Can YOU survive an off duty incident???
5:41 PM 27/9/09
CAN YOU SURVIVE AN OFF-DUTY ENCOUNTER??
Hey these situations can and do come up, and frequently. There isn't a day goes by when you may hear about a fellow Officers " war story" on what he encountered when off duty. And these aren't the best situations to be in as you don't have immediate back up, may be in a small jurisdiction where there may only be 1 or 2 Officers on at the time , ( like my buddy in Archie Missouri). have family or friends with you, and don't have the full compliment of your duty belt to help you out. But with planning there is a very good chance you'll come out un-scathed and a happy ending will be had!!
I had a close call 5 years ago while travelling in the Western part of my country, in a bar in Calgary, when all hell broke loose. Even with tin in hand and yelling "I'M A LEO" I was almost fired on by one of Calgary's Finest!!! It was most likely my poor planning that put me in the situation as my adrenaline was high, plus a few drinks didn't help the situation. So needless to say I decided to make a plan on my following days off so a situation like this doesn't happen again!!
You have to CYA!! ( Cover your Ass)
What if any enforcement actions does your Department allow you to take when you are off duty?? With my self being a Federal Officer ( RCMP) I have jurisdiction in any part of Canada.
Use good judgment in where you are, how much you have had to drink, what time of day it is, are you alone.
Unless you have an immediate need to protect/defend yourself my advice is to call the nearest LE agency and have their on duty Officers respond.
Now comes the what if's!!:
What if somebody starts a fight with me?
What if I see a crime in progress?
What if some Adam Henry tries to rob me on the street?
What if some AH tries to carjack me?
What if I'm surrounded by gang bangers?
What if I see somebody whose life is in imminent danger??
There are a lot of "what if's" that can be considered here.
Having a family member of non-LEO friend with you may prevent you from taking the same actions that you may if you were alone. They can be very distracting and can lead to you getting hurt, them getting hurt, or worse!! Make sure if you have family or friends with you not to let them 'brag' you're a cop and for God's sake tell them not to turn and look at you saying " do something you're a cop". VERY BAD moves, and kills the element of surprise you may have had.
Visualise:
Think out various scenarios, think out if you are carrying off duty or if you aren't carrying. This can change your plan of attack . If you are actually looking down a barrel in the perp's hands and you are carrying try to imagine how you will reach your ODC, is it in an area that is easily accessible, ( ankle holster's aren't usually, while I find a small of back holster to be quite useful). Can you reach your weapon without being fired upon??
Sometimes a good verbal distraction is useful, talk to the robber or whom ever, this may give you the added seconds needed to get to your ODC. Hand over belongings, when they are taking them from your hands that's another opening for you. Don't get yourself killed in some dumb ass robbery attempt. Each situation is a completely different one and must be evaluated as such. It is also important to note note that identifying yourself as a LEO when off duty and something such as this arises may be mandatory with your Department. Make sure you know your Department's policy on this. Only identify yourself as a LEO if it is safe to do so, you'll know when it is or isn't. If I'm on a plane and it's hijacked trust me, my mouth is staying closed until the need arises, such as helping out an air marshall.
If you are in a store being robbed it's usually safer to let them get the money unless somebody's life is in immediate danger, the line in the Oath , " I will neither fear nor favour" comes to mind here for me. Don't be a hero over cash, I have been to way too many "flag presentations" to want to attend one over money. Don't forget most stores carry insurance to cover loss by theft or shop lifting. And in some cases such as a bank robbery there may be accomplices in the very close vicinity who may be packing, that sweet little old lady at the counter may be a 'Ma Barker" in sheeps clothing. All I can say if somebody is about to be murdered you have to act, but do it as safely as possible.
What to carry off duty??
First off I'll tell you what NOT to have on:
Any LE identifiable item such as T-shirt, Ballcap, Jacket, even if it has a funny slogan or design on it!!!! These things have a place and time to be worn such as LEO conventions, LE only events, or LE only bars.
