YOUR "lessons from the streets"
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xXxplosive
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Situational Awareness.....is everything on the street. Spent 20yrs. working in Newark, NJ and survived it while others I knew didn't.
You need eyes behind your head.
Dont' do stupid things
Don't go to stupid places
Don't hang around with stupid people.
You need eyes behind your head.
Dont' do stupid things
Don't go to stupid places
Don't hang around with stupid people.
SentinelStrategic
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I go by the mentality that everyone is armed and everyone is a potential threat to me.
Through my interactions with the general public both on and off duty, I have noticed that attitude and behavior are major elements to future behavior. On duty, I can predict who will be the difficult people to deal with and who will be cooperative.
Off duty, it's harder. One thing that I look out for is unusual behavior. I constantly scan and assess. If I notice something out of place, or someone looking around and I find it suspicious, I take extra notice and watch them. If I see someone looking at me excessively, I keep them under watch. A big signal is often eye contact by an assailant. They want to size you up, but they're also looking to see where you have your valuables or if you notice them. If I see someone looking at me, and even more importantly moving towards me and looking at me, I make sure I let them know that I know they're looking at me. I also take note of unusual behavior. Some guy randomly chatting with you at the bar while waiting for a drink is not all that uncommon. Some guy randomly chatting with you in a parking lot is strange.
I also have learned the importance of presenting myself as a "hard target". Some years back, the FBI did a study of felons in prison who attacked/assaulted police officers prior to being incarcerated. The majority of the felons said that they made the decision to attack because they "thought they could take them (officers)". When it was asked why they thought they could "take" the officers, the felons referred to the officer's physical appearance, or their state of alertness. In terms of alertness, they referred to the officer being aloof or complacent and overly friendly or not maintaining distance and control. In terms of physical appearance, they referred to officers being out of shape and fat, or being very small or skinny. These felons stated that they typically would not fight with officers that looked like they were tough or prepared for a fight.
I spend 2hrs a day, 5 days a week in the weight room, and it shows. I've had a complaint filed against me at work by a citizen because I showed up at an incident where this citizen suspect was getting out of control and disorderly. I was backup officer, and the complaint was that the lead officer called in an "enforcer" (me) and that I showed up "ready to do business" and "looking like I was tough". I never said a single word. When I heard this complaint, I took it as a compliment. My supervisors also thought of it as a positive. This translates over into my personal off-duty life. I have had several people comment on the large stature of my physical appearance. My wife gives me crap for being a devout and somewhat OCD gym rat. However, my physical stature provides me and my wife a certain level of protection because it acts as a deterrent to people who might otherwise try to use force. Many people judge based off of size. This is why nobody messes with my little brother, who's 6'2" 285lbs, but my older brother who is 5'7" 150lbs gets into scraps on occasion (although it's partly his fault for being a bar fly).
The point is, if you look like a hard target, dirtbags will likely pass on you and go to another potential victim who looks easier and like less of a potential threat.
amen
AMEN
Through my interactions with the general public both on and off duty, I have noticed that attitude and behavior are major elements to future behavior. On duty, I can predict who will be the difficult people to deal with and who will be cooperative.
Off duty, it's harder. One thing that I look out for is unusual behavior. I constantly scan and assess. If I notice something out of place, or someone looking around and I find it suspicious, I take extra notice and watch them. If I see someone looking at me excessively, I keep them under watch. A big signal is often eye contact by an assailant. They want to size you up, but they're also looking to see where you have your valuables or if you notice them. If I see someone looking at me, and even more importantly moving towards me and looking at me, I make sure I let them know that I know they're looking at me. I also take note of unusual behavior. Some guy randomly chatting with you at the bar while waiting for a drink is not all that uncommon. Some guy randomly chatting with you in a parking lot is strange.
I also have learned the importance of presenting myself as a "hard target". Some years back, the FBI did a study of felons in prison who attacked/assaulted police officers prior to being incarcerated. The majority of the felons said that they made the decision to attack because they "thought they could take them (officers)". When it was asked why they thought they could "take" the officers, the felons referred to the officer's physical appearance, or their state of alertness. In terms of alertness, they referred to the officer being aloof or complacent and overly friendly or not maintaining distance and control. In terms of physical appearance, they referred to officers being out of shape and fat, or being very small or skinny. These felons stated that they typically would not fight with officers that looked like they were tough or prepared for a fight.
