n i n y o u r g u n is n o t a l l e x p e n d e d , c o n sider using any lapse to get your gun full again; there m a y not be another opportunity, and it's better t o c h o o s e y o u r r e l o a d i n g t i m e t h a n t o b e forcec i n t o i t . S a y , f o r e x a m p l e , y o u s h o o t t w o or t h r e e r o u n d s at a s u s p e c t , w h o t h e n r u n s i n t o a r e s i d e n c e or s t o r e a n d s e i z e s h o s t a g e s . A f t e r y o u p o s i t i o n y o u r s e l f t o w a i t f o r b a c k - u p , y o u w a n t t o r e l o a d sc w h e n t h e a c t i o n r e s u m e s y o u r g u n is f u l l . D u r i n g i p a u s e i n t h e s h o o t i n g , y o u c a n s l i p i n a n e w magaz i n e w i t h a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . W i t h a r e v o l v e r , ejeci 220

all t h e c a r t r i d g e s i n y o u r g u n — l i v e a n d e m p t y — o n t h e g r o u n d and load i n a l l f r e s h r o u n d s . If t h e r e is n o t a c t i c a l p a u s e , s h o o t u n t i l y o u a r e o u t of a m m u nition, then reload i m m e d i a t e l y , w h e t h e r your a d v e r s a r y is s t i l l s t a n d i n g or n o t . W h a t e v e r t h e circumstances, dump your spent shell cases directly on the ground; t h a t ' s fastest. 2. Communicate with your paitnei, if y o u h a v e o n e . I d e a l l y , y o u w a n t t o a v o i d r u n n i n g o u t of a m m u n i t i o n a n d b e i n g " d o w n " at t h e s a m e t i m e . T h r o u g h prearranged signals, y o u m a y be able to s w a p off o n r e l o a d i n g , p r o v i d e d , of c o u r s e , t h a t y o u each c o u n t your shots and k n o w w h e r e you stand in t e r m s of r e m a i n i n g r o u n d s . W i t h p r e p l a n n i n g , y o u m a y e v e n b e a b l e t o c o n t h e s u s p e c t . If, b y p r a c t i c e d a r r a n g e m e n t , y o u b o t h y e l l , " I ' m o u t ! " at t h e s a m e t i m e , w h e n it i s n ' t t r u e , t h e s u s p e c t m a y t h i n k h e has a free shot. H e m a y t h e n c o m e out in t h e open to attack, allowing the hit y o u need to end the confrontation. 3. Reload behind cover, or at l e a s t i n a c o n c e a l e d p o s i t i o n , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u r g u n is a r e v o l v e r . A " w h e e l g u n " requires a longer recovery rate, w h i c h m e a n s a longer period in w h i c h your assaila n t c a n s h o o t at y o u w i t h i m p u n i t y . Y o u n e e d a good b a r r i c a d e t o s h i e l d y o u . 4. Reload by feel s o t h a t all t h e t i m e y o u ' r e f i l l i n g u p y o u c a n keep your eyes on the suspect or the suspect's location, not on your firearm. Any m o v e h e is a b l e t o m a k e w i t h o u t y o u r s u r v e i l l a n c e c a n o n l y w o r k t o y o u r d i s a d v a n t a g e . If y o u k e e p your eyes focused on where you w a n t to hit h i m , y o u ' l l b e r e a d y t o s h o o t as s o o n as y o u h a v e l i v e r o u n d s . A l s o , if y o u k e e p t h e e l b o w of y o u r g u n h a n d t o u c h i n g y o u r s i d e , it w i l l h e l p y o u s e n s e e x a c t l y where your gun is. Swift, effective reloading requires that y o u combine shrewd tactics with m a n u a l dexterity. H e r e are s o m e of t h e t h i n g s y o u n e e d t o k n o w t o p u l l it off, t a i l o r e d t o t h e t y p e of f i r e a r m o n w h i c h y o u r life d e p e n d s .

Revolver G e t t i n g f r e s h a m m u n i t i o n i n t o a r e v o l v e r is more complicated and difficult than w i t h either a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c or a s h o t g u n . T o fire y o u r l a s t s h o t from a r e v o l v e r . . . d u m p your cases...fully reload and fire a g a i n m a y t a k e y o u 10 s e c o n d s or m o r e , d e p e n d ing o n t h e t y p e of c a r t r i d g e c a r r i e r y o u u s e . W h i l e

y o u ' r e r e l o a d i n g , y o u r g u n is i n o p e r a b l e . W i t h t h e cylinder swung open, it's e x t r e m e l y vulnerable to dirt, m u d , s l u s h a n d o t h e r f o r e i g n o b j e c t s . . . a n d y o u are literally defenseless. Y o u d o n ' t w a n t to p a n i c w h e n f a c e d w i t h a r e l o a d i n g s i t u a t i o n . . . b u t y o u do want to hurry. T o u n l o a d , o p e n t h e c y l i n d e r as s o o n as y o u d e c i d e t o r e l o a d , w h e t h e r or n o t y o u h a v e f i r e d y o u r last round. Hold t h e gun in your w e a k h a n d w i t h y o u r p a l m u n d e r t h e trigger g u a r d a n d c u r v e y o u r t w o m i d d l e fingers around t h r o u g h t h e f r a m e so t h e y rest on the cylinder. T h i s will keep the cylinder f r o m c l o s i n g . N o w i n v e r t t h e g u n s o t h e b a r r e l is s t r a i g h t u p . P l a c e y o u r t h u m b o n t h e t i p of t h e ejector rod...trigger finger around the barrel...and y o u r l i t t l e f i n g e r o v e r t h e h a m m e r or b e h i n d t h e h a m m e r s p u r . T h i s g i v e s y o u a f i r m grip o n t h e g u n e v e n if y o u t r i p or f a l l , y o u c a n r e t a i n i t . W h i l e s t a b i l i z i n g t h e c y l i n d e r w i t h t h e t i p s of y o u r m i d d l e fingers, rapidly eject t h e spent cases w i t h a s i n g l e d o w n w a r d s t r o k e of t h e r o d . If y o u k e e p t h e gun vertical, the cases will eject cleanly without h a n g i n g u p or c a t c h i n g o n t h e g u n grip o n t h e i r w a y o u t . Let all the brass fall directly onto the ground. S o m e officers have been killed because t h e y t o o k extra t i m e to c a t c h the ejected cases and p u t t h e m i n t h e i r p o c k e t s , as t h e y ' d d o n e w h e n shooting targets on the range. As you're moving y o u r r e v o l v e r i n t o p o s i t i o n for e j e c t i n g t h e s p e n t r o u n d s , y o u r s t r o n g h a n d s h o u l d b e r e a c h i n g for fresh a m m u n i t i o n . ;

Unloading a revolver efficiently will make you feel confident about maintaining your gaze in the direction of the armed suspect.

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For r e l o a d i n g , y o u ' l l b e g e t t i n g y o u r f r e s h a m m u n i t i o n f r o m o n e of t h r e e p r i m a r y t y p e s of cartridge carrier: belt l o o p s . . . d u m p p o u c h e s . . . o r speed l o a d e r s . E a c h h a s u n i q u e a d v a n t a g e s a n d disadvantages that will influence your reloading capability. T h e type you u s e will depend on the f u n c t i o n a l t r a d e - o f f s y o u are w i l l i n g t o a c c e p t (or that your d e p a r t m e n t is willing to a c c e p t for y o u ) .

If you use a vinyl speed strip, make sure it is grasped properly for easy removal. The speed strip will load two cartridges at a time. For speed, two cartridges at a time should be activated from the cartridge carrier by pushing them up from below. Then grasp the cartridges by the primer end.

R e l o a d i n g e i t h e r w i t h b e l t l o o p s or t h e d u m p p o u c h r e q u i r e s n i m b l e f i n g e r s . L e a t h e r l o o p s provide dependable a c c e s s to additional a m m u n i t i o n , a n d t h e y a l l o w y o u a c h o i c e of h o w m a n y r o u n d s to r e m o v e f r o m y o u r a m m u n i t i o n carrier for reloading. Loops m a y be hard to draw from, though, w h e n y o u r f i n g e r s a r e s w e a t y , c o l d or t r e m b l i n g . Y o u can m a k e the job easier by pushing the cart r i d g e s u p i n t h e l o o p s f r o m b e l o w as y o u r f i r s t r e l o a d i n g s t e p . P u s h u p e v e r y o t h e r c a r t r i d g e , or all six. Either way, w i t h practice, y o u can learn to grasp t w o r o u n d s at a t i m e , r o c k t h e m u p a n d o u t of t h e l o o p s t o g e t h e r a n d c h a m b e r t h e m s i m u l t a n e o u s l y . S t i l l , t h e r e ' s a l o t of r e p e t i t i v e b a c k - a n d f o r t h m o t i o n t o get t h e c y l i n d e r f u l l . A l s o b e l t loops allow your a m m u n i t i o n to be exposed to the w e a t h e r and e l e m e n t s . U n l e s s your cartridges are c h a n g e d f r e q u e n t l y , a g r e e n c o r r o s i o n m a y b u i l d up on the m e t a l , m a k i n g t h e m difficult to draw from the loops.

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W i t h the d u m p pouch, y o u get six bullets in y o u r h a n d at o n c e , o f t e n f a c i n g d i v e r s e d i r e c t i o n s . Y o u have to position t h e m properly before y o u can l o a d . M o r e o v e r , a d u m p p o u c h is h a r d t o a c t i v a t e properly should you be in a prone p o s i t i o n . Leather loops m a y provide a m o r e dependable a c c e s s to a d d i t i o n a l a m m u n i t i o n . T h e y a l l o w y o u a c h o i c e of how m a n y rounds to remove. Also, with a dump p o u c h , y o u ' l l p r o b a b l y n e e d 12 t o 1 4 s e c o n d s t o r e l o a d . T a k i n g t w o at a t i m e f r o m b e l t l o o p s , y o u c a n fill u p in a b o u t 10 s e c o n d s . B e c a u s e e v e r y s e c o n d you take m e a n s more exposure to risk, it's essential to shave t i m e w h e r e y o u can. T o r e l o a d o n c e y o u h a v e o n e or m o r e l o o s e r o u n d s , e i t h e r f r o m l o o p s or a p o u c h , r e a d y i n y o u r f i n g e r s , r e t a i n t h e grip y o u h a d o n y o u r r e v o l v e r for u n l o a d i n g a n d t i l t t h e m u z z l e t o w a r d t h e g r o u n d at a b o u t a 4 5 - d e g r e e a n g l e . T h e p a l m of y o u r w e a k hand should be cupped under the cylinder to c a t c h a n y c a r t r i d g e s t h a t drop. W i t h t h e t h u m b a n d m i d d l e finger of t h a t h a n d , grasp t h e c y l i n d e r . Y o u w a n t your t h u m b and finger in adjacent grooves; that will h e l p y o u judge w h e r e t h e c a r t r i d g e g o e s , s i n c e e a c h cylinder opening lies b e t w e e n grooves. As y o u rotate the cylinder w i t h t h u m b and finger, y o u load the a m m u n i t i o n w i t h your strong hand. W h e n you're finished, close the cylinder and r e s u m e your firing position. S o m e gunfight veterans insist that the fastest c a r r i e r for f u l l y r e l o a d i n g a r e v o l v e r is t h e r o u n d speed-loader, w h i c h holds six cartridges in position for s i m u l t a n e o u s i n s e r t i o n i n t o a c y l i n d e r . W i t h practice, a speed-loader can cut your recovery rate t o t h r e e s e c o n d s or l e s s — a l m o s t as f a s t as c h a n g i n g m a g a z i n e s in a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . Also, t h e advoc a t e s of s p e e d - l o a d e r s s a y , t h e s e d e v i c e s w i l l a l l o w you to reload s m o o t h l y , w i t h m i n i m u m hand m o v e m e n t , i n t h e d a r k . . . w h e n y o u a r e r u n n i n g or c r a w l i n g . . . w i t h gloves o n . . . w h e n the w e a t h e r ' s so cold you can't feel your fingers, m u c h less your a m m u n i t i o n . C r i t i c s argue t h a t i t ' s d i f f i c u l t t o reload w i t h a speed-loader w i t h o u t closely w a t c h i n g w h a t y o u a r e d o i n g i n order t o l i n e up s i x c a r t r i d g e s s i m u l t a n e o u s l y , especially in the fear and t e n s i o n of a g u n f i g h t s i t u a t i o n . W i t h e x t e n s i v e p r a c t i c e , however, y o u can m a s t e r this t e c h n i q u e so your eyes w o n ' t have to be diverted from w a t c h i n g the s u s p e c t i n order t o w a t c h y o u r g u n . I t ' s n o m o r e d i f f i c u l t t h a n l e a r n i n g t o t y p e w i t h o u t l o o k i n g at t h e k e y s . L i k e o t h e r m e t h o d s of r e l o a d i n g , s p e e d l o a d e r s are g r a v i t y d e p e n d e n t . If y o u ' r e o n y o u r back, they w o n ' t w o r k well. Y o u have to get into a p o s i t i o n w h e r e y o u c a n p o i n t t h e m u z z l e of y o u r gun down perpendicular, so t h e rounds w i l l feed

//you carry speed-loaders,

use a double

leather case and practice opening the snap for efficient removal.

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s t r a i g h t i n w h e n y o u p u s h or t w i s t t h e c a r t r i d g e r e l e a s e . B e c a r e f u l n o t t o drop t h e l o a d e r as y o u r e a c h f o r it w i t h y o u r s t r o n g h a n d . S o m e t y p e s w i l l s p i l l t h e i r c a r t r i d g e s if d r o p p e d , f o r c i n g y o u t h e n t o d r a w y o u r s p a r e r e v o l v e r or t o r e l o a d f r o m t h e ground. Again, k n o w your e q u i p m e n t thoroughly before y o u get i n t o a s i t u a t i o n w h e r e your life d e p e n d s o n y o u r o p e r a t i n g it at t o p s p e e d . A l s o , t a k e care n o t to activate the cartridge release before you've fitted the bullet noses into the chambers. T h i s h a s h a p p e n e d t o o f f i c e r s u n d e r s t r e s s or b y a c c i d e n t w h e n t h e y s t u m b l e d o r f e l l i n p u r s u i t of a s u s p e c t . T h e cartridges t h e n are lost, i n s t a n t l y . O n c e t h e cartridges are in y o u r gun, t o s s t h e speedl o a d e r a s i d e . Y o u c a n r e c o v e r it l a t e r , a f t e r t h e a c t i o n is o v e r ; d o n ' t t a k e t i m e u n d e r fire t o p u t it i n y o u r p o c k e t or b a c k i n i t s c a r r y i n g c a s e . W h a t e v e r t y p e of a m m u n i t i o n c a r r i e r y o u u s e , Y ' s t r i c t l y by feel, n o t b y l o o k i n g o u

n

n

e

e

d

t

o

r

e

l

o

a

d

down. Partly t h a t ' s to m a k e you proficient in t h e dark, w h e n y o u m a y have trouble seeing your gun,

h a n d s a n d a m m u n i t i o n a n d w h e n u s e of a f l a s h l i g h t for r e l o a d i n g w o u l d o n l y s i l h o u e t t e y o u as a target. M o r e important, working by t o u c h alone lets you keep your eyes on your assailant or his l o c a t i o n at all t i m e s . T o f a c i l i t a t e t h i s c o n t i n u o u s surveillance, you should face toward h i m throughout your recovery period. Y o u m a y w a n t to consider bringing your revolver up t o e y e l e v e l w i t h y o u r e l b o w s t o u c h i n g y o u r s i d e , w h i l e you reload. T h i s allows you to see w h a t y o u ' r e doing w h i l e still w a t c h i n g the s u s p e c t in your peripheral vision. However, this position increases t h e t i m e it t a k e s t o get n e w a m m u n i t i o n f r o m i t s carrier to the cylinder and also increases the risk that y o u ' l l drop s o m e e n r o u t e . If y o u ' r e practiced e n o u g h , y o u ' r e b e t t e r off w i t h t h e g u n at b e l t l e v e l , as c l o s e t o t h e a m m u n i t i o n s o u r c e as y o u c a n g e t i t . W h a t y o u r f i n g e r s are d o i n g s h o u l d b e a u t o m a t i c ; your m i n d and eyes should be free to c o n c e n t r a t e on the suspect(s) and the action you're facing.

When cartridges are loaded, make sure that the cylinder properly.

always closes

W h e r e y o u are u s i n g s o m e m e t h o d o t h e r t h a n s p e e d - l o a d i n g , you may not want to reload a full cylinder u n d e r c e r t a i n c i r c u m s t a n c e s . If y o u ' r e o u t of a m m u n i t i o n b u t u n d e r f i r e . . . b e h i n d p o o r c o v e r . . . or y o u r a s s a i l a n t is c o m i n g at y o u , y o u r s u r v i v a l savvy m a y dictate that you q u i c k l y d u m p your e m p t i e s . . . load only one to three fresh cartridges... and g e t b a c k i n a c t i o n . Don't get cut down loading a sixth round in your gun. T h a t ' s e x a c t l y w h a t h a p p e n e d t o a w e s t e r n h i g h w a y p a t r o l m a n ; j u s t as he finished loading the last round, his assailant, w h o h a d b e e n w a t c h i n g , s h o t h i m i n t h e h e a d . If h e ' d l o a d e d o n l y t w o , c h a n c e s a r e he c o u l d h a v e b e e n the one to surprise the suspect. Proper technique for reloading a revolver one-handed.

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W i t h p a r t i a l r e l o a d i n g , t h e p o s i t i o n of t h e cylinder h o l e s you fill will be i m p o r t a n t . Ideally, when you close the cylinder, you w a n t your a m m u n i t i o n p o s i t i o n e d so t h a t a live iound comes under the hammer the first time y o u p u l l t h e trigger. T h a t m e a n s you have to k n o w the direction in which your cylinder rotates; otherwise you m a y h a v e t o s t r o k e t h e trigger s e v e r a l t i m e s t o m o v e a round into detonating position, and this can cost you t i m e . S m i t h & Wesson cylinders rotate counterclockwise-, y o u w a n t t o load t h e s e h i g h o n t h e right s i d e . C o l t c y l i n d e r s t u r n clockwise; load t h e m high o n y o u r left. If y o u ' r e u s i n g a r e v o l v e r f r o m a n o t h e r manufacturer, k n o w how your cylinder rotates. Y o u c a n r e l o a d a r e v o l v e r o n e - h a n d e d . T h i s is c o n v e n i e n t if o n e h a n d , a r m or s h o u l d e r h a s b e e n d i s a b l e d b y h o s t i l e fire or s o m e o t h e r i n j u r y a n d a l s o if y o u n e e d t o r e l o a d w h i l e d r i v i n g . Y o u a c t i v a t e t h e c y l i n d e r l o c k and f o r c e t h e c y l i n d e r o p e n w i t h y o u r good h a n d . S t i c k y o u r t h u m b t h r o u g h t h e f r a m e t o k e e p t h e c y l i n d e r f r o m c l o s i n g a n d u s e y o u r trigger finger t o p l u n g e t h e e j e c t o r d o w n a n d d u m p y o u r e x p e n d e d r o u n d s . S t i c k t h e b a r r e l of t h e e m p t y g u n i n t o y o u r w a i s t b a n d , w i t h t h e c y l i n d e r o p e n and away from your body. T h e ejector rod should be outside your belt to help hold your gun. Load w i t h y o u r free or g o o d h a n d , c l o s e t h e c y l i n d e r a n d you're set. H e r e , t o o , t h e r e m a y be c i r c u m s t a n c e s i n w h i c h one-handed reloading will surprise your adversary. O n e o f f i c e r , for i n s t a n c e , e n t e r e d a w a r e h o u s e during a n i g h t t i m e p r o w l e r c a l l a n d w a s i m m e d i a t e l y fired u p o n b y an a s s a i l a n t p e r c h e d s o m e w h e r e u p h i g h . Zigzagging b e t w e e n c r a t e s a n d p i l e s of m e r c h a n d i s e , h e f i n a l l y l o c a t e d t h e s h o o t e r , far u p in t h e r a f t e r s . D i r e c t l y b e n e a t h h i m w a s a s t e e l ladder l e a d i n g t o h i s l o c a t i o n . In t h e g l o o m t h e o f f i c e r m a n a g e d t o r e a c h it w i t h o u t b e i n g s e e n , b u t in t h e p r o c e s s h e s h o t h i s r e v o l v e r dry. O n t h e w a y u p t h e ladder, h e s t u c k t h e g u n in h i s w a i s t b a n d , l o a d e d in three cartridges and waited, hanging on a rung. M o m e n t a r i l y he heard his assailant starting down t h e ladder t o l o o k for h i m . T h e o f f i c e r fired t h r e e r o u n d s w i t h deadly a c c u r a c y at t h e s t a r t l e d s u s p e c t f r o m a d i s t a n c e of a b o u t 8 f e e t . W h e n y o u ' r e a b l e t o c h o o s e y o u r l o c a t i o n for r e l o a d i n g , try t o load o v e r an a r e a t h a t w i l l p r o v i d e s o m e c u s h i o n for y o u r c a r t r i d g e s s h o u l d y o u drop any. There have been instances where bullets have e x p l o d e d f r o m t h e p r i m e r f a l l i n g o n hard or r o u g h s u r f a c e s , l i k e c o n c r e t e or p e b b l e s . A l s o , for s a f e t y r e a s o n s , keep your finger outside the trigger guard at all t i m e s w h i l e u n l o a d i n g a n d reloading. 229

Never reholster an e m p t y gun. W h e n the s h o o t i n g is o v e r a n d y o u r e l o a d y o u r g u n t o r e t u r n t o d u t y , b e s u r e y o u load the cylinder fully. O n t h e range, y o u m a y load only five rounds to m a k e scoring easier. O n duty, too, s o m e officers use a f i v e - r o u n d l o a d so t h e y c a n c a r r y t h e g u n w i t h a n empty chamber under the h a m m e r . Actually, t h e r e ' s n o s a f e t y b e n e f i t t o t h i s if y o u r g u n ' s i n g o o d w o r k i n g order, p l u s it r e d u c e s t h e n u m b e r of r o u n d s y o u h a v e a v a i l a b l e in a s h o o t - o u t . O n e m i d w e s t e r n d e t e c t i v e w h o h a b i t u a l l y loaded only five rounds in a six-shot revolver was m a k i n g an entry in his n o t e b o o k in his u n m a r k e d car one night w h e n a suspect suddenly appeared from b e t w e e n t w o buildings and o r d e r e d h i m o u t of t h e car at t h e p o i n t of a . 3 8 c a l . snub-nose. T h e officer complied and was forced to lie on the ground w h i l e the offender w e n t through his p o c k e t s , taking his m o n e y and his badge. Before h e c o u l d grab t h e d e t e c t i v e ' s g u n , a w i t n e s s i n o n e of t h e b u i l d i n g s k n o c k e d o n t h e w i n d o w , t h e r o b b e r b e c a m e startled and ran. T h e officer chased h i m d o w n t h e s t r e e t a n d fired f o u r s h o t s a l o n g t h e w a y , t h e n r a n i n t o a n a l l e y a f t e r h i m a n d fired h i s l a s t r e m a i n i n g r o u n d . W i t h t h e n e x t trigger pull, t h e firing pin c l i c k e d into the s i x t h — e m p t y — c y l i n d e r hole. W i t h a " f r e e " shot, the assailant killed the officer and fled in a waiting car.

Semi-Automatic P r o b a b l y t h e f a s t e s t f i r e a r m t o r e l o a d f u l l y is a semi-automatic. For m a x i m u m s t r e a m l i n i n g , y o u w a n t t o a n t i c i p a t e r e l o a d i n g b e f o r e y o u r u n dry a n d d r a w a s p a r e m a g a z i n e from your leather gear w i t h your w e a k hand. Y o u can hold this magazine alongside your w e a p o n w h i l e y o u r w e a k h a n d is i n t h e s u p p o r t p o s i t i o n for firing. T h i s w i l l s o m e w h a t lessen t h e support y o u ' r e able to give your grip, b u t y o u ' l l be ready w i t h fresh a m m u n i t i o n the instant you dump the old; y o u d o n ' t have to spend valuable seconds r e a c h i n g for t h e r e p l a c e m e n t . T o change magazines, depress the m a g a z i n e release button on your semi-automatic with your gun h a n d , w h i l e keeping t h e gun in shooting position and your eyes o n the suspect. As the e m p t y magazine falls out, bring the n e w one under the gun with your weak hand without looking down. Your forefinger should lie along the m a g a z i n e ' s front edge, w i t h y o u r t h u m b at t h e b a c k t o g u i d e it i n t o the magazine well. Seat the new magazine firmly b y t a p p i n g it i n t o p l a c e w i t h t h e h e e l of y o u r w e a k h a n d . Y o u d o n ' t n e e d t o s l a m it h a r d t o g e t it t o 230

l o c k ; i n f a c t , d o i n g so m a y d a m a g e t h e m a g a z i n e and lead t o m a l f u n c t i o n s . If y o u ' v e c h a n g e d m a g a z i n e s b e f o r e s h o o t i n g dry, y o u a r e r e a d y t o r e s u m e firing i m m e d i a t e l y u p o n t h e n e w m a g a z i n e b e i n g i n p l a c e . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , if y o u s h o o t all y o u r original rounds before changing, the slide will have l o c k e d t o t h e rear a f t e r y o u fired y o u r l a s t c a r t r i d g e , s i g n a l i n g t h a t y o u r g u n is e m p t y . W i t h t h e n e w magazine in place, y o u ' l l need to release the slide w i t h t h e t h u m b of y o u r g u n h a n d a n d l e t it f l y foward into firing position before y o u s h o o t again.

A n a d v a n t a g e of some s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s is t h a t y o u c a n s t i l l fire e v e n w h i l e r e l o a d i n g . S o l o n g as t h e slide r e m a i n s forward on a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , a round is c h a m b e r e d , e v e n t h o u g h y o u r e m o v e t h e m a g a zine. W i t h a C o l t .45 s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , for e x a m p l e , you can shoot that one round without any magazine b e i n g in t h e w e l l . If y o u do, t h o u g h , y o u ' l l h a v e t o manually chamber a n e w round when the n e w m a g a z i n e is i n s e r t e d . N o t a l l s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s h a v e t h i s f i r i n g f e a t u r e , however,- S m i t h & W e s s o n models 39 and 59 and the Browning Hi-Power 9 m m , f o r e x a m p l e , do n o t . U n l e s s t h e m a g a z i n e safety disconnect on these guns has been altered,

The proper weak-hand placement of fresh magazine prior to speedloading semi-automatic.

t h e y w i l l n o t fire w i t h o u t a m a g a z i n e in place even t h o u g h t h e r e is a l i v e r o u n d i n t h e c h a m b e r . S o know youi equipment. It t a k e s l o n g e r t o l o a d a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c o n e h a n d e d , b u t it c a n b e d o n e , if, f o r e x a m p l e , o n e of y o u r h a n d s is u s e l e s s b e c a u s e it h a s b e e n w o u n d e d . A f t e r y o u drop t h e o l d m a g a z i n e , p l a c e t h e g u n tightly b e t w e e n your k n e e s , angled so t h a t the m u z z l e is p o i n t e d d o w n a n d a w a y f r o m y o u a n d t h e Proper technique for reloading a semiautomatic one-handed.

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b u t t is u p a n d o u t i n f r o n t of y o u . I n s e r t t h e n e w m a g a z i n e a n d tap i n i n t o p l a c e w i t h y o u r g o o d h a n d , t h e n grip t h e g u n w i t h t h a t s a m e h a n d a n d r e t u r n it t o s h o o t i n g p o s i t i o n . W i t h a q u i c k p r e s s of t h e s l i d e release, you're ready to go, having reloaded in about f i v e s e c o n d s or l e s s . N o t e : If, t o m a x i m i z e t h e s p e e d of r e l o a d i n g , y o u s i m p l y r e l e a s e t h e old m a g a z i n e a n d l e t it f a l l t o t h e g r o u n d , do not l a t e r r e p l e n i s h it w i t h n e w a m m u n i t i o n a n d r e t u r n it t o y o u r g u n or m a g a z i n e carrier w i t h o u t careful inspection. Y o u w a n t to be c e r t a i n t h a t t h e drop did n o t d e n t o r c r a c k t h e m a g a z i n e or b e n d i t s l i p s . S u c h d a m a g e c o u l d r e s u l t i n f e e d i n g p r o b l e m s , if u n d e t e c t e d .

Shotgun W h e n you take a shotgun into action you want t o h a v e at l e a s t t e n r o u n d s a l o n g , c o u n t i n g t h o s e already loaded in the gun plus extras. Y o u c a n carry your spare a m m u n i t i o n in your w e a k - s i d e p o c k e t b e c a u s e u n d e r fire y o u ' l l r e l o a d w i t h y o u r w e a k hand. O r y o u can carry an " a m m o s l i n g " on t h e s t o c k of t h e s h o t g u n s o y o u ' l l a l w a y s h a v e e x t r a s whenever you have the gun. C o u n t your shots. T h a t will help you anticipate t h e n e e d t o r e l o a d . If p o s s i b l e , y o u w a n t t o a v o i d s h o o t i n g t h e s h o t g u n dry. In m o m e n t s of t a c t i c a l p a u s e , y o u c a n load f r e s h s h e l l s i n t o t h e m a g a z i n e l o a d i n g port u n d e r n e a t h t h e g u n . Y o u c a n do t h i s on t h e m o v e . . . w i t h t h e s h o t g u n i n t h e f i r i n g p o s i t i o n , r a t h e r t h a n s t r a i g h t u p o n y o u r h i p or c r a d l e d i n y o u r w e a k h a n d as i n t h e c o n v e n t i o n a l l o a d i n g m o d e . T h a t way, you d o n ' t have to m o v e the m u z z l e off t h e s u s p e c t ' s p o s i t i o n . Working by touch with your eyes concentrating on the suspect, withdraw live cartridges from your w e a k - s i d e p o c k e t or s l i n g o n e at a t i m e . A s y o u p u l l

An accessory like this ammunition sling can be effective for speedloading the shotgun but only if it's positioned on the side nearest your body with the shells stored primer-end up. 233

In speedloading a shotgun with a side ejection port, eject the last spent shell. Now cup the first shell in the curls of your fingers.

Now reach under the receiver to the open ejection port and insert the first shell.

Then pull the slide forward while you prepare to insert additional rounds. Your gaze remains in the direction of the suspect's location.

Additional shells are also loaded by feel, from underneath into the bottom loading port.

a r o u n d o u t , f e e l for t h e b r a s s . Y o u w a n t t h e s h e l l l y i n g a c r o s s t h e folds of y o u r f i n g e r s , w i t h t h e p r i m e r e n d r e s t i n g a g a i n s t t h e i n s i d e of y o u r l i t t l e f i n g e r . If n e c e s s a r y , t h i s a l l o w s y o u t o grasp t h e foregrip of t h e s h o t g u n and fire w i t h o u t d r o p p i n g the shell. Bring each shell under the gun, up against the f o r w a r d e n d of t h e trigger g u a r d , t h e n s l i d e it f o r w a r d into the tube. U s e your t h u m b to push every shell in u n t i l it is f i r m l y s e a t e d . If y o u s h o u l d f i r e y o u r l a s t r o u n d b e f o r e r e loading, h e r e ' s a n o p t i o n for g e t t i n g b a c k i n t o a c t i o n fast t h a t w i l l w o r k o n p o l i c e s h o t g u n s f e a t u r i n g a side e j e c t i o n p o r t , s u c h as R e m i n g t o n , W i n c h e s t e r , Hi-Standard, Mossberg and S m i t h & W e s s o n . After you shoot your last round, pull t h e slide b a c k to e j e c t t h e s p e n t s h e l l — b u t do not r u n t h e s l i d e forward. T h i s leaves t h e side e j e c t i o n port open. K e e p i n g t h e g u n i n t h e firing p o s i t i o n a n d w o r k i n g by feel, bring your w e a k h a n d w i t h t h e first live cartridge up under t h e s t o c k receiver and press t h e shell into the open ejection port on t h e side. T h i s w a y y o u are l o a d i n g d i r e c t l y i n t o t h e c h a m b e r . T h e n m o v e t h e slide forward to rack t h e round in place, and y o u c a n fire i m m e d i a t e l y . If y o u ' r e u n d e r a t t a c k , you can repeat this c y c l e : a d v a n c e . . . s h o o t . . . e j e c t . . . r e l o a d o n e s h e l l , s o l o n g as y o u h a v e s p a r e a m m u nition. By loading four additional rounds into t h e m a g a z i n e l o a d i n g port u n d e r n e a t h t h e g u n , y o u c a n fill y o u r s h o t g u n w i t h five l i v e r o u n d s , so i n e f f e c t , y o u ' v e gained an extra shot. (With the b o t t o m loading I t h a c a b r a n d , w h i c h s o m e d e p a r t m e n t s u s e , y o u c a n ' t l o a d d i r e c t l y i n t o t h e side e j e c t i o n p o r t b e c a u s e it d o e s n ' t h a v e o n e . B u t y o u c a n s t i l l g e t live s h e l l s b a c k i n t o y o u r g u n w i t h o u t t a k i n g it o u t of a c o m b a t p o s i t i o n b y l o a d i n g d i r e c t l y i n t o t h e m a g a z i n e l o a d i n g p o r t , as w e ' v e d e s c r i b e d , as s o o n as y o u s h o o t dry. T h e n r a c k t h e a c t i o n . T h e l a s t s p e n t s h e l l w i l l e j e c t a n d as y o u m o v e t h e s l i d e forward, a fresh round will c h a m b e r . ) R e m e m b e r , t h o u g h , if y o u l o s e c o u n t of y o u r shots and u n w i t t i n g l y k i c k out the last shell and t h e n run the slide forward on an e m p t y c h a m b e r before reloading any shotgun, you'll have to pull the trigger a n d dry fire o n c e or h i t t h e s l i d e r e l e a s e button on s o m e models to be able to rack a live round in place.

Back-Up Gun T h e f a s t e s t r e l o a d is a s e c o n d g u n . W h i l e y o u ' r e n o t r e q u i r e d t o carry a n a l t e r n a t e w e a p o n , a b o u t 5 0 per c e n t of all o f f i c e r s do. I t ' s g o o d i n s u r a n c e —

provided you have practiced w i t h your back-up gun to the point t h a t you h a v e the s a m e proficiency w i t h it a s w i t h y o u r s e r v i c e f i r e a r m . S o m e o f f i c e r s s i m p l y c a r r y a d u p l i c a t e of t h e i r p r i m a r y g u n . T h e f a c t t h a t b o t h w e a p o n s m e c h a n i c a l l y o p e r a t e t h e s a m e aids p r o f i c i e n c y ; t h e r e ' s n o n e e d t o s w i t c h t a c t i c s or t h o u g h t p r o c e s s e s as y o u s w i t c h w e a p o n s . A l s o , t h e s a m e t y p e of a m m u n i t i o n w i l l fit b o t h w e a p o n s . M o s t o f f i c e r s c a r r y f o u r - i n c h b a r r e l r e v o l v e r s as t h e i r primary weapon and choose the two-inch snub-nose as a b a c k - u p g u n . T y p i c a l l y , a b a c k - u p g u n is u s e d w h e n y o u ' r e o u t of a m m u n i t i o n o r d i s a r m e d . It c a n a l s o h e l p y o u recover from a mechanical malfunction. Two C h i c a g o o f f i c e r s r e s p o n d e d t o a c a l l of " s h o t s b e i n g fired o n t h e s t r e e t , " a n d w h e n t h e y a r r i v e d t h e y w e r e fired o n b y t h e s u s p e c t . T h e y t o o k c o v e r a n d returned fire. B u t on one officer's second shot, his .357 M a g n u m jammed. Later he learned that the f i r i n g p i n w a s d e f e c t i v e , b u t at t h e m o m e n t t h e malfunction caused h i m little concern. He holstered the revolver...immediately drew a .45 cal. semiautomatic from his second holster...and helped his p a r t n e r q u i c k l y r e s o l v e t h e c o n f r o n t a t i o n . In a n o t h e r instance, an officer approaching a grocery store w h e r e a robbery w a s in progress reached for his service revolver—and discovered his holster was e m p t y . A defect in t h e holster had allowed t h e gun t o slip o u t u n n o t i c e d w h i l e t h e o f f i c e r w a s s t i l l i n h i s p a t r o l c a r , a n d it n o w lay y a r d s b e y o n d h i s r e a c h b e t w e e n t h e s e a t a n d t h e d o o r of t h e v e h i c l e . B e cause he carried a second gun, a snub-nose .38, he w a s a b l e t o d r a w it f r o m i t s h o l s t e r a n d p r o c e e d w i t h h i s approach, w h e r e h i s life o t h e r w i s e m i g h t have been in considerable jeopardy. N o t t o b e o v e r l o o k e d is t h e p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t a b a c k - u p g u n c a n g i v e y o u o n e m o r e edge i n u s i n g surprise against a suspect. M o r e than once a suspect w h o thought an officer was reloading has decided to j u m p h i m . B u t i n s t e a d of r u s h i n g a d e f e n s e l e s s m a n , the suspect has rushed toward a back-up gun, w h i c h dropped h i m t h e n and there.

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FINAL APPROACH T h e shooting's over...the s m o k e has cleared... y o u r a s s a i l a n t is d o w n or s e e m s r e a d y t o s u r r e n d e r . Don't ielax! Y o u ' r e e n t e r i n g o n e of t h e m o s t dang e r o u s p h a s e s of a n a r m e d e n c o u n t e r . Even in i n c i d e n t s w h e r e there h a s b e e n n o s h o o t i n g — o r e v e n a n y e v i d e n c e of f i r e a r m s u p t o n o w — y o u r f i n a l a p p r o a c h for a n a r r e s t is f r a u g h t w i t h h a z a r d . Y e a r a f t e r y e a r , t h e g r e a t e s t n u m b e r of officers are killed during t h e period w h e n t h e y are m o v i n g in and trying to take a suspect into custody, r e g a r d l e s s of w h a t h a s g o n e b e f o r e . A s m a l l s a m p l i n g s h o w s j u s t a f e w of t h e m a n y w a y s in w h i c h t h i n g s c a n go w r o n g : After a gun battle w i t h a suspect w h o ' d shot a w o m a n , o f f i c e r s k i c k e d o p e n t h e d o o r of t h e b e d r o o m f r o m w h i c h h e ' d been firing and found h i m lying on the floor, apparently dead. T h e y relaxed and h o l s t e r e d t h e i r g u n s as t h e y w a l k e d t o w a r d h i m . Suddenly he rolled over and c a m e up w i t h a revolver in his hand. H e shot t w o officers before t h e others got b a c k o n t a r g e t . . . A t a n e m o t i o n - p a c k e d s h o o t i n g scene, where an officer had just shot an assailant, a back-up officer ran up to the body and grabbed the suspect's .45 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , w h i c h was lying by his side. " I ' v e got t h e gun! I t ' s all right n o w ! " he y e l l e d — t h e n , in his stress and e x c i t e m e n t , h e i n e x p l i c a b l y t u r n e d i n t h e d i r e c t i o n of o t h e r o f f i c e r s and l e t l o o s e t w o s h o t s . . . I n N o r t h C a r o l i n a , a s m a l l town police chief arrested a m a n w h o m h e ' d found in a suspicious car w i t h a sawed-off s h o t g u n . Having recovered one weapon, the chief didn't

b o t h e r t o l o o k for o t h e r s . T h e s u s p e c t h a d a s e c o n d g u n c o n c e a l e d i n h i s c l o t h i n g . H e d r e w it a n d f a t a l l y w o u n d e d t h e chief in t h e s h o u l d e r . . . A state trooper successfully apprehended three jailbreakers singleh a n d e d i n A r k a n s a s a n d h a n d c u f f e d t h e m as t h e y lay docilely face-down o n the ground. H i s t e c h n i q u e for handcuffing m u l t i p l e s u s p e c t s w a s improper t h o u g h , a n d as h e w a s g e t t i n g t h e p r i s o n e r s t o their feet, o n e m a n a g e d to draw a .357 M a g n u m and s h o o t the trooper dead...In W a s h i n g t o n state, a young p a t r o l m a n was placing a m a n under arrest in connection with a disturbance complaint when the suspect unexpectedly started to struggle. H e grabbed t h e o f f i c e r ' s s e r v i c e r e v o l v e r a n d fired f i v e f a t a l s h o t s i n t o h i m at c l o s e r a n g e . . . U n d e r c o v e r o f f i c e r s in A t l a n t a ordered three teenagers up against a van after spotting t h e m breaking into autos. T h e y a p p e a r e d t o b e u n a r m e d , b u t as t h e o f f i c e r s app r o a c h e d , o n e of t h e s u s p e c t s w h i p p e d o u t a h i d d e n handgun and sent a fatal shot blasting into one officer's head...In T e x a s , a sheriff's deputy arrested a teenager for burglarizing a service s t a t i o n , but failed to search h i m thoroughly before placing h i m in a patrol car. Enroute to the sheriff's office, the suspect drew a . 2 2 cal. handgun, s h o t t h e deputy in t h e head and chest, t h e n fled in h i s patrol car... E l s e w h e r e in t h e s o u t h w e s t , a p a t r o l m a n was trying to arrest a m a n on an outstanding traffic warrant. As he concentrated on this suspect, a second subject w h o m he hadn't seen rushed h i m from behind, k n o c k e d h i m to t h e ground and shot h i m fatally in the chest. S o m e t i m e s a final approach snafu escalates on a g i a n t s c a l e . In a w e s t c o a s t u n i v e r s i t y t o w n , a middle-aged sergeant was trying to handcuff a prowler he'd arrested w h e n the suspect started to scuffle. Before the incident finally ended, the suspect: grabbed the sergeant's .38 cal. service revolver...killed h i m with a shot to the head... was attacked w i t h a hand axe by a civilian w i t n e s s . . . shot and wounded the citizen...ran into a nearby residence, where he took two persons hostage...shot a n d k i l l e d o n e of t h e h o s t a g e s , a f o u r - y e a r - o l d g i r l . . . and was eventually killed h i m s e l f hours after the e p i s o d e s t a r t e d , b y o n e of t h e o f f i c e r s w h o surrounded the residence. M u c h of t h e h a z a r d of a f i n a l a p p r o a c h , of c o u r s e , is b u i l t i n . If y o u h a v e n ' t b e e n c l o s e t o t h e suspect before, the final approach forces you there. T h e c l o s e r y o u c o m e , t h e g r e a t e r y o u r c h a n c e of, b e i n g i n j u r e d or k i l l e d . O n c e y o u m o v e w i t h i n a r m ' s length, y o u ' r e in t h e zone w h e r e t h e m o s t trouble o c c u r s — a n d the m o s t officers die. Y o u ' r e under p r e s s u r e , t o o , t o g e t t h e i n c i d e n t c o n c l u d e d ; if

y o u ' v e b e e n s h o t at b y t h e s u s p e c t a l r e a d y , y o u naturally w a n t to bring h i m fully under control b e f o r e h e c a n a t t a c k again, a n d if h e h a s n ' t y e t p r e s e n t e d t h r e a t s of v i o l e n c e , y o u w a n t t o r e s t r a i n h i m before he gets the idea to. T h e r e ' s m u c h to do—disarm, handcuff, search, transport, perhaps deactivate dangerous weapons, deal w i t h hostile crowds, preserve evidence. It's easy to get distracted. A n d if y o u h a v e m o r e t h a n o n e s u s p e c t t o d e a l w i t h , your responsibilities, stress—and risks—are m u l tiplied. As w i t h y o u r i n i t i a l a p p r o a c h t o t h e s c e n e , t h e f i r s t r u l e for s u r v i v i n g y o u r f i n a l a p p r o a c h i s : do not rush...don't be in a hurry to put your gun a w a y . . . t a k e your t i m e . T h e action m a y not be over y e t , a n d y o u r g u n w i l l o n l y s e r v e y o u b e s t if i t ' s i n your hand. Speed breeds carelessness and the inadv e r t e n t o v e r l o o k i n g of l i f e s a v i n g d e t a i l s . In this photograph stands an unhandcuffed suspect who surrendered to police after he abducted his wife at gunpoint and assaulted a hospital therapist during the abduction. A search later revealed one . 12ga. shotgun and two semiautomatic pistols in his house. Which one is the offender!

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If a s u s p e c t a p p e a r s t o b e s u b m i t t i n g , d o n ' t a s s u m e t h a t h e i s . A p p e a r a n c e s c a n b e f a t a l l y dec e p t i v e . A n officer sent to stop a bar b r a w l in P h i l a d e l p h i a p o s i t i o n e d h i m s e l f o u t s i d e a n d ordered t h e p a r t i c i p a n t s t o c o m e o u t a n d s u r r e n d e r . O n e m a n , wearing a w h i t e apron, emerged w i t h his hands behind his head. He looked compliant, but w h a t t h e o f f i c e r c o u l d n ' t s e e w h e n l o o k i n g at t h e m a n h e a d - o n w a s t h a t i n o n e of h i s h a n d s t h e suspect held a .45 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . A noise distracted the officer m o m e n t a r i l y . T h e suspect w h i p p e d h i s h a n d d o w n f r o m b e h i n d h i s h e a d , fired and hit the officer squarely. A s u s p e c t ' s h a n d s , as a l w a y s , s h o u l d b e t h e f o c u s of y o u r a t t e n t i o n , e s p e c i a l l y t h o s e y o u c a n ' t s e e . S o m e o f f i c e r s as t h e y g e t c l o s e t e n d t o l o o k i n t o a s u s p e c t ' s e y e s . His eyes can't kill you, but his hands might. K e e p t r a c k of w h a t t h e y ' r e d o i n g . R e m e m b e r , any arrest, e v e n for t h e m o s t insign i f i c a n t o f f e n s e , s h o u l d b e r e g a r d e d as a p o t e n t i a l l y dangerous situation. An offender you're approaching b e c a u s e of a m i n o r c r i m e m a y b e w a n t e d f o r a s e r i o u s o f f e n s e e l s e w h e r e , or h e m a y b e m e n t a l l y u n s t a b l e and unpredictable. T h e r e are a v a r i e t y of t a c t i c a l c o n s i d e r a t i o n s y o u s h o u l d b e c o n s c i o u s of as y o u m o v e i n . If y o u ' v e g o t t e n t h i s far w i t h o u t g e t t i n g s h o t , t h e r i g h t p r o c e dures n o w can s u c c e s s f u l l y carry y o u over this last t r i c k y a n d p e r i l o u s h u m p . F o r t h e r e m a i n d e r of t h i s chapter, w e ' l l assume there has been an armed conf r o n t a t i o n or t h a t y o u ' v e s e e n a w e a p o n , s o y o u know t h e s u s p e c t y o u ' r e a p p r o a c h i n g is d a n g e r o u s . H o w e v e r , m a n y of t h e s a m e p r i n c i p l e s w i l l apply i n situations that s e e m nonviolent, also.

Disarming Before you m o v e out from behind cover, you w a n t y o u r a s s a i l a n t d i s a r m e d of a n y v i s i b l e w e a p o n s . If y o u ' v e s h o t h i m , h e m a y h a v e dropped h i s gun already. O t h e r w i s e , he m a y respond to verbal c o m m a n d s . As a first step, y o u w a n t h i m t o put his trigger f i n g e r o u t s i d e t h e t r i g g e r g u a r d . T h e n y o u want h i m to release his hold on the gun. O f t e n s u s p e c t s are r e l u c t a n t t o drop a g u n o n a h a r d s u r f a c e , e s p e c i a l l y if t h e y ' v e p a i d f o r it r a t h e r than stolen it. T h i s w i l l certainly be true w h e r e the " s u s p e c t " r e a l l y is a n o f f - d u t y or p l a i n c l o t h e s o f f i c e r . A l s o , s o m e f i r e a r m s , n o t a b l y s h o t g u n s and c e r t a i n s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s , m a y d i s c h a r g e if d r o p p e d , e x p o s i n g y o u t o t h e r i s k of a n u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t . S o y o u m a y do b e s t if y o u o r d e r y o u r a s s a i l a n t t o 240

lay d o w n h i s g u n very slowly. In P h o e n i x , p o l i c e t r i e d , u n s u c c e s s f u l l y , t o get a b a r r i c a d e d m e n t a l p a t i e n t t o drop h i s r i f l e o u t of a w i n d o w . H e ' d j u s t b o u g h t it a n d w a s c o n c e r n e d a b o u t g e t t i n g it s c u f f e d u p . H e f i n a l l y did agree t o w r a p t h e g u n i n a t o w e l and p u t it o u t s i d e h i s door. O n c e the suspect relinquishes his gun, have h i m (and a n y o t h e r s u s p e c t s ) t a k e at l e a s t t h r e e s t e p s a w a y f r o m it so it is o u t of r e a c h . ( T h i s a p p l i e s , i n c i d e n t a l l y , e v e n w h e r e t h e s u s p e c t ' s w e a p o n is n o t a firearm. T w o Illinois officers spotted a m a n walking down a ghetto street with a seven-inch b u t c h e r knife in his hand. Four t i m e s they ordered h i m t o drop i t . F i n a l l y , h e s t u c k it i n a w a l l b e h i n d h i m . T h e officers, however, neglected to have h i m m o v e a w a y , and w h e n t h e y g o t c l o s e h e g r a b b e d t h e k n i f e a n d t r i e d t o a t t a c k t h e m . In t h i s c a s e , t h e suspect was shot; had his weapon been a gun, t h e o u t c o m e might have been m u c h different.) O n issuing c o m m a n d s to the suspect, speak s l o w l y a n d in s h o r t p h r a s e s so t h e r e w i l l b e n o doubt that he understands your i n t e n t i o n s . Under no circumstances should you leave cover to accept a gun directly from a suspect.

Incapacitation A s u s p e c t is s a f e s t for y o u t o a p p r o a c h if h e ' s i n a p o s i t i o n t h a t m a k e s it d i f f i c u l t f o r h i m t o strugg l e . . . try t o grab y o u r f i r e a r m . . . o r t o r e a c h a h i d d e n g u n . If h e ' s l u c i d e n o u g h t o u n d e r s t a n d a n d f o l l o w orders and a b l e t o m o v e , y o u c a n get h i m s i t u a t e d before y o u s t a r t t o w a r d h i m . If y o u ' r e w o r k i n g w i t h a p a r t n e r o r b a c k - u p , o n l y o n e of y o u s h o u l d g i v e t h e o r d e r s . T e l l t h e s u s p e c t f i r s t , in summary, what NOU are g o i n g t o w a n t h i m t o do, b u t m a k e c l e a r p e is n o t t o m o v e u n t i l y o u g i v e t h e c o m m a n d a n d t h e n do specifically w h a t y o u s a y and no more. Let h i m k n o w t h a t if h e d i s o b e y s , y o u ' l l b e f o r c e d :o t a k e " a p p r o p r i a t e a c t i o n . " T h e r e are s e v e r a l p o s i t i o n s in w h i c h a s u s p e c t ' s capacity t o m o v e w i l l be l i m i t e d . T h e t r a d i t i o n a l a c t i c is t o u s e a w a l l or o t h e r v e r t i c a l s u r f a c e , l i k e h e side of a v a n . If y o u u s e t h i s a p p r o a c h , c h o o s e a ;pot a w a y f r o m w i n d o w s . T h e s u s p e c t m a y t r y t o ;scape b y p l u n g i n g t h r o u g h a w i n d o w or t h e g l a s s nay reflect your m o v e m e n t s behind h i m . W i t h the u s p e c t f a c i n g t h e w a l l , order h i m t o s p r e a d h i s i n g e r s and p l a c e h i s h a n d s a g a i n s t t h e s u r f a c e a b o u t t t o 4 f e e t a p a r t . T h e n h a v e h i m spread h i s l e g s nd m o v e h i s f e e t b a c k 4 t o 5 f e e t f r o m t h e w a l l .

Searches should focus on controlling the hands. Yet with this position, consider the possibilities for the suspect to kick your groin, grab your hand or tell the suspect next to him to assault you or disarm you.

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T h i s s l a n t s h i s b o d y at a b o u t a 4 5 - d e g r e e a n g l e f r o m the wall, hampering q u i c k m o v e m e n t on his part. If y o u ' r e o u t i n t h e o p e n , y o u c a n h a v e t h e s u s pect kneel, facing away from you, w i t h his fingers intertwined behind his n e c k or head. His right a n k l e should be crossed over his left. Again, this h a m p e r s a n y a b r u p t , m a j o r m o v e m e n t , a n d , as w e ' l l s e e , g e t s h i m in a position w h e r e you can c o n t r o l h i m during y o u r h a n d c u f f i n g a n d s e a r c h . If y o u n o t i c e a g u n s t u c k in t h e s u s p e c t ' s w a i s t b a n d w h i l e m a n e u v e r i n g him into this position, it's imperative that he not be allowed to m o v e his hands from b e h i n d his n e c k . If h e ' s a t h r e e - t i m e l o s e r , l o o k i n g at a l o n g p r i s o n t e r m or t h e d e a t h p e n a l t y , h e m a y t r y t o go for t h e g u n a n d t a k e y o u o u t e v e n w i t h t h e odds h e a v i l y against h i m . F r o m the kneeling position, tell h i m to fall f o r w a r d w i t h o u t t a k i n g h i s h a n d s d o w n . E v e n if it k n o c k s h i s t e e t h o u t , t h i s m a y b e t h e s a f e s t p o s i t i o n for y o u . Probably the all-around best position for t e m p o r a r i l y i n c a p a c i t a t i n g a s u s p e c t is t o h a v e h i m p r o n e o u t . If h e ' s a g a i n s t a w a l l , h e m a y t r y t o s p i n off, or if h e ' s k n e e l i n g , h e c a n s t i l l r e a c h for a h i d d e n gun. Prone, h e has the least o p p o r t u n i t y for m o v e m e n t . Order h i m face down on the ground, arms outstretched straight from his body, w i t h his palms turned up. Y o u want his head away from your i n t e n d e d r o u t e of a p p r o a c h . T r y t o g e t h i s h e a d t u r n e d s o h i s v i s i o n is f u l l y b l o c k e d — l i k e l o o k i n g i n t o a t i r e , r a t h e r t h a n o u t at t h e p e r i m e t e r of a c t i o n . T o the extent possible, you don't want h i m to k n o w w h a t y o u are d o i n g . . . y o u d o n ' t g i v e h i m a n y s l a c k he might use against you.

