RustyShackelford
member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2006
- Messages
- 4,018
In a recent news story in my area, an armed security officer at an apartment complex was the victim of an armed robbery by 2 men. The uniformed security officer had a loaded sidearm(unknown type but either a 9mmNATO or .38spl per state regulations), a nightstick/impact weapon and chemical agent(OC spray). One subject went up to the officer to "ask directions" while the other subject came up behind the guard, pointed a gun at him and took all of his weapons(sidearm, OC spray and nightstick). The subjects then fled the area. The security guard was shook up but not hurt in the incident. Both subjects are still at large to my knowledge.
LESSONS LEARNED:
I do not claim to be an "expert" or have super skills in protection/LE/security but I have worked in many LE-security positions for nearly 18yrs and have the same security licenses(armed/unarmed) as the guard who was the victim. Here are some points I'd want to share with other HighRoad.org members;
1) Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a 360 degree sweep of the area whenever you are speaking to someone. Watch the hands/movements of people near you and keep a distance(10-15 feet) at all times. Even if the subject(s) seem harmless or not threating.
2) Avoid long "chats" or conversations while on duty or in uniform. A criminal may be trying to create a diversion or lull you into a false sense of security.
3) Keep all of your weapons/gear/equipment clean and ready to use. Things like cell phone charges/flashlight batteries/spare mags or speedloaders may be a major issue in a critical incident.
4) Know the layout/patrol area before you start working. Knowledge is power. You should be aware of things like doors, stairs, parking lots etc. This will assist you later on and can be a good resource for any public safety officers that may ask you after an incident.
5) Be polite and professional but be firm when you deal with the general public. Violent criminals look for weakness and "easy" targets. If you look and act like you can handle yourself 99% of the criminals will move on.
I could list more points here but I'm sure most members here understand these issues.
-Rusty
LESSONS LEARNED:
I do not claim to be an "expert" or have super skills in protection/LE/security but I have worked in many LE-security positions for nearly 18yrs and have the same security licenses(armed/unarmed) as the guard who was the victim. Here are some points I'd want to share with other HighRoad.org members;
1) Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a 360 degree sweep of the area whenever you are speaking to someone. Watch the hands/movements of people near you and keep a distance(10-15 feet) at all times. Even if the subject(s) seem harmless or not threating.
2) Avoid long "chats" or conversations while on duty or in uniform. A criminal may be trying to create a diversion or lull you into a false sense of security.
3) Keep all of your weapons/gear/equipment clean and ready to use. Things like cell phone charges/flashlight batteries/spare mags or speedloaders may be a major issue in a critical incident.
4) Know the layout/patrol area before you start working. Knowledge is power. You should be aware of things like doors, stairs, parking lots etc. This will assist you later on and can be a good resource for any public safety officers that may ask you after an incident.
5) Be polite and professional but be firm when you deal with the general public. Violent criminals look for weakness and "easy" targets. If you look and act like you can handle yourself 99% of the criminals will move on.
I could list more points here but I'm sure most members here understand these issues.
-Rusty