I spend 2hrs a day, 5 days a week in the weight room, and it shows. I've had a complaint filed against me at work by a citizen because I showed up at an incident where this citizen suspect was getting out of control and disorderly. I was backup officer, and the complaint was that the lead officer called in an "enforcer" (me) and that I showed up "ready to do business" and "looking like I was tough". I never said a single word. When I heard this complaint, I took it as a compliment. My supervisors also thought of it as a positive. This translates over into my personal off-duty life. I have had several people comment on the large stature of my physical appearance. My wife gives me crap for being a devout and somewhat OCD gym rat. However, my physical stature provides me and my wife a certain level of protection because it acts as a deterrent to people who might otherwise try to use force. Many people judge based off of size. This is why nobody messes with my little brother, who's 6'2" 285lbs, but my older brother who is 5'7" 150lbs gets into scraps on occasion (although it's partly his fault for being a bar fly).
The point is, if you look like a hard target, dirtbags will likely pass on you and go to another potential victim who looks easier and like less of a potential threat.
amenxXxplosive said:
amen
AMEN
VINTAGE-SLOTCARS
member
Watch peoples eyes and their hands. I had a young man watch me stopped at an intersection at night. He kept watching me as he crossed ,hands in pockets and then he started walking towards me. I raised my .45 towards him, ,he just shook his head and changed directions.
MikeNice
Member
Keep an eye on who is around you and their actions. Looks don't always give you a clue.
FourteenMiles
Member
That made me laugh.
I was going to say something similar about not appearing weak (presenting yourself as an easy target), but I was also going to add that one may not want to appear too cocksure in the wrong place. Say you are at an unfamiliar bar having a few drinks, you wouldn't want to draw the attention of someone who felt they had something to prove.
Story: I was vacationing in a small resort town. There was this one guy, tall, muscular, confident, dancing with all the ladies. He seemed like an alright guy to me, not looking for trouble or anything. I saw him one day and he was real badly bruised up. Turned out he got jumped by a few guys and they had stomped on him when he was down. I don't know the entire story but from what I gathered it wasn't over money, women, drugs, or anything like that.
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SentinelStrategic
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What's even more funny is that the incident occurred at a Taco John's because the guy felt he and his girlfriend did not get enough beef in his beef and bean burrito, so he and his girlfriend started raising a ruckus over it claiming racism.FourteenMiles said:
But you're right about how some people get it in their heads about wanting to beat the toughest guy. Such is why it's important to maintain good verbal skills, as well as situational awareness. There is safety in numbers, and it's a good idea to maintain that when at bars and social functions where there is alcohol being served. When I go to bars with the wife or friends, I do the designated driver thing and I carry. When people drink alcohol, they develop that liquid courage, and along with that liquid courage comes liquid stupidity.
Giterboosted
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Wear good shoes or be able to run in bad ones, and don't let anyone catch on if you're nervous or scared, they'll usually play off it
Cop Bob
Member
Situational Awareness is the big one.. keep your head on a swivel..
Unusual dress or behavior, out of place or wrong for the season, situation.
Lacking superior build or muscle, a proper look or eye contact.. or Command Bering..
I really liked he advice of Stupid place, People and Things.. a real good one..
Dark Places, avoid bad areas, back to doors and crowds... etc...etc... If your not sure, if you have to ask, Don't..
Unusual dress or behavior, out of place or wrong for the season, situation.
Lacking superior build or muscle, a proper look or eye contact.. or Command Bering..
I really liked he advice of Stupid place, People and Things.. a real good one..
Dark Places, avoid bad areas, back to doors and crowds... etc...etc... If your not sure, if you have to ask, Don't..
walking arsenal
Member
That funny feeling in the pit of your stomach? Listen to it.
If something seems off it probably is. Don't stick around to find out if you're right.
If something seems off it probably is. Don't stick around to find out if you're right.
wheelgunslinger
Member
Yep.
If a situation feels wrong or you feel like things are getting bad at any situation, like a fight is going to break out or maybe two guys are eyeballing one another, leave.
I've seen this happen when something like background voices get raised in lines, at theaters, and by people doing the most simple things and having conflict. There are a lot of people at the end of their rope nowadays. There are a lot more desperate people than there were 7 years ago.
If it feels hinky, then it probably is. Extricate yourself BEFORE trouble starts and hear the story later. Some people have a morbid curiosity mixed with front line syndrome and they have to learn this the hard way.
Stuff can be replaced. If you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach that things are about to go real bad, don't worry about the cell phone on the table, leave your pool cue and jacket right where they are, and get moving.
If it looks like you're coming back, you'll have less trouble slipping out.