Approach Position A s y o u m o v e in c l o s e , y o u w a n t t o s h i f t y o u r g u n o u t of t h e t w o - h a n d , i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g h o l d . F o r c l o s e p r o x i m i t y , a g u n o u t at y o u r a r m ' s l e n g t h is a n o p e n i n v i t a t i o n for a s u s p e c t t o t r y t o grab or k i c k it and d i s a r m y o u . A s y o u get w i t h i n 1 0 o r 6 f e e t of t h e s u s p e c t , you should pull the gun b a c k in your shooting hand a n d " l o c k " it i n j u s t a b o v e y o u r h i p . Y o u r e l b o w w i l l be b e n t a n d t h e h e e l of y o u r h a n d t o u c h i n g y o u r side b e t w e e n y o u r l o w e r rib a n d t h e t o p of y o u r h i p b o n e or g u n b e l t . O n l y t h e g u n ' s m u z z l e s h o u l d e x t e n d o u t b e y o n d y o u r s t o m a c h . In t h i s p o s i t i o n , y o u c a n s t i l l fire a h e a d at c l o s e r a n g e o r p i v o t t o e n g a g e s e v e r a l s u s p e c t s and b e r e a s o n a b l y c e r t a i n of h i t t i n g t h e m in a n e f f e c t i v e s p o t . A l s o , t h i s p o s i t i o n l e a v e s

y o u a h a n d f r e e t o c o n t a c t t h e s u s p e c t or s h o v e h i m b a c k if h e l u n g e s for y o u . Y o u c a n a d v a n c e w i t h t h i s hand up and ready, holding your handcuffs, w h i c h you t a k e from their carrier on your w e a k h a n d side. N o t e : T h i s h i p or " c l o s e c o m b a t " p o s i t i o n for y o u r g u n s h o u l d b e u s e d only d u r i n g t h e f i n a l app r o a c h p e r i o d a n d not as a s u b s t i t u t e f o r t h e i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g p o s i t i o n s m o r e a p p r o p r i a t e for o t h e r distances.

A suspect wanted in three homicides is approached by an officer making body contact with a shotgun. Maintaining a safe distance from any suspect avoids the possibility of your being assaulted or disarmed by a suspect who knows you 're within range to receive a kick or grab the barrel of your firearm.

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T r y to approach so t h e suspect c a n n o t observe your m o v e m e n t s w i t h o u t turning and looking to find you. Order h i m to turn his face away f r o m you. If h e t r i e s t o l o o k , i n s t r u c t h i m f i r m l y n o t t o do s o . If h e ' s d o w n , a p p r o a c h f r o m h i s f e e t ; i t ' l l b e h a r d e r for h i m t o s e e y o u , a n d y o u ' l l h a v e s l i g h t l y l o n g e r t o r e a c t if h e t r i e s t o a t t a c k . B e e x t r e m e l y c a u t i o u s if h e h a s f a l l e n w i t h h i s g u n s t i l l i n h i s h a n d or w i t h i n r e a c h . He may be faking death or serious injury. If p o s s i b l e , a p p r o a c h f r o m a n a n g l e t h a t l e t s y o u t a k e a d v a n t a g e of a v a i l a b l e c o v e r a n d t h a t w i l l g i v e y o u a c l e a r f i e l d of f i r e , w i t h o u t e n d a n g e r i n g i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n s or f e l l o w o f f i c e r s . If y o u h a v e t o s h o o t , you w a n t to concern yourself only w i t h hitting the suspect and protecting yourself.

A s u s p e c t m a y try t o t a l k t o y o u , t o e x p l a i n h i s a c t i o n s . . . h e a p on abuse...plead for a b r e a k . . . o r ask q u e s t i o n s . T e l l h i m t o shut up-, r e f u s e a n y r e q u e s t he m a k e s . C h a t t e r will tend to relax or distract you. Y o u w a n t no unnecessary conversation u n t i l after he has been secured and searched. A b o v e all, S T A Y A L E R T . T h e s u s p e c t m a y h a v e a h i d d e n g u n y o u h a v e n ' t s e e n . Do not take a verbal surrender at face value, n o m a t t e r h o w s i n c e r e it s o u n d s or h o w b a d l y w o u n d e d y o u r a s s a i l a n t m a y seem to be.

Always make it a rule to approach any suspect so he can't see your approach. How would you approach this armed suspect!

Handcuffing W h e n y o u h a v e a p a r t n e r or w o r k a n a p p r o a c h w i t h a b a c k - u p o f f i c e r , h e c o v e r s y o u as y o u m o v e in, u s i n g a n i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g h o l d o n h i s g u n a n d m a k i n g s u r e n e i t h e r of y o u is i n a c r o s s - f i r e p o s i t i o n . Y o u give the orders and your partner r e m a i n s quiet, e x c e p t t o w a r n y o u of d a n g e r . E v e n t h o u g h h e is covering, y o u keep your gun out, in t h e close quarters position, until you m a k e physical c o n t a c t w i t h t h e suspect and bring h i s h a n d under c o n t r o l for h a n d c u f f i n g . In n u m e r o u s c a s e s , o f f i c e r s h a v e been shot during a final approach, despite t h e prese n c e of a p a r t n e r . T h e y t h i n k t h a t w i t h h i m p r o 245

v i d i n g c o v e r , h e ' l l do w h a t n e e d s t o b e d o n e a n d drop t h e i r o w n g u a r d . If y o u ' r e a l o n e , y o u ' l l a l s o w a n t y o u r g u n d r a w n u n t i l t i m e t o c u f f . Y o u w a n t it r e a d y t o f i r e , d o u b l e action...not cocked. Y o u ' v e possibly seen officers— at l e a s t t h e t e l e v i s i o n a c t o r s w h o d o n ' t k n o w t o o m u c h a b o u t g u n s — p l a c e t h e m u z z l e of a c o c k e d g u n a g a i n s t t h e h e a d of a s u s p e c t w h i l e t h e y b r i n g h i m u n d e r c o n t r o l . T h i s is a h i g h l y d a n g e r o u s t a c t i c . A gun close to a suspect's body m a y encourage h i m t o t r y t o grab i t . M o r e o v e r , a c o c k e d f i r e a r m r e q u i r e s o n l y a f r a c t i o n of n o r m a l t r i g g e r p u l l t o s h o o t ; if t h e s u s p e c t m o v e s or y o u s l i p , y o u c o u l d e a s i l y f i r e a n d k i l l h i m u n i n t e n t i o n a l l y . In o n e m i d w e s t e r n c o m m u n i t y , a narcotics investigator w h o allegedly used this tactic shot reflexively w h e n a suspect b u t t e d b a c k w a r d s and hit h i m in t h e groin. T h e round fatally wounded the suspect. At this writing, t h e o f f i c e r a n d h i s p a r t n e r a r e f a c i n g a l a w s u i t of nearly $1 million, brought by the v i c t i m ' s family, c h a r g i n g e x c e s s i v e u s e of f o r c e a n d w r o n g f u l d e a t h . S o m e t i m e s it's the officer w h o ends up shot. In the s t r e s s of t h e m o m e n t , y o u m a y u n w i t t i n g l y r e t u r n your gun to its holster cocked, where a hard blow or c a r e l e s s d r a w c a n c a u s e it t o f i r e . W h e n it is t i m e t o r e h o l s t e r y o u r s i d e a r m , do s o w i t h o u t l o o k i n g d o w n at y o u r g u n , s o y o u c a n

Putting a cocked revolver to the head of an arrestee like this purse snatch suspect increases your risk. You also want to avoid placing your firearm in reach of the suspect. 246

keep your eyes and attention fully on the suspect. R e f a s t e n t h e r e s t r a i n i n g s t r a p a n d remain aware of your gun, e v e n t h o u g h i t ' s n o l o n g e r i n y o u r h a n d . A L W A Y S k e e p y o u r g u n side t u r n e d a w a y f r o m t h e s u s p e c t t o safeguard y o u r f i r e a r m . W h e n y o u ' r e alone and have your shotgun that you've taken into the confrontation, you'll be able t o s l i n g it o v e r y o u r s h o u l d e r if it h a s a s t r a p , t h u s k e e p i n g it o n y o u r b a c k a n d o u t of y o u r w a y . W h e r e t h i s is n o t p o s s i b l e , y o u r s a f e s t o p t i o n is t o u n l o a d t h e s h o t g u n . . . m o v e t h e slide t o t h e o p e n p o s i t i o n . . . p u t t h e s a f e t y o n . . . a n d lay t h e g u n d o w n w h e r e it c a n ' t be d i s t u r b e d , w h i l e y o u h a n d l e y o u r a d v e r s a r y . If b y s t a n d e r s or o t h e r f a c t o r s m a k e t h a t i m p r a c t i c a l , y o u r b e s t b e t p r o b a b l y is j u s t t o k e e p y o u r a s s a i l a n t covered and under control until back-up help arrives. T h e s u s p e c t w h o ' s d o w n , e i t h e r d e a d or i n j u r e d , s h o u l d be a p p r o a c h e d w i t h t h e a s s u m p t i o n h e ' s still alive and dangerous. Y o u and your partner should consider approaching h i m simultaneously, guns drawn, because w i t h a suspect in this position, i t ' s h a r d w i t h o n l y o n e of t h e o f f i c e r s a p p r o a c h i n g

When you and your back-up assume an "L" or right-angle position to a suspect, you minimize the possibility of a crossfire situation. You 're also making it difficult for the suspect to shoot both of you.

While a back-up officer provides cover, you approach the incapacitated suspect from a safe angle.

You step on his wrist to prevent any arm or hand movement which could result in a discharge.

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t o a v o i d a c r o s s - f i r e s i t u a t i o n . Y o u w a n t t o c o m e at h i m in a n " L " p o s i t i o n — o n e of y o u a p p r o a c h i n g from his feet, one from his side. W i t h this deploym e n t , e a c h of y o u c a n s h o o t w i t h o u t h i t t i n g t h e o t h e r . If y o u r a s s a i l a n t h a s h i s g u n s t i l l i n h i s h a n d , o n e of y o u s h o u l d w a l k u p o n t h e s i d e w h e r e t h e g u n i s , b u t n e v e r a p p r o a c h or s t a n d s o t h e m u z z l e is p o i n t i n g at y o u . W h e n y o u r e a c h h i s s i d e , s t e p o n h i s w r i s t h a r d t o p r e v e n t a n y a r m or h a n d m o v e m e n t that would enable h i m to shoot. U s e your foot n e a r e s t h i s b o d y for b e s t b a l a n c e . H o l s t e r y o u r g u n w i t h o u t dropping y o u r e y e s f r o m t h e s u s p e c t . M a k e c e r t a i n h i s g u n is u n c o c k e d . T h e n u s e b o t h y o u r h a n d s t o t w i s t it o u t of h i s f i n g e r s . C l a m p y o u r s t r o n g h a n d o v e r t h e c y l i n d e r or s l i d e t o c o n t r o l t h e gun while s i m u l t a n e o u s l y pulling his finger away f r o m it w i t h y o u r w e a k h a n d . O n c e h e ' s s a f e l y disarmed, handcuff h i m behind his back, search h i m t h o r o u g h l y for o t h e r g u n s , u n l o a d t h e s u s p e c t ' s w e a p o n ) s ) a n d t h e n c h e c k for v i t a l s i g n s . W i t h a s u s p e c t w h o ' s k n e e l i n g or a g a i n s t a w a l l , you can approach alone with your partner covering in the " L " position. Y o u w a n t to use your feet in After securing the suspect's firearm, you now step backward while maintaining a visual on the suspect's hands.

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In a wall search you want to keep the suspect off balance with his feet spread wide apart with his body angled sharply to the wall.

m a k i n g p h y s i c a l c o n t a c t . If h e ' s s p r e a d a g a i n s t a wall, first place your non-gun hand b e t w e e n his shoulder blades and press down slightly. T h i s puts additional pressure on the suspect and allows you t o f e e l a n y a t t e m p t h e m i g h t m a k e t o p u s h off t h e w a l l a n d t u r n o n y o u . O n c e y o u r h a n d is i n p l a c e , t h e t r a d i t i o n a l a p p r o a c h is t o h o o k y o u r r i g h t f o o t t o t h e i n s i d e of h i s r i g h t o n e w h i l e y o u t a k e c o n t r o l of h i s r i g h t h a n d . S h o u l d h e t r y t o p u s h b a c k f r o m the wall, you can shove down hard b e t w e e n his shoulder blades, forcing his head into the wall, then q u i c k l y slide your hand d o w n to h i s w a i s t b a n d and pull b a c k hard, while s i m u l t a n e o u s l y k i c k i n g his leg o u t f r o m u n d e r h i m .

After handcuffing, the suspect's head position against the wall plus his body angle give you control in moving him away at your command.

Keep your sidearm in the close quarters position. Some departments also recommend the suspect's head be turned away from the side being searched, with his palms turned out.

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1

One kneeling arrest position begins with the suspect's gun placed on the ground with the suspect having taken three steps away from the gun. The suspect's fingers are interlaced against the back of his head as you maintain cover at the rear of the vehicle.

As you maintain your aim at the suspect's center mass, you continue to use precise commands to maintain suspect control by his assuming the kneeling position.

Commanding the suspect to spread his legs as far apart as possible will keep him off balance. The fingers are still kept interlaced at the back of the suspect's head.

You now grasp the suspect's interlaced fingers with your weak hand while simultaneously using your gun hand to push him forward. This has the effect of bowing his back and keeping him off balance. 251

Have the suspect cross his ankles then stride youifoot forward in front of his left knee and apply pressure against his hip with your knee.

The right arm is now brought down and around as you maintain pressure against the suspect's hip.

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Handcuff the suspect's right hand first. Place three fingers inside the handcuff ring and hold it as the suspect's left wrist is brought behind his back.

The suspect's left hand is handcuffed while you hold his left hand at the wrist.

The suspect is now put at a further disadvantage by moving his head to the ground while kneeling. A search can now be safely continued for weapons.

The suspect's legs are also searched for weapons as you maintain control of the suspect's hands,

While keeping your leading foot against his knee, use your weak hand to grasp his left arm. Your strong hand now holds onto his left hand as you begin to bring him to a standing position.

Movemen t to your patrol car can be achieved by using the wrist-lock on the suspect's right hand. He is now ready to transport safely,

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In starting a prone arrest position, issue commands from behind cover. Command him to interlace his fingers behind

The suspect is then commanded to his knees and told to spread his legs far apart.

With his arms out, palms up, order him to cross his legs and face away from your approach.

Raise his wrist as you push in on the back of his hand with your thumb and pull up with your fingers.

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8

At this point you can easily cuff the other hand by raising it first, then cuffing. You now resecure the wrist by reapplying the wrist-lock.

You now assist the suspect in safely rising to his feet. You do so by placing your left hand on his left arm and your right hand on his right arm. As you pull up, you twist him into a sitting position.

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If h e ' s k n e e l i n g , o n e a p p r o a c h is t o c o m e f r o m behind and place your left foot b e t w e e n h i s crossed a n k l e s as y o u s i m u l t a n e o u s l y grasp t h e t o p t h r e e f i n g e r s of o n e ' o f h i s i n t e r l o c k e d h a n d s . P u l l h i m b a c k w a r d s w i t h t h e s m a l l of h i s b a c k r e s t i n g a g a i n s t y o u r k n e e s o h e is off b a l a n c e . T h e n , w i t h y o u r s h i n p r e s s i n g a g a i n s t h i s t o p a n k l e , s l i d e t h e a n k l e forward until it's in t h e h o l l o w b e h i n d his left k n e e . T h i s position, w h i c h has been tested against black belt karate experts, allows you to keep both feet on t h e g r o u n d and c h a n g e s h i s c e n t e r of g r a v i t y s o h e is t h o r o u g h l y off b a l a n c e for m o v i n g . ( Y o u c a n p u t h i m m o r e off b a l a n c e b y p u l l i n g b a c k s l i g h t l y as y o u grip h i s f i n g e r s . ) T h e r e are t w o v a r i a t i o n s of t h i s t a c t i c : 1) s t a n d w i t h y o u r l e f t f o o t o n t o p of h i s c r o s s e d a n k l e s . If he resists, you can j a m your foot d o w n hard and e i t h e r b r e a k h i s a n k l e ( s ) or at l e a s t i n f l i c t c o n s i d erable pain. T h i s position, however, tends to put y o u off b a l a n c e a n d s u s c e p t i b l e t o f a l l i n g ; 2) s t i c k t h e f r o n t of y o u r f o o t u n d e r h i s a n k l e s as t h e y a r e c r o s s e d b e h i n d h i m . If h e m o v e s , l i f t y o u r f o o t sharply, and h e ' l l pitch forward o n t o h i s face. As y o u slide your foot i n t o w h a t e v e r position y o u d e c i d e is a p p r o p r i a t e , q u i c k l y h a n d c u f f t h e suspect's right wrist. U n l e s s you k n o w h i m to be l e f t - h a n d e d , h i s r i g h t is c u f f e d f i r s t b e c a u s e t h e c h a n c e is 9 0 per c e n t t h a t i t ' s h i s s t r o n g h a n d . B r i n g it a r o u n d b e h i n d h i s b a c k . Y o u w a n t t o h a v e h i s arm and wrist under c o n t r o l so y o u c a n inflict pain, if n e c e s s a r y , s h o u l d h e s t r u g g l e or r e s i s t . T h e n instruct h i m to bring his other hand b e h i n d h i m . Y o u c a n s t e a d y h i m if h e ' s k n e e l i n g ; if h e ' s a g a i n s t a w a l l , h e c a n s u p p o r t h i s w e i g h t w i t h t h e t o p of h i s h e a d . You want to cuff a suspect's hands behind him only. It t h e y ' r e i n f r o n t , i t ' s t o o e a s y f o r h i m t o grab for y o u r g u n or t o s w i n g h i s m a n a c l e d f i s t s 257

a s a p o w e r f u l w e a p o n i n a n d of t h e m s e l v e s . If p o s s i b l e , s l i p t h e f r e e e n d of t h e c u f f s t h r o u g h h i s belt before cuffing h i s left h a n d . T h i s w i l l further restrict his m o v e m e n t s and prevent h i m f r o m stepping t h r o u g h h i s a r m s t o b r i n g h i s h a n d s t o t h e f r o n t of h i s b o d y . C u f f h i m s o b o t h h i s p a l m s a r e f a c i n g out, the fronts of his wrists against each other. And be sure to double-lock the cuffs.

Vour opportunity to maintain suspect control is diminished when handcuffing righ t hand to left hand or left hand to left hand with an officer sandwiched in the middle. 258

O n rare o c c a s i o n s , you m a y n e e d to handcuff a d e f o r m e d or i n j u r e d i n d i v i d u a l w h o c a n ' t b r i n g his hands behind his b a c k . Here you can reduce the r i s k s of f r o n t c u f f i n g s o m e w h a t b y t u r n i n g h i s b e l t so t h e b u c k l e is i n t h e r e a r . T h e n p a s s t h e c u f f s t h r o u g h t h e f r o n t of t h e b e l t a n d c u f f h i m w i t h h i s palms out. T h i s keeps his arms close to his body and lessens his ability to a t t a c k . W h e n you have several your options m a y include:

suspects

to

handle,

Handcuffing two prisoners with one pair of cuffs. W i t h t h e s u s p e c t s side b y s i d e , order t h e o n e on the right to bring his right hand b e h i n d h i s b a c k . T u r n h i s p a l m o u t a n d a t t a c h t h e cuff, t h e n p a s s t h e free e n d of t h e h a n d c u f f s t h r o u g h h i s b e l t . N o w h a v e the second suspect bring his right a r m to t h e rear. Attach the cuff to his right wrist. T h i s leaves both prisoners in a s o m e w h a t a w k w a r d position, lesse n i n g t h e c h a n c e of t h e i r r u n n i n g or c o o r d i n a t i n g a r m m o v e m e n t . A l t h o u g h it v i o l a t e s t h e g e n e r a l rule about front cuffing, an acceptable alternative w h e r e o n l y o n e s e t of c u f f s is a v a i l a b l e is t o c u f f b o t h p r i s o n e r s ' r i g h t w r i s t s t o g e t h e r i n f r o n t of t h e i r b o d i e s . T h i s , t o o , is a w k w a r d e n o u g h t o h a m p e r e x t r e m e m o v e m e n t . Never handcuff two suspects r i g h t h a n d t o l e f t h a n d . T h i s affords t h e m t o o m u c h f r e e d o m of m o v e m e n t . ( S o m e o f f i c e r s c a r r y t w o s e t s of c u f f s , w h i c h m a k e s h a n d c u f f i n g t w o p r i s o n e r s l e s s of a p r o b l e m . ) Handcuffing two prisoners with two pairs of cuffs. C u f f the first suspect w i t h h i s hands b e h i n d his back, palms out. T h e n have the second suspect interlock his right arm through the o t h e r ' s left arm before you handcuff h i m in the usual palms-out manner. Handcuffing three prisoners with two pairs of cuffs. T h e first s u s p e c t is c u f f e d t o t h e r e a r , p a l m s o u t . T h e r i g h t a r m of t h e s e c o n d s u s p e c t is t h e n i n t e r l o c k e d t h r o u g h h i s left a r m . N o w u s e y o u r s e c o n d s e t of c u f f s t o h a n d c u f f t h e w r i s t of t h i s i n t e r l o c k e d a r m t o t h e w r i s t of t h e t h i r d s u s p e c t ' s right arm. W h e n t h e y ' r e l o c k e d together, all t h e suspects should be facing in t h e s a m e direction. Handcuffing four prisoners with two pairs of cuffs. T h i s p r o c e d u r e is a n extremely risky one b e c a u s e of y o u r n e c e s s a r y c l o s e p r o x i m i t y t o a l l f o u r s u s p e c t s . Y o u s h o u l d n o t a t t e m p t it u n l e s s y o u have a partner w h o can cover you. Y o u should be u n a r m e d , and the suspects, in this case, should be searched before you start t h e cuffing. P o s i t i o n t h e first t w o s u s p e c t s s o t h e y are f a c i n g e a c h o t h e r , a n d h a n d c u f f t h e i r r i g h t w r i s t s t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e first s e t of c u f f s . T h i n k of t h e s e t w o s u s p e c t s as t h e l a t e r a l p o i n t s of a f o u r - p o i n t e d s t a r . T h e o t h e r t w o

s u s p e c t s w i l l b e p o s i t i o n e d as if t h e y are t h e o t h e r t w o p o i n t s . W i t h y o u r s e c o n d s e t of c u f f s , f i r s t c u f f t h e r i g h t w r i s t of s u s p e c t n u m b e r t h r e e . N o w p l a c e t h e r e m a i n i n g c u f f a r o u n d t h e l i n k s of t h e f i r s t s e t of c u f f s a n d l o c k t h e s e l i n k s i n s i d e t h e cuff, a l o n g w i t h t h e r i g h t w r i s t of s u s p e c t n u m b e r f o u r . B e c a u s e of t h e d i f f i c u l t y t h e y ' l l h a v e i n m o v i n g , i t ' s h a r d t o t r a n s p o r t s u s p e c t s w h o are h a n d c u f f e d in t h i s f a s h i o n . T h i s m a n n e r of c u f f i n g is u s u a l l y p r a c t i c a l o n l y as a h o l d i n g p r o c e d u r e . R e m e m b e r that your survival from this point on m a y depend heavily on your getting your assailant handcuffed firmly. W i t h female prisoners, e s p e c i a l l y , o f f i c e r s o f t e n l e a v e c u f f s t o o l o o s e so as n o t t o c a u s e p a i n or d i s c o m f o r t , t h e r e b y e n a b l i n g t h e s u s p e c t s t o s l i p o u t of t h e c u f f s e n t i r e l y or t o m o r e easily step through their a r m s and bring the cuffs out front. S o m e officers, foolishly, are reluct a n t t o h a n d c u f f f e m a l e s u s p e c t s at a l l . In e a c h c a s e , cuffs not only should be squeezed snug but should a l s o b e d o u b l e - l o c k e d . O n c e t h e c u f f s are o n , squeeze the s u s p e c t ' s fingers together to m a k e sure h i s h a n d is n o t s m a l l e n o u g h t o a l l o w h i m t o slip through the handcuffs. R e g a r d l e s s of h o w c o o p e r a t i v e h e or s h e m a y s e e m t o b e , never handcuff a prisoner to yourself. B e s i d e s t h e o b v i o u s r i s k of h i s t r y i n g t o o v e r p o w e r y o u , h e m a y d e c i d e t o l e a p i n f r o n t of a c a r o r off a r o o f , m a k i n g y o u a n i n v o l u n t a r y v i c t i m of h i s suicide attempt.

Searching for Firearms M o s t often, a suspect can—and should—be s e a r c h e d at t h e l o c a t i o n w h e r e y o u a r r e s t h i m , a f t e r h e is c u f f e d a n d i n c a p a c i t a t e d as m u c h as p o s s i b l e . S o m e t i m e s , h o w e v e r , especially in c o n c e n t r a t e d u r b a n a r e a s , h o s t i l e c r o w d s m a y t r y t o r e l e a s e or t h r e a t e n y o u r p r i s o n e r a n d it s e e m s d e s i r a b l e t o g e t a w a y f r o m t h e s c e n e a s q u i c k l y as p o s s i b l e . In t h o s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s , officers m a y place the handcuffed suspect in t h e patrol car and search h i m thoroughly w h i l e driving away. Even then, h o w e v e r , y o u should perform a cursory search before placing h i m in t h e c a r . Y o u c a n p a t d o w n h i s b e l t a r e a , for e x a m p l e , while walking h i m toward the car. T o c o n t i n u e the s e a r c h i n t h e car, h a v e t h e s u s p e c t s i t i n t h e b a c k seat on t h e passenger side, w i t h one officer seated next to h i m directly behind the driver-officer. T h i s t e c h n i q u e h a s s o m e o b v i o u s h a z a r d s and l i m i t a t i o n s . W h e r e p o s s i b l e , a b e t t e r a l t e r n a t i v e is 260

t o c a l l for s u f f i c i e n t b a c k - u p t o c o n t a i n a n d c o n t r o l the crowd w h i l e search procedures are c o n d u c t e d at t h e s c e n e . W h e n y o u s e a r c h t h e s u s p e c t , y o u ' l l of c o u r s e w a n t to confiscate anything he m i g h t be able to use t o p i c k t h e l o c k of y o u r h a n d c u f f s . A b o b b y p i n or a s m a l l s t r i p of b r a s s f r o m a w o o d e n r u l e r c a n b e used to disengage the t e e t h in the ratchet, and the i n k cartridges from s o m e ballpoint pens are a l m o s t identical to handcuff keys. S o m e suspects keep an actual k e y hidden on their persons, under a bandaid, i n t h e w a i s t b a n d of t h e i r p a n t s or i n s i d e a b e l t , for example. Y o u r p r i m a r y c o n c e r n , h o w e v e r , is f i n d i n g weapons. Because your assailant has displayed one gun or y o u ' v e r e c o v e r e d o n e e a r l y i n y o u r s e a r c h does not m e a n t h a t ' s all h e h a s . D u r i n g a f i n a l app r o a c h at a drug s t o r e w h e r e p o l i c e h a d i n t e r r u p t e d a robbery, a p a t r o l m a n in Indiana s u c c e s s f u l l y used a verbal challenge to disarm a suspect w h o w a s holding a revolver in h i s h a n d . B u t t h e officer negl e c t e d t o s e a r c h for an a d d i t i o n a l w e a p o n . M o m e n t s l a t e r , t h e s u s p e c t w h i p p e d a . 3 5 7 M a g n u m o u t of his w a i s t b a n d and shot t h e officer in t h e head. S o m e t i m e s a s u s p e c t ' s m o s t d a n g e r o u s w e a p o n is his second one. During a domestic disturbance in T e x a s , a d e t e c t i v e t o o k a large B o w i e k n i f e f r o m a m a n w h o l a t e r , as t h e i n c i d e n t a p p e a r e d t o b e w i n d ing d o w n , p r o d u c e d a . 4 5 c a l . s e m i - a u t o m a t i c a n d s h o t t h e d e t e c t i v e i n t h e b a c k . If y o u s e e or f i n d o n e w e a p o n , don't omit o r cut shoit youi search. Your suspect m a y have two—or three. Often assailants carry m u l t i p l e w e a p o n s on t h e a s s u m p t i o n that an officer w o n ' t find t h e m all. Y o u r search should be s y s t e m a t i c , so y o u cover his entire body from his head to his t o e s . A good p l a c e t o l o o k f i r s t is a r o u n d t h e s u s p e c t ' s m i d r i f f . M a n y people w h o carry guns illegally m i m i c w h a t t h e y see o n t e l e v i s i o n or i n t h e m o v i e s . T h e y d o n ' t w e a r a h o l s t e r b e l t e d t o t h e s i d e or c a r r y t h e g u n i n t h e s m a l l of t h e b a c k , b u t s t u c k i n t h e i r w a i s t b a n d c l o s e t o t h e f r o n t of t h e i r b o d y . O f t e n t h e y h a v e it in t h e c r o s s - d r a w p o s i t i o n , b e l i e v i n g ( e r r o n e o u s l y ) t h a t t h i s is q u i c k e r a n d m o r e i m p r e s s i v e . A s o n e o b s e r v e r h a s n o t e d , " M o s t of t h e s e p e o p l e a r e i n t h e r a n k s of t h e l o s e r s . " B u t if y o u r s e a r c h is slipshod, they can quickly m a k e you a loser, too. A f t e r c h e c k i n g t h e w a i s t a r e a , go t o t h e t o p of h i s h e a d a n d c h e c k all a r e a s d o w n t o h i s t o e s . W o r k from top to b o t t o m , right to l e f t — a n d m a i n t a i n t h e s a m e s e a r c h s y s t e m o n each s u s p e c t . T h a t w a y y o u w o n ' t forget any area. No area of t h e b o d y or i t e m of c l o t h i n g s h o u l d be i m m u n e from searching. Adversaries have been 261

k n o w n t o c a r r y g u n s in t h e c r o t c h of t h e i r p a n t s . . . inside their hats...up their sleeves...on cords around their n e c k s . . . u n d e r coats and v e s t s . . . o r fastened to t h e i r a r m s or l e g s b y r u b b e r b a n d s or t a p e . S o m e t i m e s , t h e y hide t h e m in slings and bandages. O n e f e m a l e subject in California was found to have a C o l t P y t h o n hidden in her vagina! O t h e r s have c a r r i e d g u n s t a p e d in t h e i r a r m p i t s o r u n d e r t h e i r breasts. A f a v o r i t e s p o t for c o n c e a l i n g w e a p o n s , o f t e n o v e r l o o k e d , is i n s i d e b o o t s . S o m e s u r v i v a l c o n s c i o u s officers will n o t place any suspect in their patrol cars until after he has r e m o v e d his boots, using o n l y h i s f e e t t o do s o . In c i r c u m s t a n c e s t h a t are d u p l i c a t e d o f t e n in t h e a n n a l s of l o s t l i v e s , a c o u n t y p o l i c e m a n in V i r g i n i a h a n d c u f f e d a s h o p l i f t i n g suspect and placed h i m in his patrol car, w i t h o u t searching his footwear. Enroute to the station, the suspect managed to pull a handgun he had c o n c e a l e d i n h i s b o o t a n d s h o t t h e p a t r o l m a n at p o i n t - b l a n k r a n g e . In T e n n e s s e e , t h e a s s a i l a n t i n a s i m i l a r c a s e w a s a young drunk w h o m a deputy sheriff was driving to jail. T h i s suspect had a .38 cal. derringer h i d d e n i n h i s c o w b o y b o o t s . W h e n h e p u l l e d it a n d started shooting, the deputy tried to defend himself. H e s h o t t h e s u s p e c t t h r e e t i m e s . . . b u t it w a s t h e deputy w h o died, shot o n c e in t h e head. M a l e o f f i c e r s (and f e m a l e o f f i c e r s , t o o , f o r t h a t m a t t e r ) are often r e l u c t a n t to search a m a l e susp e c t ' s c r o t c h a r e a . B e c a u s e of t h i s h e s i t a t i o n , t w o N e w Y o r k officers were about to place an arrested suspect in their patrol car w i t h o u t a thorough s e a r c h , u n t i l o n e ' s s i x t h s e n s e b e c a m e a l a r m e d and he decided to c h e c k out the suspect further. While the officer was searching the suspect's crotch, he was ridiculed by the suspect with remarks like, " A r e y o u q u e e r , m a n ? " a n d " Y o u m u s t b e a faggot, a closet q u e e n ! " Even the officer's partner laughed a little—until he found a .25 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c hidden in t h e s u s p e c t ' s pants. Similarly, m a l e officers m a y be hesitant about searching f e m a l e prisoners on the street, and seasoned s u s p e c t s m a y try to capitalize on this fact. B u t a s u s p e c t is a s u s p e c t , r e g a r d l e s s of s e x w o m e n k i l l l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r s t h e s a m e as m e n d o . In s e a r c h i n g a f e m a l e , first p u l l o u t h e r b l o u s e t a i l if i t ' s t u c k e d i n s o m e t i m e s g u n s or o t h e r w e a p o n s w i l l fall o u t . A l s o c o n s i d e r u n s n a p p i n g h e r b r a a n d s h a k i n g it b y i t s s t r a p s ; t h a t ' s a n o t h e r c o m m o n h i d i n g p l a c e . M o s t a r e a s of h e r b o d y c a n be s e a r c h e d t h e s a m e as y o u w o u l d a m a n ' s . In c h e c k i n g b e t w e e n a n d u n d e r h e r b r e a s t s , o n t h e i n s i d e s of h e r t h i g h s a n d a r o u n d h e r c r o t c h , u s e t h e edge of y o u r h a n d . T h i s c a n p r o t e c t y o u a g a i n s t a c c u s a t i o n s of i m proper a d v a n c e s . ;

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Even a suspect w h o appears to be defenseless s h o u l d be s e a r c h e d and h a n d c u f f e d b e f o r e h e ' s transported from the scene. After a s h o o t - o u t in w h i c h t h e assailant was badly w o u n d e d in O h i o , the police recovered the .25 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c he had u s e d i n t h e f i g h t , b u t t h e y d i d n ' t s e a r c h h i m further before loading h i m into an a m b u l a n c e . T h e suspect still had another gun secreted on his body. In t h i s c a s e , t h e p r i s o n e r died e n r o u t e t o t h e h o s p i tal, b u t w i t h l e s s e r i n j u r i e s h e m i g h t h a v e u s e d it to shoot his way to freedom.

Remaining Alert D u r i n g y o u r s e a r c h , as i n o t h e r p h a s e s of t h e final approach, y o u ' l l need to e x e r c i s e a difficult f o r m of m e n t a l d i s c i p l i n e . Y o u ' l l h a v e t o c o n c e n t r a t e o n w h a t y o u ' r e doing, of c o u r s e , b u t a s u r v i v a l orientation demands that you not s u c c u m b to the natural tendency under stress to concentrate only o n t h a t . A s h o o t i n g e n c o u n t e r is not a " l i n e a r " s i t u a t i o n , a p r o g r e s s i o n of s i n g l e , i s o l a t e d e v e n t s f r o m t h e b e g i n n i n g t h r o u g h t h e e n d . R a t h e r , at e a c h stage of t h e e n c o u n t e r , m a n y i m p o r t a n t t h i n g s a r e going o n s i m u l t a n e o u s l y . W h e n y o u are s e a r c h i n g a s u s p e c t , y o u m a y at t h e s a m e t i m e h a v e t o b e a l e r t t o a c r o w d of b y s t a n d e r s c o l l e c t i n g a r o u n d y o u , t o b a c k - u p o f f i c e r s a r r i v i n g and d e p l o y i n g , t o e v i d e n c e that needs to be preserved, to the possibility that the suspect, even though handcuffed, can still use h i s legs t o k i c k or r u n or h i s h e a d t o b u t t y o u , a n d so o n . T h e t e m p t a t i o n is t o b l o c k o u t e v e r y t h i n g b u t t h e m o s t p o w e r f u l , i m m e d i a t e s t i m u l u s so y o u c a n c o n c e n t r a t e b e t t e r . B u t y o u c a n ' t afford t h a t k i n d of t u n n e l v i s i o n . Y o u ' l l n e e d t o k e e p p a r t of y o u r awareness focused on everything else that's taking place in t h e s c e n e around you. For e x a m p l e , a d d i t i o n a l a s s a i l a n t s o f t e n appear in t h i s p e r i o d . If y o u ' r e n o t a l e r t t o t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of t h e i r p r e s e n c e , t h e i r u s e of s u r p r i s e m a y o v e r w h e l m y o u and p u t y o u at s u c h a d i s a d v a n t a g e t h a t y o u c a n ' t r e c o v e r . Y e t , j u s t as m a n y o f f i c e r s a r e n o t a t t u n e d t o t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of a s e c o n d w e a p o n , m a n y fail to consider extra adversaries; t h e y get o n e u n d e r c o n t r o l , and t h e y r e l a x . In l a w e n f o r c e m e n t , w e ' v e u s e d b a c k - u p m e n as a p a t r o l t a c t i c for y e a r s . I t ' s t i m e w e a c k n o w l e d g e d that offenders are using t h e m , t o o , w i t h i n c r e a s i n g f r e q u e n c y , j u s t as t h e y use back-up guns. A v e r y h i g h p e r c e n t a g e of a r m e d r o b b e r i e s , f o r e x a m p l e , are c o m m i t t e d b y t w o or m o r e p e o p l e . B a n k s u r v e i l l a n c e p h o t o s at a s e r i e s of b a n k r o b -

beries in N e w Y o r k C i t y s h o w h o w o n e t e a m worked. While one suspect presented himself to a teller and a n n o u n c e d the robbery, his partner rem a i n e d farther b a c k in the teller line, appearing to b e a n o r d i n a r y , u n i n v o l v e d c i t i z e n . If t h e r o b b e r y w e n t well, this m a n simply waited until the robber w a s h e a d e d o u t of t h e l o b b y , t h e n d u c k e d o u t of t h e l i n e a n d e x i t e d b e h i n d h i m . If s o m e t h i n g w e n t wrong, the back-up m a n was there w i t h unexpected fire p o w e r . A t o n e b a n k , f o r i n s t a n c e , a s e c u r i t y guard g a v e c h a s e t o t h e r o b b e r . T h e b a c k - u p m a n c a m e up b e h i n d h i m , drew a gun and shot h i m . If y o u r r e s p o n s e t o a c a l l is fast e n o u g h o r if y o u h a p p e n t o b e at t h e s c e n e w h e n a c r i m e g o e s d o w n as o f t e n h a p p e n s w i t h o f f - d u t y o f f i c e r s at t a v e r n or grocery store robberies—the extra assailants m a y not have yet made their presence k n o w n w h e n you i n t e r v e n e . T h e y m a y blend in w i t h t h e environm e n t , yet be located in t a c t i c a l l y advantageous p o s i t i o n s . If i t ' s a t a v e r n , o n e o r m o r e b a c k - u p m e n m a y b e s e a t e d at t h e b a r or i n a b o o t h , w a t c h i n g t h e action like the other patrons. At a truck hijacking, a n o t h e r a s s a i l a n t m a y b e s t a n d i n g n e a r b y as if w a i t i n g f o r a b u s or b e " f i x i n g " a f l a t o n a c a r d o w n the b l o c k . O n traffic stops, a passenger m a y a t t a c k y o u as y o u ' r e t a k i n g t h e d r i v e r i n t o c u s t o d y . O r t h e extra suspect m a y be hidden altogether; perhaps y o u ' v e f l u s h e d o n e a d v e r s a r y o u t of a c l o s e t w i t h a verbal challenge, but a n o t h e r , u n b e k n o w n to you, remains secreted inside. In a n y c a s e , t h e b a c k - u p m a n m a y w a i t u n t i l y o u a r e i n v o l v e d w i t h t h e c o m p l e x a n d e a s i l y dist r a c t i n g p r o b l e m s of a f i n a l a p p r o a c h t o s t r i k e . In Virginia, for e x a m p l e , t w o officers w h o ' d staked out t h e p a r k i n g l o t of a m o t e l w h e r e n u m e r o u s t h e f t s from vehicles had occurred spotted two teenagers suspiciously looking into certain cars. T h e y ordered the y o u t h s to h a l t and were approaching t h e m w h e n a third suspect, w h o m they hadn't seen, emerged from inside a nearby vehicle where he'd been hiding. H e fired o n e s h o t f r o m a . 2 5 c a l . s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , f a t a l l y w o u n d i n g o n e of t h e o f f i c e r s i n t h e c h e s t . S o m e t i m e s an additional assailant has n o conn e c t i o n with the suspect(s) you're handling. O n e g u n f i g h t s t a r t e d i n D e t r o i t as o f f i c e r s w e r e h a n d cuffing a traffic violator w h e n an u n i n v o l v e d m o t o r i s t p u l l e d a b r e a s t , p o i n t e d a g u n at o n e of t h e p a t r o l m e n and yelled, " H e y , you b l a c k m o t h e r fucker, I ' m gonna kill y o u ! " In a s o m e w h a t similar case, three Colorado officers had quieted a disturba n c e at a t r a i l e r c o u r t a n d w e r e r e t u r n i n g t o t h e i r c a r s w h e n a m a n u n i n v o l v e d w i t h t h e i n c i d e n t suddenly emerged from his trailer nearby. Shouting a s t r i n g of o b s c e n i t i e s , h e h o i s t e d a . 1 2 ga. s h o t g u n a n d s h o t o n e of t h e p a t r o l m e n f a t a l l y i n t h e b a c k . 264

O f t e n , a n e w a s s a i l a n t is part o f t h e c r o w d t h a t f o r m s to w a t c h , and s o m e t h i n g about y o u r presence or the a c t i o n sparks a violent response in h i m . Several o f f i c e r s w e r e i n t h e f i n a l s t a g e s of i n v e s t i g a t i n g a hit-and-run traffic accident in Kansas, w h e n a m a n who'd been watching the proceedings from a crowd across the street suddenly darted over to t h e m , k n o c k e d a reserve p o l i c e m a n to t h e ground and grabbed his service revolver. A deputy sheriff standing nearby shot the assailant in t h e throat, b u t before h e fell, several m o r e s h o t s were e x c h a n g e d . T h e d e p u t y w a s w o u n d e d , and t h e r e s e r v e o f f i c e r w a s k i l l e d . In W i s c o n s i n , a m o t o r i s t w h o ' d b e e n s t o p p e d for driving a n i m p r o p e r l y r e g i s t e r e d c a r s t a r t e d t o struggle w h e n t h e officers t o o k h i m into c u s t o d y . As they focused on getting h i m under control, a b y s t a n d e r w a l k e d u p and s h o t b o t h o f f i c e r s i n t h e head with a 7 . 6 5 m m s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . As the Dallas Police D e p a r t m e n t learned w h e n Jack Ruby assassi n a t e d L e e H a r v e y O s w a l d , on-lookeis or ciowds of any kind in any location bear careful watching. Probably the person you least expect trouble f r o m d u r i n g a f i n a l a p p r o a c h is t h e v i c t i m of t h e c r i m e . Y e t in s o m e c i r c u m s t a n c e s i t ' s n o t u n c o m m o n for a v i c t i m t o t r a n s f o r m s u d d e n l y i n t o a n a d d i t i o n a l a s s a i l a n t . T h i s is p a r t i c u l a r l y t r u e at t h e s c e n e s of d o m e s t i c d i s t u r b a n c e s . M o r e t h a n o n e officer w h o has managed to rescue a wife from being k i c k e d , b e a t e n or k i l l e d b y h e r h u s b a n d h a s b e e n startled to have the " g r a t e f u l " v i c t i m t h e n turn on h i m w h e n he m o v e d to arrest the husband and transport h i m to jail. T h e rules here are: don't a u t o m a t i c a l l y r u l e o u t a n y o n e as a p o t e n t i a l a s s a i l a n t . . . r e m a i n a w a r e of w h e r e y o u r g u n is i n r e l a t i o n t o t h e v i c t i m , a s w e l l as t h e s u s p e c t . . . a n d b e c o n s c i o u s , t o o , of a n y o t h e r w e a p o n s t h a t t h e v i c t i m m a y have access to. For e x a m p l e , try to avoid arresting s u s p e c t s i n k i t c h e n s ; t h e r e a r e u s u a l l y t o o m a n y knives around. O n e p o s s i b i l i t y t o s t a y a l e r t for i s a n e x t r a a s s a i l a n t w h o i s n ' t h u m a n . T r a i n e d a t t a c k dogs a r e being used increasingly by c r i m i n a l s . C e r t a i n narc o t i c s dealers in o n e c i t y are k n o w n to k e e p G e r m a n shepherds penned in closets that can be opened w i t h t h e trip of a l a t c h , s e n d i n g t h e dogs c h a r g i n g at policemen w h o attempt arrests. T h e m o s t d i f f i c u l t area t o w a t c h d u r i n g a f i n a l a p p r o a c h is t o y o u r r e a r . If p o s s i b l e , t r y t o g e t a w a l l or o t h e r s o l i d b a r r i e r b e h i n d y o u w h i l e y o u ' r e approaching, handcuffing and/or searching a suspect t o l e s s e n t h e r i s k of a t t a c k f r o m t h a t d i r e c t i o n . T o h e l p all y o u r s e n s e s ( p a r t i c u l a r l y y o u r h e a r ing a n d y o u r p e r i p h e r a l v i s i o n ) r e m a i n a l e r t t o w h a t ' s happening around you, y o u w a n t to m i n i m i z e your exposure to distraction. In one case, a sher-

iff's deputy shifted his attention away from a subject he was arresting on a highway just long enough to listen to his patrol car radio. T h e suspect reached b a c k i n t o his car and got a gun, w h i c h h e used to kill t h e deputy and t h e deputy's wife, w h o w a s in t h e p a t r o l c a r . I n o t h e r c a s e s , c i v i l i a n s h a v e app r o a c h e d t o a s k q u e s t i o n s or r e g i s t e r c o m p l a i n t s d u r i n g a h a n d c u f f i n g or f r i s k i n g , a n d s u s p e c t s h a v e capitalized on the diversion to seize officers' guns and start shooting. O f t e n the suspect h i m s e l f will t r y t o d i s t r a c t y o u , b y m o v i n g u n n e c e s s a r i l y or b y asking p e r m i s s i o n for favors, like going to t h e t o i l e t , t a k i n g m e d i c i n e , g e t t i n g h i s c o a t , e t c . If h e n e e d s a c o a t , g o w i t h h i m or s e n d a n o f f i c e r t o g e t it a n d t h o r o u g h l y s e a r c h it b e f o r e l e t t i n g h i m h a v e i t . S u s p e c t s m a y try to con y o u by a t t e m p t i n g to m a k e y o u l o o k f o o l i s h or b y p l a y i n g o n y o u r s y m p a t h i e s . B u t under no circumstances should you permit a suspect to move out of your immediate presence, e v e n if d e n y i n g h i m a r e q u e s t s e e m s h a r s h . A c i t y m a r s h a l in K a n s a s had arrested and handcuffed a parole violator h e recognized driving around t o w n w i t h his four children. As h e was being put into the patrol car, the suspect asked and was g r a n t e d p e r m i s s i o n t o r e t u r n t o h i s o w n v e h i c l e for a m o m e n t to speak to h i s bewildered children alone. T h e r e he obtained a .357 cal. handgun, which he m a n a g e d t o f i r e t w i c e at t h e m a r s h a l ' s c h e s t e v e n though his hands were cuffed b e h i n d h i m . As the m a r s h a l lay dying, the assailant stole his service r e v o l v e r a n d f l e d , w i t h o n e of h i s k i d s d r i v i n g t h e car. T h e r e ' s not m u c h w e can learn about police w o r k f r o m t h e m o v i e r o l e s of C l i n t E a s t w o o d , b u t h e did h a v e a p e r t i n e n t p i e c e o f dialog i n o n e of h i s films. C o m m e n t i n g on a fellow officer w h o ' d been shot and killed because he relaxed his alertness t o w a r d a p r i s o n e r o u t of s y m p a t h y , E a s t w o o d r e m a r k e d : " T h e c o l o r of p i t y is r e d — b l o o d r e d . " I t ' s a line worth remembering w h e n you're trying to m a i n t a i n firm control over s o m e o n e w h o m a y have the will and the way to take your life. O n e w a y t o p r o t e c t y o u r s e l f is a l w a y s t o t r e a t a p r i s o n e r as if h e is a r m e d , e v e n t h o u g h a t h o r o u g h s e a r c h h a s c o n v i n c e d y o u h e ' s n o t . If h e n e e d s t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h s o m e o n e else, you carry the m e s s a g e f o r h i m w h i l e h e r e m a i n s l o c k e d in t h e b a c k of y o u r p a t r o l c a r . D o n ' t p e r m i t o t h e r p e o p l e t o s t i c k t h e i r h e a d s i n y o u r c a r , k i s s t h e s u s p e c t or o t h e r w i s e a p p r o a c h or t o u c h h i m . B y a l l o w i n g a n y physical contact, you open the possibility that a confederate will transfer a s m a l l caliber firearm to t h e person you have in custody.

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Recovering Firearms T h e g u n ( s ) y o u r e c o v e r at a c r i m e s c e n e m a y pose a d i l e m m a . O n one hand, you m a y need to h a n d l e t h e m and p o s s i b l y u n l o a d or o t h e r w i s e deactivate t h e m to m a k e t h e m safe to transport away. O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , t h e g u n s as they're recovered, may constitute important physical evidence against t h e s u s p e c t i n t h e c o u r t h e a r i n g s a h e a d . If, f o r e x a m p l e , t h e g u n is c o c k e d or h a s b e e n fired at y o u , t h e p o s i t i o n of t h e h a m m e r or t h e e m p t y c y l i n d e r hole(s) m a y bear on your a s s a i l a n t ' s i n t e n t and on y o u r j u s t i f i c a t i o n for h a v i n g u s e d d e a d l y f o r c e . A t t h e s c e n e of a s h o o t i n g d e a t h , p a r t i c u l a r l y , t h e e x a c t p o s i t i o n i n g of t h e w e a p o n m a y b e i m p o r t a n t and m a y help d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r the incident was a h o m i c i d e or s u i c i d e . C h a n g e t h e c o n d i t i o n of t h e g u n and y o u m a y c h a n g e t h e c a s e . S i m i l a r l y , if y o u destroy latent fingerprints by handling the weapon, you weaken the evidence.

This man was found in a street after witnesses said he turned the rifle on himself and pulled the trigger. Unless this rifle's position presents a danger to you or others, there is no reason for patrol officers to touch this important physical evidence.

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In m a k i n g d e c i s i o n s a b o u t a r e c o v e r e d f i r e a r m , you'll have to weigh t h e i m m e d i a t e danger the gun presents to you and other people against its evidence v a l u e . If y o u a r e c o n f r o n t e d w i t h a d e a d b o d y i n a s e c u r e a r e a ( s u c h as i n s i d e a r o o m ) a n d n o o n e e l s e is p r e s e n t , l e a v e everything a l o n e , i n c l u d i n g firea r m s . S e c u r e t h e r o o m a n d w a i t for s p e c i a l i s t s . W h e r e s a f e t y is t h r e a t e n e d , y o u ' l l h a v e t o a c t o t h e r w i s e . Preserving lives takes priority over preserving evidence. S t i l l , t r y i n e a c h c a s e t o h a n d l e or c h a n g e t h e c o n d i t i o n of a r e c o v e r e d f i r e a r m n o m o r e t h a n is a b s o l u t e l y n e c e s s a r y t o m a k e it s a f e . B y u n n e c e s s a r i l y h a n d l i n g or c h a n g i n g t h e g u n , y o u m a y g i v e rise to a c c u s a t i o n s that you planted i t . . . s w i t c h e d it...loaded it...cocked it...or otherwise misrepresented facts about its recovery. W h e n a n y w e a p o n is t a k e n f r o m a p e r s o n u n d e r a r r e s t , all o f f i c e r s p r e s e n t s h o u l d v i s u a l l y e x a m i n e it s o t h e y a r e i n a p o s i t i o n t o t e s t i f y a b o u t t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s of i t s r e c o v e r y a n d t o r e c o g n i z e it w h e n it is p r e s e n t e d i n e v i d e n c e . H o w e v e r , u n n e c e s s a r y handling by several oficers and the related c o n f u s i o n i n c r e a s e s t h e r i s k of a n a c c i d e n t a l f i r i n g . One o f f i c e r o n l y s h o u l d b e r e s p o n s i b l e for a c t u a l l y d e a c t i v a t i n g the firearm. U n l e s s y o u are a h i g h l y e x p e r i e n c e d gun expert, m a n y street f i r e a r m s y o u recover are l i k e l y to be u n f a m i l i a r t o y o u . T h a t a l o n e is r e a s o n e n o u g h t o h a n d l e a g u n m i n i m a l l y , r e g a r d l e s s of t h e e v i d e n c e f a c t o r , or leave it alone (but n o t u n a t t e n d e d ) if at a l l possible until s o m e o n e familiar w i t h the gun can handle it. Y o u can easily discharge a gun u n i n t e n t i o n a l l y if y o u ' r e n o t f a m i l i a r w i t h it or if it is i n p o o r w o r k i n g c o n d i t i o n , as a s s a i l a n t s ' f i r e a r m s often are. Moreover, t h e gun m a y h a v e b e e n " s e t u p " t o d i s c h a r g e u n c o n v e n t i o n a l l y , a n d if y o u ' r e n o t f a m i l i a r w i t h the weapon, y o u m a y n o t recogn i z e t h a t it is rigged. O f f i c e r s h a v e b e e n k i l l e d and injured by handling such guns w i t h overconfidence. If y o u m u s t h a n d l e t h e g u n a n d c a n l o c a t e a n d recognize the safety on an u n f a m i l i a r gun, engage it. W i t h your finger away f r o m the trigger, c a r e f u l l y lift t h e g u n b y m a k i n g as l i t t l e c o n t a c t w i t h it a s p o s s i b l e . F o r i n s t a n c e , y o u m i g h t s t i c k a p e n c i l or p e n t h r o u g h t h e t r i g g e r g u a r d , b e h i n d t h e trigger. Or, better, y o u can use a s h o e l a c e . W h e n you lift a gun w i t h a s h o e l a c e through t h e trigger guard, t h e r e ' s n o c h a n c e it w i l l s l i p off a n d n o w a y t h e trigger c a n b e p u l l e d . ( N o t e : If y o u u s e a h a n d k e r c h i e f or g l o v e s t o lift t h e f i r e a r m , y o u w i p e a w a y f i n g e r p r i n t s . S i m i l a r l y , t h e o l d m o v i e t r i c k of l i f t i n g a g u n w i t h a p e n c i l i n t h e b a r r e l is not recomm e n d e d b e c a u s e it c a n a l t e r t h e r i f l i n g a n d r e s i d u e , w h i c h m a y c o n s t i t u t e evidence.) As y o u lift t h e gun, 268

k e e p t h e m u z z l e p o i n t e d i n a safe d i r e c t i o n , r e m o v e t h e a m m u n i t i o n a n d do n o t s q u e e z e t h e g u n i n a n y way. H o m e m a d e firearms and s o m e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s have pressure-sensitive plates that can cause t h e m t o fire, w i t h o u t t h e trigger b e i n g p u l l e d . Some departments have armored containers you c a n u s e t o t r a n s p o r t f i r e a r m s i n a n y c o n d i t i o n . If t h e s e a r e a v a i l a b l e , y o u c a n u s e t h e m as a m e a n s of preserving both evidence and safety. O t h e r w i s e , you'll have to consider other options.