If you are authorized for ODC carry it with you, it's not going to do you a damn bit of good at home locked up, or in your gun locker at the station. And make sure you are proficient in it's use. I know guys that buy a gun for ODC , polish it nicely, and have never fired it. Having something look pretty is all well and good, but if you don't know the trigger pull is 7 lbs. on it how good are you with it?? Some fire off to the side, and some have such a kick back your aim will be totally off. KNOW your ODC carry!!! And there are times when it is totally unadvisable to carry,( if you know you'll be drinking). Bottom line here guys, if you aren't ODC it is better not to make an OD arrest, or intervening in a crime in progress. Call for on duty backup!!
I suggest carrying the following: ( I do)
1) OC Spray
2) Cell phone
3) Cuffs in a jacket or back pocket
4) Extra ammo if you do carry ODC
If you carry ODC choosing the right holster for it is imperative. You don't want one where it can easily fall out or gotten to by the perp. That's why I like my S.O.B. holster , you may prefere a shoulder holster, my point being it has to be accessible!!! Ankle holster's aren't....unless the perp is making every one kneel.
After The Fact:
If you can't call the incident in yourself have somebody call the police or ambulance as needed and make sure the person identifies YOU as an Officer and gives a description of what you are wearing and if they are kept on the phone by dispatch have them update your position in the store, area, wherever so you don''t have fellow LEO's coming at you weapon's drawn, Situation RED!!!
For God's sake do not meet the responding officer's with your ODC drawn, there is an opening for disaster if there ever was one!! Keep in mind that that responder's are the Officers in charge the moment they arrive and if they order you to put down your weapon DO IT!!! Turn it sideways so as not to drop it on the trigger or hammer this way avoiding a negligent discharge, and frazzling everybody's nerves. Also if the perp is near by make sure it is far from his/her reach, kick it over if you have to. If it's not possible to kick it away, STAND ON IT with one foot to keep the perp from making a grab for it. And if your gun is holstered already be sure to tell the responders that your gun is holstered and don't make any sudden movements to show it to them, you may still not be recognised as the ' good guy' and this can be dangerous.
In case you are involved in a serious OD Incident it is imperative to contact your PBA, FOP, or personal lawyer ASAP. Keep in mind that the Department's lawyers are there to cover their asses and not yours!! Especially if an OIS is involved.
Your key to getting ready for encounters like this is good planning, and if I were you , I'd start planning NOW!!!
CAN YOU SURVIVE AN OFF-DUTY ENCOUNTER??
Hey these situations can and do come up, and frequently. There isn't a day goes by when you may hear about a fellow Officers " war story" on what he encountered when off duty. And these aren't the best situations to be in as you don't have immediate back up, may be in a small jurisdiction where there may only be 1 or 2 Officers on at the time , ( like my buddy in Archie Missouri). have family or friends with you, and don't have the full compliment of your duty belt to help you out. But with planning there is a very good chance you'll come out un-scathed and a happy ending will be had!!
I had a close call 5 years ago while travelling in the Western part of my country, in a bar in Calgary, when all hell broke loose. Even with tin in hand and yelling "I'M A LEO" I was almost fired on by one of Calgary's Finest!!! It was most likely my poor planning that put me in the situation as my adrenaline was high, plus a few drinks didn't help the situation. So needless to say I decided to make a plan on my following days off so a situation like this doesn't happen again!!
You have to CYA!! ( Cover your Ass)
What if any enforcement actions does your Department allow you to take when you are off duty?? With my self being a Federal Officer ( RCMP) I have jurisdiction in any part of Canada.
Use good judgment in where you are, how much you have had to drink, what time of day it is, are you alone.
Unless you have an immediate need to protect/defend yourself my advice is to call the nearest LE agency and have their on duty Officers respond.
Now comes the what if's!!:
What if somebody starts a fight with me?
What if I see a crime in progress?
What if some Adam Henry tries to rob me on the street?
What if some AH tries to carjack me?
What if I'm surrounded by gang bangers?
What if I see somebody whose life is in imminent danger??
There are a lot of "what if's" that can be considered here.
Having a family member of non-LEO friend with you may prevent you from taking the same actions that you may if you were alone. They can be very distracting and can lead to you getting hurt, them getting hurt, or worse!! Make sure if you have family or friends with you not to let them 'brag' you're a cop and for God's sake tell them not to turn and look at you saying " do something you're a cop". VERY BAD moves, and kills the element of surprise you may have had.
