preparing after a threat

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joop

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I've read the posts that describe how to prepare before anything happens, and what should be done during and after. But what if someone threatens to come by to harm you and/or your family? What is the best way to prepare for this kind of scenario? I'm assuming that we don't know whether this threat is a promise or just angry words but is likely enough to warrant serious thought.
 
Except for at least one state where it is illegal to record someone without their prior consent, generally it's legal for you to record their threats (I recommend a non-digital microcassette audio recording device) and to turn them over to police. In my jurisdiction, the crime of "Terrorizing" as well as, potentially, other crimes may apply.

If it persists despite police warnings and summonses, a protective order may be called for. I'm assuming you already carry.
 
I would register a complaint with the local authorities immediately - if any subsequent aggression requires your protective action, you'd want the threat documented.
 
I would register a complaint with the local authorities immediately - if any subsequent aggression requires your protective action, you'd want the threat documented.
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Exactly. You need to have some kind of documentation if the threat becomes more direct. You don't have to press charges, just file a report, so that there is a record of you attempting to deal with this legally. If they guy shows up to your house with a weapon and one thing leads to another and you have to shoot him, then it is going to help you a lot to be able to present evidence in court that he had threatened you before. Just saying he had won't go as far as being able to produce documentation.
 
1. Definitely let the local police know about the threat and make sure that somebody writes a report and files it. Too many times a lazy cop will blow off writing a report when one is really needed.

2. Let people outside of your family know about the threat and all the specifics as to who, what, when, where, how and why. Spread it around as in, "Hey, if anything happens to me then keep in mind that Joe Smith has made threats to kill me..."

3. Make good, practical defensive plans of action in case you are attacked. Be ready to rock and roll on a 24/7 basis at home and when you are out and about the town. You don't know if he plans to strike you at home, at night, on the street or try to lure you into an ambush of some sort. Also be very observant for strange people and vehicles around your house and where you work. Be careful where you park and when you approach your car to go home.

4. Go to the range and practice with your firearms of choice. Practice often with them. Get good with them and then practice even more.

5. Do you have a cell phone? If not, get one. Also make sure that you write down on the back of the phone the local police phone numbers. Don't go with the 911 idea because with cell phones the 911 designated center may not always be in the same state where you're at. One cell phone company where I live, in central Illinois, uses a 911 center based out of Iowa. And that has created a lot of confusion as to whether or not a wreck was in Bellevue, Iowa, or Bellevue, Illinois. Cell phones are also very handy when somebody cuts the wires to your land line for your home phone. They give you a great alternative phone source in times of trouble that is very portable.
 
Rifleman173: "Definitely let the local police know about the threat and make sure that somebody writes a report and files it. Too many times a lazy cop will blow off writing a report when one is really needed."

I've had this problem. If this happens, tell them you'll need an incident number at least for your insurance or whatever. That, they'll give you. You can't force them to write a long detailed report, but a few lines and an incident number can go a long way to establishing a pattern of aggression. Sometimes the perpetrator's name will be enough with little or no further explanation, as he may be all too familiar to local PD. Sometimes less is more.
 
benEzra: "Why analog, out of curiosity? Volatility of memory, or another reason?"

Cannot be detected without a fairly obsolete, somewhat unreliable and now highly uncommon series of electronic detection devices, cannot be jammed, cannot be intercepted, cannot be erased without recording over, cannot easily or quickly be duplicated.
 
Very good advice. Thanks for all the input guys. Also, what about staying over at a friend's place for a couple weeks? I heard that if threats don't materialize in a couple of weeks then it's safe to assume that nothing will happen, esp. from "gangsta" types.
 
I would also change my routine if you have one. Do not frequent the same stores, leave at the same time everyday, etc. keep them guessing. Good luck.
 
joop: "I heard that if threats don't materialize in a couple of weeks then it's safe to assume that nothing will happen, esp. from "gangsta" types."

I wouldn't be so complacent. Although I'm not in the business of criminal or otherwise violent revenge, I can relate that sometimes the right opportunity takes years and years to materialize, long after the original offense is forgotten by the offender.
 
Good point, Duke. Of course, in a year or two I'll have my home defense strategy completely worked out and I would think that eventually the threat level would be close (if not back) to normal and any situation that arises would be taken care of according to a standard home invasion (as much as home invasions are "standard", anyways).
 
I've read the posts that describe how to prepare before anything happens, and what should be done during and after. But what if someone threatens to come by to harm you and/or your family? What is the best way to prepare for this kind of scenario? I'm assuming that we don't know whether this threat is a promise or just angry words but is likely enough to warrant serious thought

Not knowing situation/any hints on person who made threat all I can go from is past situations. Do they know where you live? work? How serious was their "situation" and was it clear that YOUR actions made it worse?
My actions/statements/etc were responsible for a few folks getting 3 square meals and a cot at public expens over time. Some I considered the threats serious. Thing is nobody knew where my HOME was at. The most they possibly could find out is where I had a apt. I was not seriously worried if they came for me.
Contact Police and let them know. Watch for them following you/just hanging around. If you do notice them call 911 and tell them you have filed a report for threats and they are following you.
 
I would place a hidden gun in areas that would allow you to get to them quickly and take a defensive posistion
If you ever have scene open range with Robert duval, I'm thinking kind of like the last shootout
 
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