SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 101

[Double_A]

You know my BIL (a cop) and I could drive around with our wives in the car and he'd say "did you see that?" and I go "yea what you wanna do?" he'd go "nothing I don't have walter with me" (walter was his PPK/S).

In the mean time the women who were chatting away would go "what? what happened? what did you see?"

Me, I've always had it. Sometimes it's a curse. I just "see" stuff. Stuff that is not right. People, places and property that is out of place.

For years I chased shoplifters. In new hire orientations that I'd give, people would ask what do they look like? I'd say "not normal" they would say what? I'd say "like they were not acting or being normal!" THey were focused on something else, something other than what "normal" people were focused on.

I say curse because, it causes me to sit out in my car at 7-11's and wait to see if things go OK after two weird guys pull up... and they mad-dog me we they exit because I'm still there or drive down the street and do the same. Pull up to cops cars and say they guy your looking for is two blocks down and dressed like xxx and have the clerk go "yea, yea! that's the guy!"

I causes me to pull out a note pad and take the most incredible detailed notes of a weird guy at the parking lot. I find out he's a prime kidnap/murder suspect....and then 30 years later have cold case detectives visit me again. This time they are going to nail the guy (13 rapes and 7 murders later). They read me my notes and even I'm amazed at how detailed I was.

It's a curse, but it's also saved my butt more than a few times.

I just see things, things anybody could see, if they LOOKED!

 

[night driver]

LOL...

RELIC and I would ride around with her brother and his lady and discuss things that we had seen 40-50 feet of the road and his lady would be SO frustrated because we SEE these things (animal in a drainage swale, something on an overhead bridge or over in a vacant lot....etc...).

It is a habit, or can be a learned skill, and SHOULD be something that we are teaching ourselves and our kids as a FUN game....because if it's FUN we'll still do it and it WILL save your (or your kids') lives...

 

[adgal]

I had a conversation with DH this evening. I have always been intuitive - as a matter of fact - one of the reasons I was hired for a certian job was my ability to sit in a room with someone and readily discern "who" they really were.

For the most part, when I say - I don't feel good about this... My family will listen.

But, last week, when we were traveling across country through some mountain passes - I wondered about this scenario:

If a huge rock started tumbling down the mountainside and I could see it from the passenger's window, but my DH could not - and I yelled, "FLOOR IT!" Would he floor it or would he turn to me and say. "Why?"

That was the main topic in our discussion this evening - that we need to react quickly when one or the other us sees or senses danger. We also need to teach our children to react first and ask questions later.

 

[DustMusher]

Stuck like a hog doesn't sound like much fun. I've worked on a person who had her throat slashed (almost Al-Quada style) and it's not purty.

Yup. Me now needs neck armor. Yup, yup, yup!



BFC

Get down to the X-ray Dept and 'borrow' a Thyroid Shield......a little heavy but the layers of lead would be better than nothing against a knife.

Plus that cute little standup collared dickie in a turquoise would match your coat nicely. OR in basic black with a stategically placed stripe of white tape. . .



DM

 

[MaureenO]

That was the main topic in our discussion this evening - that we need to react quickly when one or the other us sees or senses danger. We also need to teach our children to react first and ask questions later.

ABSOLUTELY, ADGAL!!!!! I can't stress this enough.

We are learning a "new normal" and will survive if we hone our senses and accept that the world changed on 9/11, we don't have the blissful "normal" anymore.

We must now live with observational skills, preparedness and knowledge--not fear or terror--but continue to live.

Maureen

 

[adgal]

BTTT

 

[jehu]

In regards to the eye contact, with the wrong person, this is a trigger for confrontation.

Just as the LE that are aware of your awareness, the next step up is being aware without the awaree being aware that you are aware. lol

See without appearing to be watching. Practice periphial vision. Your sight ranfge can be greater than 180 with practice.

Your periphial vision is actually better than your direct vision, especially at night.


However remember that if an eye confrontation does take place, stare at a point just above the middle of the eyes. (just below the middle of the forehead)
This tactic gives you an intimidating gaze no matter how big or small you are, and by itself can make a nervous thug a fearful thug without you having to raise a finger.

 

[MaureenO]

In regards to the eye contact, with the wrong person, this is a trigger for confrontation.