A shoelace placed inside the trigger guard, behind the trigger, can be used to pick up a firearm. This technique avoids the necessity for touching the firearm at all.

One technique for handling firearms is to pick up the weapon by the grip panels, the one area least likely to retain fingerprints.

To unload this M-l carbine model, activate the manual safety. The "safe" position is straight up and down.

Depress the magazine release lever and gently withdraw the magazine.

As you move the bolt to its locked position, visually inspect the chamber to make sure no live round is present inside the barrel. 270

T h e s e procedures m a y apply either w h e n y o u r e c o v e r a g u n f r o m a n a s s a i l a n t o r , as s o m e t i m e s happens, you locate a discarded firearm during your t o u r of d u t y t h a t h a s n o i m m e d i a t e c o n n e c t i o n w i t h a crime scene. If y o u a r e a l o n e a n d y o u r e c o v e r a h a n d g u n t h a t is u n c o c k e d , y o u c a n s e c u r e it t e m p o r a r i l y b y u n l o a d i n g it a n d s e p a r a t i n g t h e a m m u n i t i o n f r o m t h e firearm by placing t h e m in your p o c k e t s . H e r e t h e y ' r e o u t of t h e s u s p e c t ' s v i e w a n d b e c a u s e t h e g u n is u n l o a d e d y o u a r e p r o t e c t e d f r o m a n a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e . Never put a loaded gun in your pocket, b e l t or w a i s t b a n d . A s s o o n a s y o u h a v e a n o p p o r t u n i t y , l o c k t h e r e c o v e r e d g u n i n t h e t r u n k of y o u r p a t r o l c a r for t r a n s p o r t i n g . W h e n a s h o t g u n is r e c o v e r e d , m a k e it i n a c c e s s i b l e u n t i l t h e s u s p e c t is h a n d c u f f e d , s e a r c h e d a n d s e c u r e d , t h e n b r i n g it t o y o u r v e h i c l e . B e f o r e t r a n s p o r t i n g it, y o u l e s s e n t h e c h a n c e of u n i n t e n t i o n a l d i s c h a r g e b y u n l o a d i n g t h e s h o t g u n a n d m a k i n g it i n o p e r a b l e b y o p e n i n g t h e b r e e c h or m o v i n g t h e s l i d e o r b o l t t o t h e r e a r , i f i t has one. Be sure to remove any rounds that have been c h a m b e r e d and to c o l l e c t any live rounds that m a y have fallen to the ground. Separate the firearm and the a m m u n i t i o n and leave the breech open when transporting. S o m e o t h e r long guns are best transported u n l o a d e d , t o o . O n e is t h e M - 1 A 1 c a r b i n e . T o u n l o a d it, y o u m o v e t h e s a f e t y s e l e c t o r s w i t c h o n t h e r i g h t s i d e of t h e t r i g g e r g r o u p t o t h e " o n " p o s i t i o n a n d r o t a t e t h e g u n s o it is r e s t i n g o n i t s s i g h t s . G r a s p t h e u p p e r p o r t i o n of t h e s t o c k w i t h o n e h a n d , w h i l e grasping the m a g a z i n e w i t h the o t h e r . . . a n d depress the magazine release lever. T h e n pull the magazine u p a n d f o r w a r d u n t i l it is s e p a r a t e d f r o m t h e g u n . N o w t u r n the gun b a c k over and pull the bolt and s l i d e rod b a c k f i r m l y t o w a r d t h e r e a r s i g h t . T h i s w i l l e j e c t a n y c h a m b e r e d r o u n d s . W i t h t h e b o l t as far b a c k as it c a n go, e n g a g e t h e b o l t l o c k i n g p i n a n d carefully release the bolt to travel forward. C h e c k the c h a m b e r visually to b e sure all rounds have been cleared. W h e n you're faced with a cocked gun that could g o off a c c i d e n t a l l y , y o u w a n t t o r e d u c e t h e t h r e a t it p r e s e n t s b e f o r e y o u l e a v e t h e s c e n e , b u t a f t e r t h e s u s p e c t h i m s e l f is w e l l u n d e r c o n t r o l a n d y o u h a v e holstered your own sidearm. W i t h a revolver, one o p t i o n is t o p o i n t t h e m u z z l e i n a s a f e d i r e c t i o n a n d p u t t h e t h u m b of y o u r w e a k h a n d a c r o s s t h e h a m m e r t r a c k as a b l o c k b e t w e e n t h e c o c k e d h a m m e r a n d t h e r e v o l v e r ' s f r a m e . K e e p t h e f i n g e r s of y o u r w e a k h a n d away from the muzzle. With your other thumb h o l d i n g t h e h a m m e r u n d e r c o n t r o l , apply j u s t e n o u g h pressure to t h e trigger to release t h e h a m -

m e r . T a k e y o u r f i n g e r off t h e t r i g g e r . . . g u i d e t h e h a m m e r down slowly and w i t h slight reverse ' b r a k i n g " u n t i l t h e firing p i n t o u c h e s y o u r w e a k hand t h u m b n a i l . . . t h e n slowly remove that t h u m b and l o w e r t h e h a m m e r t h e r e s t of t h e w a y . ( T h i s m e t h o d of r e n d e r i n g t h e g u n safer w i l l w o r k e v e n if t h e w e a p o n is i n t h e h a n d of a d e a d s u s p e c t . P l a c e your w e a k - h a n d t h u m b b e t w e e n the h a m m e r and frame and disengage the weapon from the suspect's hand w i t h your strong hand. T h e n follow the unc o c k i n g p r o c e d u r e w e ' v e d e s c r i b e d . ) O r : if y o u decide t o u n l o a d t h e r e v o l v e r , c o n s i d e r i d e n t i f y i n g each cartridge to indicate w h i c h o n e w a s in t h e firing p o s i t i o n at t h e t i m e of c o n f i s c a t i o n , as a m e a n s of k e e p i n g t h e e v i d e n c e s o l i d . Y o u w i l l w a n t , a l s o , t o n o t e t h e e x a c t p o s i t i o n of t h e o t h e r r o u n d s as t h e y w e r e f o u n d i n t h e c y l i n d e r . S o m e t i m e s officers need to u n c o c k their o w n revolvers after an a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n . U n d e r stress, t h e y revert to inappropriate range training and prepare to shoot single-action. T h e n , w h e n things quiet d o w n , t h e y ' r e left h o l d i n g a c o c k e d w e a p o n t h e y don't k n o w h o w to render safe. T h e s a m e p r o c e d u r e s for d e a c t i v a t i n g a s u s pect's revolver will work on your o w n . Y o u don't have to resort to the preposterous and dangerous options c h o s e n by t w o eastern officers. O n e decided t o u n c o c k h i s s e r v i c e r e v o l v e r b y f i r i n g it i n t o a toilet, w i t h inevitable results. T h e o t h e r carried his gun around in his holster w i t h t h e h a m m e r taped back, s o it c o u l d n ' t go off u n d e r a n y c i r c u m s t a n c e s ! T o render a c o c k e d s e m i - a u t o m a t i c safer to transport, first a t t e m p t to engage t h e safety and then remove the magazine. But remember—even w i t h t h e m a g a z i n e o u t of s o m e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s , a live round m a y still be in t h e c h a m b e r and able to s h o o t . A s s u m e t h a t o n e i s . If t h e g u n i n c o r p o r a t e s m e c h a n i c a l e j e c t o r ( m o s t d o , e x c e p t for s o m e cheap .22s), you can clear the c h a m b e r by moving b a c k t h e s l i d e . H o l d t h e g u n i n a s h o o t i n g grip, but w i t h your finger outside t h e trigger guard. W i t h y o u r w e a k h a n d , c o m e o v e r t h e t o p of t h e g u n f r o m t h e rear a n d p u l l t h e s l i d e b a c k , or h o l d t h e s l i d e s t a t i o n a r y a n d p u s h t h e g u n f o r w a r d . (If t h e g u n is a 9 m m Luger, w h i c h you m a y occasionally e n c o u n t e r , h e s a m e e f f e c t is a c c o m p l i s h e d b y u s i n g y o u r h u m b and index finger to f i r m l y pull t h e t w o bolt ubs up and back.) T h e m o v e m e n t should cause the hambered round to be ejected, and you can inspect he c h a m b e r and look down the m a g a z i n e w e l l to be e r t a i n t h e gun is c l e a r . Y o u c a n s t u f f y o u r h a n d k e r h i e f or a rag i n t o t h e o p e n i n g t o k e e p t h e s l i d e b a c k nd t h e g u n i n o p e r a t i v e .

272

275

The pwpei technique a.25cal. Beietta.

276

foi

deactivating

The proper technique for a suspect's 9mm Luger.

deactivating

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If t h e g u n l a c k s a m e c h a n i c a l e j e c t o r , a s s o m e c o m m o n l y recovered s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s do, like the B e r e t t a .22 cal. and .25 cal. m o d e l s , m o v i n g the slide to the rear w o n ' t eject a c h a m b e r e d round. Here you'll h a v e to e m p t y the m a g a z i n e and t h e n activ a t e t h e r e l e a s e l e v e r o n t h e l e f t side of t h e w e a p o n . W h e n you m o v e the lever, the springloaded barrel will " p o p " up, and you can t a k e out the live round. W h a t e v e r y o u r m e t h o d , be sure you keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction throughout. An O h i o officer was trying to deactivate a .45 cal. semia u t o m a t i c h e h a d f o u n d h i d d e n i n a fire h o s e i n a hallway w h e n the gun unexpectedly discharged. Because he'd pointed the m u z z l e carelessly, he shot his partner. W h e n y o u are w o r k i n g w i t h a p a r t n e r , o n e of y o u t a k e s r e s p o n s i b i l i t y for s e c u r i n g all r e c o v e r e d firearms, w h i l e still keeping his primary a t t e n t i o n o n h e l p i n g c o n t r o l t h e s u s p e c t . If it b e c o m e s n e c essary to pass a suspect's gun(s) b e t w e e n you, keep in m i n d your options for m i n i m i z i n g t h e possib i l i t y of a n u n i n t e n t i o n a l d i s c h a r g e — o r h i t — i n this circumstance. T h e s a f e s t w a y t o p a s s a r e v o l v e r is t o o p e n t h e cylinder and place your index and m i d d l e finger t h r o u g h t h e opening under t h e top strap, so t h e cylinder cannot swing closed. Point the muzzle down and hand the gun to your partner w i t h the

Any suspect firearm should be passed with the muzzle pointed away from anyone. If it's a revolver, the cylinder must be open. 278

butt toward h i m . T h e revolver can then be safely carried by t h e top strap, w i t h t h e cylinder open. A s e m i - a u t o m a t i c is s a f e s t t o p a s s if y o u f i r s t r e m o v e the m a g a z i n e . . . p u l l the slide b a c k to clear and ins p e c t t h e c h a m b e r . . . t h e n l o c k it b a c k , e v e n if it m e a n s u s i n g a c l o t h or rag t o plug t h e e j e c t i o n p o r t t o k e e p t h e slide f r o m f l y i n g f o r w a r d . W h e t h e r you're recovering, deactivating, pass i n g — a n y t i m e you're handling a firearm—two survival principles always prevail. T h e y c a n ' t be r e p e a t e d t o o o f t e n : 1) keep the muzzle pointing in a safe direction...2) keep your finger outside the trigger guard.

Departing the Scene T h e l a s t p h a s e of y o u r f i n a l a p p r o a c h is t a k i n g t h e s u s p e c t a w a y . A g a i n , guard a g a i n s t t h e n a t u r a l t e n d e n c y to relax. M a n y shootings o c c u r in patrol c a r s e n r o u t e t o t h e s t a t i o n . O t h e r s e r u p t at t h e s t a t i o n , w h i l e a s u s p e c t is b e i n g b o o k e d o r f i n g e r printed. In w a l k i n g a h a n d c u f f e d p r i s o n e r t o y o u r c a r , y o u c a n m a i n t a i n c o n t r o l of h i m t h r o u g h p r e s s u r e h o l d s . A s s u m i n g y o u are r i g h t - h a n d e d , w a l k s l i g h t l y b e h i n d t h e s u s p e c t o n h i s r i g h t , s o y o u r g u n s i d e is a w a y f r o m h i m . W i t h y o u r w e a k h a n d , t i g h t l y grip t h e f i n g e r s of h i s r i g h t h a n d a n d p u l l t h e m u p a n d b a c k t o w a r d t h e u n d e r side of h i s a r m . W i t h y o u r gun hand, apply t h u m b pressure on t h e artery in t h e f l e s h y part of h i s i n n e r a r m j u s t a b o v e t h e e l b o w . T h e s e grips a l l o w y o u t o i n f l i c t w h a t e v e r p a i n is necessary to keep h i m under control and also p e r m i t y o u r g u n h a n d t o m o v e q u i c k l y t o y o u r s i d e a r m if need be. T o any civilians w h o are w a t c h i n g , y o u w i l l n o t appear t o b e u s i n g u n d u e f o r c e .

The primary benefit of the wrist-lock, unlike this tactic, is that it forces the suspect to do all the work.

N o suspect should be permitted to enter your patrol car w i t h o u t having b e e n handcuffed and thoroughly searched. T h e i n c i d e n t s in w h i c h assaila n t s h a v e p u l l e d c o n c e a l e d f i r e a r m s or g r a b b e d officers' guns o n c e t h e y are inside a patrol car are l e g i o n . In a c a s e t h a t is all t o o t y p i c a l , t w o S o u t h Carolina highway p a t r o l m e n placed a h u s b a n d and w i f e i n t h e b a c k s e a t of t h e i r u n i t a f t e r a r r e s t i n g t h e m for public d r u n k e n n e s s . T h e officers had neglected to search the m a n ' s c o m b a t boots, however. E n r o u t e to the c o u n t y jail, h e drew a five-shot revolver and shot the passenger officer four t i m e s through the front seat. A fifth shot r i c o c h e t e d and h i t h i s w i f e . W h e n h e p u t t h e g u n t o t h e h e a d of t h e s e c o n d o f f i c e r a n d p u l l e d t h e trigger, t h e f i r i n g p i n c l i c k e d o n a n e m p t y c y l i n d e r h o l e ; h e w a s o u t of 279

a m m u n i t i o n . T h i s officer then shot and killed the suspect, b u t by t h e n h i s partner w a s dead f r o m h i s w o u n d s . A deputy sheriff in O k l a h o m a w a s killed while h e was transporting a m e n t a l l y deranged subject to a hospital. Because his passenger was entering the hospital voluntarily, the deputy decided not to handcuff h i m . A t a stop sign, t h e m a n started a struggle in w h i c h he obtained the deputy's service revolver and shot h i m fatally in t h e head and c h e s t . In Illinois, t w o prostitutes were put in t h e b a c k s e a t of a p a t r o l c a r for t r a n s p o r t a t i o n t o t h e l o c k u p , but they were neither thoroughly searched nor handcuffed b e c a u s e their arrest s e e m e d " r o u t i n e " — t h i s despite the fact that the arresting detectives were s e a s o n e d v e t e r a n s , w i t h 2 0 y e a r s of s e r v i c e a p i e c e . O f c o u r s e , o n e of t h e g i r l s h a d a . 2 5 c a l . p i s t o l s t u f f e d i n h e r b r a . S h e d r e w it a n d s t a r t e d s h o o t i n g . T h e officers killed her—but not before they each had been shot twice. For maximum control, remember to walk prisoners to your car with your gun side away from them... not like this.

Besides having your prisoner cuffed behind his back, you w a n t to strap h i m in w i t h the seat belta n d p u l l it t i g h t . T h e n h e c a n ' t w i g g l e h i s h i p s a n d legs t h r o u g h h i s a r m s t o bring his cuffed hands out f r o n t . If y o u a r e a l o n e , b e e x t r e m e l y c a u t i o u s a b o u t t r a n s p o r t i n g a p r i s o n e r i n t h e b a c k s e a t of a p a t r o l c a r w i t h o u t a c a g e . I t ' s h a r d , if n o t i m p o s s i b l e , for a single officer to adequately w a t c h a suspect in t h e r e a r . Y o u m a y b e b e t t e r off t o h a v e h i m u p f r o n t w i t h y o u , b u t strapped in so he h a s l i t t l e m o v e m e n t . B e t t e r yet, call for b a c k - u p . A n d a l w a y s n o t i f y c o m m u n i c a t i o n s of y o u r l o c a t i o n a n d d e s t i n a t i o n b e f o r e starting out with a prisoner. 280

The technique to consider for safelyplacing your prisoner in the back seat is to place your right index and middle fingers on his throat. The index and middle finger of your left hand are gently applied to his abdomen.

Based on the degree of resistance you encounter, your application of pressure at these two points will keep him at the disadvantage until he is seated.

S o m e survival-conscious officers refuse even to p e r m i t apparently i n n o c e n t civilians, like traffic accident v i c t i m s , into their patrol cars w i t h o u t a frisk first. W h e r e w o m e n are involved in such s i t u a t i o n s , y o u s h o u l d at l e a s t i n s i s t o n k e e p i n g their purses w i t h you up front w h i l e t h e y are in b a c k . A t t h e s t a t i o n , c o n s t a n t v i g i l a n c e is s t i l l r e q u i r e d . U n l e s s t h e s u s p e c t is l o c k e d i n a c e l l , y o u w a n t t o k e e p h i m u n d e r d i r e c t o b s e r v a t i o n at A L L TIMES. W h e n y o u are involved in fingerprinting a susp e c t , r e m o v e y o u r g u n as y o u w o u l d w h e n e n t e r i n g a p s y c h i a t r i c w a r d or a j a i l ; i n n u m e r o u s i n s t a n c e s , suspects have grabbed officers' guns and killed t h e m during the fingerprinting process. H a v e your partner s a f e g u a r d y o u r s i d e a r m o r p l a c e it i n a l o c k e r . S e a r c h t h e prisoner thoroughly again before freeing his h a n d s . F o r t h e p r i n t i n g , r e l e a s e o n l y o n e of h i s h a n d s at a t i m e , k e e p i n g t h e o t h e r c u f f e d t o h i s b e l t . F r o m start to finish during your final approach: •Think mean - t h a t ' s s u r v i v a l ! •Be deliberate - that's survival! •Never quit looking for t h e " o t h e r " b a d g u y o r t h e extra firearm!

Control of a wounded suspect at the scene does not end until the ambulance exits for the hospital. This man, who had just been convicted of murder, pulled out a loaded gun in the courtroom and was shot by a sheriff's deputy. The defendant had been out on bail and was not searched prior to sentencing in his murder trial. 282

AFTER-BURN

There's a psychological violence connected w i t h g u n f i g h t s t h a t c a n b e a d a n g e r o u s e n e m y , as w e l l as t h e p h y s i c a l v i o l e n c e . S o m e t i m e s t h e e f f e c t m a k e s itself felt almost i m m e d i a t e l y . T h e instant t h e s h o o t i n g is o v e r , y o u m a y b u r s t i n t o t e a r s . . . t h r o w u p . . . w e t y o u r p a n t s . . . l o s e c o n t r o l of y o u r b o w e l s . . . s h a k e so badly you have to put your gun d o w n . . . . O n e rookie officer in California responded to a d o m e s t i c disturbance call w i t h h i s partner and encountered a woman who threatened them with a shotgun. As the rookie drew his revolver, his partner grabbed their patrol car's shotgun and ordered t h e w o m a n t o drop h e r w e a p o n . W h e n s h e r e f u s e d , h e let fly two rounds that literally severed her h e a d . T h e n e w o f f i c e r s t a r e d at h e r r e m a i n s i n h o r r o r , t h e n t h r e w d o w n h i s r e v o l v e r . ' 'If t h i s is w h a t b e i n g a c o p is all a b o u t , " h e d e c l a r e d , " I d o n ' t w a n t a n y t h i n g t o do w i t h i t ! " H e w a l k e d off a n d w a s n e v e r s e e n again by his fellow officers. Suspects, too, s o m e t i m e s have extreme i m m e d i a t e r e a c t i o n s . A b o u t f i v e per c e n t of t h o s e w h o kill police officers t h e n c o m m i t suicide, either right a w a y or s h o r t l y a f t e r w a r d s . M o s t o f t e n , t h o u g h , t h e i m p a c t is n o t s o s w i f t for t h e o f f i c e r . I t ' s l i k e l i e r t o s e t i n d a y s , w e e k s , even m o n t h s after the shooting, through a p h e n o m enon s o m e therapists call " a f t e r - b u r n . " T h i s refers t o t h e t e n d e n c y of t h e h u m a n m i n d t o d w e l l o n u n p l e a s a n t , e m o t i o n - c h a r g e d e v e n t s i n t h e w a k e of

In extreme circumstances, officers who are unprepared emotionally for a shooting have committed suicide off-duty as a way to cope.

Police officers cling to each other in relief after a high-speed chase and gun battle in which the man on the ground was killed. Moments before he had killed a highway patrol officer.

their a c t u a l o c c u r r e n c e . In after-burn, y o u relive and react to an experience, churning over and over w h a t y o u a n d o t h e r s did a n d w h a t y o u m i g h t or s h o u l d have done differently. T h i s c o n t i n u a l r e m i n d i n g and r e a s s e s s i n g c a n b e as v i v i d as t h e o r i g i n a l e v e n t — a n d even more psychologically upsetting. After a m i n o r fight w i t h your spouse, after-burn m a y k e e p y o u i r r i t a b l e a n d o n edge f o r a d a y b e f o r e y o u l e t go of y o u r a n g r y or g u i l t y f e e l i n g s . A f t e r a t r u l y s i g n i f i c a n t e v e n t — l i k e s h o o t i n g at s o m e o n e , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u k i l l h i m — a f t e r - b u r n m a y perm a n e n t l y c h a n g e your l i f e . . . u n l e s s y o u are prepared for it a n d a b l e t o r e s p o n d a p p r o p r i a t e l y . A c l a s s i c i l l u s t r a t i o n o c c u r r e d s e v e r a l y e a r s ago in T e n n e s s e e to a 33-year-old p a t r o l m a n . O n e b l e a k w i n t e r night he was on s t a k e o u t in t h e b a c k r o o m of a l i q u o r s t o r e , h o p i n g t o a p p r e h e n d a t e a m of robbers w h o ' d been knocking over late-night business places w i t h aggravating regularity. As he watched, two m e n entered the store and announced a hold-up. W h e n one struck the storekeeper on the h e a d w i t h a g u n , t h e o f f i c e r b u r s t o u t of h i s h i d i n g p l a c e a n d l e v e l e d h i s s h o t g u n at t h e o f f e n d e r s . " T h e guy w i t h the pistol turned and started to a i m at m e , " t h e p a t r o l m a n r e c a l l e d l a t e r . " T h a t w a s w h e n I c u t l o o s e o n h i m . I h a d t o do i t . It w a s

e i t h e r h i m or m e or t h e m a n a g e r . " T h i s s u s p e c t w a s killed instantly. " T h e other robber hesitated a m o m e n t , a n d I begged h i m t o g i v e u p . I said, ' P l e a s e d o n ' t r u n , or I ' l l h a v e t o k i l l y o u . ' H e r a n , a n d I s h o t h i m j u s t as h e w e n t t h r o u g h t h e d o o r . " T h i s s u s p e c t did n o t die for n e a r l y t h i r t y m i n u t e s . A s h i s life ebbed away, the officer could hear h i m gasping for b r e a t h . " I f y o u e v e r h a v e t o k i l l a m a n , " h e t o l d f e l l o w o f f i c e r s l a t e r , " n e v e r l o o k at h i s f a c e . " A f e w days a f t e r t h e s h o o t i n g , t h e p a t r o l m a n ' s f r i e n d s g a v e h i m a f i f t h of w h i s k e y i n " c e l e b r a t i o n . " O v e r t h e l a b e l t h e y ' d p a s t e d a p o l i c e p h o t o of o n e of t h e dead bandits sprawled on the liquor store floor. At t h e t i m e of t h e s h o o t i n g s , a p s y c h o l o g i s t later testified, the patrolman was " a stable, hardw o r k i n g , f a m i l y - o r i e n t e d t y p e of f e l l o w w i t h a g o o d c i r c l e of f r i e n d s . " H i s r e a c t i o n t o t h e i n c i d e n t , h o w ever, w a s " v e r y severe a n x i e t y and depressive n e u r o s i s , i n s o m n i a a n d a l a c k of c o n c e n t r a t i o n . " He relived the killings night after night in his dreams. W i t h i n six m o n t h s , he had b e c o m e an a l c o h o l i c . E v e n t u a l l y , his wife left h i m b e c a u s e she could n o longer tolerate the c h a n g e s in his personality. Six years after the incident, the police departm e n t fired h i m b e c a u s e h i s u n c o n t r o l l a b l e d r i n k i n g h a d m a d e h i m u n s u i t a b l e for d u t y . H e w a s u n a b l e t o h o l d a n o t h e r j o b . In e f f e c t , h i s l i f e w a s w r e c k e d . Finally, eight years after the shootings, his c i t y ' s pension board awarded the ex-patrolman an a n n u a l l i f e t i m e d i s a b i l i t y p e n s i o n of $ 5 , 5 0 0 , t h e f i r s t it h a d e v e r g r a n t e d for p s y c h o l o g i c a l i n j u r i e s . Should you be shot during a c o n f r o n t a t i o n , t h e a f t e r - b u r n c a n c a r r y p h y s i c a l a n d f i n a n c i a l as w e l l as p s y c h o l o g i c a l r a m i f i c a t i o n s . A n 1 1 - y e a r p o l i c e veteran in W i c h i t a , for e x a m p l e , w a s s h o t in t h e right a r m w i t h a .357 M a g n u m w h e n he responded t o a r o b b e r y - i n - p r o g r e s s c a l l at a l i q u o r s t o r e . A t f i r s t , h e s a y s , " I d i d n ' t k n o w if I w a s h i t i n t h e a r m , t h e c h e s t , t h e h e a d or w h e r e . I j u s t r e m e m b e r t h e pain, the i m m e d i a t e p a i n . " B e c a u s e h e was able still to give chase to the g u n m a n , h e figured that his injury would not affect his work. B u t w h e n his w o u n d failed to heal properly, h e found h i m s e l f assigned to desk duty. U n d e r h i s d e p a r t m e n t ' s r e g u l a t i o n s , h e is p r o hibited from holding a part-time job outside to help m a k e e n d s m e e t , b e c a u s e of t h i s " l i g h t d u t y " a s s i g n m e n t . H i s f i n a n c i a l p o s i t i o n is f u r t h e r s t r a i n e d because his physical condition keeps h i m from doing repairs and " o t h e r little t h i n g s " around h o m e . " I f s o m e t h i n g n e e d s d o i n g , I h a v e t o p a y s o m e o n e t o do i t . " H e ' s limited, too, in the activities h e can enjoy w i t h his four-year-old daughter, w h o asks h i m repeatedly w h e n his arm will be well, w h e n he will be

Memories to fade.

of a shooting are of ten slow

a b l e t o do t h i s a n d t h a t , w h o s h o t h i m a n d w h y . His wife, w h o " w a s really shook u p " by the shooting, h a s p r e s s e d h i m t o l e a v e l a w e n f o r c e m e n t . U n d e r s t a n d a b l y , h e h a s l o s t a l o t of s l e e p w o r r y i n g a b o u t h i s f u t u r e as a n o f f i c e r a n d a f a m i l y m a n . " I m i s s p a t r o l w o r k , " h e s a y s , " b u t if I h a v e t o go o u t a n d w r e s t l e s o m e o n e , I j u s t c a n ' t do it. I ' m s t i l l steadily going through pain in m y a r m . " A f t e r m o r e t h a n 19 m o n t h s of t h e r a p y , h e is s c h e d u l e d at t h i s w r i t i n g t o u n d e r g o s u r g e r y for t h e f i f t h t i m e . H e h a s b e e n i n f o r m e d t h a t if h i s a r m " d o e s n ' t c o m e a r o u n d " after this operation, h e m a y have to retire. U n d e r t h e b e s t of c i r c u m s t a n c e s , w e a l l k n o w t h a t t h e p s y c h o l o g i c a l s t r a i n of b e i n g i n l a w e n f o r c e m e n t is i m m e n s e . T h e r e ' s n o t i m e t h a t t h e s t r a i n is g r e a t e r t h a n after a f a t a l c o n f r o n t a t i o n . D u r i n g t h e g u n f i g h t , y o u m a y n o t b e c o n s c i o u s l y a w a r e of t h e r e c o i l , t h e m u z z l e f l a s h or o t h e r t h i n g s t h a t a r e h a p p e n i n g as y o u fire y o u r g u n . If y o u are w o r k i n g on strict survival instinct, trying to stay alive, you m a y n o t e v e n b e a w a r e of s t r e s s at t h e t i m e . B u t afterward, r e g a r d l e s s of h o w j u s t i f i e d or i m p e r a t i v e

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y o u r s h o o t i n g a s u s p e c t m a y h a v e b e e n or h o w seemingly minor a wound to yourself m a y seem, y o u are a l m o s t c e r t a i n t o f e e l a p s y c h o l o g i c a l i m p a c t i n s o m e f o r m . A n d t h i s s t r e s s is l i k e l y t o b e g r e a t e s t w h e n you take a suspect's life. W h e n you t a k e an a s s a i l a n t ' s life in p o l i c e w o r k , y o u u s u a l l y do s o t o s a v e y o u r o w n l i f e . B u t h o w y o u handle your reaction to that event will in t h e long run d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r you are indeed able to " s a v e " t h e k i n d of l i f e y o u h a d b e f o r e t h e i n c i d e n t . Officers w h o ' v e been involved in shootings k n o w you can never predict exactly h o w you will react afterwards. M e n and w o m e n w h o least expect to be sandbagged psychologically m a y be h i t the h a r d e s t . W h a t y o u can do is u n d e r s t a n d t h e n a t u r e of t h e s u b t l e a n d n o t - s o - s u b t l e f o r c e s t h a t are l i k e l y t o play o n y o u r m i n d a f t e r a n a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n a n d l e a r n h o w b e s t t o p r e p a r e for t h e m . . . c o p e w i t h t h e m . . . a n d help fellow officers w h o m a y experience t h e m . O u r discussion here generally a s s u m e s circ u m s t a n c e s in w h i c h you inflict injury or death on a n o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l . B u t m a n y of t h e p r i n c i p l e s w i l l a l s o apply w h e r e y o u are t h e i n j u r e d p a r t y .

Passages S o m e psychologists and psychiatrists argue that a l o t of o f f i c e r s are l i k e l i t t l e k i d s p l a y i n g w a r ; t h e y "get o f f " on the neat equipment, the excitement, t h e c r u s a d i n g a s p e c t s of g o o d g u y s v e r s u s b a d g u y s . O b v i o u s l y , t h a t ' s n o t all t h e r e is t o p o l i c e w o r k or t o p o l i c e m e n . B u t if w e ' r e h o n e s t , w e ' l l c o n c e d e t h a t m a n y of u s p r o b a b l y h a v e b e e n d r a w n t o t h i s p r o f e s s i o n , s u b c o n s c i o u s l y a n y w a y , for at l e a s t s o m e c h i l d l i k e r e a s o n s . T h o u g h w e m a y m a s k it w i t h a m a c h o i m a g e , a l o t of w h a t ' s d e e p i n s i d e u s is still " l i t t l e k i d . " M a n y p e o p l e p o s t p o n e g r o w i n g u p as l o n g as possible. But a law e n f o r c e m e n t officer runs into s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e h e h a s t o c o n f r o n t t h e e n d of c h i l d i s h f a n t a s i e s a n d t h e e x i s t e n c e of a w f u l a d u l t realities a lot sooner or a lot m o r e i n t e n s e l y t h a n " o r d i n a r y " people. For m a n y people, this m o m e n t c o m e s w h e n t h e y e x p e r i e n c e t h e d e a t h of a p a r e n t or l o v e d o n e or a r e i n v o l v e d i n a n a t u r a l d i s a s t e r or some other public tragedy—some fateful developm e n t t h a t t h e y f e e l is b e y o n d t h e i r c o n t r o l . F o r o f f i c e r s , t h e t e l l i n g e v e n t is o f t e n a s h o o t i n g , w h e r e their o w n actions have helped determine the outc o m e . In a shooting situation, an officei in effect suddenly goes from being a "kid" fooling around with a gun to being an arbiter of life and death. It y o u s h o o t a n d k i l l s o m e o n e , y o u ' r e l i k e l y t o f e e l d e e p i n y o u r h e a r t t h a t w h a t y o u did is " b a d . " It m a y h a v e b e e n n e c e s s a r y a n d f u l l y j u s t i f i e d f r o m a legal standpoint, but m o s t officers have rather s i m p l i f i e d s t a n d a r d s of r i g h t a n d w r o n g , a n d h o w e v e r m u c h y o u m a y r a t i o n a l i z e y o u r a c t i o n , at l e a s t a p a r t of y o u r p s y c h e " k n o w s " t h a t k i l l i n g s o m e o n e is m o r a l l y " w r o n g . " Y o u ' r e l i k e l y t o e x p e r i e n c e a f e e l i n g o f s a d n e s s , of l o s s of i n n o c e n c e , which, with your possibly exaggerated childlike core, m a y itself be exaggerated. O n e t h i n g y o u n e e d at t h i s p o i n t is e m p a t h y , a n understanding from other people about h o w you f e e l . B u t if y o u ' r e s o m e o n e w h o ' s n o t a c t i v e l y i n t o u c h w i t h his e m o t i o n s , you m a y n o t even recognize or a c k n o w l e d g e h o w y o u ' r e feeling yourself. M a n y officers fall into this category. T h e last t i m e t h e y had a feeling w a s b a c k in 1 9 6 3 . T h e y c a n ' t a d m i t t o t h e m s e l v e s t h a t t h e y a r e at a l l u p s e t , m u c h less ask a n y o n e else to listen to t h e m or to share their e m o t i o n s . For s u c h an officer, a post-shooting conversation w i t h his wife might go: " H o w was your d a y ? " " F i n e . " " A n y t h i n g interesting happen t o d a y ? " S i l e n c e . . . o r , " N a w . " If s h e ' s a s t u t e , s h e m a y see s o m e t h i n g ' s up...but she can also see the 288

wall her husband has erected around his e m o t i o n . E v e n if y o u want t o c o m m u n i c a t e o n a n h o n e s t level, you m a y have trouble doing so. Y o u r w o r k m a y already c o n s t i t u t e a strain b e t w e e n y o u and y o u r m a t e , a n d if y o u s t a r t t a l k i n g a b o u t a g u n f i g h t , it c o u l d b e j u s t a n o t h e r n a i l i n t h e c o f f i n . Y o u r fellow officers m a y be busy lionizing y o u for w h a t y o u f e e l bad or a m b i v a l e n t a b o u t . T h e y ' r e l i k e l y to c o m e on w i t h c o m m e n t s l i k e : " G r e a t job! B o y , I c a n ' t w a i t ' t i l I c a n g e t i n t h e r e and b l o w s o m e b o d y a w a y . " Or: " W e l l , kid, n o w you're a m a n ! " Or: " W h e r e ' s the notch on your g u n ? " Or: " Y o u only shot h i m once? W h y didn't you e m p t y your gun into t h e a s s h o l e ! " C o m m a n d level p e r s o n n e l in y o u r d e p a r t m e n t m a y b e u n a p p r o a c h a b l e or m o r e concerned with bureaucratic technicalities than personal crises. Friends outside the department m a y r e f l e c t t h e d u a l i t y of f a s c i n a t i o n a n d r e p u l s i o n h e l d b y s o c i e t y as a w h o l e t o w a r d t h e u s e of d e a d l y f o r c e . People you don't even k n o w and w h o have n o a p p r e c i a t i o n of t h e c i r c u m s t a n c e s or of t h e a m o u n t of t e r r o r t h a t c a n b e i n v o l v e d i n a s h o o t - o u t m a y add t o y o u r i n n e r t u r b u l e n c e b y w r i t i n g b l i s t e r i n g l e t t e r s t o t h e e d i t o r c o n d e m n i n g w h a t y o u did, as was the case in C h i c a g o r e c e n t l y after a young p o l i c e w o m a n shot and killed a m a n w h o tried to rob h e r at g u n p o i n t . If y o u ' r e n o t a r e l i g i o u s p e r s o n , t h e t r a d i t i o n a l a v e n u e of a p p e a l i n g t o t h e d e i t y is s h u t off. Y o u m a y wind up alone w i t h the after-burn, f e e l i n g s h a k y a n d s o m e h o w t h r e a t e n e d . S o m e offic e r s t r y t o b l o c k o u t , d i s c o u n t or r e p r e s s w h a t happened in t h e strongest possible t e r m s . S o m e start drinking. S o m e s h o w their t u r m o i l by doing little crazy things, like l o c k i n g t h e keys in t h e p a t r o l c a r or f o r g e t t i n g r o l l c a l l or c o m i n g i n f o r a s h i f t t h e y ' r e n o t o n or c h e w i n g p e o p l e o u t o v e r i n c o n s e q u e n t i a l a n n o y a n c e s like not being able to f i n d t h e paper c l i p s i n t h e s q u a d r o o m . And unless really crazy.

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R e a c t i o n s differ, of c o u r s e , w i t h i n d i v i d u a l personalities. But psychologists have identified cert a i n p s y c h o l o g i c a l s t a g e s or " p a s s a g e s " t h a t o f f i c e r s c o m m o n l y go t h r o u g h a f t e r t h e y ' v e k i l l e d o r s o m e times even seriously injured suspects. At t h e s c e n e of t h e s h o o t i n g , y o u m a y e x p e r i e n c e a s e n s e of d e p e r s o n a l i z a t i o n ( " T h i s i s n ' t h a p p e n i n g t o m e " ) or p u z z l e m e n t ( " W h a t ' s a l l t h e f u s s a b o u t ? " ) , as w e l l as p h y s i c a l e x c i t a t i o n . T i m e m a y s e e m t o s l o w d o w n or s t o p . U s u a l l y s o m e pressing responsibility intervenes that forces you into real-life activity: you n e e d to call in on your r a d i o , or h e l p h a n d l e a c r o w d , or t a l k t o y o u r s u p e r -

v i s o r , or f i l l o u t a r e p o r t . T h i s d i s t r a c t i o n o f f e r s a " p s y c h o l o g i c a l b r e a k " t h a t d e l a y s t h e i m p a c t of the event. E v e n t u a l l y , t h o u g h , t h e r e a l i t y of w h a t h a s h a p p e n e d h i t s . If y o u ' r e a s e n s i t i v e , i n t u i t i v e , u n d e r standing officer, this m a y happen fairly soon, bec a u s e y o u r d e f e n s e s are r a t h e r p e r m e a b l e . Y o u ' r e likely to enter a sober period, in w h i c h you feel very d i s t u r b e d , s h a k e n or t h o u g h t f u l , t h o u g h for r e a s o n s w e ' v e explored, you probably don't talk about it. Y o u m a y develop an urge t o " m a k e u p " for w h a t y o u h a v e d o n e , t o e x p r e s s y o u r r e g r e t or a p o l o g i z e i n s o m e d e m o n s t r a t i v e w a y . O f t e n o f f i c e r s w i l l attend t h e s u s p e c t ' s funeral, either in disguise or u n d e r t h e p r e t e x t of l o o k i n g f o r c l u e s or o t h e r off e n d e r s . C o n s c i o u s l y or s u b c o n s c i o u s l y , t h e y m a y s e e t h i s a s a w a y of s a y i n g , " I ' m s o r r y for w h a t happened." If y o u are l e s s s e n s i t i v e , i n t u i t i v e or i n t o u c h w i t h y o u r e m o t i o n s , y o u m a y s e e m unfazed by t h e s h o o t i n g or t r y t o b e l i t t l e it ( " I t ' s n o big d e a l " ) , even c l a i m you " l i k e d " it. W h i l e this m a y allow y o u t o a v o i d a n o b v i o u s n e g a t i v e r e a c t i o n at t h e onset, your denial that anything extraordinary has occurred m a y , in fact, only delay t h e i m p a c t . As t i m e passes, you m a y develop seemingly unrelated s y m p t o m s that really s t e m from your deeply buried psychological turmoil: headaches...backaches... stomach problems...jittery nerves...absent-mindedn e s s . . . a s h o r t t e m p e r t h a t i g n i t e s f l a s h e s of i n a p propriate anger. S o m e officers experience nightm a r e s t h e y c a n ' t r e m e m b e r or r e p e a t e d l y w a k e i n t h e night in inexplicable p a n i c . If, e a r l y o u t , y o u do n o t sit d o w n a n d a c k n o w l edge t h a t a s e r i o u s e v e n t h a s o c c u r r e d . . . f r a n k l y e x a m i n e y o u r f e e l i n g s . . . c o n f r o n t w h a t is h a p p e n i n g . . . a n d d e c i d e w h a t y o u are g o i n g t o do a b o u t i t — if you continue to deny and repress honest emotions, the effects can escalate into full-blown psychiatric problems. A f u l l i n v e s t i g a t i o n of t h e s h o o t i n g is l i k e l y t o d e v e l o p , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u h a v e k i l l e d a s u s p e c t . I n m a n y r e s p e c t s , it w i l l r e s e m b l e a n y o t h e r h o m i c i d e investigation. Evidence will be gathered, reports w i l l be r e q u i r e d , c o m m a n d - l e v e l p e r s o n n e l w i l l b e i n v o l v e d . Y o u w i l l b e u n d e r s c r u t i n y , a n d t h e press m a y t r e a t y o u as a " s u s p e c t . " S o m e o f f i c e r s w h o are u n a b l e t o k e e p all t h i s , p l u s t h e i r o w n e m o t i o n s about t h e shooting, in realistic perspective b e c o m e g e n u i n e l y paranoid. T h e y b e l i e v e t h e y are unnaturally w a t c h e d or p i c k e d o n . T h e y m a y e x p e r i e n c e f l a s h b a c k s , w h e r e t h e y s e e s o m e o n e in a crowd w h o looks like the suspect they shot. Or they t a l k a b o u t f e e l i n g " c u r s e d , " of " p e o p l e l o o k i n g i n 290

m y eyes and seeing I have killed s o m e o n e . " S o m e b e c o m e o b s e s s i v e . O n e s t a t e t r o o p e r h a d s h o t at a b u r g l a r w h o t h e n ran a n d d i s a p p e a r e d i n t o a s w a m p y woods in a rural area. T h e officer irrationally fantasized that t h e suspect was lying in agony s o m e w h e r e a m o n g the trees, slowly bleeding to d e a t h . D a y a f t e r day, h e c o m p u l s i v e l y r e t u r n e d t o t h e s w a m p t o s e a r c h for " c l u e s " or sit i n s i l e n t vigil at t h e edge of t h e w o o d s , s o m e t i m e s r e maining there through the night. T h i s continued for a p e r i o d of w e e k s b e f o r e h e f i n a l l y s o u g h t psychiatric help. S o m e t i m e s officers w h o develop m e n t a l problems describe t h e m s e l v e s as feeling " e n v e l o p e d by a b l a c k c l o u d . " T h e y feel " b a d , " angry, d e p r e s s e d , " b u m m e d o u t , " " s i c k " t h o u g h n o t w i t h a n y s p e c i f i c d i s e a s e — a l l s y m p t o m s of a n e x t r e m e anxiety reaction. M a r i t a l t e n s i o n s and sexual dysfunctions, including impotence and p r e m a t u r e e j a c u l a t i o n , are n o t u n u s u a l . T h e s e m a y b e h i d d e n b e h i n d a f a c a d e of v i r i l e b r a g g a d o c i o . O n e officer belligerently asserted, " I ' m the biggest fucker around. I can fuck anything that m o v e s ! " In f a c t , h e ' d b e e n u n a b l e t o get a n e r e c t i o n s i n c e killing a suspect. He really wanted very tender l o v e m a k i n g in w h i c h h i s w i f e h e l d a n d c o m f o r t e d h i m , but he didn't k n o w h o w to ask for it. S o m e officers deal w i t h their psychological wounds by resigning from law e n f o r c e m e n t . Others m a n a g e to hold t h e m s e l v e s together through one shooting experience, t h e n " s n a p o u t " in spades t h e n e x t t i m e around. S o m e say, " A l l right, I shot s o m e o n e once. I don't care what happens, I ' m never g o i n g t o p u l l t h i s gun a g a i n . " S u c h m e n a r e d a n g e r ous. T h e y m a y try to be the hero w h o c a l m s everything down w i t h words during s o m e future conf r o n t a t i o n w h e r e s h o o t i n g is t h e o n l y s a n e s u r v i v a l option. For sure, you would not w a n t s o m e o n e w i t h t h i s a t t i t u d e as y o u r p a r t n e r or y o u r b a c k - u p . In c o n t r a s t to o f f i c e r s w h o d e a l p o o r l y w i t h a f t e r - b u r n , y o u can e m e r g e f r o m a s h o o t i n g e p i s o d e as a s t r o n g e r p e r s o n , if y o u s h e p h e r d y o u r s e l f t h r o u g h t h e t r a u m a in m e n t a l l y h e a l t h y w a y s . A serious shooting tends to be a " w a t e r s h e d " experi e n c e ; y o u r life is c h a n g e d o n e w a y or a n o t h e r , for b e t t e r or for w o r s e . N o o n e i n v i t e s a s h o o t i n g , of c o u r s e , as a m e a n s of s e l f - i m p r o v e m e n t , b u t g i v e n t h a t it h a s o c c u r r e d , y o u n e e d t o b e a b l e t o go o n from it... to draw your gun again... to live n o r m a l l y — and y o u c a n . Y o u c a n c o m e a w a y h a v i n g g a i n e d a sobered feeling about the world...having grown u p . . . having m a t u r e d . Y o u m a y emerge w i t h a n e w and m o r e r e a l i s t i c p e r s p e c t i v e of h o w s e r i o u s p o l i c e w o r k really is. Y o u m a y find yourself w a n t i n g to 291

h e l p f e l l o w o f f i c e r s b e c o m e a w a r e of i t s d a n g e r s , difficulties and heavy r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s . All t h i s ref l e c t s y o u r a b i l i t y t o deal w i t h o n e of y o u r j o b ' s l e a s t p l e a s a n t d e m a n d s in a p o s i t i v e e m o t i o n a l w a y .

Self-Help Your recovery from a shooting experience p r o p e r l y b e g i n s w i t h m e n t a l p r e c o n d i t i o n i n g . If you're like m o s t officers, you naturally hope that using your gun will never be necessary. B u t to a s s u m e that such will be the case throughout your c a r e e r is a r i s k y m i n d - s e t . If it d o e s h a p p e n , t h e s h o c k w a v e s a f t e r w a r d s w i l l b e all t h e m o r e s e v e r e . You'll be better prepared if you've spent some time seriously evaluating your job and its responsibilities. T r u e , m u c h of it is s e r v i c e o r i e n t e d , n o t e v e n i n v o l v e d w i t h c r i m e . M o s t of t h e c r i m i n a l w o r k , e v e n , is a c c o m p l i s h e d w i t h o u t v i o l e n c e . B u t t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of d e a d l y f o r c e is o m n i p r e s e n t and should be r e m e m b e r e d . In m e d i t a t i v e , i n t r o s p e c t i v e m o m e n t s , you should spend s o m e t i m e fantasizing about this. R a t h e r t h a n s u p p r e s s t h o u g h t s t h a t m i g h t be u n p l e a s a n t t o y o u , f r a n k l y c o n f r o n t t h e f a c t t h a t as a l a w e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r y o u are o n e of t h e f e w people in this c o u n t r y w h o have a legal right to take a n o t h e r h u m a n life. T r y to picture yourself in that situation and face the pertinent q u e s t i o n : could I do it? T h a t ' s a q u e s t i o n y o u n e e d t o r e s o l v e b e f o r e t h e i s s u e p r e s e n t s i t s e l f — n o t o n t h e spot w h e n t h e a c t i o n is g o i n g d o w n . If y o u h o n e s t l y f e e l t h e a n s w e r t o t h a t q u e s t i o n is " N o , " t h e n y o u p r o b a b l y s h o u l d g i v e s e r i o u s c o n s i d e r a t i o n t o g e t t i n g o u t of p o l i c e w o r k . Y o u r m e n t a l attitude m a k e s you potentially dangerous to yourself, your fellow officers and the civilians y o u are s w o r n t o p r o t e c t . If y o u b e l i e v e y o u c a n k i l l i n n e c e s s a r y a n d justified c i r c u m s t a n c e s , then take m o r e t i m e to think about what the effect on yourself might be. A s k other officers w h o have b e e n involved in shootings h o w they felt afterwards—and w h a t they wish they'd k n o w n before the shooting occurred. U n l e s s y o u are p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y s i c k , y o u w i l l b e affected by the e x p e r i e n c e . Y o u should realize ahead of t i m e t h a t n o t o n l y w i l l t h e r e b e i m m e d i a t e psychological reactions, but you'll likely be visited b y e m o t i o n s of s e l f - d o u b t , i s o l a t i o n , c o n f u s i o n and s a d n e s s t h a t w e ' v e d e s c r i b e d . T h i s is perfectly normal; i n d e e d , t h e y are a sign of y o u r e m o t i o n a l

health, because n o m a t t e r h o w you slice it, taking a l i f e is b o u n d t o be t r a u m a t i c . W h e n these feelings c o m e , acknowledge t h e m — a n d try t o f i n d s o m e o n e w i t h w h o m y o u c a n h o n e s t ly s h a r e t h e m . H e r e a g a i n , o t h e r s h o o t i n g s u r v i v o r s are a good resource. G e t together and talk to t h e m a b o u t h o w y o u f e e l . In t h e i r c o m p a n y y o u ' l l k n o w you're w i t h peers; these people have " b e e n t h e r e . " T h e y ' r e n o t l i k e l y t o c a t e r or c o n d e s c e n d t o y o u , but to t a l k frankly and supportively about their o w n r e a c t i o n s . T h e y c a n l o o k at w h a t h a p p e n e d t o y o u as n o o n e e l s e c a n , a n d t h e e x p e r i e n c e of s h a r i n g can be e x t r e m e l y helpful. Y o u r c o m m a n d personnel should be sensitive t o y o u r s i t u a t i o n , t o o . O f t e n it is n o t a g o o d i d e a for t h e m t o t r a n s f e r y o u t o o t h e r d u t y or s u s p e n d y o u p e n d i n g a n i n v e s t i g a t i o n of t h e s h o o t i n g , as is routinely done by s o m e departments. B y t h e s a m e t o k e n , a w a r d s for y o u r a c t m a y n o t b e i n y o u r b e s t i n t e r e s t , e i t h e r . Stwng negative o r positive responses to what you did may only add to your confusion and self-doubt. Ideally, your supervisors should treat y o u as t h e y do a n y o t h e r o f f i c e r , a l l o w i n g y o u t o r e m a i n in the s a m e a s s i g n m e n t w i t h t h e s a m e e x p e c t a t i o n s of p e r f o r m a n c e as b e f o r e . O f f - d u t y , m a k e a c o n c e r t e d effort t o m a i n t a i n y o u r n o r m a l r o u t i n e . L o o k e s p e c i a l l y f o r opportunities to expend physical energy. T h i s tends to r e d u c e s t r e s s . R e s e a r c h e r s at a n u m b e r of u n i v e r s i t i e s h a v e c o n f i r m e d t h a t s u c h e x e r c i s e as r u n n i n g , jogging, w r e s t l i n g , s w i m m i n g a n d c y c l i n g — b u t e s p e c i a l l y r u n n i n g , d o n e t h i r t y m i n u t e s a day, t h r e e t i m e s a w e e k — i s c a p a b l e of s i g n i f i c a n t l y r e d u c i n g d e p r e s s i o n and a n x i e t y . A b o v e a l l , do not just sit at home by yourself, artifically isolated and brooding. B e w i t h p e o p l e . P a r t i c i p a t e in a c t i v i t i e s . L i f e d o e s go o n .

