LOOK AT ME?
We are constantly bombarded through all forms of media and marketing the importance of calling attention to ourselves by what we wear, the cars we drive, the things we do, even our behavior. Obviously the images depicted above are some extreme examples of things or behavior that will attract attention to ourselves. They are not the only things that can bring unwanted attention. Even little things such as bumper stickers, or flashing a wallet full of cash when checking out at the store, or waving around an expensive smart phone, or responding aggressively when someone has been rude to us.
The possibility of significant harm comes in when we attract the attention of criminals, those with a predatory mindset, who are looking for an opportunity to take advantage of people. One example of what can happen: a 14 year old boy who was killed by two men for his shoes.
Theft often occurs as a result of something being left out in the open, making it an easy target, a crime of opportunity. Leaving valuables in the car that people can see, placing your tablet or phone on a table in a public place, or as in this example, a Gresham, OR man openly carrying has gun stolen at gunpoint.
There are several stages of deterrence that we can employ to keep ourselves safe. The first choice to avoid trouble is Don’t Be There. Do you really need to go to the MOA late in the evening or to the bar downtown? If you’re not there, the bad guy won’t select you. If you are somewhere and your gut is telling you that something bad is about to happen, leave! Get out of there before you become roped-in to whatever bad thing is about to happen. It may not be convenient, but being the target of criminal activity is worse.
The second stage of deterrence is Functional Invisibility. Whether you refer to it as blending in to the crowd or the stealth lifestyle, or being the grey man, all of these are appropriate descriptions of a lifestyle that does not bring attention to ourselves. This includes our homes. Do you lock your doors? Keep the garage door closed and curtains drawn? Consider your landscaping and decorations, do they blend in with the rest of the neighborhood or make you stand out? How about your online presence? Do you have your Facebook account set to be private, do you refrain from status updates that include your current location? How you present yourself online can not only affect your personal life but your professional career as well. Don’t expose yourself to un-needed scrutiny and trouble by posting every detail of your life on the internet.
If we remain attentive to our surroundings, avoid behaviors that attract the wrong kinds of attention, we can effectively be Deselected as a potential victim. On the other hand, there may be an occasion or two where we become the target unwanted attention even if we make an effort not to stand out in a crowd. The skyway system in Minneapolis is a good example where people hang out looking for “hand-outs”. On these occasions our best option is to politely, yet firmly, tell the person “I’m sorry sir, I can’t help you“. The Strip in Las Vegas is another example. There you will get plenty of opportunities to practice this verbal technique to Disengage from the many hucksters attempting to sell their DVDs and adult entertainment to you.
The final stage is Disengagement. If you are confronted with a more aggressive individual, you will have to escalate the level of force to encourage the person to disengage. Raise your voice, “Get Back!” or “Get Away From Me!” are effective verbal techniques. Body positioning is important. Raise your support hand with the palm facing the person as a “stop” gesture. Swivel your torso to a 45 degree or greater angle to “blade” your body to the aggressor, with the strong side foot to the rear. At the same time, keep moving! Don’t stop and allow the person to control you and the situation. This presents a confident, commanding presence and will discourage most from bothering you further. At the same time it will create distance between you and the person or persons who may intend you harm.
If, after all you have done to de-escalate an disengage, or the aggressor immediately moves to engage, you may have to quickly draw your firearm and shoot them. Remember, your ultimate goal is to disengage, to end the fight. You are merely escalating to the level of force necessary to end the threat of great bodily harm or death to you and your loved ones.
The media, the marketers, the entertainment industry, would all have us be the “Look At Me” crowd. I strongly recommend you consider the alternative. Don’t be where you might expect trouble. Be Functionally Invisible, blend into the crowd. If someone looks at you, be someone they de-select because you are not an easy “mark”. If necessary use verbal language, body language, or escalate the level of force necessary to disengage from a threat. By being thoughtful and planning what you will do in these circumstances, you will likely avoid trouble. If not you will be ready to deal with the problem and go home safe.
SUICIDE BY COP
Law Enforcement never knows exactly what they are going to have to deal with in a hostage situation. When a man rushed outside with his gun and fired at police, they were compelled to escalate to the level of deadly force to stop the threat. In a bizarre twist, on this occasion it turned out to be a hoax. The man they had to shoot was the one who called police.
What is related to the preceding article is that a neighbor was watching the incident unfold though the window of her house. When gunfire erupted, four rounds hit the house narrowly missing her. I guess she forgot the first stage of deterrence, Don’t Be There! Click to Read: Man with gun killed by police in St. Anthony mobile home park.
Be Safe. Be Prepared. Get Trained. – You are the One.
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