Just as the LE that are aware of your awareness, the next step up is being aware without the awaree being aware that you are aware. lol

See without appearing to be watching. Practice periphial vision. Your sight ranfge can be greater than 180 with practice.

Your periphial vision is actually better than your direct vision, especially at night.


However remember that if an eye confrontation does take place, stare at a point just above the middle of the eyes. (just below the middle of the forehead)
This tactic gives you an intimidating gaze no matter how big or small you are, and by itself can make a nervous thug a fearful thug without you having to raise a finger.

That is excellent advice, Jehu. This is where the "swivel head" idea comes in handy to avoid direct eye contact.

Maureen

 

[DustMusher]

Thanks I was not aware, at least conciously, of the focal point for intimidation..

This really is a BTTT

DM

 

[jehu]

Study up on pshyco and socio paths.

They are starers and you are best off not having to deal with them, because guarenteed if you engage in a staring contest, you will either lose, or they will make you regret winning.

Typically, when people talk to each other, they look each other in the eyes and then briefly look away. Sociopathic con artists often exhibit a "predatory stare"—unblinking, fixated and emotionless. It's not a sign of empathy—it's an effort to assert control.

Interesting resource that I found.

"Most useful are the 10 ways listed 'to be safer in an unsafe world'. These list simple reactions such as bystanders likely to come to your aid if you shout 'fire' instead of 'help'; avoiding asking an assailant questions beginning with "what" or "why" ("why are you hurting me?”, as that is likely to provoke him; never returning a predator's stare; and many more."

How To Be Safe In An Unsafe World- Dr. Robert Cooper

Also
Surviving Violence in the Healthcare Setting Randy W Martin


That second book looks real intersting.

 

[MaureenO]

This is probably important information for everyone, but it is especially good advice for women. Sorry, guys, for the lousy cut and paste job here. Mo



Crucial

Because of recent abductions

in daylight hours, refresh yourself

of these things to do

in an emergency situation...

This is for you,

and for you to share

with your wife,

your children,

everyone you know.

After reading these 8 (#9 was a hoax) crucial tips,

forward them to someone you care about.


1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:

The elbow

is the strongest point

on your body.

If you are close enough to use it,

do!








2. Learned this from a tourist guide

in New Orleans .

If a robber asks

for your wallet and/or purse,

DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.

Toss it away from you....

chances are

that he is more interested

in your wallet and/or purse

than you,

and he will go

for the wallet/purse.

RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!





3. If you are ever thrown

into the trunk of a car,

kick out the back tail lights

and stick your arm out the hole

and start waving like crazy.

The driver won't see you,

but everybody else will.

This has saved lives.






4. Women have a tendency

to get into their cars after shopping,

eating, working, etc.,

and just sit (doing their checkbook,

or making a list, etc.

DON'T DO THIS!)

The predator

will be watching you,

and this is the perfect opportunity

for him to get in

on the passenger side,

put a gun to your head,

and tell you where to go.

AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR,

LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.



a. If someone

is in the car

with a gun

to your head

DO NOT DRIVE OFF,

repeat:

DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead gun the engine

and speed into anything,

wrecking the car.

Your Air Bag will save you.

If the person is

in the back seat

they will get the worst of it.

As soon as the car crashes

bail out and run.

It is better than having them

find your body

in a remote location.



5 A few notes about getting

into your car in a parking lot,

or parking garage:

A.) Be aware:

look around you,

look into your car,

at the passenger side floor,

and in the back seat

B..) If you are parked next to a big van,

enter your car from the passenger door.

Most serial killers attack their victims

by pulling them into their vans

while the women are attempting

to get into their cars.

C..) Look at the car

parked on the driver's side

of your vehicle,

and the passenger side.

If a male is sitting alone

in the seat nearest your car,

you may want to walk back

into the mall, or work,

and get a guard/policeman

to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)






6. ALWAYS

take the elevator

instead of the stairs.

(Stairwells are horrible places

to be alone

and the perfect crime spot.

This is especially true at NIGHT!)



7. If the predator has a gun

and you are not under his control,

ALWAYS RUN!