The guy in your face is threat #2. His quiet friend still seated in the corner who hasn't spoken to you all night is the one to really be careful about.
If it looks like you're coming back, you'll have less trouble slipping out.
The guy in your face is threat #2. His quiet friend still seated in the corner who hasn't spoken to you all night is the one to really be careful about.
leadcounsel
member
Trust your gut. If it feels wrong, it is wrong.
donny640
Member
Yes trust your gut feeling. With being aware I think you can avoid alot of the bad situations.
txhoghunter
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^this
As polite as it is to make eye contact, if you are in a place with unfamiliar people watch their hands. After all, it is hands that will kill you, not eyes.
Key into behavior that seems just a little bit unusual or fake.
For those of you with a CCW; it is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it
ChCx2744
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What have I learned? Don't be too quick to trust your fellow man/woman/child. An attractive, early 20's looking lady is capable of killing you and your family. A cute little 8 year old kid is capable of killing you and your family. An elderly, 80 year old woman with a walker is capable of killing you and your family. That police officer helping the old lady change a tire is capable of killing you and your family. The pizza guy, your leasing office's maintenance man, your electrician, your cable guy, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses spreading the word, door-to-door salesmen, etc...The differences may be intent, time it takes to do it, physical strength and agility level, area, time, lighting, etc...However, the possibility will always be there, so you also must always be ready for the unknown. What have I learned? It is always the unknown that gets you killed. What have I learned? The worst things that can possibly happen at the worst possible times will always happen. The only way to offset misfortune and bad luck is to be as best prepared as you can. Nobody, no one at ALL can predict the future and how every scenario will play out, so the best solution is to be as close to 99.9% ready as possible. No one, neither you nor I, will ever EVER be 100% prepared for ANYTHING, so be as close to 99.9% as you can. Close the gap with whatever you can. Have whatever unfair advantage to your would be attacker(s). Be paranoid, be suspicious, be distrusting, be cautious. There is nothing wrong with that. Breathing, living, life will always trump being a lifeless slump of cold meat on a medical examiner's table.
Time is your friend. Distance is your friend. Escape is your friend. Distance = Time = Escape. Use all efficiently.
Also, +1 to what txhoghunter said, WATCH THE HANDS, HANDS KILL.
Time is your friend. Distance is your friend. Escape is your friend. Distance = Time = Escape. Use all efficiently.
Also, +1 to what txhoghunter said, WATCH THE HANDS, HANDS KILL.
Frozen North
Member
Be very very polite. Don't respond to childish behavior with childish behavior.
Know what a heavy drug user looks and acts like. Most instances of trouble I have encountered involved those who were looking for funds to supply a meth addiction. Once you know what you are looking for, it is easy to see.
Nothing good happens in a bar after midnight, go home.
Know your local LEO's.
Know what a heavy drug user looks and acts like. Most instances of trouble I have encountered involved those who were looking for funds to supply a meth addiction. Once you know what you are looking for, it is easy to see.
Nothing good happens in a bar after midnight, go home.
Know your local LEO's.
MikeNice
Member
Some of the best music I have ever heard was in a blues bar after midnight. One of the worst fights I was ever in was in the bar parking lot three hours later.
How important is the music? I was there after midnight the next time those guys came through.
How important is the music? I was there after midnight the next time those guys came through.
Carl Levitian
member
"Do you have any "lessons from the streets" regarding personal safety?"
1. Situational awareness.
2. Situational awareness.
3. Situational awareness.
In all my years of living, I've seen it all come down to this over and over. Things just don't happen, they give warning. Look around you, keep aware of who's around you, and if things start to look hinky, LEAVE!
Not only does it all come down to situational awareness, but like I have said before, in the end that will be all you have left. In time all your macho bravado goes out the window. When you're a senior citizen on a cane or walker, and your reaction times ain't what they used to be, situational awareness is it. That gun you have won't help if you don't see it coming. You learn to look around like a fighter pilot on patrol, keep checking your six. If you see bogie's, duck into a store. Have your retirement check sent right to your bank, instead of being the little old person with the envelope going into the bank. Have your medications sent from the drug store to your home. If that car behind you has made the same last two turns you have, pull into the parking lot of someplace and see what they do. If you and the ol lady are leaving a movie theater, pause at the door to scan the sidewalk and parking lot.
Don't be out late at night. My old man told me nothing good happens after midnight. My couple years on a police department showed me he was right.
99% of the crime victims have been blundering down the street in condition white. Don't do that.