Therapy If y o u r d e p a r t m e n t h a s a p s y c h o l o g i s t or o t h e r t h e r a p i s t or y o u h a v e a c c e s s t o o n e p r i v a t e l y , it is r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t y o u m e e t w i t h h i m as s o o n a f t e r t h e s h o o t i n g as p o s s i b l e . T h i s d o e s n o t m e a n y o u m u s t undertake a long, psychiatric ordeal. Of t e n, he can help you restore your e m o t i o n a l equilibrium in o n e or a f e w s e s s i o n s . B a s i c a l l y , a t h e r a p i s t is s o m e o n e w i t h w h o m you can fully " u n p a c k " and sort out your feelings. In all p r o b a b i l i t y , y o u ' l l h a v e v e r y m i x e d e m o t i o n s about the shooting, yet you m a y believe that any a m b i v a l e n c e is " w r o n g or w e a k . " H e ' l l h e l p y o u 293

s e e t h a t a h y b r i d r e a c t i o n a c t u a l l y is n o r m a l , a n d h e ' l l h e l p y o u i d e n t i f y j u s t w h a t y o u r f e e l i n g s are so you can deal w i t h t h e m in an open, h o n e s t way, rather than let the churning inside destroy you. S o m e t i m e s officers in therapy c o n d u c t a " d i a l o g " with the suspect they've shot. Through this device, t h e y ' r e able to explain w h y t h e y shot h i m . . . e x p r e s s t h e i r r e g r e t t h a t h i s l i f e t u r n e d o u t as it d i d . . . a n d b i d h i m " g o o d b y e " w i t h a n u n b u r d e n e d conscience. T h e g o a l of t h e r a p y is n o t t o m a k e y o u forget t h e s h o o t i n g . T h a t ' s u n r e a l i s t i c . W h a t y o u w a n t is for it t o r e c e d e i n t o t h e b a c k g r o u n d , s o t h a t y o u r l i f e d o e s n o t b e c o m e t o t a l l y f o c u s e d u p o n it. If you are cooperative and willing to talk about h o w y o u f e e l , a g o o d t h e r a p i s t c a n h e l p y o u free y o u r s e l f of a f t e r - b u r n m u c h f a s t e r t h a n if y o u i n s i s t o n r e m a i n i n g " b l a n k e d o u t " or u n c o m m u n i c a t i v e i n his presence. If y o u h a v e n o t c o n t a c t e d a t h e r a p i s t s o o n a f t e r t h e s h o o t i n g , y o u m a y f i n d t h a t y o u n e e d t o do so later. Even w i t h sympathetic supervisors and fellow officers, you m a y not be able to resolve your e m o tional turmoil on your own. In s o m e cases, t h e d e p a r t m e n t m a y refer you for c o u n s e l i n g . B u t if y o u ' r e a s t u t e , y o u c a n d e t e c t o n y o u r o w n w h e n y o u r m e n t a l s t a t e is d e t e r i o r a t i n g a n d y o u n e e d h e l p . A m o n g o t h e r c l u e s , l o o k for: 1. hyperactivity. Is y o u r m o o d unusually elevated? H a v e y o u turned into a non-stop talker? Are you u n n a t u r a l l y happy-go-lucky? 2. preoccupation. Is it h a r d f o r p e o p l e t o get your attention? H a v e you b e c o m e unfriendly and withdrawn? 3. physical symptoms. Is s i c k n e s s , t a r d i n e s s , forgetfulness affecting your work performance? 4. personal care. H a v e y o u b e c o m e s l o p p y i n your dress and grooming? Are y o u suddenly accident prone? 5. disturbed sleep. D o you have insomnia? O r n i g h t m a r e s that keep c o m i n g b a c k again and again? T h e s e and other disturbances in your n o r m a l pattern m a y indicate that y o u are denying r e a l i t y . . . rejecting your work...feeling guilty—and need help. If y o u i g n o r e t h e s y m p t o m s , y o u r m e n t a l s t a t e is l i k e l y t o get p r o g r e s s i v e l y w o r s e .

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Helping Others If a n o t h e r o f f i c e r is i n v o l v e d in a s h o o t i n g , t h e b e s t t h i n g y o u c a n do for h i m is b e a g o o d l i s t e n e r . L e t h i m k n o w t h a t if h e w a n t s t o t a l k a b o u t h i s f e e l i n g s or t h e e x p e r i e n c e i t s e l f , y o u ' r e w i l l i n g t o hear h i m o u t — w i t h o u t passing judgment, trying to " c o r r e c t " h i m or a p p e a r i n g e i t h e r w o r s h i p f u l or r e p u l s e d . If h e is y o u r p a r t n e r , s a y , t r y t o r e a s s u r e h i m . P o i n t o u t t h a t it m i g h t h a v e b e e n y o u , i n s t e a d of h i m , w h o h a d t o p u l l t h e trigger. T r y , t o o , t o reaffirm his value to you. O n c e y o u ' v e b e e n in a s h o o t i n g , y o u c a n h e l p prepare o t h e r o f f i c e r s for t h e e x p e r i e n c e b y s h a r i n g your reactions with t h e m . Help t h e m understand t h a t in a m o m e n t of c r i s i s , t h e y must a c t — b u t t h e y m u s t also understand that afterwards there will be doubts that will take t i m e and effort to resolve.

II. BASICS ...that Strengthen Tactics

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT W i n n i n g a n edge o n t h e s t r e e t , l i k e g e t t i n g a h e a d in t h e b u s i n e s s w o r l d , is o f t e n e a s i e r if y o u k n o w h o w to " d r e s s for s u c c e s s . " O u t there, you're not c o n c e r n e d w i t h pin stripe suits, Ivy L e a g u e t i e s or " s u b t l e b u t s i g n i f i c a n t a c c e n t s " of j e w e l r y , as y o u m i g h t b e i n t h e c o r p o r a t e a r e n a . F o r youi p r o f e s s i o n a l w a r d r o b e , w h a t m a t t e r s a r e i t e m s that can protect your body—and your g u n — i n a confrontation. O f c o u r s e , s o - c a l l e d " b u l l e t p r o o f " v e s t s or, more correctly, " s o f t body a r m o r , " and the leather gear t h a t c a r r i e s y o u r h a n d g u n a n d a m m u n i t i o n can't guarantee you i m m u n i t y from attack. But armor, properly selected and worn, can significantly i n c r e a s e y o u r odds of s u r v i v i n g if y o u are h i t b y o n e or m o r e of a n a s s a i l a n t ' s s h o t s . A n d t h e r i g h t l e a t h e r w o r n a n d c a r e d for in t h e r i g h t w a y c a n h e l p guard y o u r g u n a g a i n s t l o s s . . . a s s u r e i t s q u i c k a c c e s s i b i l i t y i n t h e e v e n t of a t h r e a t . . . a n d , i n a n extended gunfight, readily m a k e available adequate a m m u n i t i o n for f a s t r e l o a d i n g . A s w i t h b u y i n g c i v i l i a n garb, y o u h a v e t o k n o w h o w to evaluate the m a n y c h o i c e s y o u ' r e confronted w i t h in order t o be a s h r e w d c o n s u m e r . T h e p r o t e c t i v e e q u i p m e n t of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t , t o o , is s u b j e c t t o e x a g g e r a t e d c o m m e r c i a l c l a i m s , f a s h i o n fads, m y t h s a n d m i s u s e — a l l of w h i c h c a n h a v e a b e a r i n g on w h e t h e r w h a t you buy will give you t h e service you need. T h e d i f f e r e n c e is t h i s : if y o u m a k e w r o n g c h o i c e s regarding y o u r c i v i l i a n w a r d r o b e , y o u m a y

w a s t e y o u r m o n e y o r b e o u t of s t y l e . B u t your decisions about armor and leather may very well determine whether you stay alive. In e v a l u a t i n g w h a t y o u s e e i n t h e m a r k e t p l a c e and the w o r d - o f - m o u t h c o m m e n t s y o u hear from your fellow officers, you need to: keep in m i n d the p a t t e r n s of e n c o u n t e r i n v o l v e d i n m o s t a r m e d c o n frontations...understand the stresses to which you're likely to subject protective items...and k n o w h o w t o t e s t t h e m for q u a l i t y or h o w t h e y h a v e fared in carefully controlled tests by o t h e r s . Location of fatal wounds sustained by officers during the last seven years. In this period, 378 officers out of a total of 761 died from wounds to the torso area.

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Body Armor Contrary to their popular n i c k n a m e , armored vests cannot be considered bulletproof; you w o n ' t m a k e yourself an i m p e n e t r a b l e force by strapping one on. S o m e suspects tote firearms and a m m u n i tion that can blast through anything, including armored cars and t a n k s . " A n d w h a t e v e r protection you c o m e up w i t h , " one armor expert says, " t h e r e ' l l a l w a y s be s o m e d o n k e y in h i s b a s e m e n t making a round that'll take you.'' W h a t m a k e s b o d y a r m o r m a k e s e n s e is p e r c e n t a g e s . F o r t y - n i n e per c e n t of t h e c a s e s i n w h i c h suspects fatally shoot officers, the bullets impact in t h e u p p e r t o r s o , t h e area m o s t r e a d i l y c o v e r e d b y b o d y a r m o r . E i g h t y - o n e per c e n t of t h e a m m u n i t i o n u s e d in t h e s e a s s a u l t s is . 3 8 c a l . o r s m a l l e r , a " t h r e a t l e v e l " that good armor a l m o s t always can resist. T h a t m e a n s , a little calculation reveals, t h a t n e a r l y 5 0 per c e n t of o f f i c e r d e a t h s f r o m f i r e a r m s c o u l d i n all p r o b a b i l i t y be p r e v e n t e d if b o d y a r m o r w e r e w o r n . P u t a n o t h e r w a y : if e v e r y d e f e n sive t a c t i c y o u t r y f a i l s a n d y o u a r e s h o t , y o u c a n b e s a v e d f o u r o u t of t e n t i m e s b y t h e r i g h t a r m o r alone. T h a t ' s a survival factor hard to ignore! Traditionally, modern body armor has incorporated ballistic nylon, ceramics, m e t a l inserts and l a m i n a t e d glass fiber and w a s w o r n on t h e o u t s i d e of c l o t h i n g — f i n e for S W A T t e a m s , b u t t o o c u m b e r s o m e , h o t , h e a v y a n d c o n s p i c u o u s for t h e ordinary officer. W i t h i n the last decade, h o w e v e r , a r m o r e d v e s t s h a v e b e c o m e a v a i l a b l e t h a t are s o f t , lightweight, pliable and that you can easily and comfortably conceal under your uniform shirt. T h o s e t h a t m a n y e x p e r t s c o n s i d e r b e s t for l a w enforcement utilize a nylon-related fabric called Kevlar® , w h i c h p o u n d f o r p o u n d , is f i v e t i m e s stronger than steel. T e s t s conducted by the U . S . A r m y s h o w t h a t j u s t s e v e n t h i n l a y e r s of t h i s h i g h t e n s i l e s t r e n g t h m a t e r i a l c a n consistently prevent p e n e t r a t i o n b y . 3 8 c a l . r e v o l v e r b u l l e t s t r a v e l l i n g at 8 0 0 feet per second and .22 cal. b u l l e t s travelling at 1 , 0 0 0 f e e t p e r s e c o n d . W h a t t h i s m e a n s i n p r a c t i c a l t e r m s is i l l u s t r a t e d b y t h e e x p e r i e n c e of a y o u n g p a t r o l m a n w h o w a s shot w h e n he interrupted a burglary-in-progress. T w o . 3 8 c a l . 1 5 8 grain lead b u l l e t s s t r u c k h i s v e s t c o v e r e d c h e s t at a r a n g e of l e s s t h a n f o u r f e e t . N o r m a l l y , s u c h a h i t w o u l d at l e a s t h a v e n e c e s s i tated e m e r g e n c y surgery, a s s u m i n g he had lived to r e a c h a h o s p i t a l . Y e t w i t h t h e v e s t o n , h e did n o t l o s e c o n s c i o u s n e s s or e v e n h a v e t o gasp f o r b r e a t h . T o t h e s u r p r i s e of h i s a s s a i l a n t , h e w a s a b l e t o successfully chase and arrest h i m . Similarly,

a n o t h e r officer w h o confronted a burglar w i t h a h a n d g u n t o o k a h i t f r o m a . 2 2 c a l . , 4 0 g r a i n slug fired f r o m a b o u t 6 f e e t a w a y . T h e s h o t s m a s h e d into his vest directly over his heart, clearly a mortal l o c a t i o n , yet h e experienced only slight, m o m e n tary d i s c o m f o r t and no i m m o b i l i t y . In Indiana, a p o l i c e m a n w a s t h r o w n v i o l e n t l y b a c k w a r d , as s o m e t i m e s h a p p e n , w h e n h e t o o k a . 4 5 c a l . slug p o i n t b l a n k on his vest. B u t he still was able to draw and s h o o t h i s a t t a c k e r five t i m e s , f a t a l l y .

Layers of Kevlar® peeled

back.

A .38 cal. 158gr. bullet which was stopped in a soft armor vest.

H a l f a d o z e n m a n u f a c t u r e r s f a b r i c a t e Kevlar® i n t o soft a r m o r v e s t s w i t h a v a r i e t y of w e a v e s a n d d e n i e r s . T h e s t r e n g t h d e p e n d s in l a r g e p a r t o n t h e f a b r i c a t i o n . In s e l e c t i n g soft b o d y a r m o r , y o u w a n t to b a l a n c e b u l l e t r e s i s t a n c e w i t h c o m f o r t a n d w e a r a b i l i t y . F o r m a n y o f f i c e r s , t h i s b a l a n c e is a c h i e v e d with vests that incorporate protective panels of 8- t o 1 0 - p l y K e v l a r - 2 9 ® of 1 0 0 0 d e n i e r , p l a i n w e a v e . N o b a l l i s t i c n y l o n s h o u l d be i n c l u d e d . T h e g a r m e n t should feature cotton enclosures from w h i c h the f r o n t a n d rear Kevlar® p a n e l s c a n b e r e m o v e d . ( I t ' s a g o o d idea t o b u y s e v e r a l e n c l o s u r e s s o t h e y can be washed regularly.) Well-balanced armor should protect you from t h e k i n d s of r o u n d s y o u are m o s t l i k e l y t o e n c o u n t e r o n t h e s t r e e t — . 3 5 7 M a g n u m , 9 m m a n d all a m m u n i t i o n . 3 8 c a l . a n d s m a l l e r . T h e r e is b o d y a r m o r c a p a b l e of w i t h s t a n d i n g h i g h e r t h r e a t l e v e l a m m u n i t i o n , i n c l u d i n g t h a t fired f r o m s h o u l d e r a n d military ball weapons and .44 and .41 M a g n u m h a n d g u n s . B u t t h i s a r m o r m a y b e rigid, c u m b e r s o m e and u n c o m f o r t a b l e to wear on n o r m a l duty. S u c h a r m o r o f t e n w i n d s up i n t h e t r u n k of a p a t r o l c a r rather than protecting an officer's body.

A properly worn vest should fit so that the side panels meet for a close fit.

For a w o r k a b l e b a l a n c e b e t w e e n p r o t e c t i o n and comfort, you'll want to choose armor that: 1. almost encircles your torso, providing s o m e d e f e n s e t o y o u r s i d e s , as w e l l as f r o n t a n d b a c k . C o n s i d e r a l l o w i n g for a b o u t a 1 ' / 2 - i n c h o p e n ing at e a c h s i d e for h e a t t o d i s s i p a t e . E x c e s s i v e h e a t is t h e m a j o r c o m p l a i n t f r o m o f f i c e r s a b o u t a r m o r , and it's better to lose this slight protection on each side t h a n to lose total p r o t e c t i o n b e c a u s e y o u d o n ' t wear the vest. You m a y hear the argument that fatal s h o t s f r o m t h e rear are so rare y o u d o n ' t need a double vest. But statistics on officer deaths show, i n f a c t , t h a t a b o u t 1 0 p e r c e n t are s h o t i n t h e b a c k . W h e n lead is flying and possibly ricocheting erratically in a s h o o t - o u t , y o u c a n ' t depend on an assailant's bullets impacting only where they're " s u p p o s e d " to. 2. extends to about one inch above your belt level and has a V-neck. It t h e v e s t is t o o l o n g , y o u ' l l get t h e " t u r t l e - s h e l l e f f e c t " — t h a t is, it w i l l ride up under your c h i n — w h e n y o u sit d o w n . W i t h o u t the V - n e c k , t h e top m a y rub your A d a m ' s apple even w h e n you're standing. 3. resists water. Moisture tends to lubricate t h e threads in vest fabric, w e a k e n i n g the w e a v e and lowering its stopping power. Fabric that has been w e t m a y part e n o u g h to allow c e r t a i n slugs to pass through.

A property fitted vest should not interfere with a professional, trim appearance.

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If y o u h a v e a v e s t t h a t i s n ' t w a t e r p r o o f , c h e c k w i t h t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r a b o u t t h e a d v i s a b i l i t y of applying water-repellent spray. F o l l o w t h e m a n u facturer's instructions, explicitly. D o n ' t use a vinyl c o v e r . It w o n ' t a l l o w h e a t o r s w e a t t o d i s s i p a t e p r o p e r l y . (If t h e K e v l a r ® p o r t i o n of y o u r v e s t s h o u l d get w e t , i m m e d i a t e l y c o n t a c t the m a n u f a c t u r e r to f i n d o u t if i t s b u l l e t r e s i s t a n c e h a s b e e n c o m p r o mised.) Besides bullet resistance and comfort, you want to be certain that the armor you choose can be w o r n inconspicuously, under your clothing. A vest t h a t ' s o b v i o u s c a n b e s e l f - d e f e a t i n g : if a n a s s a i l a n t r e a l i z e s y o u r t o r s o is p r o t e c t e d , h e c a n s h o o t a t y o u r h e a d or b e l o w y o u r w a i s t . Y o u w o n ' t g e t t h e r i g h t fit j u s t b y p i c k i n g a v e s t t h a t ' s t h e s a m e as y o u r c o a t s i z e . It n e e d s t o b e m o r e snug t h a n t h a t . A g o o d c u s t o m fit is a m u s t . It m a y r e q u i r e 15 p o i n t s or m o r e o f m e a s u r e m e n t , a n d for o b v i o u s r e a s o n s , a d d i t i o n a l s p e c i a l t a i l o r i n g is u s u a l l y n e c e s s a r y for w o m e n . S o f t b o d y a r m o r m a k e s a g o o d C h r i s t m a s or b i r t h d a y gift f r o m a s p o u s e o r c l o s e friend, but b e c a u s e of t h e fitting and o t h e r special r e q u i r e m e n t s involved, y o u should have a hand in the selection.

SUPPORT POLICE KING VEST FUND BURGER

Even though a well-chosen vest allows you to w i t h s t a n d a n a s s a i l a n t ' s first s t r i k e , y o u m a y s t i l l e x p e r i e n c e i n j u r y . W h e n a slug i m p a c t s at h i g h v e l o c i t y , it d r i v e s t h e a r m o r i n w a r d a g a i n s t y o u r b o d y as t h e s h o t ' s k i n e t i c e n e r g y d i s s i p a t e s . T h i s f o r c e m a y c a u s e a s h a l l o w w o u n d or l e s i o n i n your flesh and m a y , in addition, produce invisible b l u n t - t r a u m a i n j u r i e s t o i n t e r n a l o r g a n s . T h e r e is no c o r r e l a t i o n b e t w e e n a s e e m i n g l y i n n o c e n t or severe skin lesion and possible internal injury b e y o n d i t . W h a t l o o k s i n n o c e n t m a y , in f a c t , h a v e produced damage that can have serious repercussions later.

One of over 10,000 bumper stickers placed in New York City taxi cabs as part of Burger King's promotion to raise money for body armor. Burger King was the first major corporation to support the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association 's drive to equip officers with vests. Similar campaigns could be started in any community.

T h e r e f o r e , any time you are hit, e v e n if t h e lesion below your body armor s e e m s strictly s u p e r f i c i a l , you should be hospitalized foi observation. D o c t o r s w i l l w a n t t o m o n i t o r y o u c a r e f u l l y for b l u n t t r a u m a d a m a g e t o y o u r h e a r t , l u n g s , l i v e r , spleen, spine and/or a b d o m i n a l wall. T h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t r u l e a b o u t b o d y a r m o r is t o w e a r i t . If y o u l e a v e it at h o m e , i n y o u r l o c k e r or in y o u r p a t r o l car, y o u are n o t p l a n n i n g a h e a d or a n t i c i p a t i n g d a n g e r , as a s u r v i v a l o r i e n t a t i o n n e c e s s i t a t e s . Armor not worn is no armor at all. S o m e officers have been discouraged from wearing a r m o r b y t h e c l a i m t h a t it m a y i n c r e a s e t h e c h a n c e s of b e i n g a t t a c k e d . A n o f f i c e r w h o s e b o d y is protected, this theory goes, will be m o r e aggressive because he feels " s u p e r h u m a n " and, through his actions, will provoke shooting incidents. T h i s pernicious assertion has recently been s o u n d l y d i s p r o v e d . In a s t u d y of 4 , 5 0 0 o f f i c e r s i n 15 U . S . c i t i e s , r e s e r a c h e r s f o u n d t h a t t h o s e w e a r i n g protective garments experienced no higher incidence of a s s a u l t , w h e r e s u s p e c t s w i e l d i n g s h o t g u n s a n d rifles were c o n c e r n e d . Interestingly, for reasons not f u l l y u n d e r s t o o d , t h e r e is s o m e e v i d e n c e t o s u g g e s t that officers w i t h vests actually experience fewer attacks with handguns. O n e factor m i g h t be that officers wearing armor tend to have a heightened a w a r e n e s s of d a n g e r . A s a r u l e , t h e y a r e m o r e attuned to t a c t i c s and survival. 305

Service Holsters L a t e o n e spring n i g h t i n M i c h i g a n , a n o f f i c e r searching a stopped car found a .38 cal. revolver lying partly under a seat and p r o m p t l y arrested the d r i v e r for c a r r y i n g a c o n c e a l e d w e a p o n . A t t h e s t a tion, the incident took a rather unexpected turn. A c h e c k of t h e s e r i a l n u m b e r o n t h e g u n s h o w e d t h a t it b e l o n g e d n o t t o t h e b e w i l d e r e d m o t o r i s t , b u t t o t h e a r r e s t i n g o f f i c e r ! D u r i n g t h e s e a r c h , it evidently had dropped from h i s h o l s t e r u n n o t i c e d and landed w h e r e he " u n c o v e r e d " it. In t h i s c a s e , t h e f a i l u r e of a h o l s t e r t o a d e q u a t e l y retain an officer's gun proved only embarrassing. B u t i m a g i n e yourself having cornered an a r m e d suspect after a foot c h a s e , r e a c h i n g for your g u n . . . a n d d i s c o v e r i n g t h a t it h a d b o u n c e d o u t s o m e w h e r e a l o n g t h e w a y . O r as h a p p e n s t o o f f i c e r s y e a r i n a n d year o u t , a suspect starts t o struggle w h i l e you are handcuffing h i m , m a n a g e s w i t h l i t t l e effort to s n a t c h y o u r g u n f r o m i t s h o l s t e r a n d u s e s it a g a i n s t y o u at p o i n t - b l a n k r a n g e . Y o u b e g i n t o a p p r e c i a t e t h a t a h o l s t e r is o n e of y o u r m o s t i m p o r t a n t p i e c e s of s u r v i v a l e q u i p m e n t , a c o m p l e m e n t t o t h e f i r e a r m it c a r r i e s a n d w o r t h y of e q u a l a t t e n t i o n i n s e l e c t i o n and m a i n t e n a n c e to your gun itself. T h e r e ' s n o s u c h t h i n g , of c o u r s e , as a loss-pioof h o l s t e r , j u s t as t h e r e ' s n o b u l l e t p r o o f v e s t . If a h o l ster offered you perfect security, you probably w o u l d n ' t be able to draw your gun w i t h o u t a w e e k ' s n o t i c e . W h a t y o u c a n — a n d s h o u l d — e x p e c t is a r e a s o n a b l e b a l a n c e . T h e h o l s t e r s h o u l d fit y o u r g u n w e l l e n o u g h t o r e t a i n it w i t h o u t t h e s a f e t y s t r a p snapped and w i t h o u t the gun m o v i n g and shifting inside i t . . . y e t still a l l o w y o u to draw q u i c k l y and easily w i t h either hand, f r o m t h e front or rear, in e v e n t of a t h r e a t . In o t h e r w o r d s , y o u d o n ' t w a n t a holster t h a t ' s too heavy on security or a fast-draw c o m p e t i t i o n type that overemphasizes availability. S o m e officers drastically reshape their holsters w i t h metal-lined shanks to produce outlandish quickdraw angles. S u c h an u n s i g h t l y configuration, like a n y o t h e r i m b a l a n c e of f e a t u r e s , h e i g h t e n s y o u r r i s k . Y o u c a n p e r f o r m a n c e t e s t a h o l s t e r for proper compromise with the following exercises: 1. W i t h y o u r g u n unloaded and your holster's f l a p or s t r a p u n s n a p p e d , v i g o r o u s l y j u m p u p a n d d o w n at l e a s t s i x t i m e s w i t h o u t t o u c h i n g y o u r g u n or t h e h o l s t e r , t o s i m u l a t e r u n n i n g . Y o u s h o u l d still be a r m e d . (Perform this test over a soft surface, of c o u r s e , i n t h e e v e n t y o u r h o l s t e r f a i l s a n d y o u r gun falls to the ground.) 2. O n t h e r a n g e at t h e 7-yard l i n e , w i t h y o u r g u n s t r a p p e d t o t h e h o l s t e r , d r a w a n d fire o n e r o u n d . 306

Y o u should be able to hit center m a s s on a s i l h o u e t t e target in a p p r o x i m a t e l y 2 s e c o n d s . Also: 1. W i t h y o u r s i d e a r m u n l o a d e d , secure it i n your holster. 2. H a v e y o u r p a r t n e r t r y t o r e m o v e it b y o n l y grasping t h e s t o c k , as a n o p p o n e n t m i g h t . H a v e h i m pull forward, backward, sideways and straight u p , w h i c h are p o s s i b i l i t i e s i n a n y b r a w l . 3. If h e r e m o v e s it, l o o k f o r a m o r e s e c u r e h o l s t e r . (If y o u drop y o u r g u n w h i l e r u n n i n g , y o u may be i n t r o u b l e . If a s u s p e c t t a k e s it a w a y f r o m y o u , y o u c a n b e t t h a t y o u are i n t r o u b l e , p e r h a p s fatal trouble.) T h r o u g h o u t t h e s e t e s t s , y o u r h o l s t e r s h o u l d fit your belt tight enough to stay in place. Y o u w a n t a l w a y s t o k n o w e x a c t l y w h e r e t h e b u t t of y o u r g u n is, so you can draw suddenly w i t h o u t having to look. Your gunbelt should be worn directly over your pants belt. Clamping devices called " b e l t k e e p e r s " can help you keep your gunbelt in place. Y o u r s i d e a r m s h o u l d b e at a p i t c h a n d a n g l e t h a t allow you the m o s t comfortable, natural m o t i o n m a k i n g the draw. For s o m e officers, this m e a n s the gun s h o u l d c a n t s l i g h t l y f o r w a r d of a v e r t i c a l l i n e . O t h e r s prefer a slightly b a c k w a r d c a n t w h i c h generally yields a faster draw. T h e holster should hide as m u c h of y o u r s i d e a r m as p o s s i b l e , w h i l e s t i l l providing you accessibility, and carry your gun high at t h e b e l t l i n e . S o m e o f f i c e r s c a r r y t h e i r g u n s s l u n g so l o w t h e y l o o k as if t h e y ' r e h e a d e d f o r t h e O . K . Corral w i t h their pants falling down!

Any holster which does not contain a retention strap makes your sidearm an open invitation to any observant offender.

The "gunslinger" enforcement.

approach to law

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Properly positioned leather accessories are critical to proper appearance and officer survival.

All the i t e m s on your gunbelt, including your holster, should blend into your uniform. Y o u don't w a n t t h e l o o k of a d i m e s t o r e d i s p l a y r a c k , w i t h k e y s , c h a i n s , - k n i v e s a n d as m u c h o t h e r g l i t t e r a n d s p a r k l e as y o u c a n m u s t e r . W h e n o f f i c e r s rig t h e m selves that way, it's difficult to decide whether the o f f i c e r is w e a r i n g t h e g u n or t h e g u n is w e a r i n g t h e o f f i c e r ! A d i s p l a y of t h i s n a t u r e a t t r a c t s u n n e c e s s a r y attention and m a y invite trouble from s o m e o n e bent on obtaining your sidearm. Stick with neat, trim leather gear w i t h o u t u n n e e d e d paraphernalia. B e c a u s e f a u l t y l e a t h e r g o o d s c a n b e as u n s a f e as a f a u l t y g u n , d o n ' t l o o k f o r b a r g a i n s w h e n y o u ' r e h o l s t e r - s h o p p i n g . T h e r e a r e m a n y b r a n d s a n d des i g n s t h a t a r e u n s a f e . Buy quality. T h e sharpest l o o k i n g rig m a y n o t b e t h e b e s t m a d e o r t h e b e s t for y o u r n e e d s . (If t h e r e a r e n o g u n s h o p s or o t h e r o u t lets in your area where you can personally inspect a v a r i e t y of l e a t h e r , b u y s o m e g u n m a g a z i n e s a n d s e n d for c a t a l o g s f r o m h o l s t e r m a n u f a c t u r e r s w h o a d v e r t i s e t h e r e . T h e s e w i l l g i v e y o u a n i d e a of t h e r a n g e of e q u i p m e n t a v a i l a b l e . ) T h e h o l s t e r s h o u l d b e m a d e of t h e b e s t l e a t h e r a n d s t i t c h e d w i t h n y l o n or o t h e r r o t - r e s i s t a n t m a t e r i a l . N a t u r a l l y , it s h o u l d b e c o m f o r t a b l e t o w e a r f o r l o n g p e r i o d s of t i m e , e s p e c i a l l y s i t t i n g i n a p a t r o l car. A n d t h e design should allow for l e a t h e r to c o m p l e t e l y c o v e r t h e trigger a n d t r i g g e r g u a r d t o l e s s e n t h e c h a n c e of a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e . S o m e individual features m a y e n h a n c e your survival capabilities. O n e m o d e l , for i n s t a n c e , u s e s a false snap o n t h e f r o n t s i d e of t h e h o l s t e r , c a l c u l a t e d t o f o o l a suspect w h o grabs for your gun. T h i s snap c a n ' t be u n f a s t e n e d . T h e r e a l o n e is o n t h e b e l t s i d e n e a r t h e h a m m e r , w h e r e y o u c a n r e l e a s e it b y t h u m b pressure. Another m a n u f a c t u r e r offers a holster w i t h a b u i l t - i n t r a c k for t h e f r o n t s i g h t b l a d e t h a t m a k e s y o u r gun difficult for a n y o n e b u t y o u to get u n -

holstered; any u n e x p e c t e d tug f r o m t h e side or rear will bind the barrel tightly enough to k e e p the gun in. Y o u want to be careful, though, that seemingly good f e a t u r e s d o n ' t , i n f a c t , c o n s t i t u t e h a z a r d s . F o r e x a m p l e , s o m e n e w " f o r m - f i t " h o l s t e r s are so tight that the retentive, shaped leather m a y actually p u l l t h e trigger as y o u f o r c e t h e g u n i n t o p l a c e . Inside l i n i n g s w h i c h offer soft, s m o o t h p r o t e c t i o n for y o u r g u n at f i r s t , m a y w e a r t h r o u g h w i t h u s e a n d hang the gun up on its front sight w h e n y o u try to draw. And swivel holsters w h i c h a l l o w your gun to m o v e to comfortably a c c o m m o d a t e your sitting down, can b e c o m e dangerous w i t h wear, because t h e h o l s t e r m a y b r e a k l o o s e at t h e s w i v e l . Be cautious, too, about holsters that depend on s p r i n g - l o a d e d c a t c h e s , h i n g e s or s i m i l a r m e c h a n i c a l devices. T h e s e m a y jam w h e n you need your gun t h e m o s t . . . o r u n e x p e c t e d l y d u m p it o u t b y a c c i d e n t . If, for e x a m p l e , i n r e t u r n i n g y o u r g u n t o a b u t t o n r e l e a s e d c l a m s h e l l h o l s t e r y o u h a p p e n t o apply p r e s s u r e at t h e t o p or b o t t o m , t h e h o l s t e r s h e l l m a y l o c k i n c o m p l e t e l y a n d pop o p e n u n d e r s t r e s s .

A quality holster is as important as the sidearm it protects. This particular holster epitomizes the look of security. It offers full grip clearance, trigger guard protection, and a thumb break with a one-way snap.

Being conscious of your holster is no different than being conscious of your wallet in your pocket. 309

Y o u w a n t to r e m e m b e r that c l a i m s for m e c h a n i cal holsters m a y be exaggerated. T h e front-opening c l a m s h e l l h o l s t e r , w h i c h a l l o w s y o u to draw fast on target by bringing your gun forward and parting the tension-spring-controlled front seam rather than l i f t i n g it u p a n d o u t , is o f t e n t o u t e d as " s u s p e c t p r o o f . " T h i s is b e c a u s e a s p e c i a l t r i g g e r - h o u s i n g i n s i d e m a k e s it d i f f i c u l t for a n y o n e t o s n a t c h t h e g u n o u t of t h e h o l s t e r f r o m t h e r e a r or s i d e , e v e n w i t h t h e safety strap unfastened. H o w e v e r , in N e w M e x i c o , an officer w i t h a so-called " b r e a k f r o n t " holster was successfully disarmed and shot with his o w n gun w h i l e struggling to subdue a robbery suspect. T h e assailant, face-down on the ground with the officer astride h i m , simply reached b a c k and yanked the officer's service revolver forward. T h e holster parted...and suddenly the felon was armed. S i m i l a r i n c i d e n t s have occurred in o t h e r states.

The "bench rest" approach to law enforcement.

A l t h o u g h a h o l s t e r s h o u l d b e c h o s e n w i t h regard t o w h a t ' s m o s t c o m f o r t a b l e a n d s e r v i c e a b l e for y o u , t h e b e s t d e s i g n is l i k e l y t o b e o n e t h a t r i d e s high and holds your gun securely, close to your b o d y o n y o u r s h o o t i n g - h a n d s i d e . It s h o u l d a l l o w y o u to draw up and out w i t h o n e s m o o t h , fluid m o t i o n . . .and n o hangups. W i t h any holster, you'll need to " w o r k " the leather w h e n i t ' s n e w , like y o u w o u l d to break in a baseball glove. Y o u also need to practice to perfect y o u r d r a w a n d t o get a c c u s t o m e d t o t h e l e a t h e r i n r e a l i s t i c s i t u a t i o n s . B e s u r e y o u r g u n is e m p t y t o prevent accidental discharge. Practice w i t h your g u n s t r a p p e d i n t h e h o l s t e r s o y o u b e c o m e a d e p t at drawing through the security device. For a s m o o t h er, s n a p p i e r d r a w , t r y s p r a y i n g t h e i n s i d e of y o u r h o l s t e r periodically w i t h silicone, available in a e r o s o l c a n s at m o s t h a r d w a r e a n d a u t o m o t i v e stores.

Cross-Draw Holsters A cross-draw holster m a y look dramatic, but i t s u s e f o r a n o f f i c e r ' s p r i m a r y w e a p o n is discouraged by m a n y law e n f o r c e m e n t agencies bec a u s e of s a f e t y a n d s u r v i v a l c o n s i d e r a t i o n s . T h e y concede one advantage: the cross-draw position m a k e s your gun more accessible w h e n you're sitting in a car. B u t they argue that t h e disadvantages heavily outweigh this. O n the other hand, some major departments consider the disadvantages to be of l i t t l e c o n s e q u e n c e a n d s p e c i f y c r o s s - d r a w h o l s t e r s as part of t h e i r r e g u l a t i o n u n i f o r m . W h e r e g i v e n a choice, you will want to evaluate the arguments 310

against the cross-draw and c o m e to your o w n conclusions. F a c e d w i t h a g u n f i g h t t h a t ' s i m m i n e n t or already s t a r t e d , a c r o s s - d r a w g e n e r a l l y w i l l t a k e y o u l o n g e r t o get o n target t o d e f e n d y o u r l i f e . W h e n you're excited and m o v i n g fast, t h e r e ' s a greater t e n d e n c y for t h e g u n ' s h a m m e r spur t o s n a g o n c l o t h i n g . B u t e v e n if y o u m a n a g e t o d r a w s m o o t h l y , you have to reach across your body and pull the gun back through a 90-degree arc before you're pointing it s t r a i g h t a h e a d . In o t h e r w o r d s , y o u r h a n d m u s t travel farther to the holster, and your gun m u s t travel f a r t h e r t o t h e a s s a i l a n t . W h i l e t h i s is e a t i n g u p v a l u a b l e m i l l i s e c o n d s , i t ' s g i v i n g h i m g o o d opport u n i t y , if h e ' s c l o s e e n o u g h , t o r e s t r i c t y o u r h a n d or k n o c k it i n t o a m i s s e d s h o t s i n c e , i n e f f e c t , it m u s t t r a v e l i n f r o n t of h i s b o d y as w e l l as y o u r o w n i n making the draw. Through the entire swing back, your muzzle s w e e p s a c r o s s a b r o a d n o n - t a r g e t a r e a t h a t m a y inc l u d e f e l l o w o f f i c e r s or i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n s . W i t h y o u r a r m and h a n d m o v i n g s i d e w a y s , i t ' s h a r d t o h a l t y o u r g u n i n e x a c t l y t h e r i g h t s p o t . If y o u s w i n g past t h e suspect, you lose even m o r e t i m e , further benefiting h i m . . . a n d expose an additional undesired a r e a t o p o s s i b l e p r e m a t u r e or a c c i d e n t a l f i r e . M o s t officers conclude that in close s i t u a t i o n s p a r t i c u l a r l y ( w h i c h m o s t a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n s are) you strengthen your direct-hit potential w i t h a conventional " p u n c h - o u t " or " d i r e c t i o n a l " draw from a holster on your strong side. W i t h this, y o u m a y b e a b l e t o h i t l o w e r p a r t s of y o u r a s s a i l a n t ' s b o d y e v e n b e f o r e y o u r g u n is i n i t s f i n a l p o s i t i o n , g i v i n g y o u m o r e t o t a l t a r g e t t i m e t h a n is p o s s i b l e w i t h a c r o s s - d r a w . In a n y c a s e , y o u c a n k e e p y o u r m u z z l e u n d e r c o n t r o l , p o i n t i n g e i t h e r s a f e l y at t h e g r o u n d or at y o u r a s s a i l a n t f r o m t h e i n s t a n t it clears your leather until you shoot.

Back-Up/Off-Duty Holsters Choosing supplementary leather has its special c o m p l i c a t i o n s b e c a u s e in addition to a b a l a n c e between security and availability, you probably want this holster to be concealable. W h e r e that's the case, y o u ' l l have to be ready to accept s o m e tradeoffs, s a c r i f i c i n g s o m e q u a l i t i e s y o u ' d n o r m a l l y d e m a n d i n e x c h a n g e for k e e p i n g y o u r g u n h i d d e n . O n e c o m m o n design for s u p p l e m e n t a r y l e a t h e r is t h e a n k l e h o l s t e r , p o p u l a r b e c a u s e s u s p e c t s o f t e n tend to overlook it. An off-duty f e m a l e officer in D e t r o i t was entering her car in a parking lot one

night w h e n an a r m e d robber suddenly a c c o s t e d her, t h r e a t e n e d her life and s n a t c h e d her purse. At that instant, her badge, I . D . card and handcuffs all w e n t into his hands. But not her gun. She was able to d r a w a . 3 8 C o l t C o b r a f r o m a h o l s t e r o n h e r l e f t leg and defend herself. In other cases, b y pretending to be shot and c r u m p l i n g over, officers have b e e n able to reach extra guns in a n k l e or boot h o l s t e r s . And i t ' s p o s s i b l e , if y o u e v e r w e r e t a k e n h o s t a g e , t h a t you could save your life w i t h t h e gun an u n d e t e c t e d a n k l e h o l s t e r c o u l d p u t i n y o u r h a n d at t h e r i g h t m o m e n t . T h a t happened w i t h an officer in N e w Y o r k w h o was being held hostage by a g u n m a n . By p r e t e n d i n g t o s c r a t c h h i s leg, h e w a s a b l e t o d r a w a revolver from an ankle holster and shoot the suspect fatally. When you work undercover, avoid putting any firearm in your waistband unsecured. The risks of dropping or losing it are far too great.

T h e r e are n e g a t i v e f a c t o r s y o u s h o u l d w e i g h , though. Ankle holsters usually have a m i n i m u m a m o u n t of l e a t h e r t o e n c l o s e y o u r g u n . . . a n o p e n trigger g u a r d . . . a n d a s n a p - o n s e c u r i t y s t r a p t h a t is s u b j e c t t o s t r a i n w h e n y o u w a l k or r u n . In n u m e r o u s i n s t a n c e s , t h e d e s i g n f o r c e r t a i n of t h e s e h o l s t e r s has contributed to accidental discharges. Indeed, some variety of "gimmick" holster—ankle, shoulder, c r o s s - d r a w , f a s t - d r a w — i s most often the equipment involved when a gun is lost or unintentionally shot off or an officer is disarmed. Even when the a n k l e holster properly retains your gun, you have t o r e a c h d o w n or r a i s e y o u r leg u p t o d r a w , e i t h e r of w h i c h c a n p u t y o u i n a b a d p o s i t i o n i n c l o s e combat. Similarly, belt clip-on holsters favored by s o m e o f f i c e r s b e c a u s e of t h e i r c o n v e n i e n c e a n d r e l a t i v e 312

concealability, also can present serious survival r i s k s . O n m o s t m o d e l s , t h e c l i p is e a s i l y d i s l o d g e d w h e n y o u r u n , a r e j o s t l e d in a c r o w d , g e t in or o u t of a v e h i c l e or j u s t w a l k n a t u r a l l y . W h e n y o u t r y t o draw, the w h o l e holster m a y c o m e along w i t h your g u n , a n d w h e n y o u sit at a d e s k or i n a c a r , t h e h o l s t e r c l i p m a y ride u p o v e r y o u r b e l t . An important consideration behind any non-patrol holster is concealment. The clip-on type is most effective when clipped to a leather belt, rather than to a cloth surface.

P r o b a b l y t h e best h o l s t e r f o r o f f - d u t y u s e is a secure belt m o d e l , w o r n in the s a m e place y o u wear y o u r s e r v i c e s i d e a r m w h e n o n d u t y . W e a r e all c r e a t u r e s of h a b i t , a n d y o u ' r e m o s t l i k e l y t o r e a c h t h e r e i n s t i n c t i v e l y i n c a s e of d a n g e r . P e r h a p s n e x t b e s t for o f f - d u t y w e a r (and a g o o d c o m p r o m i s e f o r a b a c k - u p g u n o n d u t y ) is a s h o u l d e r h o l s t e r . It d o e s p u t y o u r g u n in a c r o s s - d r a w p o s i t i o n , w h i c h is n o r m a l l y c o n sidered a s t r o n g d i s a d v a n t a g e , b u t it is r e a d i l y c o n c e a l a b l e u n d e r a c o a t or j a c k e t , r e a s o n a b l y s e c u r e and c o m f o r t a b l e and generally allows you to draw e a s i l y . A s h o u l d e r h o l s t e r , if it m u s t b e u s e d , s h o u l d be of s i m i l a r c o n s t r u c t i o n t o a g o o d b e l t h o l s t e r a n d should allow the muzzle to point down rather than up.

A properly worn shoulder holster should stay close to your body. A belt strap is also a requirement for maintaining a secure, flat shape.

Cartridge Carriers A l t h o u g h a s h o o t i n g is l i k e l y t o b e o v e r b e f o r e you have to r e l o a d — r e m e m b e r , an officer fires only 2 or 3 s h o t s in t h e a v e r a g e g u n f i g h t — y o u n e e d t o b e prepared at all t i m e s for t h e e x c e p t i o n s . M u l t i p l e assailants with heavy firepower m a y force you to 313

The condition of this cartridge carrier [stapled onto his belt] is an indication of this officer's concern for survival.

q u i c k l y expend w h a t ' s in your gun. O r during an e x t e n d e d f o o t p u r s u i t , y o u m a y s q u e e z e off r o u n d s at s e v e r a l p o i n t s w h e r e y o u c a n s t o p a n d f i r e a l o n g the w a y without bringing your suspect down. O n c e y o u r g u n is e m p t y , e x t r a a m m u n i t i o n b e c o m e s critical to your survival. H o w fast you can get back on target and h o w w e l l your a m m u n i t i o n w o r k s w h e n y o u do m a y d e p e n d i n l a r g e p a r t o n h o w y o u carry it. For revolver a m m u n i t i o n , you have three basic p o s s i b i l i t i e s : belt l o o p s . . . d u m p p o u c h e s . . . o r speedloaders. D e p a r t m e n t a l regulations m a y give you l i t t l e c h o i c e i n t h e t y p e of e q u i p m e n t y o u c a n u s e . B u t w i t h i n e a c h category t h e r e are g u i d e l i n e s that can help you provide the best possible protection for y o u r e x t r a r o u n d s . Belt loops offer p e r h a p s t h e g r e a t e s t s e c u r i t y for y o u r a m m u n i t i o n , but t h e y e x p o s e y o u r extra c a r t r i d g e s t o t h e a b u s e s of w e a t h e r , s e a t - b e l t s , r e s t a u r a n t t a b l e e d g e s , et c e t e r a . . . a n d t h e y t a k e c o n s i d e r a b l e p r a c t i c e for q u i c k l o a d i n g . G o o d l o o p s , l i k e g o o d h o l s t e r s , b a l a n c e r e t e n t i o n a n d e a s e of e x t r a c t i o n . If y o u r l o o p s are o n a s e p a r a t e p i e c e of l e a t h e r t h a t s l i d e s o v e r y o u r d u t y b e l t , it s h o u l d f i t w i t h n o s l i p p a g e or l o o s e p l a y . Y o u w i l l p r o b a b l y w a n t to carry t w o 6-round loops, w o r n on the s a m e s i d e n e a r t h e f r o n t of y o u r b e l t r a t h e r t h a n at t h e rear. Y o u w a n t to be certain the design positions the cartridges where you can reach t h e m quickly and comfortably and where they will not interfere with drawing your gun. T h e loops should be out a bit f r o m t h e r e s t of t h e l e a t h e r , r a t h e r t h a n f l a t a g a i n s t it t o e a s e w i t h d r a w a l a n d h i g h e n o u g h t o a l l o w y o u t o " r o c k " t h e c a r t r i d g e s f r e e . If t h e l o o p s a r e t o o tight, you can stretch t h e m slightly by working t h e m w i t h m i n k oil or saddle soap. T h e y should be loose enough that the cartridges can easily be pushed up from b e l o w by your index finger, yet tight enough t o p r o v i d e safe r e t e n t i o n . D o u b l e b e l t - l o o p s c a n b e d a n g e r o u s , b e c a u s e t h e h e a d s of t h e t o p r o w of b u l l e t s r e s t a l m o s t o n t h e p r i m e r s of t h e r o w b e l o w w h e n t h e l o o p s are f u l l . W i t h a n y s t y l e , y o u ' l l n e e d t o w a t c h a n d m a i n t a i n t h e l e a t h e r c a r e f u l l y . A s it ages, t h e loops tend to lose their r e t e n t i o n , and under h e a v y s t r e s s , r o u n d s m a y drop o u t . Dump pouches need regular m a i n t e n a n c e , too, b e c a u s e t h e y t e n d t o a c c u m u l a t e dirt a n d m o i s t u r e . Y o u w a n t a pouch in w h i c h the leather has been dry-tanned. Oil tanning contributes to deposits building up on the rounds inside, and w i t h i n a matt e r of m o n t h s , y o u ' l l h a v e g r e e n s c u m o n y o u r s h e l l casings that m a y affect your a m m u n i t i o n ' s performance. B e sure your p o u c h has a m e t a l or plastic insert to reinforce the leather and preserve its shape

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O t h e r w i s e , it c a n b e n d a g a i n s t y o u r c a r t r i d g e s , h o l d i n g t h e m i n s i d e t h e p o u c h or d r o p p i n g t h e m erratically. Also, be sure it's well enough designed t h a t it o p e r a t e s s m o o t h l y i n c o l d w e a t h e r ( s o m e j a m w h e n t h e t e m p e r a t u r e drops) a n d t h a t it w i l l n o t e a s i l y pop o p e n d u r i n g a s c u f f l e , d u m p i n g y o u r l i v e r o u n d s o n t h e g r o u n d . B e a w a r e of t h e m a x i m u m n u m b e r of r o u n d s t h a t c a n b e c o n t a i n e d i n y o u r d u m p p o u c h . Y o u d o n ' t w a n t t o c r a m it t o t h e bursting point, but by the s a m e token, you can often load s e v e n or e i g h t r o u n d s , i n s t e a d of j u s t s i x . If y o u carry extras in the pouch, y o u ' l l b e covered in the e v e n t y o u drop a c o u p l e w h e n r e l o a d i n g u n d e r s t r e s s . Speed-loaders, w i t h e x t e n s i v e practice, probably allow the fastest reloading, but p e r f o r m a n c e varies w i t h different models, so you w a n t to test several. M a n y officers find t h e y get t h e best results w i t h s p e e d - l o a d e r s , as c o m p a r e d t o " s p e e d s t r i p s , " w h i c h hold cartridges in a narrow, flat piece of rubber. Any style you choose should be m e c h a n i c a l l y s i m p l e a n d r e l i a b l e . . . s h o u l d r e l o a d all c h a m b e r s in y o u r r e v o l v e r s i m u l t a n e o u s l y w i t h o u t b e i n g b l o c k e d b y y o u r l e f t grip p a n e l . . . s h o u l d b e t h e t y p e d e s i g n a t e d for y o u r a m m u n i t i o n . . . a n d s h o u l d r e t a i n t h e c a r t r i d g e s it c a r r i e s if y o u drop it or t o s s it t o a f e l l o w o f f i c e r w h o ' s o u t of a m m u n i t i o n i n a g u n fight. Bear in m i n d that in approaching m a n y potent i a l c o n f r o n t a t i o n s , y o u w a n t t o b e as u n o b t r u s i v e as possible. Therefore, m a k e sure your loader is designed to m i n i m i z e cartridge rattle w h e n y o u w a l k or r u n . T h i s c a n b e d o n e b y k e e p i n g s t y r o f o a m or r u b b e r padding i n t h e b o t t o m of t h e c a s e . I n b u y i n g speed-loaders, consider getting sufficient leather gear for c a r r y i n g t w o l o a d e r s o n y o u r b e l t . T h i s w i l l g i v e y o u a t o t a l of 1 2 r o u n d s for r e l o a d i n g .

A quality, double magazine case for a semi-automatic.