The predator will only hit you

(a running target)

4 in 100 times;

And even then,

it most likely

WILL NOT

be a vital organ.

RUN,

Preferably !

in a zig -zag pattern!






8. As women,

we are always trying

to be sympathetic:

STOP

It may get you raped,

or killed.

Ted Bundy,

the serial killer,

was a good-looking,

well educated man,

who ALWAYS played

on the sympathies

of unsuspecting women.

He walked with a cane,

or a limp,

and often asked

"for help"

into his vehicle

or with his vehicle,

which is when he abducted

his next victim.

 

[Double_A]

Outstanding advice


One more thing,

majority of people who are forced into a car and get driven away, never survive.

Never allow yourself to be "taken" anywhere

 

[night driver]

REsolve that there will NEVER BE a SECOND crime scene.

MAKE your stand when they approach you. If by fighting right there you die, that was already a given if you got into the acr with them. your BEST chance is RIGHT AT THE START.

 

[NBCsurvivor]

Outstanding advice


One more thing,

majority of people who are forced into a car and get driven away, never survive.

Never allow yourself to be "taken" anywhere

Exactly!

Most criminals do not want a hard target.

Make a stand!

 

[MaureenO]

It's time to bring this one back up to the top.

Maureen

 

[eXe]

7. If the predator has a gun

and you are not under his control,

ALWAYS RUN!

The predator will only hit you

(a running target)

4 in 100 times;

And even then,

it most likely

WILL NOT

be a vital organ.

RUN,

Preferably !

in a zig -zag pattern!

I can vouch for this from the shooters end. If you have ever tried to shoot at a moving target after shooting at a peice of paper that stands still .. trust me... its MUCH harder.

So if you can.. RUN and the zig zag is your friend.

 

[MaureenO]

I can vouch for this from the shooters end. If you have ever tried to shoot at a moving target after shooting at a peice of paper that stands still .. trust me... its MUCH harder.

So if you can.. RUN and the zig zag is your friend.

Absolutely. And, if you are physically able to, bob your head and shoulders up and down, too, as you zig-zag.

Maureen

 

[BigFootsCousin]

Say What?

Absolutely. And, if you are physically able to, bob your head and shoulders up and down, too, as you zig-zag.

Maureen

'Chicken Dance'?

Serious question Mo: What does the 'bobbing' do, other than make the bad guy start laughing hysterically?



BFC

 

[MaureenO]

'Chicken Dance'?

Serious question Mo: What does the 'bobbing' do, other than make the bad guy start laughing hysterically?



BFC

When your head remains at the same height as you zig-zag, it makes an easier target to burst shoot if the assailant is using a full-auto at the level the head is.

Sooner or later, he will hit that head.

Maureen

 

[jehu]

Absolutely. And, if you are physically able to, bob your head and shoulders up and down, too, as you zig-zag.

Maureen

My only caveat is that you are looking for distance from your assailant.

If you are so focused on ziging and zagging and weaving and bobbing that you lose time, this can give the assailant extra time to nail or even wing you.

Remember that even if you just get winged, most peoples instinct is to cringe and pause even briefly. That pause may be the momentarily still target that the perp needs.

I would argue that pure speed to cover or concealment is going to save your
bacon more that a zig and zag.

The only time I would consider a bob and weave is if I am running directly away from the perp.

Remember most of the time, even in todays day and age, the perp is not going to be using a full-auto weepon. When you are running your head naturally bobs up and down and makes it difficult for a moderatly accurate shot to keep a bead.

A random shooter is just dependant on sheer luck, and in that case the time spent bobbing and weaving tilts the odds further in their favor.

If you are up against a trained marksman with a full auto weepan you are in deep doo doo, whether you bob, weave, or sprint straight line.

oh and one more point, angle away from the perp, try not to give them a straight away line. Same thing if you happen to be coming in for a landing on a perp, make it an angle as opposed to straight on.

Edited to add, this is just my deductive reasoning, I am not in any type of job where I apply these manuvers.

 

[LittleJohn]

'Chicken Dance'?

Serious question Mo: What does the 'bobbing' do, other than make the bad guy start laughing hysterically?



BFC

I don't know about that, but I'M in a coffee shop laughing hysterically.

The freakin' CHICKEN DANCE!