If you're married, have the better half and you on the same page, paragraph and line. This is really, really important. Two pairs of eyes can scan lots more than one, and a well rehearsed team with a plan can spring some surprises if push comes to shove.
Be as dirty and sneaky, and under handed as you can get. Never give your opponents an even break. Think of the Q ship. Know when to play the fool, till you're ready.
Have a battery of defense tools and tactics on hand, you can't take your gun everywhere. Too many fools thing the gun is the end all be all problem solver. It just could be the begining of the problem when you fire it.
But above all, situational awareness.
Carl.
1. Situational awareness.
2. Situational awareness.
3. Situational awareness.
In all my years of living, I've seen it all come down to this over and over. Things just don't happen, they give warning. Look around you, keep aware of who's around you, and if things start to look hinky, LEAVE!
Not only does it all come down to situational awareness, but like I have said before, in the end that will be all you have left. In time all your macho bravado goes out the window. When you're a senior citizen on a cane or walker, and your reaction times ain't what they used to be, situational awareness is it. That gun you have won't help if you don't see it coming. You learn to look around like a fighter pilot on patrol, keep checking your six. If you see bogie's, duck into a store. Have your retirement check sent right to your bank, instead of being the little old person with the envelope going into the bank. Have your medications sent from the drug store to your home. If that car behind you has made the same last two turns you have, pull into the parking lot of someplace and see what they do. If you and the ol lady are leaving a movie theater, pause at the door to scan the sidewalk and parking lot.
Don't be out late at night. My old man told me nothing good happens after midnight. My couple years on a police department showed me he was right.
99% of the crime victims have been blundering down the street in condition white. Don't do that.
If you're married, have the better half and you on the same page, paragraph and line. This is really, really important. Two pairs of eyes can scan lots more than one, and a well rehearsed team with a plan can spring some surprises if push comes to shove.
Be as dirty and sneaky, and under handed as you can get. Never give your opponents an even break. Think of the Q ship. Know when to play the fool, till you're ready.
Have a battery of defense tools and tactics on hand, you can't take your gun everywhere. Too many fools thing the gun is the end all be all problem solver. It just could be the begining of the problem when you fire it.
But above all, situational awareness.
Carl.
rocky branch
Member
I live in a no carry state.
I have travelled a lot of low roads and managed to keep myself out of trouble.
Atitude, situatonal awareness and common sense are keys to getting by.
I did 4 years in SF with 18 months on the Cambodian border patrolling with CIDG.
A good bit of live fire incidents.
I felt a bit nekkid when I got home and packed an illegal .38 for a year or so.
Finally got over it.
I spent lots of time as a biker, running honky tonks, partying, and having a good time.
Most people I ever saw getting in much trouble were really asking for it.
Reached an age where I don't do much of that stuff and don't much worry about it anymore.
They are pushing a CCW law here andit will be close.
I'll have to say that a lot of wannabee types I have met who are really pushing it scare me.
One was on TV recently, stated he never feels comfortable unless "packing heat."
Worst thing he ever saw was a rowdy Sunday School weenie roast.
I have travelled a lot of low roads and managed to keep myself out of trouble.
Atitude, situatonal awareness and common sense are keys to getting by.
I did 4 years in SF with 18 months on the Cambodian border patrolling with CIDG.
A good bit of live fire incidents.
I felt a bit nekkid when I got home and packed an illegal .38 for a year or so.
Finally got over it.
I spent lots of time as a biker, running honky tonks, partying, and having a good time.
Most people I ever saw getting in much trouble were really asking for it.
Reached an age where I don't do much of that stuff and don't much worry about it anymore.
They are pushing a CCW law here andit will be close.
I'll have to say that a lot of wannabee types I have met who are really pushing it scare me.
One was on TV recently, stated he never feels comfortable unless "packing heat."
Worst thing he ever saw was a rowdy Sunday School weenie roast.
Uteridge
Member
Always trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
I am very aware of my surroundings. Every time something bad has happened to me, or almost happened to me, I saw it coming. The times that bad things actually happened were the times that I brushed off the feeling and pushed on. You can be aware of your surroundings and still not be safe if you don't follow through on the information that that awareness provides. This goes for all situations; self defense and otherwise.
I am very aware of my surroundings. Every time something bad has happened to me, or almost happened to me, I saw it coming. The times that bad things actually happened were the times that I brushed off the feeling and pushed on. You can be aware of your surroundings and still not be safe if you don't follow through on the information that that awareness provides. This goes for all situations; self defense and otherwise.
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