In selecting a carrier for semi-automatic a m m u n i t i o n , y o u w a n t a m o d e l t h a t : 1) a l l o w s y o u to carry t w o extra magazines, so you have a total of t h r e e a v a i l a b l e , c o u n t i n g t h e o n e i n y o u r g u n ; 2) h a s individual p o c k e t s for e a c h so you d o n ' t have to force both down into the s a m e space, w h e r e they m a y b i n d ; 3) p r o t e c t s t h e l i p s of t h e m a g a z i n e a g a i n s t d a m a g e ; 4) is s e a l e d o n t h e b o t t o m a n d s n a p s over t h e t o p t o p r o v i d e g o o d s e c u r i t y a n d t o p r e v e n t d u s t a n d dirt f r o m e n t e r i n g t h e m a g a z i n e s . T h e carrier should hold the magazines snugly, but n o t so t i g h t l y t h e y c a n ' t b e e a s i l y d r a w n for r e l o a d i n g under fire. W h e n y o u are o f f - d u t y o r o n p l a i n c l o t h e s assignment, t a k e care to see that your spare a m m u nition stays concealed. In m o r e than one case, an officer o u t of u n i f o r m h a s e x p o s e d a m m u n i t i o n o n l i s b e l t b y r e a c h i n g i n t o h i s f r o n t p o c k e t for c o i n s as h e w a l k s i n t o a l i q u o r s t o r e or drug s t o r e — 315

u n a w a r e t h a t a n a r m e d r o b b e r y is g o i n g d o w n i n s i d e . O n e g l i m p s e of y o u r a m m u n i t i o n u n d e r t h o s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s and the bad guys can " m a k e " y o u as a threat to be swiftly shot and killed. W h e n you're out of u n i f o r m , c o n s i d e r u s i n g a s p e e d s t r i p w h i c h c a n b e c a r r i e d i n a s h i r t p o c k e t (a r o u n d s p e e d - l o a d e r is t o o b u l k y for c o n c e a l e d w e a r ) . A n o t h e r o p t i o n is a n a m m u n i t i o n wallet similar to a cigaret case, w h i c h y o u c a n u s e t o c a r r y c a r t r i d g e s i n s t r i p s or l o o s e . If y o u w e a r e x t r a a m m u n i t i o n i n p l a i n c l o t h e s , k e e p it o n t h e s i d e of t h e h a n d y o u l o a d w i t h for f a s t e s t u s e — t h a t i s , o n y o u r s t r o n g s i d e if y o u u s e a r e v o l v e r , y o u r w e a k s i d e if a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c . ( T h i s p o s i t i o n i n g is i m p o r t a n t if y o u ' r e i n u n i f o r m , t o o . S o m e officers wear their a m m u n i t i o n in places that are i n a c c e s s i b l e t o t h e i r l o a d i n g h a n d . )

Leather Care T h e care you give your leather will influence w h e t h e r it p r o v i d e s t h e p r o t e c t i o n it s h o u l d . L e a t h e r t h a t is r e p e a t e d l y e x p o s e d t o t h e e l e m e n t s w i t h o u t c l e a n i n g o r r e s t o r a t i o n m a y d e c a y or b e c o m e b r i t t l e . If y o u u s e y o u r g u n b u t t for a n a r m r e s t o r a r a c k for hanging other equipment, you risk stretching the h o l s t e r o u t of s h a p e a n d m a k i n g y o u r g u n l e s s s e c u r e . If d a m a g e g o e s u n d e t e c t e d , y o u r l e a t h e r m a y unexpectedly experience stress failure that leaves you v u l n e r a b l e in a shooting s i t u a t i o n . P e r i o d i c a l l y , y o u w a n t t o e x a m i n e all y o u r l e a t h e r , l o o k i n g for w o r n s t i t c h i n g . . . r i p p e d l o o p s . . . e v i d e n c e of s t r e t c h i n g . . . c r a c k e d or p u n c t u r e d surfaces. Rub paste wax into the stitching to help keep it f r o m drying o u t a n d s n a p p i n g . W i p e t h e i n s i d e of y o u r h o l s t e r w i t h a dry c l o t h , e s p e c i a l l y a f t e r e x p o s u r e t o r a i n , s n o w or o t h e r m o i s t u r e . A l s o , c l e a n o u t all lint, c r u m b s and other foreign particles. T h e s e can absorb and retain m o i s t u r e and m a y have a c o r r o s i v e e f f e c t o n y o u r g u n , or t h e y m a y w o r k t h e i r w a y i n t o i t s a c t i o n . F o r a f a s t c l e a n - o u t j o b , spray t h e i n s i d e of y o u r h o l s t e r w i t h a s e r v i c e s t a t i o n air h o s e or u s e a v a c u u m c l e a n e r . Y o u r holster should have a " w e e p h o l e " in the b o t t o m . T h i s w i l l a l l o w s o m e f o r e i g n p a r t i c l e s to fall on through and help k e e p c o n d e n s a t i o n from b u i l d i n g u p i n s i d e . If y o u r s l a c k s a h o l e , y o u c a n cut o n e . B u t t h e n h a v e t h e s t i t c h i n g r e i n f o r c e d at a shoe repair s h o p t o k e e p t h e c u t t h r e a d s f r o m l o o s e n i n g and w e a k e n i n g your holster. T o c l e a n or t o r e s t o r e l e a t h e r t h a t h a s b e c o m e dried o u t , f o l l o w t h i s p r o c e d u r e :

316

Your leather gear should have that same ' 'cared-for look'' as your shoes and uniform. [Note the position of the handcuff case and belt keepers. [

This rig was actually worn by a police officer in this country. 317

1. A f t e r r e m o v i n g y o u r g u n , a m m u n i t i o n , all b u c k l e s a n d o t h e r i t e m s t h a t s n a p or s l i d e o n , w a s h the leather w i t h a sponge, strong soap and hot water. A l l o w it t o dry at r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e f o r a b o u t 3 0 m i n u t e s . Do not u s e c l e a n i n g f l u i d or a n y p r o d u c t c o n t a i n i n g alcohol or gasoline. 2. Apply w a r m neat's-foot oil. T h i s can be d o n e w h i l e t h e l e a t h e r is s t i l l d a m p . 3. A p p l y l e a t h e r d y e of a n a p p r o p r i a t e c o l o r , a l s o w h i l e d a m p . A f t e r it h a s dried a b o u t 2 0 m i n u t e s , r u b o f f e x c e s s dye w i t h a d a m p rag. Do not u s e l i q u i d s h o e p o l i s h or s i m i l a r m a t e r i a l s , b e c a u s e t h e y e v e n t u a l l y w i l l c r a c k or p e e l . 4. Apply harness dressing w i t h a sheep's-wool s w a b . R u b b r i s k l y t o a s s u r e g o o d a b s o r b e n c y at first, t h e n use long, even strokes. Several coats m a y b e n e c e s s a r y t o a c h i e v e a g o o d s h i n e , if y o u w a n t o n e . D r y a t r o o m t e m p e r a t u r e for at l e a s t a n h o u r . L e a t h e r c a r e , as w e l l as t h e o t h e r a t t e n t i o n y o u g i v e y o u r p r o t e c t i v e e q u i p m e n t , is m o r e t h a n s p i t and-polish regimen. W e l l - c h o s e n leather, sharply maintained, m a k e s a psychological impact on you, as w e l l a s t h e p u b l i c . B u t m o r e i m p o r t a n t , i t ' s part of b e i n g r e a d y w i t h a t o t a l w e a p o n s y s t e m . A n d readiness, d o w n to even the s m a l l e s t m u n d a n e d e t a i l , is t h e h e a r t of s u r v i v a l . S o m e officers fail to m a i n t a i n their leather—or r e p l a c e it w h e n i t ' s w o r n o u t — b e c a u s e t h e y t h i n k t h a t a scuffed, w o r n appearance gives t h e m an " F v e - b e e n - t h e r e " look, distinctive from the rookies. A c t u a l l y , besides m a k i n g an officer l o o k like a s l o b , t h i s a t t i t u d e is g r o s s l y u n s a f e a n d u s u a l l y reflects a general laxity toward survival practices. A n o f f i c e r w h o is t o o c h e a p or t o o l a z y t o b u y r e p l a c e m e n t g e a r or w h o l a c k s s e l f - r e s p e c t i n h i s a p p e a r a n c e a n d g r o o m i n g is i n v i t i n g d i s r e s p e c t f r o m his fellow officers and the public a l i k e . A u t h o r i t y is f o u n d e d o n r e s p e c t , a n d a p p e a r a n c e is a l a r g e part of t h e b a t t l e .

318

FIREARMS CONTROL L o o k i n t h e f i l e s of f i r e a r m s d i s c h a r g e r e p o r t s for a n y l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a g e n c y , a n d t h e c a s e s a r e there in a b u n d a n c e : an officer pursuing a suspect on f o o t w i t h h i s g u n in h a n d t r i p s a n d s h o o t s h i m s e l f . . . an officer d e m o n s t r a t i n g a q u i c k draw w i t h an " u n l o a d e d " gun shoots his p a r t n e r . . . a n officer fires a warning shot and the bullet hits s o m e p l a c e — o r s o m e o n e — h e didn't expect...an officer cleaning his g u n is k i l l e d w h e n it s u d d e n l y d i s c h a r g e s . . . a n o f f i c e r ' s y o u n g s t e r f i n d s h i s f a t h e r ' s h a n d g u n at h o m e and fatally w o u n d s h i m s e l f . . . a n officer fires at a f l e e i n g v e h i c l e , a n d t h e b u l l e t r i c o c h e t s i n t o a n i n n o c e n t pedestrian...an officer under a t t a c k by an a r m e d a s s a i l a n t fires b a c k t w o s h o t s t h a t m i s s , a n d then his gun jams...or he shoots and the gun exp l o d e s , b l o w i n g a w a y part of t h e c y l i n d e r or b l o w i n g off t h e b a r r e l a n d t h r e a t e n i n g h i m s e l f a n d b y s t a n d e r s w i t h flying fragments. S u c h i n c i d e n t s are u s u a l l y t a b u l a t e d as " a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e s " or " w e a p o n malfunctions,-" e i t h e r t h e g u n fired w h e n i t s o w n e r d i d n ' t w a n t it t o , or it f a i l e d t o f i r e w h e n h e n e e d e d it t o . S o m e t i m e s , " u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s " are involved; t h e officer m e a n t t o s h o o t , b u t n o t for t h e b u l l e t t o i m p a c t w h e r e it did. W h a t all t h i s r e a l l y b o i l s d o w n t o is a loss of control o v e r t h e f i r e a r m . A n d t h i s l o s s a l m o s t always o c c u r s through s o m e n e g l i g e n c e on t h e part of t h e o f f i c e r r e s p o n s i b l e for t h e w e a p o n . There's a persistent myth, even among some v e t e r a n o f f i c e r s w h o ' v e h a n d l e d g u n s for y e a r s , that a firearm can just " g o o f f " spontaneously,

t h r o u g h n o o n e ' s f a u l t . A c t u a l l y , guns don't fire themselves. A loaded, c o c k e d gun could lie o n a t a b l e for c e n t u r i e s — f o r e v e r — a n d if l e f t a l o n e , it would not shoot. For y o u r g u n — a n y g u n — t o f i r e , it m u s t b e loaded and t h e t r i g g e r / h a m m e r m e c h a n i s m m u s t be a c t i v a t e d b y s o m e o n e ' s f i n g e r o r a n o t h e r o b j e c t , so t h a t t h e f i r i n g pin d e t o n a t e s t h e p r i m e r o n a l i v e r o u n d . I n s h o r t , h u m a n i n t e r v e n t i o n is r e q u i r e d t o initiate the chain reaction that m a k e s a gun shoot, a n d t h i s is t r u e w h e t h e r t h e d i s c h a r g e is " a c c i d e n t a l " or i n t e n t i o n a l . M o s t c a s e s , t h e h u m a n f a c t o r s responsible are s u c h that u n i n t e n t i o n a l discharges w o u l d m o r e a c c u r a t e l y b e c h a r a c t e r i z e d as " c a r e l e s s " rather than " a c c i d e n t a l . " Similarly, there's nearly always a h u m a n elem e n t involved with firearm m a l f u n c t i o n s . On e x t r e m e l y rare o c c a s i o n s , a m e c h a n i c a l f a i l u r e m a y o c c u r b e c a u s e of s o m e m a n u f a c t u r i n g e r r o r or t h e n o r m a l w e a r of w o r k i n g p a r t s — b u t o v e r w h e l m i n g l y t h e c a u s e is m o r e l i k e l y t o b e p o o r h a n d l i n g or p o o r m a i n t e n a n c e of t h e w e a p o n . In c a s e s of u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s , n e g l i g e n t judgm e n t is u s u a l l y i n v o l v e d . A n o f f i c e r s h o o t s w i t h o u t considering just w h e r e the bullet that speeds from his gun might end up. N e g l i g e n c e t h a t r e s u l t s i n l o s s of c o n t r o l is o n e of t h e d e a d l i e s t s i n s a p e r s o n c a n c o m m i t i n regard to f i r e a r m s . And law e n f o r c e m e n t officers are d i s p r o p o r t i o n a t e l y g u i l t y of it. P r i m a r i l y b e c a u s e of c a r e l e s s n e s s , police officers as a vocational group have a much higher rate of firearms mishap than m e m b e r s of a n y o t h e r p r o f e s s i o n , i n c l u d i n g t h e m i l i t a r y . T h a t t r a n s l a t e s , of c o u r s e , i n t o h i g h e r r a t e s of n e e d l e s s i n j u r i e s a n d d e a t h s . Accidental discharges may be reported in a firearms discharge report. But rarely is that information related to other officers so they can avoid duplicating the same mistake.

321

This officer died because he was familiar with a semi-automatic. he tried to defend himself during robbery, he forgot the safety was gaged.

HHr 322

unWhen a en-

T h e c o r e of t h e p r o b l e m is l a c k of f a m i l i a r i t y w i t h f i r e a r m s a n d of r e s p e c t for t h e p r o c e d u r e s necessary to control t h e m . At the t i m e they c o m e o n t h e f o r c e , a n e s t i m a t e d 7 0 per c e n t of n e w p o l i c e o f f i c e r s h a v e h a d no p r e v i o u s e x p e r i e n c e w i t h g u n s . And contrary to the c o m m o n public impression t h a t m o s t cops are " g u n n u t s , " m a n y officers remain basically uneducated about the m o s t import a n t t o o l of t h e i r t r a d e . A s u r v e y i n N e w M e x i c o , w h i c h likely reflects the country generally, reveals a s t a g g e r i n g l e v e l of i g n o r a n c e : i n t h e a v e r a g e p o l i c e d e p a r t m e n t t h e r e a r e s i g n i f i c a n t n u m b e r s of o f f i c e r s w h o a r e n o t s u r e of t h e b r a n d n a m e of t h e i r s e r v i c e r e v o l v e r . . . i t s c a l i b e r . . . i f it h a s f i x e d or a d j u s t a b l e s i g h t s . . . w h a t t y p e of a m m u n i t i o n t h e y c a r r y o n d u t y , a n d so o n . In a s a m p l e i n s p e c t i o n , 1 o u t of 10 guns was found to be grossly unsafe. Officers were c a r r y i n g on duty h a n d g u n s t h a t w e r e j a m m e d s o t h e c y l i n d e r c o u l d n ' t t u r n or t h a t h a d b e e n t a m p e r e d w i t h so t h a t e v e n s l i g h t p r e s s u r e o n a c o c k e d h a m m e r spur could cause a discharge. O n t h e average, officers w e r e firing their g u n s less t h a n 2 t i m e s a year, evidently no m o r e t h a n the bare m i n i m u m f o r q u a l i f y i n g , a n d b y n o s t r e t c h of t h e i m a g i n a t i o n enough to assure c o m p e t e n c y .

T h e longer you're with the department, the g r e a t e r y o u r c h a n c e s of e x p e r i e n c i n g a n u n i n t e n t i o n a l d i s c h a r g e or m a l f u n c t i o n , a n d t h e g r e a t e r y o u r o p p o r t u n i t i e s for f i r i n g s h o t s t h a t m a y h i t w h e r e y o u d o n ' t i n t e n d . P a r t of t h i s , of c o u r s e , is a m a t t e r of exposure,- y o u r r i s k g o e s u p s i m p l y b e c a u s e y o u handle m o r e guns m o r e often, in m o r e s i t u a t i o n s . B u t m o r e i m p o r t a n t w h e r e m a n y officers are conc e r n e d is t h e t e n d e n c y t o b e c o m e c o m p l a c e n t a n d develop bad habits. W i t h t i m e , they stop t h i n k i n g of a g u n as a d e a d l y w e a p o n . C o n s i d e r t h e f a c t s a b o u t " a c c i d e n t a l " disc h a r g e s . A s u r v e y of s u c h s h o o t i n g s b y p o l i c e o f f i c e r s in I l l i n o i s i n d i c a t e s t h a t n e a r l y 1 o u t of 4 o c c u r s w h e n a n o f f i c e r is " p l a y i n g " w i t h h i s g u n — w h i l e w a t c h i n g television, practicing fast draws, s h o w i n g off, or j u s t " d a y d r e a m i n g . " In N e w Y o r k C i t y , at l e a s t 3 0 per c e n t i n v o l v e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c p i s t o l s t h a t w e r e " n o t s a f e l y h a n d l e d or w e r e i m p r o p e r l y c a r r i e d , " a n d 3 5 per c e n t w e r e l i n k e d t o o f f i c e r s ' u s e of " i m p r o p e r o r g i m m i c k " h o l s t e r s . A n e s t i m a t e d 15 t o 2 0 per c e n t of a c c i d e n t a l disc h a r g e s o c c u r w h i l e a n o f f i c e r is c l e a n i n g h i s g u n — a l t h o u g h it is i m p o s s i b l e t o s h o o t u n i n t e n t i o n a l l y t h e n if y o u ' r e c l e a n i n g p r o p e r l y . C a r e l e s s d i s c h a r g e s p r e d o m i n a t e l y i n v o l v e on- a n d o f f - d u t y h a n d g u n s , t h o u g h a b o u t 3 0 per c e n t are w i t h s h o t g u n s , u s u a l l y w e a p o n s w i t h w h i c h officers are e v e n less f a m i l i a r . T h e shootings take place in patrol cars, in police s t a t i o n s , in p u b l i c p l a c e s , o c c a s i o n a l l y at t h e r a n g e and f r e q u e n t l y i n o f f i c e r s ' h o m e s . . . t h e y i n j u r e a n d k i l l p e r s o n s d o i n g t h e s h o o t i n g , as w e l l as f e l l o w o f f i c e r s a n d c i v i l i a n s i n t h e v i c i n i t y . . . a n d t h e r e is no identifiable correlation between the accident rate a n d t h e s i z e of t h e d e p a r t m e n t , a n o f f i c e r ' s age or h i s y e a r s of f o r m a l e d u c a t i o n . In o n e m a j o r w e s t c o a s t d e p a r t m e n t , o f t e n h e r a l d e d for i t s p r o f e s -

s i o n a l i s m , n e a r l y 3 0 per c e n t of t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of s h o o t i n g s by officers are u n i n t e n t i o n a l . A n d a study in N e w Y o r k City has shown, startlingly, that officers involved in accidental discharges run a significantly higher risk of being injured than do those involved in armed confrontations! It t h e r e ' s a b r i g h t s i d e t o t h i s d i s m a l p i c t u r e , i t ' s t h i s : b e c a u s e h u m a n e r r o r is t h e r o o t c a u s e of m o s t accidental discharges, firearm m a l f u n c t i o n s and u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s , their n u m b e r c a n be drast i c a l l y r e d u c e d . H u m a n error is not a f i x e d l i a b i l i t y . Y o u c a n e l i m i n a t e it i n y o u r s e l f , a n d o t h e r s c a n avoid it, too, by b e c o m i n g t h o r o u g h l y f a m i l i a r w i t h h o w y o u r f i r e a r m s operate and by f o l l o w i n g procedures that assure you m a x i m u m control over these w e a p o n s at all t i m e s , u n d e r a l l c i r c u m s t a n c e s . T h e officers w h o have accidents and m a l f u n c t i o n s by a n d large a r e t h e o n e s w h o e i t h e r d o n ' t know what t h e y ' r e d o i n g or t h e y a r e n ' t thinking about it. R e m e m b e r , y o u r g u n is a m e c h a n i c a l d e v i c e , a f i n e l y c r a f t e d t o o l ; it h a s n o h e a r t , n o b r a i n , n o c o n s c i e n c e , n o gift of r e a s o n , n o f o r g i v e n e s s , n o c a p a c i t y for m a k i n g a l l o w a n c e s ; it c a n f u n c t i o n o n l y as w e l l as i t s i n n e r w o r k i n g s a n d y o u r j u d g m e n t w h e n y o u a c t i v a t e t h e trigger p e r m i t . These variables are within your power—and responsibility— to control. H e r e are s o m e pointers on w h a t you c a n d o — and should avoid doing—to guarantee a f i r e a r m ' s safe p e r f o r m a n c e and thereby p r o m o t e your survival.

Basic Safety T h e first m i s t a k e w i t h a f i r e a r m is t h e o n e t o a v o i d . W i t h m a n y a s p e c t s of p a t r o l a n d i n v e s t i g a tion, you can b a c k t r a c k and correct errors m a d e a l o n g t h e w a y . B u t a b u l l e t fired c a n ' t b e r e c a l l e d . M i s t a k e s w i t h firearms tend to be violent and dramatic, the consequences irreversible, often permanent and potentially drastic. B a s i c a l l y , t h e r u l e s for m a i n t a i n i n g c o n t r o l a r e nothing more than c o m m o n sense. Like other survival techniques, they involve thinking ahead... c o n t i n u a l m e n t a l alertness to your a c t i o n s . . . a n d faithful practice that will m a k e safe procedures habitual. 1. Handle any gun, all the time, as if a bullet were going to blast out of the muzzle in the next instant. R e g a r d all g u n s as a l w a y s l o a d e d . T h a t m e a n s y o u keep the m u z z l e pointed in a direction w h e r e a b u l l e t w i l l do n o h a r m s h o u l d t h e g u n dis324

c h a r g e , w h e t h e r y o u a r e i n d o o r s or o u t — u n l e s s , of c o u r s e , y o u are i n or a p p r o a c h i n g a p o t e n t i a l c o n f r o n t a t i o n s i t u a t i o n . Y o u n e v e r p o i n t a g u n at a n y o n e i n j e s t . . . e v e n if y o u " k n o w " t h e g u n is unloaded. C o u n t l e s s people have been shot by ' ' u n l o a d e d ' ' g u n s . If y o u s e e s o m e o n e p o i n t i n g a g u n in y o u r d i r e c t i o n , get o u t of t h e w a y s o t h e b a r r e l c a n ' t line up w i t h your body. 2. When you take a handgun fiom its holster for any purpose other than defense or law enforcement, unload it. N e v e r g i v e a l o a d e d g u n t o s o m e o n e else. But by the s a m e token, always consider any firearm you handle—yours or s o m e o n e e l s e ' s — loaded u n t i l you d e t e r m i n e o t h e r w i s e , e v e n if y o u ' v e j u s t s e e n t h e w e a p o n u n l o a d e d . If y o u a r e h a n d e d a g u n or d r a w it, e j e c t t h e c a r t r i d g e s or m a g a z i n e i n t o y o u r h a n d . . . c h e c k t h e c y l i n d e r h o l e s or c h a m b e r a n d m a g a z i n e well to be sure t h e y ' r e e m p t y . . . a n d c o u n t t h e n u m b e r of r o u n d s i n y o u r h a n d t o m a k e s u r e all are a c c o u n t e d for. D o n ' t t a k e a n y o n e ' s w o r d for w h e t h e r a g u n is l o a d e d or n o t ; r e l i a b l e as t h e y m a y have been before, this could be the one t i m e they're l a x — a n d it o n l y t a k e s o n c e . C h e c k t h e g u n y o u r s e l f . . . t h e n c h e c k it again; y o u l o o k o n c e t o s e e if i t ' s l o a d e d , and t w i c e t o b e s u r e y o u ' r e r i g h t . 3. Resist the temptation to show off your firearm. O n e i n d i c a t i o n of y o u r m a t u r i t y , s t a b i l i t y , and t r a i n i n g is t h e conservative d i s p l a y of y o u r g u n . Y o u d o n ' t p r a c t i c e q u i c k d r a w s i n f r o n t of t h e locker room mirror...you don't flaunt your possess i o n of t h e w e a p o n i n p u b l i c p l a c e s . . . y o u d o n ' t s h o w y o u r g u n t o e v e r y v i s i t o r , c i v i l i a n or c h i l d w h o e x p r e s s e s i n t e r e s t i n i t . . . y o u d o n ' t a l l o w it t o b e i n d i s c r i m i n a t e l y h a n d l e d at f a m i l y g a t h e r i n g s a n d p a r t i e s . M a n y p e o p l e a r e t o t a l l y i g n o r a n t of f i r e a r m s ; y e t f e w w i l l a d m i t t o a l a c k of k n o w l e d g e of firearms safety. 4. Remember that a gun is not a toy-, d o n ' t p l a y w i t h it. N e r v o u s h a b i t s l i k e f l e x i n g t h e trigger, spinning the cylinder, swinging the cylinder open and c l o s e d s h o u l d b e a v o i d e d . T h e y h a v e n o f u n c tional purpose and can only encourage careless discharges and/or m a l f u n c t i o n s . 5. Don't mix intoxicants and firearms. Having a g u n w i t h y o u w h e n y o u ' r e d r i n k i n g or u s i n g n a r c o t i c s c a n b e as d i s a s t r o u s as d r i v i n g w h e n y o u ' r e under the influence. In a m i d w e s t e r n incident, an off-duty p a t r o l m a n returned h o m e early o n e m o r n ing f r o m a n i g h t of d r i n k i n g . H e m i s t a k e n l y w e n t t o the wrong apartment, and w h e n his k e y didn't work, he k i c k e d down the door. Startled a w a k e inside, the o c c u p a n t barricaded herself in her b e d r o o m . In his drunken confusion, the officer drew his service r e v o l v e r a n d fired a s i n g l e s h o t t h r o u g h t h e d o o r . It

entered the w o m a n ' s b a c k and exited through her stomach, puncturing her intestine enroute. She lived, but she incurred m o r e than $ 3 0 , 0 0 0 in m e d i cal bills—and sued the officer. W h e n you're drinking, y o u r g u n is s a f e s t left at h o m e . If y o u l o c k it i n y o u r c a r , it c o u l d b e s t o l e n . 6. Don't carry delicately tuned target-shooting arms on duty. T h e s e g u n s m a y b e a c c u r a t e in r a n g e competition, but their unusually sensitive tole r a n c e s can result in j a m s and o t h e r m a l f u n c t i o n s w h e n s u b j e c t e d t o t h e w e a r a n d t e a r of p o l i c e w o r k . A l s o , a t r i g g e r w i t h a v e r y l i g h t p u l l c a n r e s u l t in a n u n d e s i r e d d i s c h a r g e i n t i m e s of s t r e s s . 7. Never loan your gun to someone else. You c a n n e v e r b e c e r t a i n t o w h a t u s e it w i l l b e p u t w h i l e o u t of y o u r c o n t r o l n o r w h a t s h a p e it w i l l b e i n when returned. 8. Always be conscious of your firearm. Know w h e r e it i s . . . w h a t c o n d i t i o n i t ' s i n ( c o c k e d ? loaded?) . . . a n d d o n ' t l e a v e it l y i n g a r o u n d u n a t t e n d e d or l o c k e d i n a c a r w h e r e s o m e o n e e l s e m i g h t p i c k it u p or s t e a l i t . O n e o f f - d u t y p a t r o l m a n , d r i v i n g w i t h his wife and four-year-old daughter on vacation, placed his loaded .38 C h i e f ' s Special on the seat b e t w e e n h i m s e l f and his wife. His wife fell asleep, and the officer, absorbed in driving, failed to n o t i c e h i s d a u g h t e r p i c k u p t h e r e v o l v e r t o p l a y w i t h it. S h e accidentally discharged the gun, and the round lodged i n t h e s p i n e of t h e o f f i c e r ' s w i f e , p a r a l y z i n g her instantly. W h e r e firearms are c o n c e r n e d , i t ' s prudent to be a bit p e s s i m i s t i c . Y o u can best protect yourself and o t h e r s if y o u r e m a i n c o g n i z a n t of " M u r p h y ' s L a w , " t h e a x i o m t h a t s a y s : " I f s o m e t h i n g c a n go w r o n g , it w i l l ; if s e v e r a l t h i n g s c a n g o w r o n g , t h e w o r s t w i l l at t h e w o r s t p o s s i b l e t i m e ! " — u n l e s s y o u t a k e t h e necessary actions to prevent it. O n t h e r a n g e , y o u are t a u g h t s a f e f i r e a r m s h a n d l i n g s o y o u w o n ' t s h o o t y o u r s e l f or a n o t h e r t r a i n e e . O n t h e s t r e e t , s a f e t y is j u s t as i m p o r t a n t . Y o u d o n ' t w a n t to shoot your partner, an i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n or y o u r s e l f b e c a u s e y o u i g n o r e d s a f e t y procedures.

Transporting Firearms

T h e way you carry a gun, w h e t h e r it's in your h a n d or i n a s e c u r i t y d e v i c e l i k e a h o l s t e r or s h o t g u n r a c k , w i l l h e l p d e t e r m i n e t h e a m o u n t of c o n t r o l y o u c a n e x e r c i s e o v e r i t . D u r i n g a t o u r of d u t y , y o u m a y 326

h a v e t o t r a n s p o r t a f i r e a r m u n d e r a v a r i e t y of c i r c u m s t a n c e s , a n d in e a c h c a s e y o u w a n t e f f e c t i v e l y t o b a l a n c e s a f e t y a n d a v a i l a b i l i t y . T h e t y p e of g u n y o u h a v e a n d e x a c t l y w h a t y o u are d o i n g w i t h it will d e t e r m i n e the proper handling. T o carry a handgun (including a back-up gun) w h i l e y o u ' r e o n p a t r o l or i n n o n - t h r e a t s i t u a t i o n s , y o u w a n t it h o l s t e r e d — n o t s t u c k i n y o u r w a i s t b a n d , b e l t or p o c k e t or s t a s h e d u n d e r t h e c a r s e a t o r i n t h e g l o v e b o x . T h e h o l s t e r s h o u l d b e p o s i t i o n e d at t h e s a m e p l a c e o n y o u r b o d y at all t i m e s s o y o u ' l l k n o w i n s t i n c t i v e l y w h e r e t o r e a c h f o r y o u r g u n if y o u n e e d it. A revolver should never be carried cocked, b e c a u s e of t h e h i g h r i s k of a n a c c i d e n t a l discharge. With a semi-automatic, though, you have o t h e r o p t i o n s . W h a t ' s b e s t for y o u in t h a t c a s e w i l l d e p e n d in part o n y o u r g u n . If y o u h a v e a d o u b l e - a c t i o n s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , s u c h as the S m i t h & W e s s o n models 3 9 and 5 9 , o n e m e a n s of c a r r y i n g it in y o u r h o l s t e r o n t h e s t r e e t is w i t h a round in the c h a m b e r , the h a m m e r d o w n and the safety on. As you draw, y o u can push the s a f e t y off. H o w e v e r , w i t h t h e 3 9 a n d 5 9 t h i s is o f t e n an imprecise m o v e , and you m a y m i s s t h e safety, e s p e c i a l l y if y o u h a v e s m a l l h a n d s . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , o n e a d v a n t a g e of t h i s c a r r y is t h a t s u s p e c t s generally seem less familiar with s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s t h a n w i t h r e v o l v e r s , a n d t h e r e ' s t h e c h a n c e if y o u are d i s a r m e d t h a t t h e s u s p e c t w i l l n o t k n o w h o w t o k i c k off t h e s a f e t y t o get t h e g u n i n a c t i o n t o u s e a g a i n s t y o u . A n o t h e r v e r s i o n of t h i s c a r r y is w i t h t h e s a f e t y off, s o t h e r e ' s n o t h i n g t o r e m e m b e r w h e n you n e e d the gun for instant u s e . B e a r in m i n d , though, that without the safety on, the gun m a y fire if dropped o n its m u z z l e w i t h a r o u n d in t h e chamber. Still, m o s t officers with double-action s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s carry t h e m this way. S o m e o f f i c e r s w h o u s e a single-action semia u t o m a t i c , s u c h as t h e C o l t . 4 5 , c a r r y t h e g u n f u l l y c o c k e d w i t h t h e s a f e t y o n and a r o u n d i n t h e c h a m ber. T h e y k e e p t h e h o l s t e r s e c u r i t y s t r a p s n a p p e d into place over the h a m m e r track b e t w e e n the c o c k e d h a m m e r a n d t h e rear of t h e s l i d e t o p r e v e n t an accidental discharge. T h i s carry gives y o u a high state of firearms readiness, b u t some departments discourage this procedure, arguing that it's safer to carry t h e single-action s e m i - a u t o m a t i c with a loaded magazine and an e m p t y c h a m b e r with t h e h a m m e r d o w n . W h e n you draw, you t h e n m u s t activate t h e slide to c o c k the gun before you can fire. However, you'll need two hands to do this and if for some reason you have only o n e available, the lag t i m e may be i n s u r m o u n t able. Where semi-automatics are involved, you must know your department's policy.

As you exit youi vehicle, unlatch youi seat belt, then place youi gun hand over the sidearm and holster.

A s h o t g u n , w h i l e y o u ' r e o n p a t r o l , is b e s t c a r r i e d i n a rack i n t h e f r o n t s e a t of y o u r p a t r o l c a r , so it stands vertically w i t h t h e m u z z l e toward t h e roof. It s h o u l d b e w i t h i n a r m ' s r e a c h of t h e d r i v e r , b u t m o r e o n t h e p a s s e n g e r s i d e . It s h o u l d not b e l o c k e d in the t r u n k , w h e r e i t ' s m o r e likely to be subjected to m o i s t u r e from rain or c o n d e n s a t i o n and where y o u h a v e a b u i l t - i n d e l a y i n r e a c h i n g it. T h e m a g a zine should be fully loaded, but w i t h no round c h a m b e r e d . A l l t h a t ' s n e c e s s a r y t h e n is t o p u m p t h e g u n , a n d i t ' s r e a d y for a c t i o n . If a l i v e r o u n d is c a r r i e d i n t h e c h a m b e r — o r l e f t there after dealing w i t h an e m e r g e n c y — t h e r e ' s a n o t e w o r t h y r i s k of s e t t i n g it off a c c i d e n t a l l y w h i l e t h e g u n ' s in t h e c a r or b e i n g r e m o v e d . In a n u m b e r of c a s e s , o f f i c e r s h a v e b l o w n h o l e s i n t h e r o o f s or d o o r s of p a t r o l c a r s t h a t w a y . A l s o , w i t h t h a t m e t h o d of c a r r y , t h e g u n is m o r e l i k e l y t o b e u s e d s u c c e s s f u l l y a g a i n s t y o u if a s u s p e c t g e t s h o l d of i t .

In most cases, it will be safest to draw your sidearm outside your vehicle while maintaining a grip on the door with your non-gun hand.

It a r o u n d is c h a m b e r e d , h e n e e d s o n l y t o p u l l t h e trigger t o fire t h e g u n . S o m e officers carry the shotgun c o c k e d , w i t h a s h e l l c h a m b e r e d b u t t h e trigger b l o c k e d b y s l i d i n g t h e c r o s s - b o l t s a f e t y i n t o p o s i t i o n . T h i s is r i s k y , too, because a shotgun can discharge even with the s a f e t y o n , if s t r u c k b y a s t r o n g e n o u g h j o l t . If y o u carry a shotgun w i t h the safety on, be sure always t o t r a i n w i t h it t h a t w a y s o y o u d o n ' t f o r g e t t o p u s h t h e s a f e t y off u n d e r s t r e s s . W h i l e the s h o t g u n ' s in t h e rack, incidentally, y o u s h o u l d avoid manipulating it i n a n y w a y . S o m e o f f i c e r s play w i t h t h e trigger, w h i c h , if e n o u g h p r e s s u r e is a p p l i e d , c a n e v e n t u a l l y d a m a g e t h e s a f e t y — o r fire t h e g u n , if a r o u n d h a s b e e n u n wittingly chambered. W h e n you exit from your patrol car, t a k e care to p r o t e c t y o u r f i r e a r m . M a n y a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e s 329

In exiting from youi vehicle, take a firm grip on the shotgun, swing your legs out, then put the gun between them. You want the shotgun outside your vehicle pointing straight up and free of obstructions before you exit.

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o c c u r at t h i s t i m e , w h e n a h o l s t e r e d h a n d g u n b e c o m e s w e d g e d b e t w e e n t h e s e a t a n d o t h e r p a r t s of t h e c a r or t a n g l e d i n t h e s e a t b e l t . B y p r o t e c t i n g y o u r h o l s t e r w i t h y o u r h a n d a n d k e e p i n g it c l o s e t o y o u r leg, y o u c a n s h i e l d y o u r w e a p o n as y o u e x i t . A s y o u open t h e door, place your foot against t h e inside panel. T h e n , as you exit, place your non-gun hand o n t o p of t h e d o o r for s u p p o r t . If a p p r o p r i a t e t o d r a w y o u r s i d e a r m , do s o outside your vehicle, from behind t h e door. Here, you're least likely to encounter obstructions to a s m o o t h draw. In exiting w i t h a shotgun, r e m e m b e r to release t h e w e a p o n f r o m t h e r a c k before your patrol car's e n g i n e is t u r n e d off; s o m e r a c k s a r e e l e c t r o n i c a l l y controlled and w o n ' t w o r k o t h e r w i s e . Y o u ' r e better able to keep an eye on t h e suspect or a c t i o n y o u ' r e h e a d i n g t o w a r d if y o u get t h e g u n o u t of t h e c a r

before you, rather t h a n r e a c h b a c k in for it. T a k e a f i r m grip o n t h e g u n at t h e b a c k of t h e s t e e l r e c e i v e r (not t h e m u z z l e ) , w i t h y o u r f i n g e r s a w a y f r o m t h e trigger. P u t t h e s t o c k b e t w e e n y o u r l e g s . . . t h e n s w i n g y o u r l e g s o u t s o t h e s h o t g u n is o u t s i d e y o u r v e h i c l e , p o i n t i n g s t r a i g h t u p a n d f r e e of o b s t r u c t i o n s before you emerge. B e sure the m u z z l e does not s t r i k e t h e roof of t h e c a r ; k e e p it p o i n t e d a w a y f r o m y o u r f a c e a n d b o d y as y o u e x i t . If y o u h a v e a p a r t n e r , w h o e v e r is t h e p a s s e n g e r o f f i c e r s h o u l d h a n d l e t h e shotgun to avoid interference from the steering wheel. On foot, keep the security strap or safety snap of your holster fastened until you start to draw your handgun. Otherwise, the gun can easily be lost w i t h o u t y o u r b e i n g a w a r e of it if y o u r u n . . . c l i m b . . . f a l l . . . o r get i n t o a p h y s i c a l s t r u g g l e w i t h a s u s p e c t .

If y o u d r a w y o u r r e v o l v e r or d o u b l e - a c t i o n s e m i a u t o m a t i c for p r o t e c t i o n w h i l e m o v i n g f o r w a r d , do not cock it. C o c k e d , t h e s e g u n s r e q u i r e o n l y a b o u t o n e - t h i r d t h e n o r m a l trigger p r e s s u r e t o f i r e . Y o u r c h a n c e s of a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e w i t h t h e h a m m e r b a c k t h e r e f o r e are much g r e a t e r . I n addition, c o c k i n g your gun leaves less l e e w a y for changing your m i n d and preventing a shot once y o u ' v e b e g u n t o apply p r e s s u r e o n t h e trigger. T h i s could result in tragic c o n s e q u e n c e s w h e r e you r e a l i z e at t h e l a s t s p l i t - s e c o n d t h a t y o u ' v e d r a w n down on the wrong person. Depending on your m e t h o d of h o l s t e r c a r r y , y o u r s i n g l e - a c t i o n s e m i a u t o m a t i c m a y already be c o c k e d w i t h the safety o n w h e n y o u d r a w . If s o , as y o u m o v e f o r w a r d , l e a v e t h e s a f e t y on, w i t h y o u r t h u m b r e s t i n g o n i t . If y o u n e e d t o s h o o t , s i m p l y w i p e t h e s a f e t y off w i t h y o u r t h u m b a n d p u l l t h e t r i g g e r . If y o u d o n ' t c a r r y the gun c o c k e d , you'll need to activate the slide and release the safety before shooting. In a d v a n c i n g , k e e p t h e m u z z l e of y o u r h a n d g u n

When on foot with your sidearm drawn, keep the muzzle pointed downward, at an angle away from your legs.

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p o i n t e d d o w n at a s l i g h t a n g l e a w a y f r o m y o u r l e g s . T h e b e n d in y o u r e l b o w w i l l h e l p p r e v e n t m u s c l e strain, and from this position, you can easily swing the gun up into the isosceles i n s t i n c t shooting s t a n c e . If y o u s t u m b l e or f a l l , t h e g u n is a n g l e d s o y o u ' r e u n l i k e l y t o s h o o t y o u r s e l f i n t h e leg. S u c h a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e s c a n a l s o b e a v o i d e d if y o u keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. As you approach your final locat i o n or a n t i c i p a t e d a n g e r , m o v e i n t o a t w o - h a n d h o l d , w i t h y o u r g u n p o i n t e d s l i g h t l y d o w n in f r o n t of y o u . T h i s r e a d i e s t h e s i d e a r m f o r s w i n g i n g i n t o the full i n s t i n c t shooting position. If y o u s h o u l d f a l l w i t h y o u r g u n , t r y t o a v o i d j a m m i n g the m u z z l e down as a support to break y o u r f a l l . S o m e o f f i c e r s do t h i s t o s a v e g e t t i n g t h e i r u n i f o r m s dirty, but your gun can w i n d up w i t h a b a r r e l full of dirt or m u d , w h i c h l a t e r m a y c a u s e a dangerous malfunction. In c a r r y i n g a p o l i c e s h o t g u n o n f o o t , y o u m a y alter the gun's position to suit the situation, but you w a n t always to k n o w w h e r e the m u z z l e is. In a n o n - t h r e a t s i t u a t i o n , o n e t e c h n i q u e is t o p o i n t t h e m u z z l e s t r a i g h t u p , w i t h t h e h e e l of t h e b u t t p l a t e tucked into your belt against your hip. Here you grip t h e g u n f i r m l y a r o u n d t h e " p i s t o l g r i p , " t h e n e c k of t h e s t o c k j u s t b e h i n d t h e r e c e i v e r , t a k i n g c a r e t o k e e p y o u r f i n g e r s a w a y f r o m t h e trigger. W h e n you're heading into a situation where y o u m a y n e e d t o use y o u r s h o t g u n , t h e r e a r e t w o basic carries: " g u a r d " and " p o r t a r m s . " For t h e g u a r d p o s i t i o n , y o u grasp t h e g u n b y t h e p i s t o l grip i n y o u r s t r o n g h a n d a n d r e s t t h e b u t t o n y o u r h i p . T h e b a r r e l t i l t s o u t a n d up at a b o u t a 4 5 - d e g r e e a n g l e . T h i s is a d e l i b e r a t e l y h i g h p r o f i l e carry, w h e n you want to look m e n a c i n g and alert a n y o n e w h o s e e s t h a t y o u h a v e a s h o t g u n . T h i s is a p p r o p r i a t e t o u s e in s i t u a t i o n s s u c h as r o a d b l o c k s or w h e n g u a r d i n g p r i s o n e r s . P r o b a b l y t h e best c o m b i n a t i o n of s a f e t y a n d a v a i l a b i l i t y , t h o u g h , is t h e p o r t a r m s c a r r y . H e r e t h e g u n is p o s i t i o n e d a c r o s s y o u r c h e s t , w i t h y o u r s t r o n g h a n d gripping t h e p i s t o l grip, y o u r o t h e r h a n d u n d e r t h e s l i d e , and t h e b a r r e l u p t o w a r d t h e s h o u l d e r of y o u r n o n - s h o o t i n g side at a 4 5 - d e g r e e a n g l e . Y o u r trigger f i n g e r r e s t s a c r o s s t h e o u t s i d e of t h e trigger guard u n t i l y o u are r e a d y t o s h o o t . T h i s is t h e o n l y p r a c t i c a l c a r r y t o u s e w h e n y o u h a v e t o run w i t h a shotgun and the best for approaching a p o t e n t i a l s u s p e c t . B y s w i n g i n g t h e b u t t of t h e g u n up y o u c a n q u i c k l y c o n v e r t it i n t o a c l u b t o r e s o l v e a scuffle. Bear in m i n d , though, that like t h e guard position, this carry presents a m e n a c i n g profile, w h i c h m a y be undesirable in certain sensitive situations.

The port arms carry. Also notice the officer's finger is outside the trigger guard until he is ready to shoot.

Of course, any t i m e you're approaching known danger a n d t h e n e e d t o fire a p p e a r s i m m i n e n t , y o u s h o u l d h a v e t h e s h o t g u n i n p o s i t i o n for i n s t i n c t shooting. T w o situations require special handling to m a i n t a i n p r o p e r c o n t r o l o v e r y o u r f i r e a r m s : 1) w h e n y o u ' r e s e a t e d at a l u n c h c o u n t e r w h e r e y o u r h o l s t e r e d g u n w o u l d b e n e x t t o a c i v i l i a n a n d 2) w h e n y o u ' r e in a toilet stall. At a l u n c h counter, consider bringing your h o l s t e r a r o u n d s o it is i n y o u r l a p , if p o s s i b l e , k e e p i n g it w i t h i n y o u r r e a c h a n d m a k i n g it h a r d e r for t h e p e r s o n n e x t t o y o u t o g r a b . In a t o i l e t , r e m o v e y o u r g u n b e l t ( w i t h t h e h o l s t e r a t t a c h e d ) . . . b u c k l e i t . . . a n d drape it a r o u n d y o u r n e c k or diagonally across your c h e s t f r o m o n e shoulder. Or hang the entire gun belt over the crotch of y o u r p u l l e d - d o w n t r o u s e r s . T h i s k e e p s y o u f r o m forgetting your gun and lessens the c h a n c e s of d r o p p i n g it t o t h e f l o o r f r o m y o u r p a n t s or f r o m a c u b i c l e h o o k . Do not l a y t h e g u n b e l t o n t h e f l o o r . S o m e o n e in the next stall could reach under the p a r t i t i o n a n d grab y o u r g u n , w i t h y o u i n n o c o n d i tion to respond. 334

Wild Shots A m o n g t h e g r a v e s t h a z a r d s of h i g h - s t r e s s s i t u a tions are u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s . U n l i k e a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e s , y o u m e a n t o fire y o u r g u n , b u t t h e s h o t s i m p a c t s o m e p l a c e — p e r h a p s i n s o m e o n e — y o u did n o t i n t e n d . T h i s is a l w a y s a r i s k w h e n s h o o t i n g at a suspect s o m e distance from you, but the danger is m a g n i f i e d i n c e r t a i n t y p e s of s h o o t i n g ; n a m e l y , r o u n d s fired as w a r n i n g s h o t s . . . t h o s e fired at o r f r o m m o v i n g v e h i c l e s . . . t h o s e fired w h i l e y o u are r u n n i n g . . . a n d t h o s e fired w h e n y o u a r e u n c e r t a i n of t h e s u s p e c t ' s l o c a t i o n or i n a c r o s s - f i r e s i t u a t i o n . M o s t police instructors insist that warning s h o t s i n t e n d e d t o s c a r e a f l e e i n g or r e l u c t a n t s u s p e c t i n t o s u r r e n d e r i n g d o n ' t w o r k , t h a t if a n y t h i n g , they only m a k e a fleeing suspect run faster! Actually, it's not that warning shots never work, b u t t h a t they're rarely worth the risk involved. F i r s t of a l l , if a n o f f i c e r a r g u e s t h a t f r o m a l e g a l s t a n d p o i n t w a r n i n g s h o t s are s o m e t h i n g l e s s t h a n u s e of d e a d l y f o r c e , h e ' s p r o b a b l y w r o n g . A n y t i m e you shoot your gun, in m o s t jurisdictions, you're e m p l o y i n g d e a d l y f o r c e . E v e n if y o u i n t e n d t o m i s s a suspect, y o u ' d better be legally justified in killing h i m w h e n y o u p u l l t h e trigger, or y o u c o u l d b e o n shaky ground. In a s u b u r b of W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . , f o r e x a m p l e , a n o f f i c e r fired o n e s h o t in a n e f f o r t t o s t o p a s h o p l i f t i n g s u s p e c t w h o b o l t e d o u t of a p o l i c e s u b station while being booked. " T h e thought that I might kill the guy never entered m y m i n d , " the o f f i c e r said l a t e r . " I n e v e r t h o u g h t h e w o u l d d i e . N e v e r . " B u t to the officer's surprise, the intended " h a r m l e s s " shot s t r u c k the fleeing suspect in t h e b a c k of t h e h e a d , and h e died in a h o s p i t a l t w o d a y s l a t e r . T h e o f f i c e r w a s fired f r o m t h e p o l i c e f o r c e a f t e r a n a d m i n i s t r a t i v e t r i a l a n d at t h i s w r i t i n g is w o r k i n g as a n a u t o p a r t s s a l e s m a n . If y o u a r e j u s t i f i e d and l e t h a l f o r c e is n e c e s s a r y , it's probably safer from your standpoint and from t h a t of f e l l o w o f f i c e r s a n d i n n o c e n t b y s t a n d e r s if y o u aim directly at him, r a t h e r t h a n s h o o t at t h e g r o u n d or fire a n u n c o n t r o l l e d s h o t i n t o t h e a i r . R e m e m b e r , bullets don't vanish; every round y o u shoot has to t e r m i n a t e somewhere. If y o u ' r e i n a p a s s a g e w a y b e t w e e n high-rise a p a r t m e n t buildings in a crowded u r b a n n e i g h b o r h o o d , a s h o t y o u s e n d i n t o t h e air may crash through someone's window...or hit somebody leaning over a porch railing to w a t c h the a c t i o n . . . o r s i m p l y b y t h e p u l l of g r a v i t y l a n d i n a n unpredictable—and undesirable—spot. W h e n one o f f i c e r s h o t i n t o t h e f l o o r of a s u s p e c t ' s a p a r t m e n t , the bullet penetrated t h e floor and c a m e out through

A wild shot can impact almost anywhere.

the w a l l in an a p a r t m e n t b e l o w . B y firing i n t o the ground while running, s o m e officers have shot t h e m s e l v e s i n t h e leg. In o n e c a s e , a n o f f i c e r w h o c a m e u p o n t h e s c e n e of a c h a s e - i n - p r o g r e s s t h o u g h t h e w a s b e i n g fired at w h e n h e h e a r d a n o t h e r o f f i c e r ' s warning shot, and promptly killed the fleeing s u s p e c t — w h o , it t u r n e d o u t , h a d n o t c o m m i t t e d a crime that warranted lethal action. Whenever you shoot, you're responsible for where all your bullets impact, regardless of your intent at t h e t i m e or t h e r e a s o n s y o u g i v e l a t e r i n f i l l i n g o u t y o u r s h o o t i n g r e p o r t of t h e i n c i d e n t . A young C o n n e c t i c u t patrolman found this out the hard way. A t t e m p t i n g to break up an argument b e t w e e n his partner and a suspect, this officer fired s e v e r a l w a r n i n g s h o t s i n t o t h e air f r o m h i s r e v o l v e r . T h e b u l l e t s s t r u c k t h e c a n o p y of a b u i l d i n g and r i c o c h e t e d down, w o u n d i n g his partner in t h e foot and a civilian passerby in the head. B o t h sued

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t h e p a t r o l m a n for a n aggregate $ 4 5 , 0 0 0 d a m a g e s , c l a i m i n g his shooting was " w i l l f u l l y and m a l i c i o u s l y " negligent. In m o s t c i r c u m s t a n c e s , warning shots unn e c e s s a r i l y e n d a n g e r o t h e r p e o p l e , m e m b e r s of t h e p u b l i c y o u are s w o r n t o p r o t e c t a n d w h o s e s a f e t y s h o u l d be y o u r first c o n s i d e r a t i o n . T h e y m a y a l s o i n c r e a s e t h e j e o p a r d y of y o u r o w n life b e c a u s e s o m e times, rather than halt a fleeing suspect, your w a r n i n g s h o t s w i l l p r o m p t h i m t o r e t u r n fire. Y o u are t h e n i n t h e m i d s t of a g u n f i g h t w i t h at l e a s t a partially e m p t y firearm. S o m e of t h e s a m e a r g u m e n t s apply y o u r s h o o t i n g at or f r o m m o v i n g v e h i c l e s .