Thanks Mo adn BFC!


LittleJohn

 

[MaureenO]

Bumped for caution's sake.

Maureen

 

[MaureenO]

I don't know about that, but I'M in a coffee shop laughing hysterically.

The freakin' CHICKEN DANCE!



Thanks Mo adn BFC!


LittleJohn

Well, it IS good to inject a little humour, right?

But, I really am not kidding about the "bobbing" if you can physically do it. Not everyone can.

Maureen

 

[homepark]

Well, it IS good to inject a little humour, right?

But, I really am not kidding about the "bobbing" if you can physically do it. Not everyone can.

Maureen

Should you sing the chicken dance song, too?

 

[MaureenO]

Should you sing the chicken dance song, too?

I don't know about you, but I certainly would! Anything to distract the shooter. Hell, I'd sing the Hokey-Pokey, even.

Maureen

 

[LittleJohn]

I don't know about you, but I certainly would! Anything to distract the shooter. Hell, I'd sing the Hokey-Pokey, even.

Maureen

I can just see a public service announcement now:

::::music from the chicken dance playing in the background::::

"Billy's zigging to the right..."
"Billy's zagging to the left..."
"Now he's bobbing up and down."

::: clap, clap, clap :::



Shoot, Maureen...if I'm ever in an active shooter situation, I'm the kind of guy, which for a little levity's sake, will start singing and humming the chicken dance song as I'm running away. I find humor in the strangest places.

Thanks, you might have planted the seed to one day save a life or two.

LittleJohn

 

[MaureenO]

I can just see a public service announcement now:

::::music from the chicken dance playing in the background::::

"Billy's zigging to the right..."
"Billy's zagging to the left..."
"Now he's bobbing up and down."

::: clap, clap, clap :::



Shoot, Maureen...if I'm ever in an active shooter situation, I'm the kind of guy, which for a little levity's sake, will start singing and humming the chicken dance song as I'm running away. I find humor in the strangest places.

Thanks, you might have planted the seed to one day save a life or two.

LittleJohn

Me, too!! I am SOOOOOO weird at times.....

Maureen

 

[BigFootsCousin]

Maureen, is there ANY information coming out about possible ways to personally circumvent damages from 'meat bombs'? (suicide bombers)

I realize that this Nation has not seen this type of attack yet but I'm wondering if there's any LEO planning/insight for this possiblity?

I understand active shooters. I understand infrastructure destruction. I don't understand 'meat-bombs'. How does John Q. Public alter his daily affairs for this possible contingency? Short of using (naked) radar like some airports are using, I don't see much defense against them. Am I wrong in thinking that?

I guess that everybody just needs to avoid crowds or assemblies of people, up to and including shopping, going to restaurants, theaters etc. I seriously can't see myself as an isolationist for this type of threat. Because it's NIMBY as of now.

BFC

ETA: IMO, this type of terrorism would be more horrifying than random shooters.

 

[MaureenO]

Maureen, is there ANY information coming out about possible ways to personally circumvent damages from 'meat bombs'? (suicide bombers)

I realize that this Nation has not seen this type of attack yet but I'm wondering if there's any LEO planning/insight for this possiblity?


ETA: IMO, this type of terrorism would be more horrifying than random shooters.

Actually, my department has taught us (and has been doing so for several years) how to recognise and educate the public (without panicking them) regarding what to look for as regards a meat bomber.

This was the reason I started this thread and got the go-ahead from my chief to do so.

Yes, we are trained to observe new characteristics that could ID a "suspicious" person; among them is the subject who is overdressed for the weather. I addressed that earlier in this thread.

During this warm time of year, a person who is (civilian) vested up or wearing layered clothing can be considered suspicious until he/she removes the additional clothing and it's apparent they are not concealing a bomb belt.

I'm sorry to say it, but that's part of the "new normal" post-911 and not JBT mentality. EVERYONE should be watching for things like that.

I suggest you go to your local department and request a class be held in your community for your neighbours on how to recognise, respond, and protect themselves from a meat bomber.

This is our tax money that should be paid to teach people how to protect themselves. Many people are awaiting such instruction and would gladly participate. CSOs would probably give the classes.

