Verbal judo and staying alive.

[.41Dave]

But seriously, how much of this is just thinking fast on your feet? Common sense? And not a small amount of luck...because ISTM that if the bad guy you're trying this on is wired up on meth or crack, his reasoning skills are going to be less than if it is just some guy robbing a bank stone cold sober.

There is definitely some common sense and fast thinking involved, but training can help a lot. You can frequently verbally de-escalate even an acutely psychotic person if you know how. I spent most of last night doing it, as a matter of fact (I work on a Mental Health unit). Does it work 100% of the time? No. But then again, neither does anything else. Having an extra tool in the toolbox is never a bad idea.

 

[strambo]

Once again...this isn't usually for criminals intent on harming you. Best you can do with a criminal intent on harming you (verbally) is delay or confuse. Not set them off prematurely perhaps.

This stuff is for dealing with angry, or unstable, or drugged up individuals who don't necessarily have a clear goal (like raping you). It works great with the macho jerk in the bar trying to pick a fight. It works well on nut jobs in clinical or street settings. It works well in talking people out of doing something stupid...or into doing what you want them to. It is used to calm down both parties to an argument, and so on and so forth.

The proper tool for dealing with violent criminals is...violence.

You can frequently verbally de-escalate even an acutely psychotic person if you know how. I spent most of last night doing it, as a matter of fact

Been there brother...sure wears you out doesn't it? I think sometimes people don't get good at it because it is easier to just give in, throw down, strap 'em to the bed and be done with it. Not the right answer if there is another way...just makes for a long shift.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Thanks for the correction Strombo!...

Thank you for the details about my post. I did not know the exact terms. I think the novel it's used in is called; Protector. It is a great read, .

If you are still kicking it in Kabul stay safe and keep your head down.

Rusty S