regarding

A classic, old-time movie scene shows a r o a d s t e r s w e r v e t o t h e c u r b of a d a r k e n e d s t r e e t . Several m e n inside roughly shove a sobbing young w o m a n out o n t o the sidewalk, and the car speeds away. A patrolman walking his beat nearby witnesses this, i m m e d i a t e l y draws his revolver and e m p t i e s a c y l i n d e r f u l l of b u l l e t s at t h e f l e e i n g c a r , b e f o r e r u n n i n g t o aid t h e d a m s e l in d i s t r e s s . . . . T h i s c o n c e p t of " l a w e n f o r c e m e n t " is as h o a r y as t h e s c e n e i t s e l f . T h e o f f i c e r s h o o t s w i t h o u t k n o w i n g a) w h a t c r i m e (if a n y ) h a s b e e n c o m m i t t e d ; b) w h e t h e r a n y of t h e m e n i n t h e car c o m m i t t e d it, and c) w h e t h e r t h e i r a c t i o n s j u s t i f y t h e u s e of l e t h a l force. Moreover, he shoots w i t h little realistic hope that his shots will have any desirable effect. In l a w e n f o r c e m e n t , h a n d g u n s are i n t e n d e d for use primarily against people, not vehicles. Shooting f r o m a d i s t a n c e of m o r e t h a n 15 y a r d s , y o u ' r e u n likely to penetrate a vehicle body using a standardv e l o c i t y . 3 8 S p e c i a l c a r t r i d g e or a n y o t h e r h a n d g u n r o u n d . W h a t ' s p r o b a b l e , i n s t e a d , is t h a t y o u r b u l l e t s w i l l r i c o c h e t off t h e c u r v e d m e t a l or s a f e t y glass—or most likely, miss the vehicle entirely— a n d fly i n t o o t h e r c a r s or i n n o c e n t p e d e s t r i a n s . R i c o c h e t s , as w e ' v e s e e n , c a n b e as d a n g e r o u s as b u l l e t s in t h e i r i n i t i a l f l i g h t , a n d p a s s e r s b y c a n b e j u s t as dead f r o m p o l i c e b u l l e t s as f r o m s u s p e c t s ' . S u p p o s e y o u do h i t t h e v e h i c l e . S l u g s p u n c h i n g through the body w o n ' t stop the v e h i c l e ; bullets d o n ' t k i l l c a r s . If y o u d e s t r o y a t i r e or k i l l or w o u n d t h e driver, t h e car m a y go o u t of c o n t r o l , s e n d i n g a t o n of s t e e l c a r e e n i n g d o w n t h e s t r e e t t o t h e d a n g e r of e v e r y t h i n g a n d e v e r y o n e i n i t s p a t h . In o n e c a s e , a r a c k e t e e r w a s s h o t dead at t h e w h e e l of h i s speeding l i m o u s i n e in a h e a v i l y populated area. T h e car kept going, killing one pedestrian and seriously injuring another before crashing into a wall. In c e r t a i n s u r r o u n d i n g s , a n o u t - o f - c o n t r o l c a r m i g h t be an a c c e p t a b l e r i s k . In A r i z o n a , s h e r i f f ' s

d e p u t i e s w a i t i n g at a r o a d s i d e r i d d l e d b o t h s i d e s of a v a n w h o s e o c c u p a n t s h a d e a r l i e r fired s h o t g u n b l a s t s at o t h e r o f f i c e r s w h i l e c r a s h i n g t h r o u g h a r o a d b l o c k . T h e driver w a s shot in t h e head. As h e s l u m p e d o v e r t h e s t e e r i n g w h e e l , t h e v a n s p e d o n for s e v e r a l h u n d r e d f e e t , t h e n v e e r e d c r a z i l y off t h e road before stopping. B u t this w a s on a r e m o t e desert highway, w i t h nothing around to damage but m e s q u i t e and cactus. Similarly, U t a h authorities recently pursuing a teenager w h o ' d murdered a highway patrolman used shotguns to blow out front a n d b a c k t i r e s of h i s p i c k u p t r u c k , c a u s i n g it t o s w e r v e off t h e r o a d a n d c r a s h t h r o u g h a f e n c e . B u t this, t o o , was in an isolated rural area. In o t h e r s i t u a t i o n s , c o u r t s have held that firing o n a f l e e i n g s u s p e c t v e h i c l e is " a p r a c t i c e s o w a n t o n a n d s o h a z a r d o u s " t h a t it s h o u l d " n o t b e t o l e r a t e d i n a c i v i l i z e d s t a t e . " R e m e m b e r , if s o m e o n e i n t h e c a r is k i l l e d as a r e s u l t of y o u r s h o o t i n g , y o u m u s t be justified in having used l e t h a l force against h i m . S h o o t i n g f r o m a m o v i n g v e h i c l e c a n b e j u s t as f r a u g h t w i t h d a n g e r as s h o o t i n g at o n e . If y o u ' r e d r i v i n g a n d y o u ' r e r i g h t - h a n d e d , y o u ' l l probably h a v e to depend on y o u r w e a k h a n d for a i m and accuracy while you steer w i t h your strong hand. E f f e c t i v e w e a k - h a n d s h o o t i n g is d i f f i c u l t e v e n if y o u are s t a t i o n a r y . If y o u a r e m o v i n g a n d i n p u r s u i t of a s u s p e c t w h o ' s a l s o m o v i n g , t h e d i f f i c u l t y is g e o m e t r i c a l l y c o m p o u n d e d . In shooting, y o u ' r e just wasting a m m u n i t i o n and creating an u n n e c e s s a r y hazard. E v e n if y o u ' r e o n t h e p a s s e n g e r s i d e , d i s t r a c tions m a y divert your full a t t e n t i o n f r o m your a i m a n d d e c i s i o n m a k i n g . . . b u m p s or s w e r v e s m a y c a u s e a c c i d e n t a l or p r e m a t u r e f i r i n g . . . a n d s u d d e n c h a n g e s i n d i s t a n c e or d i r e c t i o n m a y w i p e o u t a n y h o p e of g e t t i n g o n t a r g e t s a f e l y . A l s o if y o u r g u n is k n o c k e d or d r o p p e d f r o m y o u r h a n d d u r i n g s o m e j a r r i n g m o v e m e n t of y o u r v e h i c l e , y o u m a y n o t h a v e a f i r e a r m a v a i l a b l e at t h e e n d of t h e c h a s e w h e n y o u ' l l n e e d it i n f a c e - t o - f a c e c o n f r o n t a t i o n . A s w i t h o t h e r t y p e s of s h o o t i n g t h a t p r o d u c e w i l d s h o t s f r e q u e n t l y , you aie responsible for y o u r gunfire from moving vehicles that causes accidents, i n j u r i e s or d e a t h s , r e g a r d l e s s of t h e suspect's criminal actions. T h e r i s k of u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s is a l s o h i g h w h e n y o u shoot w h i l e running. T h e physical and e m o t i o n a l s t r e s s c a u s e d b y t h e e x e r t i o n a l o n e is likely to seriously affect your proficiency. Add the n e t t l e s o m e d y n a m i c s of t r y i n g t o h i t a t a r g e t t h a t is m o v i n g w h i l e you yourself are m o v i n g , and the p r o b l e m is m a g n i f i e d m a n y f o l d . A s t h e d i s t a n c e b e t w e e n y o u a n d t h e s u s p e c t y o u ' r e c h a s i n g in338

creases, your ability to shoot h i m w h i l e r u n n i n g decreases dramatically, to the point that a hit b e c o m e s pure c h a n c e . S o m e t i m e s y o u r b e s t o p t i o n is n o t t o g i v e chase but through c o m m u n i c a t i o n s to alert other o f f i c e r s t o h i s p a t h of f l i g h t so t h e y c a n i n t e r c e p t h i m at a n o t h e r l o c a t i o n . A t t h e v e r y l e a s t , y o u w i l l w a n t to call for back-up before beginning a c h a s e . If y o u are a l o n e and i n a b u i l t - u p a r e a w i t h m a n y potential hiding places, going after an armed suspect on f o o t m a y verge o n s u i c i d e . W h e r e y o u a r e i n v o l v e d in a f o o t c h a s e a n d h a v e b o t h t h e n e e d a n d l e g a l j u s t i f i c a t i o n for s h o o t i n g at t h e s u s p e c t , y o u r b e s t o p t i o n is t o s t o p a n d s h o o t from a stationary position, using s o m e support for y o u r h a n d s if a p p r o p r i a t e . S u p p o r t p o s s i b i l i t i e s m i g h t i n c l u d e a c a r b o d y , a t r e e , a m a i l b o x or a fireplug. U s e t h e i n s t i n c t shooting c r o u c h . . . g r i p . . . and a i m . P r o v i d e d t h a t y o u r o w n s a f e t y a n d t h a t of others can be protected, the m o s t opportune t i m e t o s h o o t is w h e n s o m e o b s t a c l e s l o w s t h e s u s p e c t ' s f l i g h t ; for e x a m p l e , w h e n h e s t o p s t o e n t e r a c a r . . . go t h r o u g h a d o o r . . . o r s c a l e a w a l l or f e n c e . If y o u can anticipate his reduced mobility, you can find c o v e r . . . g e t i n p o s i t i o n . . . a n d b e r e a d y t o f i r e at t h e i n s t a n t y o u h a v e t h e b e s t c h a n c e of h i t t i n g h i m . If t h e r e are n o o b s t r u c t i o n s t o s l o w h i m d o w n b u t h e is r u n n i n g i n a f a i r l y s t r a i g h t l i n e , t h e n y o u m i g h t b e b e s t off t o a n g l e y o u r g u n at t h e p a v e m e n t a n d try t o t a k e h i m d o w n by h i t t i n g his legs w i t h ricochet shooting. T h i s could be especially effective if y o u are a r m e d w i t h a s h o t g u n . B e prepared for h i m t o s h o o t b a c k i n a n y c a s e . If y o u m i s s h i m or if t h e o b s t a c l e h e e n c o u n t e r s is i n s u r m o u n t a b l e , l i k e a b l i n d a l l e y , h i g h f e n c e or locked doorway, he m a y turn sharply on you, c o m m i t t e d t o s h o o t i n g it o u t . ( T h i s a l s o m a y h a p p e n e v e n w h e n h e is n o t trapped or y o u are n o t s h o o t i n g at h i m ; y o u r pursuit alone m a y be enough m o t i v a t i o n . T h a t ' s w h y , in a f o o t c h a s e , i t ' s i m p o r t a n t t o u t i l i z e a v a i l a b l e cover along the way, trying to keep parked cars, t r e e s and o t h e r b a r r i c a d e s b e t w e e n y o u a n d t h e s u s p e c t . W h e r e n o c o v e r is a v a i l a b l e , y o u ' r e u s u a l l y safest running in a line parallel to t h e s u s p e c t ' s line of f l i g h t , b u t n o t d i r e c t l y b e h i n d h i m . C h a n g e y o u r course slightly f r o m left to right to m a k e yourself a h a r d e r t a r g e t . T a k e a d v a n t a g e of s h a d o w s a n d d a r k n e s s for c o n c e a l m e n t w h e r e p o s s i b l e . Q u i c k peek around corners, and use e x t r e m e c a u t i o n w h e n entering alleys, stairways, cellars, buildings or d i m l y l i g h t e d a r e a s . If y o u l o s e s i g h t of t h e s u s p e c t , he m a y seize that opportunity to shoot at y o u from ambush.)

O n e i m p o r t a n t safeguard against u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s is t o ALWAYS be sure of youi target before you shoot. T h a t m e a n s y o u d o n ' t s h o o t at m u z z l e f l a s h . . . n o i s e . . . o r m o v e m e n t — e v e n if y o u h a v e b e e n fired o n — u n l e s s y o u a r e p o s i t i v e t h e s u s p e c t m a d e it. W h a t m o v e s , m a k e s noise, even shoots m a y not b e t h e b a d g u y . It m a y b e a f e l l o w o f f i c e r w h o h a s r e s p o n d e d t o y o u r a i d . O r it m a y b e a n i n n o c e n t c i v i l i a n w h o h a s h a p p e n e d t o b e o n t h e s c e n e of a c t i o n o r w h o s e m o v e m e n t s y o u a r e m i s t a k i n g as threatening. T h i s p r o b l e m of t a r g e t i d e n t i f i c a t i o n is a c c e n t u a t e d at n i g h t or i n b a d l i g h t , w h e r e i t ' s h a r d for you to see. At three o ' c l o c k o n e m o r n i n g officers in a California c o m m u n i t y answered a complaint from neighbors c l a i m i n g t h a t a young bartender and his girlfriend were fighting in his car and that she was b e i n g h e l d a g a i n s t h e r w i l l . A s t h e o f f i c e r s app r o a c h e d t h e c a r , t h e girl j u m p e d o u t of t h e p a s s e n ger side a n d t h e b a r t e n d e r r e a c h e d u n d e r t h e s e a t w i t h h i s r i g h t h a n d , t h e n r a i s e d it a n d p o i n t e d it at o n e of t h e o f f i c e r s . B o t h p o l i c e m e n , r e s p o n d i n g t o w h a t l o o k e d l i k e a t h r e a t e n i n g m o v e , fired i n t o t h e car, k i l l i n g t h e y o u n g m a n . A f t e r w a r d s , t h e y discovered that his hand had been e m p t y ; h e w a s not armed. At this writing, the officers face a $ 2 mill i o n c i v i l s u i t b r o u g h t b y t h e v i c t i m ' s f a m i l y . In W i s c o n s i n , an officer l o o k i n g for a robbery suspect entered a house w i t h his gun drawn. H e was creeping u p s t a i r s w h e n h e w a s s t a r t l e d b y t h e s u d d e n a p p e a r a n c e of a h u m a n f i g u r e . H e fired a n d s h o t dead a t e e n a g e girl w h o l i v e d i n t h e h o u s e and w a s n o t a s u s p e c t at a l l . C o n t r o l l i n g y o u r fire u n t i l y o u h a v e g o o d target identification m a y become unusually troublesome if y o u ' r e at a s c e n e w i t h o t h e r o f f i c e r s . In o n e s i t u a tion, several officers were on a rooftop across the street from a building where an armed assailant was b a r r i c a d e d . O n l y o n e of t h e o f f i c e r s w a s p o s i t i o n e d w h e r e he could actually see the suspect. At an o p p o r t u n e m o m e n t , h e s h o t . H e a r i n g h i s g u n go off, a l l t h e o t h e r s c u t l o o s e w i t h e v e r y t h i n g t h e y h a d , t o o — a l t h o u g h l a t e r t h e y c o n c e d e d t h e y did not k n o w where the suspect was located and were s h o o t i n g toward various irrelevant l o c a t i o n s in the building! T h i s P a v l o v i a n r e s p o n s e is c a l l e d " t h e d o m i n o e f f e c t , " b e c a u s e o n e s h o t t o u c h e s off m a n y i n a chain reaction like falling d o m i n o e s . Wild shots r e s u l t i n g i n u n i n t e n t i o n a l h i t s are a f r e q u e n t c o n s e q u e n c e of s h o o t i n g j u s t b e c a u s e y o u h e a r r o u n d s g o i n g off or s e e s o m e o n e e l s e a r o u n d y o u firing. You want to hold your fire unless you know why you should shoot. T h i s is c a l l e d f i r e a r m s d i s c i p l i n e . 340

Don't t r y t o s h o o t a s u s p e c t y o u h a v e n ' t l o c a t e d . . . a n d don't s h o o t w h e n y o u k n o w y o u h a v e n o c h a n c e of h i t t i n g h i m . R e m e m b e r , e v e r y o f f i c e r is r e s p o n s i b l e for h i s o w n a c t i o n s . If y o u f o l l o w t h e lead of n o t h e r o f f i c e r w h o h a s fired b y m i s t a k e , o u t of fear, as a r e s u l t of s t r e s s or i n d e c i s i o n or for a n y n u m b e r of o t h e r q u e s t i o n a b l e r e a s o n s , y o u m a y f i n d yourself answering a c r i m i n a l charge for gross negligence. Finally, watch the background toward which y o u ' r e s h o o t i n g . S o m e t i m e s o f f i c e r s b e c o m e so f o c u s e d o n t h e s u s p e c t t h e y forget t o n o t i c e w h a t ' s b e h i n d h i m . In a n O h i o c i t y , for e x a m p l e , a n a n g r y s u s p e c t r o a r e d i n t o t h e p a r k i n g l o t of a p o l i c e station, vowing to " b l o w a w a y " every officer he c o u l d f i n d b e c a u s e of a g r i e v a n c e o v e r a t r a f f i c s t o p . O f f i c e r s i n t h e v i c i n i t y d r e w t h e i r g u n s and c o m p l e t e l y s u r r o u n d e d h i s c a r — n o t r e a l i z i n g t h a t if a n y o n e of t h e m s t a r t e d s h o o t i n g , o t h e r s w o u l d b e i n t h e p a t h of b u l l e t s t h a t m i s s e d o r p a s s e d through the offender. T h i s cross-fire situation ended w i t h o u t casualty because the suspect m e e k l y surrendered. But that w a s n o t t h e c a s e w i t h a n e p i s o d e in C a l i f o r n i a , w h i c h r e f l e c t s a n u m b e r of w i l d s h o t p h e n o m e n a . In t h a t c a s e , s i x v i c e o f f i c e r s h a d s u r r o u n d e d t h e h o m e of a n a r c o t i c s d e a l e r for t h e s e r v i n g of a search warrant, when a shoot-out suddenly erupted. S c o r e s of s h o t s w e r e fired i n t o t h e d w e l l i n g f r o m all d i r e c t i o n s . L a t e r it w a s e s t a b l i s h e d t h a t t h e p o l i c e had p o s i t i o n e d t h e m s e l v e s a r o u n d t h e b u i l d i n g , w i t h g u n s i n a d v e r t e n t l y p o i n t e d at o n e a n o t h e r . S o m e fired b e c a u s e t h e y h e a r d w h a t t h e y t h o u g h t were shots coming from the suspects inside. Others fired b e c a u s e t h e y s a w a f e l l o w o f f i c e r fall b a c k a n d thought he had been shot. Actually, this officer fell b a c k f r o m t h e r e c o i l e f f e c t of h i s o w n g u n . No s h o t s at a n y t i m e c a m e f r o m t h e i n s i d e of t h e b u i l d i n g or f r o m t h e s u s p e c t . T h e first b u l l e t , l i k e all t h e r e s t , c a m e f r o m a police gun. A n o v e r e a g e r o f f i c e r at t h e f r o n t of t h e b u i l d i n g h a d fired b l i n d l y i n t o t h e i n t e r i o r as s o o n as t h e d o o r w a s f o r c e d o p e n . T h e gun " b a t t l e , " c o m p l e t e w i t h cross-fire and shooting at u n s e e n " a s s a i l a n t s , " d o m i n o e d f r o m t h a t . T h e drug d e a l e r , b y t h e w a y , e s c a p e d d u r i n g t h e f u r o r . B u t an o f f i c e r w a s w o u n d e d .

Ammunition Control U n d e r s t a n d i n g and c o n t r o l l i n g y o u r a m m u n i t i o n is a l s o a n i m p o r t a n t part of f i r e a r m s c o n t r o l . A malfunction o r improper discharge can be caused

by the ammunition you use, as w e l l as b y t h e w a y y o u h a n d l e or m a i n t a i n y o u r g u n . Y o u r f i r s t c o n c e r n is always t o u s e only t h e t y p e of c a r t r i d g e meant for y o u r w e a p o n . Even t h o u g h t w o c a r t r i d g e s look s i m i l a r o r a r e of t h e same caliber, it is n o t i p s o f a c t o e v i d e n c e t h a t t h e y are i n t e r changeable. Officers have been k n o w n to try to put rifle bullets into revolvers...to s w i t c h cartridges b e t w e e n revolvers and s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s . . . t o carry rim-fire a m m u n i t i o n s o m e t i m e s used on ranges in duty guns d e s i g n e d for c e n t e r - f i r e r o u n d s . . . o r t o c a r r y w a d c u t t e r r o u n d s s p e c i f i c a l l y d e s i g n e d for target p r a c t i c e i n s t e a d of s e r v i c e a m m u n i t i o n . If t h e w r o n g a m m u n i t i o n is f o r c e d i n t o a g u n it m a y l o c k i n t h e c y l i n d e r or h a n g u p i n t h e m a g a z i n e . In o t h e r c a s e s , i n a p p r o p r i a t e a m m u n i t i o n m a y seem t o fit, b u t w h e n y o u t r y t o s h o o t t h e g u n , e v e n s m a l l differences can cause malfunctions. A semi-automatic round t h a t ' s too short for t h e magazine in use m a y b e f o r c e d i n t o t h e c h a m b e r s o h a r d t h a t it w o n ' t seat properly. Revolver rounds, w h i c h uniquely h a v e a p r o t r u d i n g lip or r i m o n t h e s h e l l c a s e s t o keep t h e m from falling through the cylinder, will The owner of this .25 cal. semiautomatic was a detective who reached into a bag full of various kinds of ammunition. On the range, he loaded a . 22 cartridge in the magazine. The result was an internal explosion. The bullet was forced back into its own shell casing during the explosion.

342

A large variety of ammunition is manufactured in the U.S. On the right are a few of the rounds you may be familiar with.

343

fymington

^ fymington

38 S&W Know which ammunition your firearms.

goes into

Numerous cartridge calibers may look like they are acceptable in a .38 Special revolver—but they aren't.

The result of reloads with too much charge: a blown-out top strap and cylinder. The risk to your hands and eyes in these kinds of accidents is staggering. 344

n o t c h a m b e r if l o a d e d i n t o a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c m a g a z i n e . W i t h a s h o t g u n , if y o u l o a d a . 1 6 g a . or . 2 0 ga. s h e l l , t h e n l o a d a . 1 2 ga. s h e l l , t h e b a r r e l c o u l d e x p l o d e if fired. T h i s k i n d of c a r e l e s s n e s s w i t h a m m u n i t i o n is a h a b i t w i t h bad g u y s , t o o . T h e y ' r e l a z y ; t h e y f i g u r e if it f i t s , t h e y ' l l u s e i t . O f t e n t h e i r a m m u n i t i o n t e n d s t o b e old, t o o . B u t y o u r p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m demands higher standards than that. T h e r e ' s less c h a n c e of g e t t i n g t h e w r o n g a m m u n i t i o n i n t o t h e w r o n g g u n , i n c i d e n t a l l y , if y o u c o o r d i n a t e y o u r o n and o f f - d u t y f i r e a r m s s o t h a t t h e y r e q u i r e t h e s a m e t y p e of r o u n d . A n d r e m e m b e r , a m m u n i t i o n t h a t seems similar isn't, necessarily. For i n s t a n c e , .38 cal. S m i t h & Wesson rounds w o n ' t w o r k in .38 Special revolvers, and . 3 5 7 M a g n u m rounds w o n ' t c h a m b e r in a .38 revolver. Selecting the right a m m u n i t i o n involves gett i n g it f r o m a r e l i a b l e s o u r c e . S o m e o f f i c e r s l i k e t o manufacture their own rounds by reloading spent c a s e s . If t h e r e l o a d e r is e x p e r i e n c e d , k n o w s w h a t h e ' s doing and is careful, reloads are okay for the range, but your department may insist on factory-loaded cartridges for use on t h e street. Even if it d o e s n ' t you should. Despite the best reloading e q u i p m e n t and most c o n s c i e n t i o u s personal effort, quality control for reloads is generally far inferior to that m a i n t a i n e d by most c o m m e r c i a l m a n u f a c t u r e r s . W h e n you reload amm u n i t i o n yourself, you run a higher-than-normal risk of producing rounds w i t h : •improper powder charges. It a r o u n d g e t s t o o m a n y g r a i n s of p o w d e r it m a y b l o w u p t h e c y l i n d e r or t o u c h off " s y m p a t h e t i c " d i s c h a r g e s of o t h e r rounds, causing even m o r e extensive damage to the g u n — o r y o u . If t h e r e ' s t o o l i t t l e p o w d e r t o p r o d u c e e n o u g h e n e r g y for proper p r o p u l s i o n , t h e b u l l e t s m a y lodge in t h e b a r r e l , c a u s i n g a j a m or e x p l o s i o n the n e x t t i m e you fire. W h e r e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s are involved, w e a k loads can also c a u s e spent cases to b e r e c h a m b e r e d or p r e v e n t t h e s l i d e f r o m b e i n g d r i v e n b a c k far e n o u g h t o p i c k a f r e s h r o u n d o u t of t h e m a g a z i n e . T h e n w h e n y o u p u l l t h e trigger, n o shot will fire. •high primers. In r e c o n s t r u c t i n g t h e c a r t r i d g e , the primer m a y n o t be seated deep enough. T h e defect m a y not be noticeable to the h u m a n eye, b u t l o a d e d in, t h e p r i m e r m a y p r o t r u d e e n o u g h t o k e e p t h e r o u n d f r o m c h a m b e r i n g or t h e c y l i n d e r from turning. •poor crimping. T h e bullet m a y be too loosely c r i m p e d i n t o t h e s h e l l , a l l o w i n g it t o m o v e f o r w a r d s l i g h t l y f r o m r e c o i l u n t i l t h e t i p p r o j e c t s o u t of t h e c y l i n d e r , k e e p i n g it f r o m r o t a t i n g i n t o l i n e w i t h the barrel.

Four .357 Magnum bullets were lodged in this barrel as a result of reloads with an insufficient charge.

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Factory-loaded ammunition can also be defective. Notice the improper rim area at the base of the two cartridges on the left. The cartridge base on the right is properly formed.

The .38 Special round on the left has a casing crack due to continual reloading. The middle cartridge was reloaded while the shell casing was squashed. The cartridge on the right reinforces the need to examine reloads before their use.

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•casing fatigue. E a c h t i m e a c a r t r i d g e is fired, t h e s h e l l e x p a n d s a n d m u s t b e r e s i z e d for r e l o a d i n g . If y o u r e l o a d t h e s a m e c a s e s o v e r a n d o v e r , t h e y ' r e susceptible eventually to splitting. A c r a c k e d casing w o n ' t fire r e l i a b l y b e c a u s e it w o n ' t s e a t p r o p e r l y . •foreign matter. S o m e t i m e s g r e a s e or s m a l l b i t s of c o t t o n f i n d t h e i r w a y i n t o c a r t r i d g e c a s e s during r e l o a d i n g . If t h e y lodge b e t w e e n t h e p r i m e r and p o w d e r , t h e y m a y p r e v e n t t h e c a r t r i d g e f r o m discharging (called a " m i s f i r e " ) . O r , m o r e dangerous, the foreign m a t t e r produces a " h a n g - f i r e , " you t h i n k y o u h a v e a dud, b u t a f t e r a d e l a y t h e r o u n d g o e s off. T h i s c a n h a p p e n if t h e p r i m e r i g n i t e s t h e g r e a s e or c o t t o n , w h i c h in t u r n i g n i t e s t h e p r o p e l l a n t a f t e r an i n t e r v a l of s e v e r a l s e c o n d s . O f c o u r s e , r e l o a d s are l e s s e x p e n s i v e t h a n factory-made ammunition. But considering the p o s s i b i l i t i e s f o r error, g o i n g t h e r e l o a d r o u t e is a n e c o n o m y that could cost you your life. Even serious competitive shooters insist on factory a m m u n i t i o n in a m a t c h , a l t h o u g h t h e y m a y p r a c t i c e w i t h r e l o a d s . F o o l i s h f r u g a l i t y c a n b e j u s t as t h r e a t e n i n g t o g o o d f i r e a r m s c o n t r o l as t h o u g h t l e s s n e s s , l a z i ness and i m m a t u r i t y . Even w i t h factory loads, h o w e v e r , a h e a l t h y skepticism promotes survival. W h a t you buy should

The two .45 auto cartridges on the left contain corrosion and rust from storage in a damp garage for a number of years. The two .38 cartridges contain green deposits from an officer's dump pouch which hadn't been opened in four years.

be good and probably will be, but y o u ' r e safest to check every round you load or carry t o b e s u r e t h a t it i s . F i r s t , v i s u a l l y e x a m i n e a l l y o u r d u t y a m m u n i t i o n a n d e l i m i n a t e a n y c a r t r i d g e s t h a t appear c r a c k e d , s w o l l e n or b a d l y " b r u i s e d . " T h e n , if y o u ' r e using a revolver, load and close the cylinder, pull the h a m m e r b a c k slightly and rotate the cylinder w i t h y o u r f i n g e r s . O r if y o u ' r e u s i n g a s e m i a u t o m a t i c , cycle each round through the gun by w o r k i n g t h e slide b a c k and forth m a n u a l l y , being s u r e t o s t a n d o v e r a s o f t s u r f a c e or t o c a t c h t h e c a r t r i d g e s as t h e y e j e c t t o k e e p t h e m f r o m f a l l i n g o n h a r d s u r f a c e s . T h e s e t e s t s o n t h e r a n g e or i n s o m e o t h e r safe l o c a t i o n will allow y o u to detect " h i g h p r i m e r s " w h i c h m a y protrude slightly from t h e c a r t r i d g e b e c a u s e of m a n u f a c t u r i n g m i s t a k e s a n d c a u s e b i n d i n g or j a m m i n g w h e n y o u t r y t o s h o o t . If y o u ' v e j u s t o p e n e d a n e w b o x of c a r t r i d g e s or are t r y i n g a n e w s p e c i f i c a t i o n of b u l l e t for t h e f i r s t t i m e , t e s t - f i r e h a l f a d o z e n or s o as a m e a n s of sampling the run and satisfying yourself that what y o u ' r e loading will prove dependable in a fight. W i t h s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s , especially, s o m e cartridge s t y l e s f e e d m o r e s m o o t h l y t h a n o t h e r s , a n d if you've got a " f i n i c k y e a t i n g " situation on your h a n d s , y o u w a n t t o k n o w it b e f o r e y o u ' r e i n a n e m e r g e n c y and i t ' s too late to field test. For a shotgun, too, all a m m u n i t i o n should be visually e x a m i n e d for burrs and gouges on t h e p l a s t i c or b r a s s t h a t m a y c a u s e f e e d i n g p r o b l e m s . S a m p l e s from n e w batches should be test-fired to v e r i f y r e l i a b i l i t y . B u t c a r t r i d g e s s h o u l d not b e c y c l e d through the gun by operating the action. T h e ejecto r / e x t r a c t o r o n a s h o t g u n m a y s c a r t h e r i m of t h e shells in repeated cyclings, and plastic cartridges ejected o n t o the ground m a y develop burrs, w h i c h m a y later c a u s e t h e m to j a m in t h e m a g a z i n e . Y o u want to store a m m u n i t i o n in a place t h a t ' s dry a n d c o o l . M o i s t u r e c a n c a u s e c o r r o s i o n . D i r e c t h e a t f r o m t h e s u n or o t h e r s o u r c e s c a n a l t e r pressure in t h e cartridge and m a y also cause lubricant inside the shell to run into the powder, affecting firing qualities. Sharp shifts in t e m p e r a t u r e are u n d e s i r a b l e b e c a u s e t h e y c a n e x p a n d a n d c o n tract cartridge cases and also produce condensation. Theoretically, m o s t a m m u n i t i o n has an " a c c e p t a b l e " s h e l f l i f e of a b o u t 5 y e a r s , b u t c o n s i d e r r e p l a c i n g it e v e r y 4 - 6 m o n t h s . N o t t o k e e p it f r e s h w h e n y o u r l i f e is at s t a k e is a n o t h e r f o o l i s h e c o n o m y . Y o u can t a k e your old stuff to the range a n d s h o o t it off t h e r e , as a c h a n c e t o t e s t y o u r f i r e a r m a n d t o r e q u a l i f y . If y o u k e e p it i n y o u r g u n or a m m u n i t i o n c a r r i e r , y o u ' r e i n v i t i n g a m a l f u n c tion. O n his w a y to w o r k o n e day, o n e officer 348

recognized a suspect w a n t e d for a r m e d robbery and a p p r o a c h e d t o arrest h i m . A l t h o u g h t h e o f f i c e r h a d h i s g u n in h a n d , t h e r o b b e r m a n a g e d t o d r a w a n d s h o o t h i m f a t a l l y b e f o r e t h e o f f i c e r c o u l d get off a s h o t . L a t e r , t e s t s s h o w e d t h a t t h e p r i m e r s of t w o of t h e o f f i c e r ' s c a r t r i d g e s h a d b e e n s t r u c k b y t h e firing p i n of h i s g u n h e ' d t r i e d t o s h o o t , b u t h i s a m m u n i t i o n h a d f a i l e d t o f i r e . It h a d d e t e r i o r a t e d f r o m age a n d i m p r o p e r m a i n t e n a n c e . O f s i x r o u n d s in h i s c y l i n d e r , f o u r w e r e s o c o r r o d e d t h e y h a d t o b e forced free. ;

If y o u ' r e u s i n g a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , d o n ' t s t o r e a m m u n i t i o n for long p e r i o d s in m a g a z i n e s , e i t h e r . In t i m e , t h i s m a y p r o m o t e c o r r o s i o n , a n d t h e c o n t i n u a l t e n s i o n o n t h e f o l l o w e r spring m a y w e a k e n i t . M a g a z i n e s s h o u l d b e r o t a t e d i n a n d o u t of s e r v i c e periodically and stored e m p t y . T h e r e v o l v e r a m m u n i t i o n y o u t a k e w i t h y o u for a c t i v e u s e s h o u l d a l w a y s be t r a n s p o r t e d in a c a r t r i d g e c a r r i e r , w h e r e it is b e t t e r protected f r o m dirt a n d o t h e r a b u s e . C a r r y i n g l o o s e r o u n d s in y o u r p o c k e t or p u r s e c a n be d a n g e r o u s , e s p e c i a l l y if t h e y are a b l e t o c o m e in c o n t a c t w i t h t h e p o w e r supply t e r m i n a l s of h a n d - h e l d r a d i o t r a n s c e i v e r s or spare radio b a t t e r i e s a l s o c a r r i e d t h e r e . In s e v e r a l states, officers have been injured under such c i r c u m stances w h e n cartridges made electrical c o n t a c t with the terminals and were detonated.

Customizing J u s t as f a c t o r y a m m u n i t i o n u s u a l l y h a s t h e qualities that best contribute to your survival, your f i r e a r m , t o o , is g e n e r a l l y i n a c o n d i t i o n y o u c a n ' t i m p r o v e o n as it c o m e s f r o m t h e f a c t o r y . S o m e officers, especially those w h o fancy t h e m s e l v e s gun a f i c i o n a d o s , are t e m p t e d t o m a k e d o - i t - y o u r s e l f m o d i f i c a t i o n s , b u t u n l e s s y o u ' r e a qualified guns m i t h , y o u ' r e w i s e s t t o avoid hot iodding or customizing any firearm you use on or off duty. E v e n if y o u ' r e c o m p e t e n t for t h e t a s k , a n y a d j u s t m e n t s o r m o d i f i c a t i o n s s h o u l d b e m a d e only by o f f i c i a l p e r m i s s i o n , w i t h t h e o k a y of y o u r d e p a r t m e n t ' s armorer. A r e v o l v e r h a s m o r e t h a n 10 m o v i n g p a r t s , a semi-automatic m o r e than 15, a shotgun m o r e t h a n 2 0 . A l l of a g u n ' s c o m p o n e n t s a r e c a r e f u l l y engineered to c o m p l e m e n t each other and to provide a c e r t a i n b a l a n c e t o t h e a c t i o n of t h e w e a p o n . M a n u f a c t u r e r s e s t a b l i s h p r e c i s e s t a n d a r d s of a d j u s t m e n t a n d t o l e r a n c e , b a s e d o n i n t e n s i v e s t u d i e s of how guns should perform under various temperature and c l i m a t e c o n d i t i o n s . B y adding e q u i p m e n t . . .

The trigger on this Ruger Mini-14 was designed for a proper trigger squeeze. For duty use, a trigger shoe addition isn't worth the risk of a malfunction. The danger with a trigger shoe is the possibility that the holding screw will work loose and force the shoe to jam the trigger.

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tampering with factory adjustments...or making structural alterations, you can seriously interfere w i t h a duty f i r e a r m ' s proper p e r f o r m a n c e , causing a life-threatening m a l f u n c t i o n during an armed confrontation. (You m a y also affect the way the g u n f i t s i n t o i t s h o l s t e r , m a k i n g it m o r e s u s c e p t i b l e t o a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e or t o l o s s d u r i n g v i g o r o u s activity.) W h a t t e n d s t o h a p p e n w i t h c u s t o m i z i n g is t h a t y o u c h a n g e y o u r g u n w i t h o n e intent in m i n d and w i n d u p w i t h q u i t e a d i f f e r e n t result because you failed to understand h o w form affects f u n c t i o n . As i l l u s t r a t i o n , c o n s i d e r t h e s e m o d i f i c a t i o n s h o t rodders c o m m o n l y m a k e o n b a s i c g u n c o m p o n e n t s a n d t h e u n e x p e c t e d d a n g e r o u s c o n s e q u e n c e s t h a t frequently follow: T R I G G E R : By attaching a m e t a l device called a "trigger s h o e , " s o m e officers try to widen the trigger t o f a c i l i t a t e a s m o o t h e r s q u e e z e . T h i s m a y b e a c c e p t a b l e for slow, single-action target shooting, the purpose for w h i c h the s h o e w a s designed half a

c e n t u r y ago, b u t o n a d u t y w e a p o n it c r e a t e s s e v e r a l p r o b l e m s . B e c a u s e it e x t e n d s o u t s i d e t h e trigger guard, t h e b r o a d s h o e is m o r e l i k e l y t o snag o n c l o t h i n g . . . i t m a y c a t c h o n t h e lip of t h e l e a t h e r a n d discharge w h e n you shove your gun into its holster, s h o o t i n g y o u i n t h e leg. T h e added b u l k m a k e s it n e a r l y i m p o s s i b l e for y o u t o p r o p e r l y p o s i t i o n y o u r f i n g e r for d o u b l e - a c t i o n s h o o t i n g , u n l e s s y o u h a v e e x c e p t i o n a l l y large h a n d s . . . a n d , n o m a t t e r h o w f i r m l y it is p l a c e d , t h e s e t s c r e w t h a t h o l d s t h e s h o e in p o s i t i o n m a y w o r k l o o s e s o t h e d e v i c e s l i p s d o w n and j a m s t h e trigger i n a f o r w a r d p o s i t i o n , m a k i n g the gun inoperative. Trigger s h o e s are dangerous on a n y f i r e a r m , w h e t h e r a h a n d g u n or a l o n g g u n . T h i s w a s l e a r n e d t h e hard w a y b y a C a l i f o r n i a o f f i c e r , w h o tried to e m p l o y a Ruger M i n i - 1 4 rifle in a firefight that erupted during a sniper i n c i d e n t . T h e rifle s t o p p e d firing b e c a u s e a l o o s e t r i g g e r s h o e w a s b l o c k i n g t h e p u l l of t h e trigger. S C R E W S A N D S P R I N G S : O n revolvers, officers t r y i n g t o r e d u c e trigger p u l l m a y l o o s e n t h e s t r a i n screw w h i c h m a i n t a i n s pressure on the m a i n spring, a n d o n s o m e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s t h e y o f t e n c u t l i n k s off t h e r e c o i l spring a n d h a m m e r spring to m a k e the slide easier to pull b a c k and to give t h e g u n a c r i s p " s n a p . " T h e s t r a i n s c r e w is d e s i g n e d to be s c r e w e d all t h e w a y i n t i g h t . If y o u t a m p e r w i t h it or t h e h a m m e r spring, y o u c a n c a u s e m i s fires b e c a u s e t h e h a m m e r w i l l f a l l t o o l i g h t l y t o d e t o n a t e t h e c a r t r i d g e . B y a l t e r i n g t h e r e c o i l spring you m a y w e a k e n the t e n s i o n so that t h e slide w o n ' t p o s i t i v e l y feed a l i v e r o u n d i n t o t h e c h a m b e r as i t ' s s u p p o s e d t o w h e n y o u n e e d t o s h o o t , or t h e s l i d e w i l l n o t c o m p l e t e l y c l o s e . T h e r e are at l e a s t 15 s p r i n g s , s c r e w s and p i n s i n t h e a v e r a g e h a n d g u n . E a c h h a s an i m p o r t a n t p u r p o s e r e g a r d i n g t h e c o n t r o l of t h e w e a p o n . The length and tension of springs and the tightness of screws should not be changed in any way from factory configuration. I N T E R N A L A C T I O N : S o m e officers try to modify the sear and l o c k i n g m e c h a n i s m s inside t h e i r g u n s t o l i g h t e n trigger p u l l . B u t t h e e n g a g i n g s u r f a c e s of a g u n ' s a c t i o n are s u r f a c e - h a r d e n e d o n l y . If y o u s c r a p e a w a y or s t o n e off e v e n a s m a l l a m o u n t of s u r f a c e m e t a l , y o u e x p o s e s o f t m e t a l u n d e r n e a t h , rapidly a c c e l e r a t i n g w e a r a n d p r e c i p i t a t i n g p a r t s failure and r e p l a c e m e n t . U n l e s s y o u are an experienced gunsmith, you should never r e m o v e the side p l a t e f r o m y o u r r e v o l v e r for a c c e s s t o t h e a c t i o n for any r e a s o n . H A M M E R : Wide h a m m e r s are s o m e t i m e s ins t a l l e d for e a s i e r c o c k i n g . . . o r t h e h a m m e r spur is ground down to keep the gun from snagging w h e n d r a w n . In p r a c t i c e , an e n l a r g e d h a m m e r , l i k e a

trigger s h o e , c a n c a t c h o n y o u r c l o t h i n g or h o l s t e r c a u s i n g a n a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e . T h e n e e d for c o c k i n g y o u r g u n o n t h e s t r e e t is v i r t u a l l y n o n e x i s t e n t , a n y w a y . In reducing t h e h a m m e r spur, y o u r i s k l i g h t e n i n g t h e w e i g h t of t h e h a m m e r f a l l s o that t h e firing pin fails to drive i n t o t h e cartridge's p r i m e r w i t h e n o u g h f o r c e t o d e t o n a t e it. Y o u c l i c k the trigger...the h a m m e r drops...nothing happens. S A F E T Y : S o m e t i m e s officers m a y try to " t i e d o w n , " g r i n d off or o t h e r w i s e d i s a b l e s a f e t i e s , arguing that t h e y are " i n c o n v e n i e n t " and m a y under stress be engaged w h e n an officer needs to s h o o t . T a m p e r i n g w i t h t h e e x t e r n a l s a f e t i e s of a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c or t h e b u i l t - i n s a f e t y of a r e v o l v e r c a n m a k e a g u n as d a n g e r o u s f o r t h e o f f i c e r w h o h o l d s it as for t h e s u s p e c t i t ' s p o i n t e d a t . If y o u r e m o v e t h e s a f e t y m e c h a n i s m f r o m a r e v o l v e r , for e x a m p l e , you create a " p u s h o f f " risk; that is, w h e n the gun's cocked, a slight pressure on the h a m m e r c a n c a u s e it t o f a l l f o r w a r d a n d d i s c h a r g e a c a r t r i d g e . T h u s t h e g u n is h i g h l y s u s c e p t i b l e t o f i r i n g if d r o p p e d or b u m p e d . If y o u d i s a b l e , s a y , t h e grip s a f e t y of a . 4 5 c a l . s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , t h e g u n m a y d o u b l e fire w h e n y o u are r e c o v e r i n g f r o m t h e r e c o i l . Safeties help to assure that your gun does not fire accidentally, a n d s h o u l d b e m a i n t a i n e d as t h e y a r e . F R A M E : O c c a s i o n a l l y o f f i c e r s add c h r o m e t o a b l u e - f i n i s h h a n d g u n t o m a k e it l o o k " s h a r p e r . " O r , if t h e y ' r e c a r r y i n g a large c a l i b e r s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , they m a y substitute an alloy frame to lighten the weight. Although a c h r o m e d gun m a y wear better a n d b e l e s s s u s c e p t i b l e t o c o r r o s i o n , it m a y a l s o a t t r a c t t h e k i n d of a t t e n t i o n y o u d o n ' t w a n t ; b e c a u s e i t ' s m o r e v i s i b l e , it m a k e s y o u a b e t t e r target. An alloy frame m a y not have t h e durability y o u n e e d . T h e o r i g i n a l h e a v y f r a m e is d e s i g n e d t o t a k e t h e s h o c k of t h e s l i d e s l a m m i n g b a c k a n d forth, w h i l e the heavy recoil against the alloy will quickly loosen vital tolerances. Leave the frame — a n d t h e c o n t o u r of t h e f r a m e — a s i s ; don't replace fixed sights w i t h t e m p e r a m e n t a l a n d f r a g i l e adj u s t a b l e s i g h t s . . . d o n ' t add a longer barrel, which m a y r e d u c e a c c u r a c y . . . d o n ' t try to use an oversized magazine in a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c to load extra r o u n d s . . . d o n ' t experiment by interchanging parts and accessories to see w h a t " s u i t s " y o u best. U s e your t i m e and energy instead m a i n t a i n i n g w h a t y o u h a v e , t o k e e p it i n t h e m o s t r e l i a b l e c o n d i t i o n possible. G R I P S : S o m e t i m e s t h e l e f t grip p a n e l o n a r e v o l v e r is c h a n g e d or m o d i f i e d b e c a u s e it prot r u d e s t o o far t o a c c o m m o d a t e t h e s m o o t h , q u i c k u s e of s p e e d - l o a d e r s . T h i s is a n a p p r o p r i a t e a n d necessary alteration. But m o r e often, officers switch 352

Oversized grips like these are totally impractical for duty use.

As you attempt to eject rounds, the sixth cartridge cannot clear the grips Under conditions of a shootout, attempting to reload quickly would be time consuming.

grips b e c a u s e t h e y b e l i e v e o v e r s i z e d o r f a n c y o n e s add d r a m a t o t h e a p p e a r a n c e of t h e i r h a n d g u n . T h a t m a y b e t r u e , b u t s u b s t i t u t i o n s f r e q u e n t l y add h a z a r d s , t o o . O v e r s i z e d grips o n a r e v o l v e r , f o r example, m a y interfere with unloading, unless they are s p e c i f i c a l l y d e s i g n e d for c o m b a t use,- w h e n y o u p l u n g e t h e e j e c t o r r o d , f i v e of y o u r c a s i n g s f a l l o u t , b u t t h e s p e n t r o u n d c l o s e s t t o t h e grip h a n g s u p . T o get it o u t , y o u h a v e t o r o t a t e t h e c y l i n d e r b y

hand. A m i d w e s t e r n officer was killed during a s h o o t - o u t b e c a u s e of t h e e x t r a t i m e t h i s r e q u i r e d . S o m e grip p a n e l s w i t h b u i l t - i n t h u m b a n d f i n g e r rests m a k e a handgun hard to carry in a h o l s t e r . . . m a k e drawing m o r e difficult...and also hamper e f f e c t i v e w e a k - h a n d s h o o t i n g . G r i p s m a d e of b o n e or p l a s t i c s o m e t i m e s c h i p off a r o u n d t h e s t o c k p i n , c a u s i n g t h e g u n t o j a m if t h e c h i p w o r k s i t s w a y i n t o t h e a c t i o n . A l s o p l a s t i c t e n d s t o slip i n y o u r h a n d if y o u ' r e s w e a t i n g , as do s m o o t h w o o d e n grips, loosening your hold on the gun. Probably the best a l l - a r o u n d grips are of c h e c k e r e d w a l n u t . T h e s e c a n r e d u c e s l i p p i n g of y o u r h a n d f r o m s w e a t . . . a l l o w e v a p o r a t i o n of c o n d e n s a t i o n . . . c a n b e f i l e d , s a n d e d or s m o o t h e d w i t h 0 0 s t e e l w o o l t o g i v e y o u a c u s t o m f i t for b o t h w e a k - a n d s t r o n g - h a n d s h o o t i n g . T h e r i g h t fit is e x t r e m e l y i m p o r t a n t . I n c r e d i b l y , s o m e o f f i c e r s i n s t a l l grips t h a t a r e t o o big f o r t h e m t o handle w e l l b e c a u s e they're embarrassed to a d m i t that they have small hands! T o determine your p r o p e r grip s i z e , h o l d t h e g u n in y o u r w e a k h a n d . . . p u t y o u r i n d e x f i n g e r o n t h e t r i g g e r at t h e f i r s t k n u c k l e . . . a n d try to a s s u m e a n o r m a l hold on t h e g u n . If t h e grips are t o o l a r g e , t h e b a r r e l w i l l b e p o i n t e d o u t w a r d ; t h a t i s , t o t h e l e f t i n t h e c a s e of a r i g h t - h a n d e d s h o o t e r . If t h e grips a r e t o o s m a l l , t h e barrel will angle inward. W h a t all t h e c a u t i o n s a b o u t c u s t o m i z i n g add up t o is t h i s : if y o u h a v e t h e t i n k e r i n g u r g e , r e s t r i c t it t o f i r e a r m s y o u u s e in t a r g e t s h o o t i n g c o m p e t i t i o n , w h e r e a l l y o u h a v e at s t a k e are a f e w score points, not your life. T h e m o r e the m e c h a n i s m of a d e f e n s e g u n is l e f t a l o n e , t h e l o n g e r a n d b e t t e r it's likely to perform its intended function. T h a t is n o t t o s a y t h a t g u n s a r e a l w a y s perfect w h e n they c o m e from the factory. An officer in the midwest recently discovered that a n e w s h o t g u n r i g h t o u t of t h e b o x w o u l d n o t r a c k i n t h e first r o u n d . M i s t a k e s c a n b e a n d are m a d e i n m a n u facturing. Have any gun you acquire, especially a used gun, inspected and tested by a reliable, c o m p e t e n t g u n s m i t h or y o u r d e p a r t m e n t a r m o r e r — not " a f r i e n d w h o k n o w s all a b o u t g u n s " — b e f o r e y o u c a r r y it o n d u t y . If t h e g u n is n e w , y o u w a n t t o b e s u r e it m e e t s t h e s t a n d a r d s it s h o u l d ; if y o u ' v e b o u g h t it u s e d , y o u w a n t t o b e s u r e it h a s n ' t b e e n worked on inside by s o m e unqualified hobbyist. W h e n y o u get t h e g u n b a c k , d r a w a n d test fire it thoroughly under all conditions before taking it out on the street. Y o u w a n t t o s h o o t at l e a s t o n e f u l l m a g a z i n e or c y l i n d e r of s e r v i c e - l o a d a m m u n i t i o n , and p o s s i b l y s o m e p r a c t i c e a m m u n i t i o n as w e l l . S o m e g u n s m i t h s r e c o m m e n d f i r i n g at l e a s t 2 0 rounds on 2 separate o c c a s i o n s w i t h a n e w gun to 354

be sure it's f u n c t i o n i n g flawlessly. T h i s testing should be done after y o u ' v e had a gun repaired, t o o . T h e r e have been cases in w h i c h officers received a f i r e a r m b a c k f r o m a g u n s m i t h a n d s h o v e d it i n t o t h e holster w i t h o u t c h e c k i n g — o n l y to discover in a gunfight that the original m a l f u n c t i o n had not been c o r r e c t e d or t h a t a n e w d e f e c t h a d t u r n e d u p s i n c e t h e g u n w a s l a s t in t h e i r p o s s e s s i o n .

Handling with Care A n y g u n w o r t h s t a k i n g y o u r life o n is a m a s t e r p i e c e of p r e c i s i o n e n g i n e e r i n g and m a n u f a c t u r i n g . It's durable enough to stand the ordinary wear and t e a r of d u t y w o r k , b u t at t h e s a m e t i m e it h a s a f i n e edge of b u i l t - i n a c c u r a c y t h a t c a n be k n o c k e d o u t of w h a c k forever by improper handling. W h e n that happens, the gun you're depending on m a y n o longer be d e p e n d a b l e . Revolvers, w h i c h m o s t officers carry, are particularly vulnerable to damage from abuse, bec a u s e s o m u c h of t h e i r m e c h a n i s m is o p e n . A n d it doesn't take m u c h rough handling to affect performa n c e . If t h e h a m m e r spur is b r o k e n or b e n t , y o u m a y b e p r e v e n t e d f r o m f i r i n g . . . a b e n t t r i g g e r guard c a n i n t e r f e r e w i t h y o u r trigger p u l l . . . s i g h t s b e n t or b r o k e n off m a y h a m p e r in s h o o t i n g a c c u r a t e l y at a d i s t a n c e . . . a b e n t e j e c t o r rod c a n k e e p y o u f r o m u n l o a d i n g or s t o p t h e c y l i n d e r f r o m r o t a t i n g . . . a n d a b e n t b a r r e l m a y r e s u l t in t h e g u n " b l o w i n g u p " w h e n y o u s h o o t . N e e d l e s s t o s a y , it is n o t a d v i s a b l e t o f o l l o w t h e e x a m p l e of o n e e a s t e r n officer,- w h e n h i s s o n ' s b a s e b a l l fell i n t o a s e w e r , t h e o f f i c e r raised t h e s e w e r lid b y p r y i n g it up w i t h t h e b a r r e l of h i s r e v o l v e r , w h i c h u n d e r s t a n d a b l y b e n t . S e m i a u t o m a t i c s m a y be e v e n m o r e s u s c e p t i b l e to physical damage because they have more moving parts than revolvers. B u t any gun has vulnerable p o i n t s w h e r e a r e l a t i v e l y l i g h t b l o w c a n b e n d a part, j a m m i n g the action and m a k i n g the gun unreliable or i n o p e r a t i v e . E x c e s s i v e r o u g h n e s s o f t e n c r e e p s in d u r i n g loading or u n l o a d i n g . S o m e o f f i c e r s l i k e to r e p l a c e or c h e c k o n t h e r o u n d s t h e y ' r e c a r r y i n g in a r e v o l v e r by flicking the cylinder open and closed w i t h a sharp t w i s t of t h e w r i s t , l i k e t h e t o u g h g u y c o p s o n t e l e v i s i o n or in t h e m o v i e s . T h i s m a y l o o k m a c h o , b u t in r e a l l i f e it c a n c a u s e m a n y f u n c t i o n a l p r o b l e m s o v e r a s h o r t p e r i o d of t i m e . A m o n g t h e m : it c a n w a r p or b r e a k t h e c r a n e or y o k e . . .spring t h e c y l i n d e r so it f a i l s t o l o c k i n t h e proper p o s i t i o n w h e n c l o s e d . . . a n d t h r o w it " o u t of t i m e , " s o t h a t it d o e s

Exposure to snow, rain and continued lack of care finally caught up with the officer who abused this gun. He died holding a loaded revolver which couldn't fire.

This is one of the . 38 rounds found in the officer's revolver. It's obviously loaded, but because the hammer fall was so light and off center, the primer couldn't detonate.

n o t l i n e t h e c a r t r i d g e up p r e c i s e l y w i t h t h e b a r r e l w h e n you shoot the gun. T h i s can affect both a c c u r a c y and s a f e t y . A n y t i m e y o u o p e n t h e c y l i n der, y o u s h o u l d e a s e it o u t w a r d w i t h o u t u n d u e t h r u s t , a n d e a s e it b a c k i n t o p l a c e w i t h t h e s a m e care a n d d e l i b e r a t i o n . Similarly, with semi-automatics, there's a tendency s o m e t i m e s , especially under stress, to slam the magazine into place, possibly a carry-over f r o m m i l i t a r y t r a i n i n g w h e r e t h i s is s t a n d a r d proc e d u r e during i n s p e c t i o n d r i l l s . A hard s l a m c a n b e n d t h e lips of t h e m a g a z i n e so it w o n ' t s e a t properly a n d t h e r e f o r e m a y n o t f e e d c a r t r i d g e s i n t o t h e c h a m b e r for f i r i n g . T h e proper l o a d i n g m e t h o d is t o slide t h e m a g a z i n e i n t o t h e m a g a z i n e w e l l a n d s n a p it i n t o b a t t e r y w i t h a f i r m tap or p u s h w i t h t h e h e e l of y o u r w e a k h a n d t o b e s u r e it l o c k s i n p l a c e . M a g a z i n e lips c a n a l s o b e b e n t b y t h e m a g a z i n e dropping o n a hard s u r f a c e . If y o u drop a m a g a z i n e or if y o u see t h a t it is p i t t e d , b e n t , c r a c k e d or h a s a l o o s e f l o o r p l a t e , y o u ' r e s a f e s t t o t h r o w it a w a y a n d b u y a n e w o n e . T h i s is t h e m o s t c r i t i c a l p a r t of t h e gun. If you slam in a 9mm magazine or drop it, you run the risk of bending the lips. The result is a magazine which won't feed in new cartridges. The magazine on the right will function properly.