Mo

 

[MaureenO]

It might be a good idea if this stayed on the front page for a bit.

Someone else might have something to add.....

Maureen

 

[MaureenO]

Bump.

 

[MaureenO]

Bump thanks to Johnny Reb's experience today.

Maureen

 

[GingerN]

Exactly!

Most criminals do not want a hard target.

Make a stand!

I have always told my girls since they were little that if someone tries to make them go with them, refuse, and run at the first chance, even if means leaving me. I explained to them that someone that wants to force you to go somewhere is probably going to kill you anyway, so if they are, make them do it there. At least that way, you stand a better chance, and are less likely to be tortured.

 

[AnnCats]

Go look at the thread about the father who as beaten unconcious for yelling at a group of young black men for patting his (white) daughter on the rump.

Now - dissect the story and think what you would have done.

Lets start with not going to a fourth of July celebration where there is a mixed crowd, especially at a amusement park. Black, Mexican and white adds up to a dangerous situation - remember real reality, not PC reality.

Out at midnight feeding into a street that doesn't have any security.

Racist or not, stupid or not, how about enjoying the day in a safe environment, not with a mixed race crowd. Its your responsibility to stay away from the place where an incident could happen and to plan ahead so you are not in a dangerous situation around unknown people who won't help you if something bad happens.

We have to be responsible for where we are, who we are with, keeping ourselves secure and out of bad situations to the best extent possible.

 

[jehu]

Self control must be a way of life.

The guy who got beat senseless standing up for his daughter is to be both comended and censured.

It's commendable to single handedly stand up against a group of thugs, but without sufficient fire power is also quite stupid.

Firepower alone isn't the ultimate answer. What if the majority of folks around at the time were of the same race of the thugs, or of races different from our hero. Sure you may have 6 or 12 or 22 in the clip, but is that going to be suffficient against 7-8 guys with another 10 that may decide that you are now a threat with your gun blazing and need to be taken down.

It may have beena tough pill to swallow to back down and take your daughter out of the situation, but you may avoid a beating by doing so.

Was standing up to the gang, wotht eh the beating that ensued?

 

[night driver]

While I agree that we have to be ware of going stupid places with stupid people doing stupid things, just where are we gong to draw the line???

If you turtle up, cower, and "stay safe" and avoid amusement parks and such you are going to circumscribe your travels, experiences and LIFE...and if you do THAT then the OPFOR has won.

AS to the guy defending his daughter, well, judgement call....let them get away with it once and where DO you draw YOUR line??? Yes, he may have bittenoff more than he could chew, but, when DID defend his daughter, did he know that??? I'l stand in front of 2-3 and defend my bride, but i may well exit if it becomes 4-5-6-7.

c

 

[timbo]

Ok, standing up to more than two bad guys without full weaponry is probably not smart. Two guys are stronger than one. Anything after that, swallow the bile in your craw and move on.

Distance from the bad guys is important. Get some distance from them!

How much? If I had 8-10 guys in front of me I want a minimum of 50' from them.

Why? All it takes is a diversion from one or two and the rest will surround you.
Sound familiar? That is what a pack of hyenas will do. Or coyotes.

Even if you are armed and can see the potential that the pack mind is taking the punks over, distance is what you need.

Get something between you and them. What? Maybe a car in a lot or several rows in the store. Anything that will cause them to telegraph their plan to you.

Do your best not to turn your back on them. This not only encourages them, it puts you at a disadvantage in what they are doing.
It may look a little stupid to be backing your way through a mall, but the alternative to stupid is to be bloody and stupid.

 

[mbabulldog]

Sure you may have 6 or 12 or 22 in the clip, but is that going to be suffficient against 7-8 guys with another 10 that may decide that you are now a threat with your gun blazing and need to be taken down.

Most studies have proven that without the training and mentality of combat tactics, most crowds disperse when fired upon, even if they are similiarly armed.

Take one or two down, and statistically speaking, the rest will likely run, take cover, or freeze out of sensory overload/fear, all of which are scenarios that the good guy can take advantage of to extract him/her self.

 

[thompson]

This is a good time to bump this thread.

 

[MaureenO]

This is a good time to bump this thread.

I was thinking that very thing today. Thank you!

Maureen