Visualise:
Think out various scenarios, think out if you are carrying off duty or if you aren't carrying. This can change your plan of attack . If you are actually looking down a barrel in the perp's hands and you are carrying try to imagine how you will reach your ODC, is it in an area that is easily accessible, ( ankle holster's aren't usually, while I find a small of back holster to be quite useful). Can you reach your weapon without being fired upon??
Sometimes a good verbal distraction is useful, talk to the robber or whom ever, this may give you the added seconds needed to get to your ODC. Hand over belongings, when they are taking them from your hands that's another opening for you. Don't get yourself killed in some dumb ass robbery attempt. Each situation is a completely different one and must be evaluated as such. It is also important to note note that identifying yourself as a LEO when off duty and something such as this arises may be mandatory with your Department. Make sure you know your Department's policy on this. Only identify yourself as a LEO if it is safe to do so, you'll know when it is or isn't. If I'm on a plane and it's hijacked trust me, my mouth is staying closed until the need arises, such as helping out an air marshall.
If you are in a store being robbed it's usually safer to let them get the money unless somebody's life is in immediate danger, the line in the Oath , " I will neither fear nor favour" comes to mind here for me. Don't be a hero over cash, I have been to way too many "flag presentations" to want to attend one over money. Don't forget most stores carry insurance to cover loss by theft or shop lifting. And in some cases such as a bank robbery there may be accomplices in the very close vicinity who may be packing, that sweet little old lady at the counter may be a 'Ma Barker" in sheeps clothing. All I can say if somebody is about to be murdered you have to act, but do it as safely as possible.
What to carry off duty??
First off I'll tell you what NOT to have on:
Any LE identifiable item such as T-shirt, Ballcap, Jacket, even if it has a funny slogan or design on it!!!! These things have a place and time to be worn such as LEO conventions, LE only events, or LE only bars.
If you are authorized for ODC carry it with you, it's not going to do you a damn bit of good at home locked up, or in your gun locker at the station. And make sure you are proficient in it's use. I know guys that buy a gun for ODC , polish it nicely, and have never fired it. Having something look pretty is all well and good, but if you don't know the trigger pull is 7 lbs. on it how good are you with it?? Some fire off to the side, and some have such a kick back your aim will be totally off. KNOW your ODC carry!!! And there are times when it is totally unadvisable to carry,( if you know you'll be drinking). Bottom line here guys, if you aren't ODC it is better not to make an OD arrest, or intervening in a crime in progress. Call for on duty backup!!
I suggest carrying the following: ( I do)
1) OC Spray
2) Cell phone
3) Cuffs in a jacket or back pocket
4) Extra ammo if you do carry ODC
If you carry ODC choosing the right holster for it is imperative. You don't want one where it can easily fall out or gotten to by the perp. That's why I like my S.O.B. holster , you may prefere a shoulder holster, my point being it has to be accessible!!! Ankle holster's aren't....unless the perp is making every one kneel.
After The Fact:
If you can't call the incident in yourself have somebody call the police or ambulance as needed and make sure the person identifies YOU as an Officer and gives a description of what you are wearing and if they are kept on the phone by dispatch have them update your position in the store, area, wherever so you don''t have fellow LEO's coming at you weapon's drawn, Situation RED!!!
For God's sake do not meet the responding officer's with your ODC drawn, there is an opening for disaster if there ever was one!! Keep in mind that that responder's are the Officers in charge the moment they arrive and if they order you to put down your weapon DO IT!!! Turn it sideways so as not to drop it on the trigger or hammer this way avoiding a negligent discharge, and frazzling everybody's nerves. Also if the perp is near by make sure it is far from his/her reach, kick it over if you have to. If it's not possible to kick it away, STAND ON IT with one foot to keep the perp from making a grab for it. And if your gun is holstered already be sure to tell the responders that your gun is holstered and don't make any sudden movements to show it to them, you may still not be recognised as the ' good guy' and this can be dangerous.
In case you are involved in a serious OD Incident it is imperative to contact your PBA, FOP, or personal lawyer ASAP. Keep in mind that the Department's lawyers are there to cover their asses and not yours!! Especially if an OIS is involved.
Your key to getting ready for encounters like this is good planning, and if I were you , I'd start planning NOW!!!
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