The result of a revolver which was dropped. A bent ejector may prevent rounds from ejecting from the cylinder.

Disregarding your firearm has resulted in many officers losing a finger, an eye or the respect of fellow officers.

Dropping your gun itself can also cause damage t h a t w i l l m a k e it i n a c c u r a t e or i n o p e r a t i v e . T h e f r o n t s i g h t or h a m m e r spur m a y b e b e n t or b r o k e n o f f . . . a s e v e r e b l o w o n t h e side m a y c a u s e m i s a l i g n m e n t of t h e c y l i n d e r . . . t h e e j e c t o r r o d m a y b e b e n t . . . o r t h e s h o c k m a y spring, b r e a k or d a m a g e s o m e o t h e r w o r k i n g p a r t . T h i s c a n h a p p e n e v e n if t h e g u n is dropped w h i l e in i t s h o l s t e r , as s o m e t i m e s h a p p e n s w h e n o f f i c e r s are t o s s i n g a f i r e a r m f r o m o n e t o a n o t h e r . If y o u r g u n is dropped, e x a m i n e it c a r e f u l l y for d a m a g e : 1. Open the cylinder a n d m o v e it b a c k and f o r t h t o s e e t h a t it s w i n g s f r e e l y ; 2. Work the ejector rod u p a n d d o w n w h i l e turning t h e cylinder to see that the rod operates straight and w i t h o u t binding, w h e r e v e r the cylinder is p o s i t i o n e d ; 3. Check the clearance space between trigger guard and trigger b y dry f i r i n g w i t h d o u b l e a c t i o n ; 4. Check all screws on the gun to be certain t h e y h a v e n o t b e e n l o o s e n e d b y t h e s u d d e n jar. B e c a u s e hard b l o w s can foul a g u n ' s f u n c t i o n i n g and m a y cause accidental discharge, i t ' s advisable not t o u s e y o u r g u n as a c l u b i n t r y i n g t o s u b d u e struggling suspects. Even w i t h the relatively wellprotected semi-automatic, you risk breaking the m a g a z i n e c a t c h or k n o c k i n g off t h e f l o o r p l a t e , so the gun c a n ' t be reloaded. Moreover, m o s t guns m a k e pretty poor bludgeons; their sharp corners t e n d t o c u t r a t h e r t h a n s t u n . A n d if y o u s w i n g a n d miss, you could hit the suspect with your wrist rather than your gun. T h i s could k n o c k the gun from your hand, leaving you unarmed.

C a r e f u l h a n d l i n g , of c o u r s e , i n c l u d e s p r o t e c t i n g y o u r f i r e a r m a g a i n s t dirt and o t h e r f o r e i g n m a t t e r . D i r t i n w o r k i n g p a r t s or e v e n i n t h e b a r r e l c a n prod u c e s e r i o u s m a l f u n c t i o n s . Y e t s o m e o f f i c e r s are incredibly negligent in this regard. O n e eastern o f f i c e r w a s c h a s i n g a p s y c h o at a b o t a n i c a l g a r d e n w h e n h e slipped a n d f e l l i n t o a p o n d . He c l e a n e d h i m s e l f up a f t e r w a r d s — b u t " f o r g o t " to do anything about his gun. Later he happened to n o t i c e t h a t t h e b a r r e l w a s f u l l of m u d . If h e ' d n e e d e d t o fire t h e g u n , t h i s o b s t r u c t i o n c o u l d h a v e s e v e r e l y damaged the weapon and m a y have injured the officer himself. A n y t i m e t h e m u z z l e of y o u r f i r e a r m t o u c h e s t h e g r o u n d , c h e c k t h e b a r r e l t o i n s u r e n o o b s t r u c t i o n is lodged t h e r e . A n d of c o u r s e , y o u d o n ' t w a n t t o d e l i b e r a t e l y c r e a t e o n e . H a r d as it is t o b e l i e v e , t h i s is a f r e q u e n t p r o b l e m w h e r e s h o t g u n s are c o n c e r n e d . W h i l e on patrol, s o m e officers reach for the s h o t g u n barrel as t h e m o s t c o n v e n i e n t r e c e p t a c l e for a s h e s , cigaret butts, candy wrappers, even c h i c k e n b o n e s . S o m e u s e it for s t o r a g e . O n e f e m a l e o f f i c e r k e p t h e r T a m p a x there, and a m a l e p a t r o l m a n in California t h o u g h t it m a d e a great h u m i d o r — u n t i l h e n e e d e d t o " s m o k e " something besides a cigar then the o b s t r u c t i o n c a u s e d t h e b a r r e l t o b l o w apart w h e n h e p u l l e d t h e trigger. If y o u e v e r h a v e a s h o t g u n i n your hands w h e n the barrel explodes, y o u ' l l find o u t f a s t t h a t y o u ' r e e x p o s e d t o o n e h e l l of a r i s k ! S u r v i v a l a l w a y s h i n g e s o n r e s p e c t for w e a p o n s . W i t h f i r e a r m s , r e s p e c t is g r o u n d e d in c a r e f u l h a n d ling and t h o r o u g h m a i n t e n a n c e . If y o u w e r e a b o a r d a s h i p , y o u w o u l d n o t u n n e c e s s a r i l y a b u s e t h e life preservers, particularly w h e n faced w i t h navigating t r e a c h e r o u s w a t e r s . O n t h e s t r e e t , y o u are i n t r e a c h e r o u s w a t e r s all t h e t i m e — a n d y o u r l i f e p r e s e r v e r is y o u r g u n . ;

Correcting Malfunctions A m o n g the n i g h t m a r i s h fantasies you exp e r i e n c e in r e l a t i o n t o t h e s t r e e t m a y be t h e c o m m o n o n e in w h i c h y o u c o n f r o n t a n a r m e d s u s p e c t , need urgently to shoot to save your life—but your gun j a m s . For s o m e o f f i c e r s , e a c h y e a r , t h i s f a n t a s y t u r n s i n t o r e a l i t y . W h e n t h a t h a p p e n s , t h e l o s s of firearms control can m e a n disaster, unless the v i c t i m o f f i c e r is a b l e t o r e s p o n d q u i c k l y a n d get h i m s e l f and his weapon b a c k into action. T o l e s s e n t h e c h a n c e s of m e c h a n i c a l h i t c h e s i n t h e first p l a c e , t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t p r o c e d u r e s

are t o 1) a l w a y s h a n d l e y o u r f i r e a r m p r o t e c t i v e l y , a n d 2) k e e p it c l e a n t h r o u g h p r o p e r m a i n t e n a n c e , e v e n if y o u ' v e b e e n c o n s c i e n t i o u s w i t h c a r e , t h o u g h , g u n s w i l l s t i l l o c c a s i o n a l l y f a i l t o fire i n s t r e s s situations. In those c i r c u m s t a n c e s , m o s t officers h a v e n o idea w h a t t o do. T h e y m a y p e e r q u i z z i c a l l y i n t o t h e m u z z l e s of t h e i r g u n s . . . o r p l a y a r o u n d w i t h t h e m hoping by l u c k to get t h e m going again... or s i m p l y p a n i c a n d l o s e t h e f i g h t . U s u a l l y t h e r e is s o m e s i m p l e w a y o u t of t h i s p r o b l e m , if y o u c a n a p p l y w h a t is c a l l e d " i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n . " As the n a m e implies, you're not going to t a k e t i m e t o do a n y e l a b o r a t e g u n s m i t h i n g . W i t h a n a s s a i l a n t ' s b u l l e t s f l y i n g at y o u , y o u w a n t t o r e d u c e t h e s t o p p a g e as f a s t as p o s s i b l e a n d get b a c k into t h e action to save your life, w i t h o u t investigating t h e c a u s e of t h e m a l f u n c t i o n at t h a t t i m e . T h e k i n d s of m a l f u n c t i o n s y o u m i g h t e n counter w i t h a well-maintained weapon and the immediate-action tactics you can use to correct t h e m o n t h e spot v a r y w i t h t h e t y p e of g u n y o u h a v e in y o u r h a n d s . R E V O L V E R : W h e n i n t h e c o u r s e of u s i n g a revolver you squeeze t h e trigger and t h e gun fails t o f i r e , y o u r first i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n s h o u l d b e t o t a k e y o u r f i n g e r off t h e trigger a n d l e t it fly a l l t h e w a y f o r w a r d ( m a k i n g s u r e , of c o u r s e , t h a t t h e m u z z l e is p o i n t i n g i n a safe d i r e c t i o n ) . In t h e h e a t of f i r i n g rapid s h o t s , y o u m a y u n c o n s c i o u s l y h a v e f a i l e d t o l e t t h e trigger go c o m p l e t e l y f o r w a r d b e t w e e n r o u n d s ; in t h a t c a s e , w h e n y o u t r y t o fire again, t h e trigger b e c o m e s " f r o z e n " a n d w o n ' t p u l l or it w o n ' t a d v a n c e t h e c y l i n d e r f u l l y t o a f r e s h c h a m b e r . If y o u f o l l o w y o u r n a t u r a l i n s t i n c t a n d p u l l all t h e h a r d e r , y o u ' l l o n l y p r o l o n g t h e p r o b l e m . B u t if y o u r e l e a s e t h e trigger, y o u ' l l f r e e t h e m e c h a n i s m a n d l i k e l y get y o u r g u n w o r k i n g a g a i n on the n e x t shot. If t h a t d o e s n ' t do t h e t r i c k , e j e c t e v e r y t h i n g i n your cylinder and i m m e d i a t e l y reload. C h a n c e s are o v e r w h e l m i n g t h a t y o u ' v e s h o t y o u r g u n dry of a m m u n i t i o n . I n d e e d , t h e m o s t c o m m o n c a u s e of f a i l u r e t o fire i n a w e l l - m a i n t a i n e d r e v o l v e r is t h a t t h e g u n is e m p t y , w i t h o u t t h e s h o o t e r r e a l i z i n g i t . If t h a t is n o t t h e c a s e , y o u m a y h a v e s o m e a m m u n i tion t h a t ' s bad; your n e x t load m a y be better. S E M I - A U T O M A T I C : As a rule, a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c is m o r e s u s c e p t i b l e t o m a l f u n c t i o n o r " j a m m i n g " t h a n a r e v o l v e r , l a r g e l y b e c a u s e of t h e w a y it's designed to fire. W h i l e a revolver depends on m a n u a l m e c h a n i c s to advance e a c h n e w round, most s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s depend on recoil impulse f r o m a fired r o u n d t o m o v e t h e s l i d e a n d c a u s e t h e 360

n e x t c a r t r i d g e t o feed and c h a m b e r . W i t h t h i s m o r e sophisticated mechanism, there's more opportunity for t h i n g s t o go w r o n g . N i n e t y p e r c e n t of t h e t i m e , t h o u g h , j a m m i n g of s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s is c a u s e d b y p o o r m a i n t e n a n c e and c l e a n i n g , p o o r a m m u n i t i o n ( e i t h e r t h e c h a r g e of a r e l o a d is t o o w e a k o r t h e c o n f i g u r a t i o n of t h e b u l l e t i n h i b i t s g o o d f e e d i n g ) or b y a p r o b l e m w i t h t h e m a g a z i n e ( s u c h as i m p r o p e r s e a t i n g , w h i c h fails t o p o s i t i o n c a r t r i d g e s w h e r e t h e y c a n f e e d properly). If y o u r s e m i - a u t o m a t i c f a i l s t o f i r e a n d y o u ' r e s u r e i t ' s s t i l l l o a d e d , c h e c k first f o r t h e m o s t o b vious malfunction.

Occasionally, a semi-automatic fail to eject spent shell casings.

may

S o m e t i m e s b e c a u s e of a w e a k c h a r g e , a b a d p r i m e r , a d i r t y c h a m b e r or a d e f e c t i v e e j e c t i n g m e c h a n i s m , a "stove-pipe j a m " will occur. Instead of e j e c t i n g c l e a n l y , t h e s p e n t c a s e p o p s u p a n d l o c k s s t a n d i n g v e r t i c a l l y in t h e s i d e e j e c t i o n p o r t . Y o u ' l l be a b l e t o s e e t h e s h e l l s t i c k i n g o u t . H e r e for y o u r i m m e d i a t e action, tilt t h e gun sideways so t h e e j e c t i o n port is d o w n . T h e n vigorously pull the slide t o t h e r e a r . T h e u s e d s h e l l s h o u l d b e r e l e a s e d and fall f r e e f r o m g r a v i t y . Y o u c a n m a k e c e r t a i n it g e t s o u t b y p l a c i n g y o u r w e a k h a n d s o it c o v e r s t h e c a s i n g as y o u a c t i v a t e t h e s l i d e . Y o u c a n " w i p e a w a y " t h e s h e l l b e t w e e n t w o f i n g e r s or i n t h e w e b of y o u r h a n d as y o u p u l l t h e s l i d e b a c k . A s y o u r h a n d g l i d e s off t h e r e a r of t h e s l i d e , t h e s l i d e r e 361

turns, chambering a n e w round. T h e gun should n o w fire. T h i s m a n e u v e r takes about half a second, if p r a c t i c e d t h o r o u g h l y . If t h e r e ' s n o o b v i o u s r e a s o n f o r y o u r s e m i a u t o m a t i c f a i l i n g t o f i r e , t h e n a p p l y y o u r first i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n to the m a g a z i n e . W i t h the palm of y o u r w e a k h a n d , slap t h e m a g a z i n e b u t t u p t o b e c e r t a i n it is f i r m l y l o c k e d i n t o p l a c e . T h e n grab t h e slide w i t h your w e a k h a n d b e h i n d t h e e j e c t i o n port a n d p u l l it s m a r t l y t o t h e r e a r t o c h a m b e r a n o t h e r round. Release and a t t e m p t to fire. If y o u r s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s t i l l d o e s n ' t w o r k , y o u m a y h a v e a r o u n d j a m m e d i n t h e a c t i o n . T o apply immediate action, remove the magazine...pull b a c k the slide.. .release it...insert a fresh m a g a z i n e . . . pull b a c k the slide again...release...and a t t e m p t to f i r e . If t h e r o u n d i s n ' t d i s l o d g e d b y t h i s p r o c e d u r e , t h e n l o c k t h e s l i d e t o t h e r e a r , drop t h e m a g a z i n e and shake out the round. T h e n insert a magazine, r e l e a s e t h e s l i d e a n d f i r e . O b v i o u s l y , b e c a u s e of t h e e x t e n d e d t i m e it c a n t a k e , t h i s m a n e u v e r is b e s t handled behind cover. In a l l c a s e s w h e n a p p l y i n g i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n , k e e p t h e g u n i n t h e firing p o s i t i o n . D o n ' t b r i n g it d o w n t o y o u r s t o m a c h t o w o r k o n . S h o u l d t h e g u n f i r e w h i l e i n t h a t p o s i t i o n , y o u r c h a n c e s of i n j u r y are m u c h h i g h e r . This malfunction may pulling the slide to the the semi-automatic on allows the shell casing

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be collected by rear, then tilting its side, which to eject.

N o t e : In s o m e c a s e s , t h e f a i l u r e of a s e m i a u t o m a t i c t o fire is n o t a " m a l f u n c t i o n " at a l l . T h e officer, in his e x c i t e m e n t , has s i m p l y forgotten t o k i c k off t h e s a f e t y . T o p r e v e n t t h i s d a n g e r o u s oversight under stress, you need to practice drawing and s h o o t i n g u n d e r s i m u l a t e d c o m b a t c o n d i t i o n s until disengaging the safety b e c o m e s an i n s t i n c t i v e part of y o u r s h o o t i n g d y n a m i c s . ( Y o u p r o b a b l y w o n ' t w a n t to carry a double-action s e m i - a u t o m a t i c i n y o u r h o l s t e r w i t h t h e s a f e t y off b e c a u s e of t h e r i s k of u n i n t e n t i o n a l d i s c h a r g e . ) S H O T G U N : W i t h a s h o t g u n , t h e m o s t freq u e n t m a l f u n c t i o n is t h e slide h a n g i n g up h a l f w a y b a c k , h a v i n g f a i l e d t o e j e c t a s p e n t s h e l l or c h a m b e r a n e w o n e b e c a u s e of t h e g u n ' s sometimestempermental rearming m e c h a n i s m . Your immediate action begins w i t h the slide. F i r s t , p u l l it t o t h e r e a r as h a r d as y o u c a n a n d as far as it w i l l go. T h e n r u n t h e s l i d e f o r w a r d . If t h a t ' s n o t effective, t h e n run the slide to t h e rear, t u r n t h e g u n o v e r a n d s h a k e i t . T h e old r o u n d m a y fall o u t . . . o r y o u c a n p r o b e y o u r f i n g e r i n a n d get it out. Obviously, you should be behind cover w h e n doing t h i s . O n c e t h e r e c e i v e r a n d c h a m b e r are c l e a r , t h e n run the slide forward and to the rear, t h e n forward again. Y o u s h o u l d b e a b l e t o f i r e . The next step will be to release the slide forward to activate a live round in the chamber. Remember to keep the muzzle aimed down range during this process.

363

It y o u c a n ' t , t a k e t h e n e x t m o s t p r a c t i c a l course: lay t h e shotgun down and get into action with your handgun.

The cartridge fired from this spent shell casing detonated with such force, metal fragments blew out the side of the cylinder.

A M M U N I T I O N : When ammunition malfunct i o n s , it m a y : 1) f i r e s o w e a k l y t h a t t h e b u l l e t d o e s n o t exit the barrel (excessive s m o k e , reduced recoil and a subdued " p o p " m a y be clues to this m i s h a p ) ; 2) " m i s f i r e , " t h a t i s , n o t s h o o t at all, or 3) " h a n g - f i r e , " a p p e a r t o b e m i s f i r i n g b u t t h e n s h o o t a f t e r a d e l a y of a f e w s e c o n d s , u s u a l l y b e c a u s e of a d e f e c t in t h e p r i m e r or p o w d e r . O n t h e range w h e n you e x p e r i e n c e an a m m u n i tion malfunction, you're instructed to keep your g u n p o i n t e d at t h e t a r g e t for at l e a s t 10 s e c o n d s t o prevent injury in case y o u have a hang-fire s i t u a t i o n . A n d y o u are t o l d n o t t o fire a g a i n u n t i l y o u h a v e u n l o a d e d a n d c h e c k e d t h e b a r r e l for o b s t r u c t i o n s a n d h u n t e d for t h e c a u s e of t h e m a l f u n c t i o n . O n t h e s t r e e t , t h i s is n o t p r a c t i c a l a d v i c e . It i s t r u e t h a t if y o u i m m e d i a t e l y fire a g a i n a f t e r a m m u nition has malfunctioned, you m a y injure yourself, d a m a g e y o u r g u n or b o t h . B u t w i t h y o u r l i f e alr e a d y i n j e o p a r d y , t h e r e u s u a l l y is n o r e a s o n a b l e alternative but to take that risk. Your i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n for m a l f u n c t i o n i n g a m m u n i t i o n is t o k e e p f i r i n g or t o t o t a l l y r e l o a d a n d h o p e for t h e b e s t . A s w e ' l l see later, though, there are w a y s y o u can m i n i m i z e y o u r c h a n c e s of e x p e r i e n c i n g a m m u n i t i o n m a l f u n c t i o n before y o u are c a u g h t in an a r m e d encounter.

Home Security Control over firearms m u s t necessarily extend to any y o u bring into your h o m e . Nearly 4 0 per c e n t of t h e t i m e t h a t o f f i c e r s ' g u n s d i s c h a r g e " a c c i d e n t a l l y , " t h e f i r i n g s o c c u r at h o m e — a n e x t r e m e l y high rate, considering that one would normally e x p e c t a p o l i c e g u n t o h a v e t h e l e a s t a m o u n t of u s e t h e r e . If, l i k e m a n y o f f i c e r s , y o u s t o r e y o u r o f f - d u t y g u n at h o m e w h i l e y o u ' r e at w o r k a n d k e e p y o u r s e r v i c e h a n d g u n t h e r e w h e n y o u ' r e off, at l e a s t o n e g u n is i n y o u r h o u s e a r o u n d t h e c l o c k , i n c r e a s i n g t h e p o s s i b i l i t y of a m i s h a p . Educating your i m m e d i a t e family about your g u n is mandatory, of c o u r s e . B u t e v e n a s s u m i n g t h e y are all m a t u r e e n o u g h to absorb and obey i n s t r u c t i o n s o n a v o i d i n g or p r o p e r l y h a n d l i n g y o u r firearm, you'll quite likely have visitors w h o k n o w nothing about guns. T h e s e can include neighborhood children, baby sitters, friends, relatives, d e l i v e r y m e n a n d r e p a i r m e n . If t h e y h a p p e n a c r o s s 364

your firearm, t h e y m a y be intrigued and have a s t r o n g urge t o h a n d l e it; w h i l e s o m e p e o p l e a r e repelled by guns, m a n y m o r e are fascinated, esp e c i a l l y k i d s . A n d w e k n o w t h a t people unfamiliar with guns almost always handle them in the most dangerous way possible; by immediately putting a f i n g e r o n t h e trigger a n d p o i n t i n g t h e m u z z l e i n a n unsafe direction. Nobody should be considered " t o o y o u n g " to shoot a firearm. O n e Los Angeles police officer's three-year-old c l i m b e d up on a dresser, took a handgun from the drawer, and by using both hands, p u l l e d t h e trigger, c r i t i c a l l y w o u n d i n g h i m s e l f . In M i c h i g a n , a n o f f i c e r ' s s o n w h o w a s o n l y 2 2 months old f o u n d h i s d a d ' s l o a d e d r e v o l v e r a n d fatally shot his m o t h e r . If t h e c o m b i n a t i o n of c u r i o s i t y a n d i g n o r a n c e d o e s n ' t p r o d u c e a tragedy, it m a y at l e a s t p r o v o k e a serious scare. A Minneapolis detective w h o was involved in investigating a teenage p r o s t i t u t i o n n e t w o r k returned h o m e from running errands w i t h

Unload your sidearm when you come home, and place your ammunition in a separate location that's cool and dry.

.... Then make your sidearm inaccessible by locking it in a metal storage box, and place it up high.

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his wife and s m a l l daughter o n e afternoon to find a bullet had been shot into his pillow. Assuming that this was a " w a r n i n g " from prostitution racketeers, his wife b e c a m e hysterical. After a frantic evening, the detective finally determined that the s l u g h a d b e e n fired b y a c a r p e t l a y e r w h o , w o r k i n g i n t h e h o u s e a l o n e , h a d d i s c o v e r e d o n e of t h e o f f i c e r ' s w e a p o n s a n d s h o t it off a c c i d e n t a l l y . For m a x i m u m security, you w a n t to m a k e y o u r g u n i n o p e r a t i v e a n d i n a c c e s s i b l e . A s s o o n as y o u a r r i v e h o m e , y o u u n l o a d it i n p r i v a t e so t h a t live rounds can be stored separately. B y placing your h a n d c u f f s or a p a d l o c k b e h i n d t h e trigger or a r o u n d t h e t o p s t r a p of a r e v o l v e r w i t h t h e c y l i n d e r o p e n , you m a k e firing i m p o s s i b l e . W i t h a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , y o u c a n l o c k t h e s l i d e o p e n , r u n a l e n g t h of s m a l l link chain through the barrel from the m u z z l e t o t h e b r e e c h and m a g a z i n e w e l l a n d t h e n s e c u r e b o t h e n d s w i t h a p a d l o c k . If y o u ' r e a f r a i d of s c r a t c h i n g y o u r g u n , trigger or c y l i n d e r l o c k s w i t h p r o t e c t i v e padding are available. For i n a c c e s s i b i l i t y , you can lock the gun inside a substantial m e t a l s t o r a g e b o x t h a t is u p h i g h , l i k e o n a c l o s e t s h e l f , and bolted into place. T h e a m m u n i t i o n c a n t h e n P c o n t a i n e r , l i k e a c h a m o i s bag, a n d kept in s o m e other hard-to-reach place that's cool a n d dry. b

e

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S o m e o f f i c e r s prefer t o f i n d c l e v e r h i d i n g p l a c e s . O n e p u t s h i s g u n u n d e r t h e s i n k in a n e m p t y detergent b o x one weekend while he was away, a burglar r a n s a c k e d t h e p l a c e , b u t t h e g u n w a s n o t discovered. Another unloads his gun, locks the cylinder open with his handcuffs, then locks the c u f f s a r o u n d t h e b a r of a h a n g e r in h i s c l o s e t ; h e drapes a s c a r f o v e r t h e bar a n d g u n , p u t s c l o t h e s o n the hanger, then buttons a raincoat over the w h o l e w o r k s , k e e p i n g t h e g u n b o t h s e c u r e a n d o u t of s i g h t . O t h e r s handcuff their guns to w a t e r pipes in t h e b a s e m e n t or b u r y t h e m u n d e r c l o t h e s o n a c l o s e t shelf. For too m a n y officers, h o w e v e r , " h i d i n g " a g u n c o n s i s t s of h a n g i n g it i n i t s h o l s t e r f r o m t h e b a c k of a b a t h r o o m d o o r or f r o m a h o o k in a c l o s e t — or t u c k e d i n t o a d r e s s e r d r a w e r , a p l a c e a b u r g l a r or curious child will surely look. T h e y delude t h e m s e l v e s t h a t n o o n e w o u l d dare t o u c h it e v e n if t h e y s a w it, r e f l e c t i n g a r a t h e r p o o r u n d e r s t a n d i n g of h u m a n nature and ignoring the n u m e r o u s docum e n t e d c a s e s in w h i c h i n j u r i e s a n d d e a t h s h a v e resulted from guns kept in just those l o c a t i o n s . ;

Obviously, w h i l e a gun t h a t ' s inoperative and i n a c c e s s i b l e is s a f e s t , it is p r o b a b l y not e a s i l y p u t i n t o a c t i o n if y o u n e e d t o d e f e n d y o u r s e l f or y o u r f a m i l y at h o m e . I n d e e d , a g u n t h a t ' s p e r f e c t l y s a f e is p e r f e c t l y u s e l e s s . If t h a t c o n c e r n s y o u , y o u m a y w a n t to c o n s i d e r a c o m p r o m i s e ; t r y k e e p i n g t h e g u n l o a d e d in a n old h o l s t e r t a c k e d t o t h e b a c k of t h e h e a d b o a r d of y o u r b e d . I t ' s o u t of s i g h t . . . h a r d e n o u g h t o r e a c h t h a t y o u w o n ' t grab it w h e n y o u s h o u l d n ' t . . . y e t c o n v e n i e n t e n o u g h t h a t it c a n b e r e a c h e d in an e m e r g e n c y . Do not keep youi gun under your pillow or on a bedside table. If y o u h a v e n i g h t m a r e s or a r e a w a k e n e d b y n o i s e , y o u m a y s h o o t y o u r s e l f or m e m b e r s of y o u r f a m i l y b e f o r e y o u are f u l l y a w a k e . O n e officer w o k e up, grabbed his revolver and fired a s h o t i n t o h i s c l o s e t a n d t h r o u g h all h i s clothes while still half asleep. Later, he could not e x p l a i n w h y h e did i t — b u t h e n e v e r k e p t a g u n at bedside any m o r e , either. H o w e v e r y o u deal w i t h y o u r g u n a n d a m m u n i t i o n at h o m e , b e c o n s i s t e n t . If y o u f o l l o w t h e s a m e r o u t i n e e v e r y t i m e , y o u ' r e l e s s l i k e l y t o forget something important—like reloading your gun before returning to duty. O n e O h i o officer wisely u n l o a d e d h i s g u n e v e r y n i g h t at h o m e b e c a u s e h e w a s afraid h i s k i d s w o u l d get i t — b u t u n w i s e l y forgot t o l o a d b a c k u p o n e m o r n i n g . H e s p e n t t h e day o n t h e s t r e e t w i t h a n e m p t y g u n . I n I l l i n o i s an officer was shot in a gun battle b e c a u s e h e ' d forgotten t o reload and w e n t to w o r k w i t h an e m p t y gun.

The ultimate hurt is knowing firearm accidents occur in moments which are usually in your power to control.

O n e o p t i o n h e r e is t o p l a c e y o u r a m m u n i t i o n at t h e t i m e y o u u n l o a d i n t o t h e p o c k e t of t h e p a n t s you intend to wear the n e x t day. Y o u ' l l k n o w by weight that it's there w h e n you put the pants on. Or, place the rounds in your holster, in a secure place. Of course, any officer w h o ' s survival conscious will c h e c k his gun thoroughly before going on duty, performing the r e c o m m e n d e d servicea b i l i t y t e s t s . T h i s p r e c a u t i o n w i l l r e v e a l if y o u ' r e missing a m m u n i t i o n , plus alert y o u to other factors that might otherwise unexpectedly affect your firearms c o n t r o l and t h r o w your life i n t o j e o p a r d y . W h e r e t h e r e is t h e s l i g h t e s t q u e s t i o n a b o u t t h e r e l i a b i l i t y of a f i r e a r m , it s h o u l d b e b r o u g h t t o your d e p a r t m e n t ' s firearms instructor or other c o m p e t e n t g u n s m i t h for i n s p e c t i o n .

For some, good habits are never important enough until it's too late. Like this officer who forgot to load his sidearm before leaving home... and died because of an empty gun.

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4

CLEANING S o m e officers consider c l e a n i n g to b e just an o n e r o u s c h o r e of h o u s e k e e p i n g . B u t if y o u t h i n k of it i n t e r m s of s u r v i v a l , y o u c a n v i e w it i n a n a l t o gether different light. Y o u r f i r e a r m is y o u r m o s t i m p o r t a n t p i e c e of e q u i p m e n t . It c a n k e e p y o u a l i v e w h e n a l l e l s e h a s f a i l e d . B u t f o r t h a t t o h a p p e n , you n o t o n l y h a v e t o k n o w h o w t o u s e t h e g u n — i t h a s t o b e a b l e to be used. W h e n y o u s q u e e z e t h e trigger, w i t h p e r h a p s only one c h a n c e to neutralize an adversary, your gun m u s t n o t j a m . . . m i s f i r e . . . e x p l o d e or s h o o t c r o o k e d if it is t o s a v e y o u . A n d y e t s o m e o f f i c e r s w h o l o s e a r m e d c o n f r o n t a t i o n s r e a l i z e i n t h e i r f i n a l f l a s h of c o n s c i o u s n e s s t h a t t h a t is e x a c t l y w h a t h a s h a p pened. W i t h o u t d o u b t , the single greatest cause of such firearm malfunctions is poor maintenance. With r e a s o n a b l e c a r e , g u n s s e l d o m w e a r o u t or are s h o t out. B u t a dirty and neglected gun q u i c k l y b e c o m e s u n d e p e n d a b l e ; w h e n y o u p u l l t h e trigger, y o u c a n ' t be sure w h a t will happen. T h e r e ' s no way to keep your gun from being exposed to e l e m e n t s that p r o m o t e deterioration. D u s t , d i r t , l i n t , f o o d c r u m b s a n d a v a r i e t y of o t h e r f o r e i g n m a t e r i a l s i n e v i t a b l y sift t h r o u g h y o u r h o l s t e r a n d o v e r y o u r f i r e a r m i n t h e c o u r s e of a w o r k i n g w e e k . If y o u ' r e w o r k i n g i n r a i n , m i s t or s n o w or e v e n g o i n g in and out during e x t r e m e s in t e m p e r a t u r e , your gun is s u b j e c t e d t o m o i s t u r e or c o n d e n s a t i o n . I n s e a c o a s t c i t i e s , s a l t f r o m t h e air c a n a t t a c h t o i t s m e t a l surfaces. W h e n you handle your gun, you leave behind

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d e p o s i t s of s a l t a n d b o d y a c i d s , p a r t i c u l a r l y if y o u ' v e been sweating. And anytime you shoot, the detonat i o n of t h e c a r t r i d g e and e x i t of t h e b u l l e t l e a v e r e s i d u e s of b u r n t p o w d e r , l e a d a n d v a r i o u s a i r b o r n e impurities. Singly and in c o m b i n a t i o n , these e l e m e n t s can rapidly a n d s e r i o u s l y a f f e c t p e r f o r m a n c e . T o c i t e o n l y a f e w of t h e c o n s e q u e n c e s of a n e g l e c t e d g u n : P o w d e r p a r t i c l e s o r d e b r i s u n d e r t h e e j e c t o r s t a r of a r e v o l v e r c a n m a k e t h e c y l i n d e r hard o r i m p o s s i b l e to l a t c h i n t o p l a c e . . . A n a c c u m u l a t i o n of l i n t i n t h e c h a n n e l i n w h i c h t h e firing p i n t r a v e l s m a y a f f e c t its c o n t a c t w i t h cartridge primers and c a u s e hangfires or m i s f i r e s . . . D i r t , r u s t a n d c o r r o s i o n o n t h e s u r f a c e s of w o r k i n g p a r t s c a n c a u s e b i n d i n g o r u n natural friction and m a y penetrate into the a c t i o n . . . Lead building up in the bore can ruin a c c u r a c y . . .And other foreign m a t t e r allowed to a c c u m u l a t e there c a n c a u s e b l o w - u p s or p r o m o t e r u s t a n d p i t t i n g . H a r m f u l effects can prey on a gun w i t h a stainl e s s s t e e l f i n i s h as w e l l as o n e t h a t ' s b l u e - s t e e l ; s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s a n d s h o t g u n s are as s u s c e p t i b l e t o d a m a g e f r o m n e g l e c t as r e v o l v e r s . Any g u n r e q u i r e s t h a t y o u t a k e c a r e of it if y o u e x p e c t it t o t a k e c a r e of y o u . S o m e m a i n t e n a n c e is n e c e s s a r y o n a daily b a s i s t o k e e p y o u r g u n in g o o d s h a p e . A f t e r y o u r t o u r of d u t y , e s p e c i a l l y if y o u ' v e h a n d l e d y o u r f i r e a r m or it h a s b e e n e x p o s e d t o i n c l e m e n t w e a t h e r , w i p e off t h e o u t s i d e s u r f a c e s w i t h a dry, s i l i c o n e - t r e a t e d or slightly oily c o t t o n cloth. T h i s w i l l r e m o v e salt, m o i s t u r e and other corrosive residues and coat the surfaces w i t h a light protective film. Wipe your amm u n i t i o n dry, t o o , if it h a s b e e n e x p o s e d t o m o i s t u r e . If y o u r l e a t h e r is w e t , a l l o w it t o dry t h o r o u g h l y before you return your gun and a m m u n i t i o n to it. E v e r y day t h a t y o u fire y o u r g u n — o r t w i c e a m o n t h as a m a t t e r of c o u r s e , e v e n if y o u h a v e n ' t s h o t — y o u w a n t to clean your firearm thoroughly. E v e n if it d o e s n ' t l o o k d i r t y , it s t i l l m a y b e , b e c a u s e s o m e r e s i d u a l m a t e r i a l s t h a t c a n lead t o d a m a g e a r e n o t v i s i b l e ; a b u i l d u p of r e s i d u e as s l i g h t as . 0 0 6 i n c h e s c a n a l t e r t o l e r a n c e s of s o m e k e y f i r e a r m c o m p o n e n t s . G u n c l e a n i n g n e e d n ' t b e a big j o b . I t ' s n o t q u i t e as e a s y as o n e I l l i n o i s r o o k i e t h o u g h t ; h e ' s reported to have put his service revolver into a washing m a c h i n e for cleaning! B u t w i t h t h e steps w e ' l l o u t l i n e h e r e , y o u c a n do e v e r y t h i n g t h a t n e e d s doing simply, q u i c k l y and i n e x p e n s i v e l y . You should be able to clean extensively enough to elimi n a t e t h e r i s k of m o s t m a l f u n c t i o n s a n d m a i n t a i n y o u r g u n ' s p r o f i c i e n c y in a b o u t t h e s a m e t i m e it t a k e s t o s h i n e y o u r s h o e s . N o t a b a d i n v e s t m e n t of t i m e , considering the potential payoff.

Y o u can be the m o s t capable, intelligent and d e d i c a t e d o f f i c e r i n t h e w o r l d , b u t if y o u c a r r y a p o o r l y - c a r e d - f o r g u n , y o u ' r e d e f e a t i n g y o u r o w n purp o s e a n d t h a t of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t g e n e r a l l y . O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , a c l e a n w e a p o n is l i k e l y t o h e l p y o u g a i n a n edge o v e r t h e b a d g u y s . T h e y o f t e n n e g l e c t c l e a n i n g t h e i r g u n s , j u s t as t h e y n e g l e c t o t h e r a s p e c t s of a s e n s i b l e l i f e .

Preliminaries Y o u ' l l p r o b a b l y do m o s t of y o u r g u n c l e a n i n g at h o m e , e x c e p t , p e r h a p s for t h e s h o t g u n , w h i c h y o u m a y be r e q u i r e d t o c l e a n at t h e r a n g e or i n t h e s t a t i o n . If y o u ' r e a h o m e o w n e r , y o u ' r e p r o b a b l y s a f e s t c l e a n i n g y o u r h a n d g u n i n y o u r b a s e m e n t or a s h o p area; if y o u ' r e a n a p a r t m e n t d w e l l e r , t h e k i t c h e n m a y be your best place. Y o u w a n t a clean, lintfree surface w h e r e y o u can spread out your equipm e n t . A n d y o u w a n t t o b e a b l e t o w o r k alone in private, i d e a l l y at a t i m e w h e n y o u c a n f i n i s h t h e job w i t h o u t distraction or interruption. Your equipment will include: —a

cleaning

rod,

complete

with

knob-end

and

slotted-end attachments; — p l e n t y of c l e a n i n g p a t c h e s ; — a bore brush w i t h n y l o n or phosphor bronze b r i s t l e s , a p p r o p r i a t e t o t h e c a l i b e r of t h e g u n you're cleaning; — a g o o d grade g u n - c l e a n i n g s o l v e n t ; — a g o o d grade g u n o i l t h a t c a n p r o t e c t a g a i n s t r u s t a n d t h a t is n o t a f f e c t e d b y t e m p e r a t u r e ( s o m e l u b r i c a n t s will cause a gun to freeze solid in cold weather); —a toothbrush; — a dentist's probe; — c l e a n rags or t o w e l s ; —a silicone-treated cloth; — a screwdriver w h o s e blade will screw slot on your gun.

snugly

fit

the

Y o u c a n b u y t h e s e m a t e r i a l s at m o s t g u n or s p o r t i n g g o o d s s t o r e s as i n d i v i d u a l i t e m s o r i n k i t f o r m . B e s u r e y o u u s e e q u i p m e n t designed tor t h e j o b , n o t m a k e s h i f t t o o l s . U s i n g a s c r e w d r i v e r or f i n e s t e e l w o o l i n s t e a d of a b r u s h t o r e m o v e l e a d dep o s i t s , for e x a m p l e , c a n m a r t h e g u n a n d m a y a f f e c t i t s a c c u r a c y . In g e n e r a l , y o u r c l e a n i n g m a t e r i a l s and i m p l e m e n t s should not be harder than the steel surfaces to be cleaned.

D u r i n g your preparation, you w a n t to lay the g r o u n d w o r k for a safe c l e a n i n g . T o e l i m i n a t e t h e r i s k of a n a c c i d e n t a l d i s c h a r g e : 1. Unload your gun. 2. Secure the ammunition in another worn, so t h e firearm and its cartridges are n o w h e r e near e a c h other. 3. Work with the muzzle pointed away from yourself, t o w a r d a n o u t s i d e b a c k y a r d w a l l , if p o s sible. Accidental discharges from " e m p t y " guns have killed persons sleeping in b e d r o o m s adjoining the cleaning area. 4. Do not leave your gun unattended at any time, e v e n f o r a f e w m o m e n t s t o a n s w e r t h e p h o n e o r d o o r b e l l . If y o u m u s t i n t e r r u p t t h e c l e a n i n g , secure your gun so no one can handle it. E v e n short of inflicting serious injury or death, violating these basic safety rules can carry a heavy price, as o n e m i d w e s t e r n officer learned w h i l e cleaning his service revolver on a kitchen countertop. M i s t a k e n l y believing the gun was empty, he pulled its trigger, and a r o u n d fired i n t o his k i t c h e n s i n k . It r i c o c h e t e d off t h e p o r c e l a i n , t h e n o f f t h e ceiling and c u t through his ear lobe before striking t h e floor. Bleeding profusely, h e ran to his car and drove off t o w a r d t h e nearest h o s p i t a l . M e a n t i m e , a n e i g h b o r w h o ' d heard t h e s h o t flagged a patrol car and excitedly reported the officer's wife "finally t o o k all she could and s h o t h i m . " A c t u a l l y , t h e wife w a s at t h e g r o c e r y s t o r e . B e l i e v i n g t h e m s e l v e s r e sponding to an "officer d o w n " call, more than a dozen officers swarmed to the scene. Entry was m a d e , t h e blood discovered all over t h e floor, b u t n o v i c t i m and no assailant could be located. An APB w a s i s s u e d for t h e w i f e , a s e a r c h l a u n c h e d for t h e missing v i c t i m . Soon the wife drove up w i t h her groceries, only to be surrounded by p o l i c e m e n w h o a c c u s e d h e r of s h o o t i n g h e r h u s b a n d . W h e n s h e s a w the blood in the k i t c h e n , she b e c a m e hysterical. Fortunately, the wounded officer arrived before long and straightened everything out. B u t he says he has b e e n living in " t o t a l e m b a r r a s s m e n t " ever since. " I ' m the station house j o k e . " Besides observing basic safety while cleaning, select an area to w o r k w h e r e t h e pungent s m e l l of t h e s o l v e n t w i l l n o t be o f f e n s i v e t o o t h e r s in your h o u s e h o l d . S p r e a d o u t a n a b s o r b e n t c l o t h or t o w e l u n d e r n e a t h w h e r e you're going to w o r k to protect t h e g u n a n d s o a k u p a n y s o l v e n t , l u b r i c a n t or d e b r i s t h a t m i g h t drip o u t . ( N o t e : Don't use newspapers. Solvent and oil will readily filter through t h e m to the surface underneath.) Y o u m a y w a n t to put on an old shirt and p a n t s so y o u d o n ' t ruin good o n e s . T h e n y o u ' r e ready to begin.

Revolver T h e key during cleaning will be to hold the w e a p o n d o w n flat against your w o r k surface, w i t h t h e m u z z l e p o i n t i n g off to t h e side, a w a y f r o m y o u . C o n c e n t r a t e first on the interior surfaces. T o loosen dirt, powder deposits and o t h e r debris left there from firing your gun:

1. Unload your revolver and place ammunition in a separate place.

2. Fold patch in half. Insert corner into slot in your rod's slotted-end attachment. Pull halfway through.

3. Dip patch in solvent so it's well saturated, but not dripping wet; carefully extract patch to avoid splattering.

4. Insert rod into barrel and move it back and forth several times to get bore wet.

5. Push rod through so patch fully exits forcing cone, but don't crash it against firing pin access hole.

6. Repeat in each cylinder hole. Change patches often so dirt isn 't moved from one surface to another.

375

7. Move clockwise around cylinder. Scrub each area until solvent-soaked patch comes out clean.

8. Remove rod tip. Screw on bore brush—\a wire brush for stubborn deposits, nylon for normal cleaning].

9. Work brush back and forth in barrel until all sediment is loose. Fully clear barrel ends to avoid binding.

10. Repeat process in each cylinder hole. Brushing will push out residue the solvent has dissolved.

11. Give special attention to spots where lead, powder and other deposits are difficult to loosen with a patch.

12. Dampen toothbrush with solvent, Brush front and back of cylinder...

13. behind erector star...

14. on nose of

376

hammer...

16. underneath top strap and above forcing core, and...

17. around end of barrel.

18. With dentist's probe, clean hardto-reach areas, like top strap corners and above forcing cone.

19. Using knob-end accessory, clear residual moisture from bore and cylinder holes with clean, dry patches.

20. Hold thumb or patch against recoil plate to reflect light into barrel for final inspection.

21. Now use dry patches to wipe moisture and dirt from all other surfaces you've scrubbed.

22. Clean outside of barrel, cylinder and other exterior surfaces with solvent and patches. Dry with fresh patches. 377

23. For lubrication, use oil only. Grease can cause your action to lock up like glue.

24. Only 3 moving parts need oil: ONE drop around base of hammer. Then work action so it gets inside...

25. ONE drop on ejector rod in front of cylinder. Then plunge rod up and down to spread oil...

26. ONE drop on crane

27. With one drop of oil on clean apply thin coat as rust preventer barrel and cylinder chambers.

28. Check that screws on side plate and grip panels are tightly secured.

29. Wipe revolver treated cloth.

378

dry with

patch, inside

silicone-

hinge.

Semi-Automatic In c l e a n i n g a s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , y o u r o b j e c t i v e is still to r e m o v e dirt, lint, lead, powder, m e t a l particles and other residue that can cause m a l f u n c t i o n s . T h e s e m i - a u t o m a t i c contains m o r e moving parts t h a n t h e revolver, so y o u n e e d t o b r e a k it d o w n farther. W h e n you start to work, lay out e a c h c o m p o n e n t part in t h e order in w h i c h y o u field strip it. T h a t way there's n o confusion about w h a t goes where w h e n you want to reassemble. For a .45 cal. s e m i - a u t o m a t i c , d i s a s s e m b l y begins w i t h the plug just below the m u z z l e . Y o u push it in w h i l e s i m u l t a n e o u s l y turning t h e barrel b u s h ing 9 0 degrees in a c l o c k w i s e d i r e c t i o n . K e e p your finger o n the plug and release the t e n s i o n on the recoil spring s l o w l y to keep it f r o m popping out. E a s e t h e p l u g o u t of t h e s p r i n g b y t u r n i n g it c l o c k wise. F r o m that point on, follow essentially the s a m e steps appropriate to S & W m o d e l s 3 9 and 5 9 and o t h e r s e m i - a u t o m a t i c s . F o l l o w t h e s e procedures:

1. Remove

and unload

magazine.

2. Pull back slide until slide stop enters disassembly notch. Check chamber to make sure gun is unloaded.

3. With weak hand, push in slide stop pin section from opposite side of receiver and remove stop.

4. Move slide forward and from receiver.

5. Remove barrel, recoil spring, recoil spring guide. You now have eight basic components.

6. Apply solvent inside barrel with patches attached to cleaning rod.

7. Use wire brush to lift out stubborn lead deposits. Then clean and dry with fresh patches.

8. With toothbrush dipped in scrub every exposed surface, slide rails and ramp...

9. and receiver

10. Clean barrel bushing, recoil spring, slide stop and recoil spring guide with solvent-soaked toothbrush.

380

and magazine

well.

disengage

solvent, including

11. Now rub all these surfaces with clean, dry patches to soak up moisture and remaining dirt.

12. Place ONE drop of oil inside merarea...

13. and along all sliding surfaces— except magazine and magazine well.

14. Wipe off excess with dry or clean, dry cloth.

patches

15. Reassemble zine.

16. Wipe all external silicone cloth.

with

your gun, reload maga-

Note: As w i t h the revolver, any disassembly further than that described here should be done by a competent gunsmith. When cleaning a semia u t o m a t i c , t h e m a g a z i n e c a n be b r o k e n d o w n further, b u t g e n e r a l l y t h i s is n o t n e c e s s a r y .

surfaces

ham-

Shotgun If y o u ' r e l i k e m o s t o f f i c e r s , y o u r d e p a r t m e n t probably will not authorize you to break down and clean a long gun completely. But you can clean the b a r r e l p e r i o d i c a l l y , a n d s i n c e t h a t ' s w h e r e so m a n y shotgun malfunctions originate, it's well worth the f e w m i n u t e s it t a k e s t o do it p r o p e r l y . F o l l o w t h e s e procedures, w h i c h apply to m o s t . 1 2 ga. police shotguns:

1. Inspect bottom loading port to make certain shotgun is empty. Place shells in separate location.

2. Unscrew magazine tube cap, keeping gun pointed away from your face.

3. Gently grasp end of barrel and pull it straight out to separate it from receiver held in other hand.

5. Run several, solvent-soaked shotgun patches through barrel from receiver end out the muzzle end. 382

6. Scrub inside of barrel with .12 ga. bore brush soaked in solvent to loosen stubborn particles.

7. Attach solvent-soaked patch to screw end of dry swab. Run rod without tip attachment through barrel from muzzle end.

8. Attach swab to rod. Run it through barrel, out muzzle end. Patch somewhat protects swab from dirt.

9. Repeat with fresh, solvent-soaked patches until a patch emerges clean. Then, use dry patches until they exit

10. Rub the exterior of barrel with solvent-soaked patches. clean.

11. Dry barrel outside with patches.

12. Apply light oil coating to inhibit rust. Wipe off excess with clean cloth.

13. Reassemble shotgun. Check that barrel is seated properly before screwing on magazine cap.

14. Wipe off all metal surfaces silicone cloth,

with

Ammunition Precautions A s p a r t of y o u r c l e a n i n g p r o c e s s , y o u w a n t t o w i p e off a m m u n i t i o n w i t h a d r y , u n t r e a t e d c l o t h t o retard c o r r o s i o n . S h o t g u n p a t c h e s are good for t h i s job. B u t b e sure y o u k e e p all your cartridges a w a y f r o m a n y s o l v e n t o r o i l . W i p e a n y e x c e s s l i q u i d off all surfaces of your firearm, especially inside the c y l i n d e r h o l e s of a r e v o l v e r , before reloading. And don't spray the gun w i t h an aerosol lubricant after y o u ' v e loaded up. Spray l u b r i c a n t s or s o l v e n t s are super penetrati n g , a n d t h e l i q u i d f r o m t h e m , a s w e l l as f r o m o t h e r solvents, can w o r k its w a y around and into the primer by capillary action and dampen the powder charge, fostering misfires. S u c h liquids m a y also loosen the bullets in cartridges so that w h e n you fire o n e shot, the recoil will force the r e m a i n i n g bullets to thrust forward in their cases, causing your cylinder to j a m . In e i t h e r event, you c a n end up w i t h a u s e l e s s l o a d of a m m u n i t i o n . Oil o r solvent can adversely affect ammunition even faster than water. W i t h i n a m a t t e r of d a y s , f r e s h a m m u n i t i o n e x p o s e d to these liquids can b e c o m e deactivated. T h e risk w a s probably first identified in Seattle, where an officer drew his service revolver to ward off an a r m e d a s s a i l a n t and discovered t h e gun w o u l d n o t fire. S u b s e q u e n t lab analysis revealed that the powder in e a c h of his cartridges had b e e n c o n t a m i nated by oil that had soaked in f r o m aerosol lubicant sprayed on his gun. T h e powder was caked together and its flashpoint greatly retarded, so that w h e n the primer ignited, the charge only smoldered, then died o u t before lighting and discharging the round. T h a t ' s w h y your gun needs to be dried thoroughly after cleaning, before you reload. For certain, you w a n t to avoid w h a t s o m e officers do. T h e y simply r e m o v e a gun from its holster occasionally, s p r a y it w i t h a e r o s o l s o l v e n t w i t h t h e a m m u n i t i o n i n p l a c e , s h a k e it off a n d r e h o l s t e r , c o n s i d e r i n g t h a t t h i s c o n s t i t u t e s " c l e a n i n g " t h e w e a p o n . This is a deadly form of laziness. Improper gun and a m m u n i t i o n c l e a n i n g c a n b e a s d a n g e r o u s t o y o u r l i f e as n o cleaning at all. W i t h b o t h your gun and a m m u n i t i o n properly c l e a n , y o u r f i r e a r m s h o u l d n o w be ready for t h e s t r e e t . F i r s t , h o w e v e r , c h e c k t o b e s u r e t h a t it i s f u n c t i o n i n g as it s h o u l d b y p e r f o r m i n g t h e r e c o m m e n d e d " s e r v i c e a b i l i t y c h e c k s , " but be certain to p e r f o r m t h e s e t e s t s w i t h t h e g u n empty. T h e tempt a t i o n after c l e a n i n g is to reload and t h e n c h e c k t h e action. S u c h a b s e n t m i n d e d n e s s has resulted in numerous accidental discharges—and deaths. 384

SERVICEABILITY CHECK LIST After each cleaning and daily before putting y o u r g u n i n i t s h o l s t e r t o s t a r t y o u r t o u r of d u t y , a quick serviceability check can assure you that your f i r e a r m is f u n c t i o n i n g c o r r e c t l y a n d w i l l p e r f o r m if you need it. S o m e d e p a r t m e n t s designate specific areas for c o n d u c t i n g serviceability t e s t s . Some l o c k e r r o o m s , for e x a m p l e , are e q u i p p e d w i t h " b u l l e t t r a p s , " s u c h as oil d r u m s filled w i t h sand; you point your gun i n t o the trap so that any rounds f i r e d i n a d v e r t e n t l y a r e s a f e l y s t o p p e d . If s u c h a n a r e a is a v a i l a b l e , y o u m a y w a n t t o t a p e t h e s e r v i c e a b i l i t y c h e c k l i s t s n e a r b y f o r r e a d y r e f e r e n c e . If t h e r e i s n o designated area, you can perform these tests on the range, in a safe place o u t d o o r s or before y o u leave home. A l w a y s be c e r t a i n t h e m u z z l e is p o i n t e d in a safe d i r e c t i o n a w a y f r o m y o u r s e l f and o t h e r people a n d t h a t y o u r g u n is unloaded. C h e c k t w i c e to be sure it is. C o u n t your c a r t r i d g e s — t w i c e — a n d separate t h e m f r o m your firearm by putting t h e m in y o u r p o c k e t o r .in s o m e o t h e r s a f e l o c a t i o n . T h e r i s k of d o i n g o t h e r w i s e is g r a p h i c a l l y i l l u s t r a t e d b y t h e e x p e r i e n c e of a y o u n g p a t r o l m a n i n a D e t r o i t s u b u r b . He was performing serviceability checks on his .38 c a l . r e v o l v e r w h i l e s i t t i n g o n t h e e d g e of h i s b e d , w i t h the gun fully loaded, the m u z z l e pointed t o w a r d t h e i n s i d e of h i s leg. A s h e p u l l e d b a c k t h e h a m m e r to test cylinder rotation, his t h u m b accid e n t a l l y s l i p p e d off a n d t h e h a m m e r f l e w f o r w a r d . A bullet shot through his thigh, a l m o s t shattering his knee cap.

Safely and properly conducted, the c h e c k s will take less than a m i n u t e . By m a k i n g t h e m a habit, y o u c a n c a t c h l i f e - t h r e a t e n i n g p r o b l e m s before they s u r p r i s e y o u o n d u t y . A f t e r a l l , if y o u r g u n f a i l s t o operate properly during a gunfight, you c a n ' t stop the a c t i o n w h i l e you fix it.

Revolver W i t h your gun placed safely aside:

empty

and

the

ammunition

• e x a m i n e t h e b a r r e l . I s i s s t r a i g h t . . . f r e e of b u l g e s . . . t i g h t i n t h e f r a m e ? Is t h e b o r e c l e a n a n d f r e e o f pitting, rust or o b s t r u c t i o n s ? • c h e c k t h e sights. Are t h e y f i r m l y attached? Is t h e f r o n t sight a n d t h e rear sight, if t h e r e is o n e , straight? • i n s p e c t t h e c r a n e . I s i t f r e e of w a r p i n g ? • w o r k t h e ejector rod several t i m e s , w h i l e turning t h e c y l i n d e r . Is t h e r o d s t r a i g h t ? Is t h e m o v e m e n t f r e e ? Is t h e t i p s c r e w e d o n t i g h t ? (If t h e t i p w o r k s l o o s e , y o u m a y be u n a b l e to o p e n or c l o s e t h e cylinder.) • e x a m i n e t h e cylinder. Are t h e c h a m b e r s free of d i r t a n d o b s t r u c t i o n s ? Is t h e c y l i n d e r f r e e o f r u s t , b u r r s o r p i t t i n g ? ( P i t t i n g o n t h e f r o n t of t h e c y l i n der m a y i n d i c a t e it is i m p r o p e r l y r u b b i n g against t h e r e a r of t h e b a r r e l . ) • dry f i r e d o u b l e a c t i o n , w h i l e c l o s e l y w a t c h i n g t h e space b e t w e e n t h e firing pin h o l e and t h e cylinder. Is t h e h a m m e r n o s e driven through t h e recoil p l a t e f a r e n o u g h t o d e t o n a t e a c a r t r i d g e ? Is t h e f i r i n g p i n s e c u r e . . . n o t b a t t e r e d o r s c u f f e d ? (If t h e pin appears damaged, your h a m m e r m a y be m i s fitted or y o u r recoil plate faulty.) • w i t h o u t t o u c h i n g t h e trigger, pull b a c k t h e h a m m e r u n t i l it i s a l m o s t c o c k e d a n d r e l e a s e i t . Is t h e pin blocked from coming through the recoil p l a t e ? (If n o t , t h e i n t e r n a l s a f e t y i s f a u l t y . T h e p i n c o u l d h i t a c a r t r i d g e p r i m e r if t h e h a m m e r is s t r u c k or slips during c o c k i n g , c a u s i n g an u n i n t e n tional discharge.) N o t e : to perform this test on a S m i t h & Wesson, you m u s t hold the cylinder t h u m b latch to t h e rear w h i l e pulling b a c k the hammer. • c l o s e t h e c y l i n d e r a n d dry f i r e e a c h c h a m b e r . D o e s t h e cylinder rotate s m o o t h l y w i t h o u t skipping? D o e s t h e h a m m e r release properly and fall s m a r t l y w i t h o u t binding or h e s i t a t i o n ? • try gently to rotate t h e cylinder, w i t h t h e h a m m e r d o w n and y o u r finger off t h e trigger. D o e s t h e cylinder lock without any pronounced movem e n t ? W h e n y o u l o o k d o w n t h e b a r r e l , is it

p r o p e r l y a l i g n e d w i t h a c h a m b e r ? (If y o u d e t e c t m o r e than about 1/64-inch play in the cylinder, you have a faulty cylinder stop, w h i c h m a y cause m i s a l i g n m e n t . If t h e c h a m b e r s a r e o u t o f l i n e w i t h the barrel, t h e firing pin w o n ' t hit t h e c e n t e r s of p r i m e r s . T h i s exposes y o u to t h e risks of possible m i s f i r e s . A l s o , t h e b u l l e t m a y s h a v e lead as it enters the barrel, affecting accuracy.) • c o c k the h a m m e r and lay your t h u m b along the t o p of t h e b u t t s t r a p a n d a g a i n s t t h e h a m m e r s p u r . W h e n y o u apply reasonable pressure to the arc t h e h a m m e r n o r m a l l y t r a v e l s , d o e s it r e m a i n s e c u r e l y i n p l a c e ? ( D o n ' t force t h e h a m m e r forw a r d , a s y o u m a y create damage.) • c h e c k t h e s c r e w s holding t h e grips and t h e t w o screws on the sideplate. Are they firmly in place? Are y o u r grips tight and u n b r o k e n ? • carefully reload your a m m u n i t i o n , w i t h a safe surface b e l o w to c a t c h any falling rounds. W i t h the cylinder full and closed, rotate the cylinder u n t i l it c l i c k s i n t o p l a c e a n d a l l p l a y i s e l i m i n a t e d .

Semi-Automatic Engage the safety, r e m o v e the m a g a z i n e and pull t h e slide b a c k u n t i l it engages t h e slide stop. Inspect the magazine well and c h a m b e r to be certain t h e g u n is e m p t y . • a s y o u p u l l b a c k t h e s l i d e , d o e s it m o v e s m o o t h l y ? D o e s the stop work? • c h e c k t h e a c t i o n o f t h e s a f e t y . D o e s it c l i c k i n t o position properly? • inspect the e j e c t i o n port and the m a g a z i n e well. A r e t h e r e a n y o b s t r u c t i o n s ? (If s o , y o u r g u n m a y fail to feed or e j e c t rounds.) • w i t h t h e s a f e t y off, l e t t h e s l i d e s p r i n g f o r w a r d . D o e s it r e t u r n s m o o t h l y a l l t h e w a y t o t h e f r o n t ? D o e s t h e h a m m e r r e m a i n c o c k e d ? (If n o t , a n i n t e r n a l p a r t is w o r n . Y o u m a y b e a b l e t o s h o o t , but y o u w i l l have trouble firing fast, doubleaction shots.) • e n g a g e t h e s a f e t y so t h e h a m m e r i s r e l e a s e d a n d falls forward. Very g e n t l y s q u e e z e t h e trigger. Is the trigger b l o c k e d ? • c o c k the h a m m e r and press your t h u m b reasonable force against the h a m m e r spur the rear. D o e s the h a m m e r r e m a i n in place?

with from

• e x a m i n e t h e m a g a z i n e . Is it f r e e o f p i t t i n g , b u r r s , rust, dents? (Pay p a r t i c u l a r a t t e n t i o n to t h e lips.) Is t h e s p r i n g r e s i l i e n t e n o u g h t o p u s h r o u n d s u p to the chamber?

• i n s e r t t h e l o a d e d m a g a z i n e . D o e s it c l i c k a n d l o c k i n t o p o s i t i o n ? (If n o t , it m a y f a i l t o f e e d . ) • place the safety in the " o n " position. N o t e : If y o u r s e m i - a u t o m a t i c is a . 4 5 c a l . s i n g l e - a c t i o n m o d e l , y o u a l s o w a n t t o t e s t t h e grip safety. W i t h the gun E M P T Y , c o c k the h a m m e r , p u s h t h e t h u m b s a f e t y off a n d t h e n p r e s s t h e t r i g g e r w h i l e holding t h e gun by t h e f r a m e so as n o t to d e p r e s s t h e g r i p s a f e t y . The hammer should not fall. If it d o e s , t h e g r i p s a f e t y i s n o t f u n c t i o n i n g properly, and you should not carry the gun on duty. N o w c o c k it a g a i n . B e s u r e t h e t h u m b s a f e t y i s off and pull t h e trigger w i t h t h e gun in a n o r m a l s h o o t i n g h o l d , w h i l e d e p r e s s i n g t h e grip s a f e t y . T h i s t i m e t h e hammer should fall. If it d o e s n o t , t h e s a f e t y is j a m m e d a n d y o u w o n ' t b e a b l e t o f i r e .

Shotgun To conduct the firing pin test on the shotgun, empty the weapon first, then cock it. Use two fingers to keep the penny secure as you pull the trigger.

Carefully extract each live round from the magazine loading port, rather t h a n f r o m the side e j e c t i o n p o r t , if p o s s i b l e . W i t h y o u r g u n e m p t y : • i n s p e c t t h e b a r r e l . Is it f r e e f r o m c r a c k s . . . b u l g e s . . . r u s t . . . p i t t i n g . . . l e a d i n g . . . o b s t r u c t i o n s ? Is it t i g h t l y fitted i n t o t h e receiver? (Bulges are u s u a l l y indic a t e d by a s h a d o w y d e p r e s s i o n or a dark ring in t h e bore or by a b u b b l e or raised ring o n t h e barr e l ' s o u t s i d e s u r f a c e . If y o u d e t e c t b u l g e s o r c r a c k s o r t h e b a r r e l is l o o s e , t u r n t h e g u n o v e r t o y o u r a r m o r e r . It is d a n g e r o u s for y o u t o u s e . ) • push the safety on and very gently a t t e m p t to pull t h e t r i g g e r . D o e s it m o v e ? (In t h i s p o s i t i o n ,

dry

firing should not be possible.) • c o c k t h e s h o t g u n a g a i n . T a k e t h e s a f e t y off a n d s q u e e z e t h e t r i g g e r t w i c e t o a s s u r e t h a t t h e trigger m e c h a n i s m is f u n c t i o n i n g c o r r e c t l y . • w i t h t h e safety on, r e m o v e t h e m a g a z i n e cap and t h e barrel and test your firing pin. T o do so, put a p e n n y against the firing pin h o l e . Place t w o fing e r s f l a t a c r o s s t h e t o p of t h e o p e n i n g t o p r e v e n t the penny from flying out. N o w release the safety, c o c k the gun and pull t h e trigger. D o e s the pin hit t h e p e n n y w i t h e n o u g h f o r c e t o d e n t it s l i g h t l y ? (If n o t , it w o n ' t d e t o n a t e t h e p r i m e r s of s h e l l s a n d t h e g u n w o n ' t fire w h e n y o u n e e d it.) C A U T I O N : N e v e r s u b s t i t u t e y o u r finger for a p e n n y b e c a u s e o f t h e s t r o n g s t r i k i n g f o r c e of a p r o p e r l y f u n c tioning firing pin. • e x a m i n e t h e m a g a z i n e , i n s i d e a n d o u t . Is it c l e a n . . . f r e e of d e n t s ? (If t h e m a g a z i n e is d i r t y o r d a m a g e d , it m a y n o t f e e d t h e s h e l l s i n t o t h e chamber.)

A properly functioning firing pin in your shotgun should strike the penny with enough force to dent it. [Here the dent is under the word "unum"\. • visually e x a m i n e shells before reloading. Are t h e r e a n y c r a c k s , gouges or o t h e r flaws t h a t c o u l d affect feeding? • reassemble the shotgun. M a k e certain that the barrel fits snugly i n t o the receiver and that the m a g a z i n e cap is s c r e w e d o n t i g h t l y . • reload, m a k i n g sure t h a t a live r o u n d is n o t the chamber.

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A Note on Dry Firing W i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n of t h e s h o t g u n , y o u r f i r e a r m s w i l l b e n e f i t f r o m dry f i r i n g . It t e n d s t o i m p r o v e trigger pull and s m o o t h up t h e i n t e r n a l a c t i o n , as w e l l as i n c r e a s e your f a m i l i a r i t y w i t h h o w your gun f e e l s w h e n it is f u n c t i o n i n g p r o p e r l y . H o w e v e r , y o u s h o u l d d r y f i r e only after conf i r m i n g t h a t y o u r g u n is empty. A s an e x t r a prec a u t i o n , y o u s h o u l d n e v e r p o i n t t h e g u n at p e o p l e , i n t e r i o r w a l l s , w i n d o w s or i n a n y o t h e r d i r e c t i o n where the damage that might result from discharging an o v e r l o o k e d live r o u n d c o u l d n o t b e lived with. I n t h e c a s e of t h e s h o t g u n , e x t e n s i v e dry f i r i n g c a n d a m a g e t h e f i r i n g p i n a n d i t s c h a n n e l . I t is b e t t e r to have the pin strike s o m e t h i n g about the s a m e h a r d n e s s as a p r i m e r w h e n y o u p u l l t h e t r i g g e r . T h a t ' s w h y t h e p e n n y is r e c o m m e n d e d for t h e serviceability check. 389

PHYSICAL FITNESS

A n y o n e can be an a r m c h a i r survivor, like anyo n e c a n b e a n a r m c h a i r traveler. Y o u c a n sit for hours w i t h a b o o k like this and review the tactics t h a t c a n help keep y o u safe b e f o r e . . . d u r i n g . . . a n d after an armed confrontation. But can you transfer t h e m to the street, actually perform t h e m wherever a n d w h e n e v e r y o u n e e d to? T h a t ' s r e a l l y t h e o n l y q u e s t i o n t h a t ' s p e r t i n e n t at this point. T w o f a c t o r s w i l l d e t e r m i n e y o u r a n s w e r : 1) t h e e x t e n t to w h i c h y o u are w i l l i n g to p r a c t i c e t h e procedures and physical m a n e u v e r s w e ' v e outlined a s n e c e s s a r y f o r s u r v i v a l s k i l l , a n d 2) t h e d e g r e e o f your physical fitness. L e t ' s face an unfortunate truth: m o s t officers are in t e r r i b l e p h y s i c a l shape. T h e longer t h e y ' v e been away from the academy, the worse condition they're likely to be in. In m o s t departments, physic a l t r a i n i n g is s t r i c t l y v o l u n t a r y and l i t t l e is ever said about poor c o n d i t i o n . Officers m a y tell t h e m selves t h e y ' r e fit and t o n e d , b u t m a n y , faced w i t h t h e n e c e s s i t y of e x i t i n g t h e i r u n i t s a n d r u n n i n g h a l f a b l o c k in p u r s u i t of a suspect, w o u l d fall flat on t h e i r f a c e s b e f o r e t h e y g o t a r o u n d t o t h e f r o n t of their patrol car! L i k e their disinterest in thoroughly familiarizing t h e m s e l v e s w i t h the firearms t h e y carry, their physical negligence reflects laziness, c o m p l a c e n c y — and a failure to perceive the relevance to survival. P h y s i c a l f i t n e s s is r e l e v a n t t o s t a y i n g a l i v e i n law e n f o r c e m e n t . Effective defense m a n e u v e r s re-

quire dexterity, strength, agility, suppleness. For the physical exertion under stress that's c o m m o n to armed encounters, you need a well-tuned cardiovascular s y s t e m . Q u i c k reflexes and good eye-hand c o o r d i n a t i o n are m a n d a t o r y for t h e use of surprise and for a c c u r a t e s h o o t i n g . A s w e s a i d at t h e b e g i n n i n g , s u r v i v a l p r e p a r e d n e s s is a s y s t e m t h a t c o m b i n e s t a c t i c a l k n o w l e d g e , s h o o t i n g s k i l l , m e n t a l a t t i t u d e — and p h y s i c a l c o n d i t i o n i n g . E l i m i n a t e o r n e g l e c t a n y of t h e s e c o m p o n e n t s a n d y o u h a v e a s y s t e m w i t h a h o l e i n it big e n o u g h to drive a b u l l e t t h r o u g h . Just practicing the survival t e c h n i q u e s described in the previous chapters to the point that you can perform t h e m efficiently will help k e e p y o u in good physical shape. B y the s a m e t o k e n , adding regular conditioning exercises and g a m e s that relate specifically to survival fitness will help you master t h e t a c t i c a l t e c h n i q u e s y o u are p r a c t i c i n g . T h e m o r e y o u do of each, t h e m o r e proficient y o u bec o m e at b o t h — a n d t h e b e t t e r y o u r c h a n c e s of successfully handling challenges that threaten your life.

Exercises T h e f o r m s of e x e r c i s e t h a t c a n g i v e y o u t h e b e s t a l l - a r o u n d c o n d i t i o n i n g for t a c t i c a l r e a d i n e s s probably are r u n n i n g and s w i m m i n g . T h e s e a c t i v i ties can dramatically improve your cardiovascular s y s t e m so t h a t your heart and lungs can better a c c o m m o d a t e s u d d e n e x e r t i o n . If y o u ' r e not in shape and need to chase and then shoot a suspect, you'll have a tough t i m e doing so, b e c a u s e your heart will be racing and your lungs heaving to the point that getting steadily on target b e c o m e s all but impossible. You'll experience s o m e physiologic a l e f f e c t s f r o m s t r e s s a l o n e , o f c o u r s e . B u t if y o u ' v e e x e r c i s e d so t h a t y o u r e n d u r a n c e i s l e n g t h ened, your lung capacity expanded and your heart rate controlled, overexertion will not be complicating the problem. Consequently, your s h o o t i n g a c c u r a c y w i l l b e far g r e a t e r a n d y o u r p r o b a b i l i t y for surviving i m p r o v e d c o n s i d e r a b l y . S o m e calisthenics, including those performed with a simple hand apparatus, can help strengthen and t o n e your shoulders, a r m s and h a n d s , w h i c h are i m p o r t a n t in s h o o t i n g and m o s t o t h e r m a n e u v e r s . G o o d shooters tend to have well-developed forea r m s and shoulders. P u s h - u p s help, of c o u r s e . A n d a r m curls, w i t h d u m b b e l l s . T h e s e are e x e r c i s e s y o u c a n do w h i l e w a t c h i n g television. T h e y ' l l help

q u i c k e n your draw by developing t h e m u s c l e s involved...give y o u extra strength in holding and c o n t r o l l i n g your gun to c o m p e n s a t e for the weakening e f f e c t s of s t r e s s d u r i n g a c o n f r o n t a t i o n . . . a n d a l s o develop m u s c l e m a s s to help absorb the recoil of y o u r g u n . B y r e p e a t e d l y s q u e e z i n g a r u b b e r b a l l in y o u r p a l m or w o r k i n g a spring-loaded h a n d exerciser, either of w h i c h y o u c a n carry w i t h y o u on d u t y , y o u c a n b u i l d u p t h e s t r e n g t h of y o u r g r i p . W i t h t h e spring exerciser, squeeze o n l y w i t h your m i d d l e , ring and little fingers, slowly and deliberately, m a k i n g sure that your trigger finger does n o t r e a c t a t t h e s a m e t i m e . T h i s h e l p s t r a i n it t o operate independently w h e n shooting. T o improve your endurance, put a n i c k e l b e t w e e n the handles of y o u r e x e r c i s e r a n d s e e h o w l o n g y o u c a n h o l d it in place by squeezing the handles. S o m e officers hang a rubber " s q u e e z e b l o c k " on t h e h a n d l e of t h e i r s p o t l i g h t a n d " w o r k o u t " t h e i r h a n d s and w r i s t s as t h e y drive o n patrol. A n o t h e r p a t r o l c a r o p t i o n is t o f i l l a C o k e b o t t l e w i t h s a n d , c a p it a n d h o l d it s t r a i g h t o u t t o y o u r s i d e o v e r t h e seat as y o u drive. T h i s develops t h e m u s c l e s across t h e top of y o u r a r m and in your c h e s t and w i l l m a k e it e a s i e r f o r y o u t o h o l d y o u r g u n s t e a d y at a r m ' s length, as in t h e i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g p o s i t i o n . T o develop finger dexterity and grip, hold a full sheet of n e w s p a p e r by o n e corner, using only o n e hand. T r y t o c r u s h i t i n t o a l i t t l e b a l l i n t h e p a l m of y o u r hand.

This inexpensive chest pull exerciser can be used 11 different ways to improve arm, chest, shoulder and upper back muscle tone.

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I s o m e t r i c exercises, w h i c h pit your m u s c l e s against resistance to develop their strength, can also be performed in your patrol car. Press the very tip of y o u r f i n g e r a g a i n s t t h e d a s h b o a r d a s h a r d a s y o u c a n for i n c r e a s i n g l y long periods, for e x a m p l e . T h i s w i l l h e l p s t r e n g t h e n your trigger finger and reduce t h e e f f o r t of s h o o t i n g . W h e n y o u ' r e p a r k e d , p u t b o t h h a n d s on t h e steering w h e e l at three and n i n e o ' c l o c k p o s i t i o n s a n d s q u e e z e t o g e t h e r as h a r d as you can w i t h your hands and forearms. Keep your hands in that position and n o w pull outward. N o w h o l d t h e w h e e l solid w i t h o n e h a n d and wrist and t r y t o t u r n it w i t h t h e o t h e r . S w i t c h b o t h h a n d s t o t h e t o p of t h e w h e e l . F o r c e t h e m d o w n w a r d w i t h all y o u r s t r e n g t h , trying to lift yourself up w i t h t h e s t r e n g t h of y o u r a r m s a n d s h o u l d e r s . T h e n w i t h y o u r h a n d s at t h e b o t t o m of t h e w h e e l , p a l m s u p , reverse your effort. P u s h up w i t h your hands, trying to force your body d o w n deeper into the seat. Start w i t h 1 0 s e c o n d s of m a x i m u m e f f o r t f o r e a c h e x e r c i s e and build up gradually to 2 0 and 3 0 . T h e s e exercises w i l l s t r e n g t h e n your h a n d and a r m m u s c l e s that r e l a t e t o grip s t e a d i n e s s a n d e n d u r a n c e , t i g h t e n y o u r s t o m a c h m u s c l e s and expand your lung capacity.

O t h e r exercises will improve your reflexes and eye-hand coordination, w h i c h affect your ability to react to danger and t o get on target q u i c k l y and a c c u r a t e l y . O n e c o n d i t i o n e r is t o h o l d a d o l l a r b i l l up b e t w e e n your t h u m b and trigger finger...drop i t . . . a n d t h e n try to c a t c h it right a w a y . T h i s h e l p s y o u r e d u c e l a g t i m e ; i t ' s a l o t h a r d e r t h a n it s o u n d s , and y o u ' v e got to be w e l l - t u n e d to do it. A n o t h e r o p t i o n , w i t h y o u r p a r t n e r o r a m e m b e r of y o u r f a m i l y , is t o h a v e h i m s t a n d w i t h h i s h a n d s a b o u t shoulder w i d t h apart and suddenly m o v e to clap t h e m together without warning you. Y o u want to r a i s e y o u r h a n d f r o m y o u r s i d e a n d g e t it b e t w e e n his hands before they can c o m e together. T r y this w h i l e w a t c h i n g h i s eyes, r a t h e r t h a n h i s h a n d s , a n d s e e if y o u c a n l e a r n t o d e t e c t t h e s u b t l e " t e l e g r a p h " messages that m o s t people send subconsciously before they take offensive action. W h i l e on patrol, you can exercise your eye-hand m o v e m e n t s by q u i c k l y pointing at o b j e c t s (unobtrusively) w i t h your index finger, w i t h o u t looking at i t . C h e c k y o u r a l i g n m e n t t o s e e if y o u w o u l d have b e e n " o n t a r g e t , " had your finger b e e n your gun. C o n s i d e r i n g t h a t y o u r g u n is regarded as an e x t e n s i o n of y o u r h a n d i n i n s t i n c t s h o o t i n g , t h i s exercise can help sharpen your a i m . At night you c a n m a k e t h i s e x e r c i s e harder by first l o o k i n g at lights, t h e n looking a w a y and abruptly pointing at s o m e t h i n g . Y o u ' l l b e s u r p r i s e d h o w far o f f y o u ' l l b e — u n t i l , w i t h practice, you learn to recognize and c o m p e n s a t e for the w a y bright lights can alter your A $6 investment in improving hand strength, even during patrol. Squeeze until the handles touch, then release. Now turn the Hand Grips® with your thumb at the open end of the handles. Squeeze and release and repeat up to 30 counts each way. Practice with each hand as well.

An effective exercise which requires no gym or expense. The purpose is to strengthen the shoulders and arms, especially the tricep muscles. The result is improved coordination in using a firearm.

v i s i o n . A n o t h e r eye s h a r p e n e r is to try to read license plates Goming toward y o u — n o t to detect wanted cars necessarily, but to quicken your reactions and observations. O f c o u r s e , b y e l i m i n a t i n g or reducing your i n t a k e of n i c o t i n e , a l c o h o l , caffeine and o t h e r chemicals, you can improve your physical fitness in m y r i a d w a y s — a n d your l i k e l i h o o d n o t only of surviving gunfights but e x t e n d i n g your life in general. If, d e s p i t e c o n s c i e n t i o u s p r a c t i c e , e x e r c i s e a n d " c l e a n " living, you find you still have trouble shooting swiftly and accurately, consider having yourself tested by a physician or therapist w h o specializes in detecting and treating dyslexia. T h i s is a n i n - b o r n d i s t u r b a n c e of t h e relationship b e t w e e n the eyes and the brain w h i c h can cause perceptual distortions ranging from m i l d to severe. S o m e p o l i c e t r a i n e r s h a v e f o u n d a s h i g h as 3 0 p e r c e n t of t h e i r s t u d e n t s s u f f e r i n g f r o m s o m e f o r m of d y s l e x i c difficulty. A c l u e to t h i s o f t e n is t r o u b l e in learning to read as a child. S u c h disorders f r e q u e n t l y c a n be treated and e i t h e r c o r r e c t e d fully or c o m p e n s a t e d f o r . B u t if y o u ' r e u n a w a r e of t h e s i t u a t i o n , it

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m a y be a factor in your m i s s i n g your assailant a combat encounter.

in

Sports C e r t a i n popular g a m e s t h a t people play for recreation, plus ones you can devise w i t h a tactical purpose in m i n d , can also heighten your survival readiness. Ping-pong, racquetball, baseball, handball, indoor b a d m i n t o n — t h e s e fast-moving sports can help develop your eye-hand coordination and get you a c c u s t o m e d to manipulating effectively an object in your h a n d s w i t h o u t having t o look at w h a t they're doing. T h i s can work to improve your m a n i p u l a t i o n of y o u r g u n i n a c l o s e c o m b a t s i t u a t i o n . H u n t i n g , t o o , is good. O r s k e e t - or trapshooting. Any activity that demands quick shooting or h i t t i n g of a m o v i n g t a r g e t . W i t h some imagination, you can turn the p r a c t i c e of s u r v i v a l t e c h n i q u e s i n t o a s p o r t o r g a m e . O n e officer practices reloading his s e m i - a u t o m a t i c (using an e m p t y m a g a z i n e , of course) b y t u r n i n g off t h e l i g h t s i n h i s l i v i n g r o o m a n d s e e i n g if h e c a n reload by t o u c h before h i s w i f e c a n tag h i m . U s i n g cap pistols, others practice disarming tactics w i t h their w i v e s , w h o try to c o m e up w i t h n e w w a y s of grabbing or holding a gun t h a t c a n ' t b e q u i c k l y defeated. Keep in m i n d that t h e longer you have to t h i n k about h o w to disarm an assailant, the greater l i k e l i h o o d y o u ' l l b e k i l l e d if it w e r e r e a l l i f e . I n San F r a n c i s c o , e x - c o n v i c t s in a r e h a b i l i t a t i o n program m e e t w i t h police officers to stage i m p r o m p t u , realistic incidents like those they formerly experienced on the street, so t h e officers can b e c o m e m o r e familiar w i t h adversary tactics and h o w to deal with them. O n patrol, you can turn " r o u t i n e " observation into a survival-oriented game. As you w a t c h people in a crowd or on the sidewalk, p i c k out certain o n e s at r a n d o m a n d a s s u m e t h a t t h e y a r e a r m e d s u s p e c t s . H o w would you deploy to approach them? W h a t cover m i g h t y o u use? H o w could y o u best protect y o u r s e l f a n d / o r s h o o t b a c k if t h e y s u d d e n l y d i s played aggressive behavior? W i t h your partner or other officers, you m a y be able to set up your o w n " a s s a u l t c o u r s e " for target practice. W i t h scrap y o u c a n get free f r o m m o s t dumps, you can erect moveable obstacles, barricades and " s u s p e c t s " and practice firing u n d e r various scenarios that involve t i m e and stress conditions. If y o u u s e d u t y r o u n d s , r a t h e r t h a n l i g h t l o a d s o r b l a n k s , y o u ' l l get a c c u s t o m e d to just h o w your gun f e e l s w h e n it g o e s o f f . N a t u r a l l y , y o u ' l l w a n t t o practice in a safe, isolated area w h e r e t h e r e ' s a good b a c k s t o p , l i k e a dirt e m b a n k m e n t . M i x s o m e e m p t y

c a s e s i n w i t h y o u r l i v e r o u n d s so y o u ' l l h a v e a " m a l f u n c t i o n " that will give y o u an opportunity to practice " i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n " procedures. Working o u t t h e r e a f e w t i m e s a m o n t h , in all k i n d s of w e a t h e r , will probably go a lot farther toward k e e p i n g y o u fit for t h e s t r e e t t h a n f i r i n g o n a c o n ventional range. Another practice possibility with your partner is a s o p h i s t i c a t e d v e r s i o n of h i d e - a n d - s e e k . U s i n g a building, an alley or o t h e r appropriate l o c a t i o n , a s s u m e a given call, s u c h as " p r o w l e r , " " m a n w i t h - a - g u n " or "burglary-in-progress." T a k e turns being the officer w h o plots a tactical approach and a suspect w h o tries to hide and o u t w i t the police to get off t h e first s h o t . O b v i o u s l y , live a m m u n i t i o n s h o u d n ' t be u s e d in t h i s e x e r c i s e and e v e n b l a n k s m i g h t be disturbing to other people. Water guns, t h o u g h , c a n add a l i t t l e z e s t t o t h e g a m e , w h i c h c a n b e p l a y e d b o t h b y d a y l i g h t a n d at n i g h t w h e n y o u m i g h t need to consider light control. Afterwards, always critique the " o f f i c e r ' s " m o v e m e n t s and h o w they could have been better. T o add a s t r o n g d o s e of r e a l i t y t o y o u r r o l e p l a y i n g e x e r c i s e s , c o n s i d e r r e c r e a t i n g i n as m u c h d e t a i l a s p o s s i b l e t h e e x a c t c i r c u m s t a n c e s of i n c i d e n t s i n w h i c h o f f i c e r s h a v e b e e n w o u n d e d or k i l l e d . W i t h your partner and other officers, experiment w i t h v a r i o u s t a c t i c s in an effort to discover h o w t h e officer injury m i g h t h a v e b e e n prevented. In this way, you'll realize h o w easily fatal m i s t a k e s c a n b e m a d e b u t a l s o b e c o m e a w a r e of t h e t a c t i c a l o p t i o n s a v a i l a b l e in m o s t a r m e d e n c o u n t e r s . W i t h e x e r c i s e s a n d r e h e a r s a l s , as w i t h o t h e r c o m p o n e n t s of s u r v i v a l , t h e c o r e f a c t o r is instinct. Y o u r g o a l is t o d e v e l o p y o u r t a c t i c a l e n g i n e e r i n g and your m e n t a l and physical fitness to the point t h a t y o u c a n plan, move and shoot instinctively, in ways that keep you alive. T h e c h a l l e n g e is n e v e r over, really. T h e r e are always n e w p r o b l e m s to c o n s i d e r . . . n e w t a c t i c s to d e v e l o p . . . n e w s k i l l s to m a s t e r in y o u r effort to gain t h e edge over p o t e n t i a l a r m e d a s s a i l a n t s . B u t t h e w a y s in w h i c h y o u see y o u r s e l f i m p r o v i n g , your survival senses sharpening, can keep you g o i n g . Y o u n e e d determination, persistence, and willingness to work hard. Y o u are l i k e an a t h l e t e in training. B u t w h e n you w o r k o u t , y o u a r e t r a i n i n g f o r t h e ultimate competition.

396

ADDITIONAL READING Various other books and articles c a n provide useful s u p p l e m e n t a r y i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t s o m e of t h e subjects w e ' v e covered, particularly in helping you understand, evaluate and maintain your firearms, a m m u n i t i o n and protective e q u i p m e n t . S o m e also provide additional data o n w h a t to expect in armed c o n f r o n t a t i o n s a n d e x a m p l e s of m i l i t a r y c o m b a t procedures and techniques that c a n be adapted to street s i t u a t i o n s . A m o n g t h o s e y o u m a y find helpful are:

B O O K S and MANUALS A g o s t a , R o y , Manual

of Basic Police

Firearms

Instructions

and Safe Handling

Practices,

Gaithersburg,

Maryland:

Springfield, Illinois: C h a r l e s C T h o m a s Publisher, 1 9 7 8 .

, Ambush

Attacks,

A Risk Reduction

Manual

for Police,

I n t e r n a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n of C h i e f s o f P o l i c e , 1 9 7 4 . B e l l a h , K e n t , Book

of Pistols

B r o o k s , P i e r c e , Officer

Down,

N e w York, N e w York: Castle Books, 1975.

and Revolvers, Code

Three,

Schiller Park, Illinois: M o t o r o l a T e l e p r o g r a m s ,

Inc., 1 9 7 5 . C o o p e r , Jeff, Principles

of Personal

D a l e y , R o b e r t , Target Blue,

, Defensive

Tactics,

Defense,

Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press, 1 9 7 2 .

N e w York, N e w York: Delacorte Press, 1 9 7 1 .

A Manual

for Law Enforcement

Officers,

Washington, D . C . :

Federal B u r e a u of I n v e s t i g a t i o n , 1 9 7 0 . F a i r b a i r n , C a p t . W . E . , a n d S y k e s , C a p t . E . A . , Shooting

to Live,

Houston, Texas:

Lancer

Militaria, 1 9 7 1 .

F y f e , J a m e s J o s e p h , Shots Fired: charges,

An Examination

of New York

City Police

Firearms

Dis-

A n n Arbor, M i c h i g a n : U n i v e r s i t y M i c r o f i l m s , International, 1 9 7 8 .

G r e n n e l l , D e a n A . , Law Enforcement 1976.

Handgun

Digest,

Northfield, Illinois: D B I Books, I n c . ,

397

J o r d a n , B i l l , No Second

Shreveport, L o u i s i a n a : Bill Jordan, 1 9 6 5 .

Place Winner,

J o s s e r a n d , M i c h e l H . , a n d S t e v e n s o n , J a n , Pistols,

Revolvers

N e w York,

and Ammunition,

N e w York: C r o w n Publishers, Inc., 1 9 6 8 . , Law Enforcement

Officers

Killed

W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . : F e d e r a l B u r e a u of

Summary,

Investigation Uniform C r i m e Reports, Annual. M a s o n , J a m e s D . , Combat Publisher, 1 9 7 6 .

Handgun

M i l t o n , C a t h e r i n e , e t a l . , Police

Shooting,

Springfield,

Use of Deadly Force,

Illinois:

Charles

C

Thomas

Washington, D . C . : Police Foundation,

1977. M o v e r , S g t . F r a n k A . , a n d S c r o g g i e , R o b e r t J . , Special

Forces

Combat

Firing

Techniques,

Houston, T e x a s : Lancer Militaria, 1 9 7 1 . , NRA Illustrated Association, 1964. , NRA Illustrated

Firearms

Handling

Shooting

Handbook,

Washington,

Handbook,

D . C . : National

Rifle

W a s h i n g t o n , D . C . : N a t i o n a l Rifle A s s o c i a t i o n ,

1971. , Report of Police Body Armor

Testing,

Gaithersburg, Maryland: International Associa-

t i o n of C h i e f s of P o l i c e , 1 9 7 8 . R e x e r , F r e d L . , J r . , Dead or Alive,

Houston, Texas: IDAC, Inc., 1977.

R i c e , F . P h i l i p , Gun Data Book, N e w Y o r k , N e w Y o r k : H a r p e r & R o w , 1 9 7 5 . R o b e r t s , D u k e , a n d B r i s t o w , A l l e n P . , Introduction

to Modern

Beverly Hills,

Police Firearms,

California: Glencoe Press, 1 9 6 9 . R o b i n s o n , R o b i n H , The Police

Shotgun

Springfield, Illinois: C h a r l e s C

Manual,

Thomas

Publisher, 1 9 7 3 . R u b i n s t e i n , J o n a t h a n , City Police,

N e w Y o r k , N e w Y o r k : Farrar, Straus and G i r o u x , 1 9 7 3 .

Scanlon,

The

D e t . Robert A . , editor,

Law

Enforcement

Bible,

South

Hackensack, N e w

Jersey: Stoeger Publishing C o m p a n y , 1 9 7 8 . S k i l l e n , C . R . , a n d W i l l i a m s , M . , American

Police

Handgun

Training,

Springfield, Illinois:

Charles C T h o m a s Publisher, 1 9 7 7 . S o n d e r s t r o m , D r . C a r l A . , e t a l . , Medical

Assessment

Aberdeen,

of a New Soft Body Armor,

Maryland: U . S .Army A r m a m e n t Research andDevelopment C o m m a n d , 1 9 7 8 . T e r r y , R o g e r , Flatfoot,

Fuzz, Pig & Screw,

V a n H e l t e b r a k e , J e r r y , Bdsic Associates, 1 9 7 3 .

Combat

C h i c a g o , Illinois: Roger Terry, 1 9 7 8 . Pistol

Northbrook,

Marksmanship,

V a n K i r k , M a r v i n L . , a n d L i n d e l l , J a m e s W . , Revolver

Retention

Illinois:

Budda

for Law Enforcement

Offi-

cers, K a n s a s C i t y , M i s s o u r i : K a n s a s C i t y P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t , 1 9 7 6 . W h i t t e m o r e , L . H . , The

Super

W i l b e r , C h a r l e s G . , Ballistic

N e w York,

Cops,

Science

N e w York:

for the Law Enforcement

Bantam Books, Inc., 1 9 7 3 . Officer,

Springfield, Illinois:

Charles C T h o m a s Publisher, 1 9 7 7 . W i l l i a m s , M a s o n , The Law Enforcement cedures,

Book of Weapons,

Ammunition

and Training

Pro-

Springfield, Illinois: C h a r l e s C T h o m a s Publisher, 1 9 7 7 .

W o o d , J . B . , Troubleshooting

Your

Northfield, Illinois: D B I B o o k s , I n c . , 1 9 7 8 .

Handgun,

J O U R N A L and MAGAZINE ARTICLES A y o o b , M a s s a d F . , " A m b u s h , " Law & Order,

pp. 62-68, October, 1 9 7 4 .

A y o o b , M a s s a d F . , " W h e n t h e O f f i c e r F a c e s a n A r m o r e d F e l o n , " Law & Order,

pp. 7 4 - 7 9 ,

October, 1977. , " B o u n c i n g B u l l e t s , " FBI Law Enforcement

Bulletin,

pp. 2-5, October, 1 9 6 9 .

C h a m b e r s , H e r b e r t O , " T h e P o l i c e H a n d g u n a n d A m m u n i t i o n — T o d a y , " Police Association

of Nebraska

Journal,

Officers

pp. 23-29, 1 9 7 6 .

C h a m b l i s , L u c y , " D o e s C o m b a t S h o o t i n g C o s t C o p s ' L i v e s ? " p p . 8 8 - 9 2 , 1 2 4 - 1 2 5 , Guns Ammo, S e p t e m b e r , 1 9 7 6 . C h r i s t y , J o h n , " B o d y A r m o r a n d t h e E n d a n g e r e d E x e c u t i v e , " p p . 3 0 - 3 3 , Assets vol. 3 . no. 2, 1 9 7 8 . , " C o m b a t S t a n c e s f o r P o l i c e , " American 398

Handgunner,

&

Protection,

pp. 18-19, May-June 1 9 7 8 .

C o r y , B r u c e , " D e a d l y F o r c e , " Police Magazine,

pp. 5-14, November, 1 9 7 8 .

D a v i d s o n , J o h n , " E x e r c i s e s t o I m p r o v e Y o u r S h o o t i n g , " National

pp. 14-15,

Marksman,

January-February, 1 9 7 9 . D i M a i o , D r . V i n c e n t J . M . , e t a l . , " A C o m p a r i s o n of t h e W o u n d i n g E f f e c t s of C o m m e r c i a l l y A v a i l a b l e H a n d g u n A m m u n i t i o n S u i t a b l e f o r P o l i c e U s e , " FBI Law Enforcement letin,

Bul-

pp. 3-8, December, 1 9 7 4 .

D r a g l a n d , S g t . D o n , " S o f t B o d y A r m o r , S o m e B a s i c s , " FBI Law Enforcement

pp. 15-

Bulletin,

17, February, 1 9 7 9 . G r e e n , S g t . J a m e s J . , " P l a i n c l o t h e d P o l i c e P e r s o n n e l : A n I d e n t i f i c a t i o n P r o b l e m , " FBI Enforcement

Law

pp. 1 6 - 2 1 , April, 1 9 7 5 .

Bulletin,

Guiffrida, L o u i s O . , et a l . , " S e r v i c e October, 1 9 7 8 .

Sidearm

Retention,"

The

Police

pp. 5 0 - 5 2 ,

Chief,

H a s h w a y , R o b e r t M . , a n d N u t t a l l , R o n a l d L . , " T h e E f f e c t of W e a r i n g P r o t e c t i v e a n d t h e A g g r e s s i v e B e h a v i o r o f P o l i c e O f f i c e r s , " The Police

Garments

p. 2 8 9 - 2 9 1 ,

Chief,

October,

1978. J o h n s o n , N o r m a n E . , " T h e H o w s a n d W h y s o f P r o p e r G u n C a r e , " Guns

& Ammo,

pp. 6 2 - 6 3

Enforcement

Bulletin,

Lawman,

pp. 10-11,

88, December, 1978. Lindell, James W . , "Officer

Disarmings—A

Response,"

FBI Law

pp. 8 - 1 3 , M a r c h , 1 9 7 8 . Lovette,

Ed, " C a r r y i n g

Duty A m m o

for R e v o l v e r s , "

New

Mexico

January, 1 9 7 7 . L o v e t t e , E d , " F i r e a r m T r a i n i n g : N u i s a n c e o r N e c e s s i t y , " New Mexico

pp. 10-11,

Lawman,

June, 1 9 7 7 . M u i r h e a d , J. C , " S o m e C o m m e n t s o n t h e H o s t a g e S i t u a t i o n , " The Police

pp. 46-48,

Chief,

February, 1 9 7 8 . O ' N e i l l , L i e u t e n a n t M i c h a e l T . , " G u n R e t e n t i o n , " FBI Law Enforcement

pp. 2 0 -

Bulletin,

23, September, 1 9 7 9 . P a r s o n s , K e v i n , " R e v o l v e r S p e e d L o a d i n g D e v i c e s : A T e s t R e p o r t , " Law & Order,

pp. 5 2 - 5 6 ,

November, 1976. , "Revolver Training and Night Firing," November, 1960. R u m m e l , Bartlett,

p p . 1 - 4 , FBI Law Enforcement

Bulletin,

" P o l i c e Firearms Training: A n Inquiry into the G o v e r n m e n t a l D u t y t o

P r o v i d e A d e q u a t e T r a i n i n g , " The National

Rifleman,

pp. 17-22, August, 1 9 6 3 .

S c a c c o , D r . A n t h o n y M . , Jr., " C a t c h ' 2 2 ' , t h e C o n t i n u i n g B u l l e t Proof V e s t

Controversy,"

p . 2 2 , Law & Order, A u g u s t , 1 9 7 9 . Salazar, I.E., a n d L o v e t t e , Ed, " A n o t h e r L o o k at t h e Practical Pistol C o u r s e , "

The

Police

Chief, p p . 2 4 - 2 5 , O c t o b e r , 1 9 7 7 . S i m m o n s , D o n a l d M . , Jr., " P r a c t i c a l G u i d e t o C o m p l e t e D i s a s s e m b l y of t h e . 4 5 A u t o P i s t o l , " American

Handgunner,

pp. 4 2 - 4 5 , September-October, 1 9 7 7 .

, " S o m e T h o u g h t s o n H a n d g u n A c c u r a c y , " American ber-December, 1 9 7 8 .

Handgunner,

, " S p e e d L o a d e r s : H e l p o r H i n d r a n c e ? " PWC Bulletin,

p. 2, 1 9 7 7 .

pp. 2 0 - 2 3 , N o v e m -

Spitz, D r . W e r n e r U . , et al., " P h y s i c a l A c t i v i t y until Collapse Following Fatal Injury by Firea r m s a n d S h a r p P o i n t e d W e a p o n s , " Journal of Forensic

Sciences,

pp. 2 9 0 - 3 0 0 , July, 1 9 6 1 .

W a r t e r , D o n a l d V . , " R e a l i s t i c S h o t g u n T r a i n i n g , " FBI Law Enforcement December, 1976.

Bulletin,

pp. 3 - 9 ,

W i l l i a m s , M a s o n , " T h e C o m b a t C o u r s e , A R a t i o n a l F i r e a r m s C o u r s e , " American gunner, p p . 1 1 - 1 3 , S e p t e m b e r - O c t o b e r , 1 9 7 6 .

Hand-

Y o u n t , A u g u s t M . , Jr., " W h i c h Fall, 1 9 7 7 .

p. 4 ,

B u l l e t is B e s t , "

Illinois

Law Enforcement

Y o u n t , A u g u s t M . , J r . , e t a l . , " A m m o M i s f i r e s , " Illinois Police

Officer,

News,

pp. 1 3 - 1 5 , 5 1 , Spring,

1974. Y o u n t , A u g u s t M . , Jr., a n d O ' R o u r k e , T h o m a s W . , " B r e a k i n g t h e I c e : A S t u d y of A c c i d e n t a l D i s c h a r g e s , " The Police Chief, p p . 7 0 - 7 6 , A p r i l , 1 9 7 8 .

PHOTO CREDITS Dennis Anderson, o n e of t h e n a t i o n ' s f o r e m o s t d i r e c t o r s of m o t i o n p i c t u r e s f o r l a w e n f o r c e m e n t t r a i n i n g , s u p e r v i s e d t h e u n i q u e v i s u a l c o n t e n t of t h i s b o o k . F r o m h u n d r e d s of p o s s i b i l i t i e s , h e s e lected the documentary n e w s photos used herein for t h e i r special i n s t r u c t i o n a l r e l e v a n c e . Also, except where otherwise indicated, he was personally r e s p o n s i b l e f o r all o r i g i n a l p h o t o g r a p h y , w o r k i n g w i t h o f f i c e r s f r o m a v a r i e t y of m u n i c i p a l , c o u n t y a n d s t a t e d e p a r t m e n t s . A n d e r s o n , p r e s i d e n t of B r a v o P r o d u c t i o n s , I n c . , of A r l i n g t o n H e i g h t s , I l l i n o i s , has been an active participant in the officer survival m o v e m e n t . He has helped conduct survival training s e s s i o n s in several s t a t e s and h a s d i r e c t e d a v a r i e t y of r e a l i s t i c f i l m s o r i e n t e d t o s u r v i v a l m e t h o d s , i n c l u d i n g : H o s t a g e N e g o t i a t i o n for P o l i c e , H i g h Risk Patrol T a c t i c s and Shooting D e c i s i o n s .

Aurora (CO) Police Department—36; Bianchi Gunleather — 7 5 , 3 0 8 , 3 1 3 ; Tony Bulaski—321; Burger King C o r p . — 3 0 5 ; Chicago Tribune—258, 280, 3 6 8 ; Bob East III—56; Ernie Cox Jr./Chicago Tribune—192, 282; Bob Fila/ Chicago Tribune—55; Gustav Freedman/Evanston (IL) Review—34; Jim Frost/Chicago Sun-Times—310; Don Gruben/Evanston (IL) Review—34; Roy Hall/Chicago Tribune—77; Frank Hanes/Chicago Tribune—239; Bill Kesler/St. Louis Post-Dispatch—193; Arthur Kleist Jr.— 3 8 9 ; Walt L e m m o n — 3 2 0 ; Jack Lenahan/Chicago Tribune — 6 ; Ron Lentz—62, 2 1 1 ; Marty Levin—317, 3 4 3 , 3 4 4 ,

346, 347,

3 5 6 , 3 6 4 , 4 0 0 ; L i b r a r y of C o n g r e s s — 1 9 1 ;

Bill

M a y e r — 8 , 48, 60, 67, 89, 90, 102, 105, 130, 131, 132, 135, 186, 3 0 0 ; Marc Miller—Front Cover,

14-20, 22, 28, 41,

110, 141, 143, 161, 165, 169, 173, 176, 177, 185, 188, 189, 208,

245,

248,

249,

States-Item—99;

336,

345,

Providence

356,

(RI]

358

;

Journal

New

Orleans

Bulletin—73;

Art S h a y — 3 3 , 3 6 , 2 3 3 , 2 7 7 , 3 4 4 , 3 5 3 , 3 7 3 - 3 8 3 ;

UPI—24,

27, 34, 3 8 , 50, 65, 113, 117, 157, 246, 267, 279, 307, 3 1 2 , 333,

369;

Bill

Warren—207;

Valerie/Los The

Wichita

Angeles

Times—4;

Eagle—285;

Wide

Linda World

P h o t o s — T i t l e Page, Dedication, 3, 5, 10, 4 4 , 5 3 , 78, 155, 163, 176, 182, 191, 209, 247, 283, 2 8 4

;

Jim Y o u n g — 1 0 0 .

P h o t o g r a p h s not identified w e r e obtained w i t h the request t h a t t h e i r s o u r c e s be k e p t c o n f i d e n t i a l .

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Special Agent Ronald J. Adams has been a prolific i n n o v a t o r of s u r v i v a l t a c t i c s s i n c e h e j o i n e d t h e Riverside, California, Police D e p a r t m e n t in 1 9 6 9 . H e is a graduate of n u m e r o u s t a c t i c a l training courses, including those sponsored by the California Specialized Training Institute, the FBI and the U . S . M a r i n e C o r p s ; H e played a m a j o r role in developing o n e of t h e m o s t u n u s u a l a n d r e a l i s t i c o f f i c e r s u r v i v a l s c h o o l s in t h e n a t i o n , located at Fort Irwin M i l i t a r y B a s e in the M o j a v e Desert. His on-going street e x p e r i e n c e has i n c l u d e d a s s i g n m e n t s as a patrol officer and w i t h the Riverside tactical unit. He has served as t e c h n i c a l advisor on several awardwinning instructional m o t i o n pictures and manuals produced by M T I Teleprograms Inc., including High-Risk Patrol T a c t i c s , Survival Shooting T e c h niques, Handling Firearms and Shooting Decis i o n s . H e h a s a l s o s e r v e d as t e c h n i c a l c o n s u l t a n t t o C B S 60 Minutes o n t h e s u b j e c t of o f f i c e r s u r v i v a l . 402

Lieutenant Thomas M. McTeinan has helped train t h o u s a n d s of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t p e r s o n n e l i n s u r v i v a l p r o c e d u r e s as a f i r e a r m s a n d t a c t i c s t r a i n e r a n d i n s t r u c t o r s u p e r v i s o r for t h e N e w Y o r k C i t y P o l i c e D e p a r t m e n t . A police officer since 1963, w i t h t r a i n i n g in e m e r g e n c y m a n a g e m e n t at N e w Y o r k U n i v e r s i t y , h e h a s s e r v e d as g u e s t i n s t r u c t o r for t h e N a t i o n a l R i f l e A s s o c i a t i o n ' s P o l i c e F i r e a r m s Instructor School, the firearms training program of the U . S . C u s t o m s Service and other outstanding courses concerned with tactical firearms use. His street experience has included patrol duties in t h e high-risk South Bronx Precinct and assignments w i t h t h e B r o n x T a s k Force. H e has appeared in federal c o u r t s as a n e x p e r t w i t n e s s o n w h a t f i r e a r m s training programs for law e n f o r c e m e n t officers should encompass.

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Charles Remsbeig is a j o u r n a l i s t w h o s e t w e n t y - y e a r c a r e e r h a s e n c o m p a s s e d w o r k s o n a v a r i e t y of l a w e n f o r c e m e n t t o p i c s . A u t h o r of m o r e t h a n 8 0 0 m a g a zine articles a n d several b o o k s , h e w a s w o n t h e prestigious S i d n e y H i l l m a n Foundation and P e n n e y M i s s o u r i J o u r n a l i s m awards for h i s reportage. T h r o u g h o u t h i s career, he has specialized in writing a b o u t v i o l e n c e , c r i m e a n d l a w e n f o r c e m e n t for a v a r i e t y of p u b l i c a t i o n s , i n c l u d i n g T r u e , P l a y b o y , R e a d e r ' s Digest a n d t h e W o r l d B o o k Y e a r B o o k . H e r e s e a r c h e d and w r o t e t h e s c r i p t s f o r t h e m o t i o n p i c t u r e s Survival Shooting T e c h n i q u e s a n d H a n d l i n g F i r e a r m s a n d is t h e a u t h o r of t h e w i d e l y u s e d i n s t r u c t i o n a l m a n u a l s , H o s t a g e N e g o t i a t i o n for Police, Courtroom Performance and The Execut i v e S u r v i v a l H a n d b o o k (for k i d n a p v i c t i m s ) . D u r i n g t h e 1 9 6 0 s , h e served as a s p e c i a l c o n s u l t a n t , o n p o l i t i c a l disorders, t o t h e P r e s i d e n t ' s C o m m i s s i o n o n t h e C a u s e s and P r e v e n t i o n of V i o l e n c e .

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