https://news3lv.com/news/local/las-vegas-police-respond-to-homicide-near-maryland-desert-inn
There are cold hard facts involving violent encounters with firearms. I personally am a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment. With that being said; this doesn’t mean I wouldn’t advocate for strict firearm laws depending on which particular city/state we’re talking about. Considering on average; most of the time gun violence can be counteracted with responsible gun owners. Whether that be a responsible/law abiding citizen, Police, Military, you name it. The issue is that gun control is a double-edged sword; meaning that advocating for strict gun laws in which someone believes that all firearms should be banned can easily roll over to certain Police and military organizations in which even they would not be allowed to use/carry firearms.
You can’t have it both ways; its either no guns ever, at all; or limited access to firearms (which still would include citizens that are not in law enforcement/military). With that in mind, consider this; imagine that firearms are banned completely. Meaning…100%. What would stop certain individuals from holding onto their firearms they currently have, or what’s stopping some from adding to the current black market of firearm sales? Just something to think about; there’s currently no right or wrong answer here, just ideas to ponder on.
What will be correct or not is how you handle an encounter with an in-person escalating situation. The idea of de-escalation to many individuals breeds a common misconception that de-escalation shows weakness, although in the perception of an aggressor that may be true; in the eyes of the law and common sense…its a no-brainer. The de-escalation process; depending on the situation and location; can save your life, your job, your family and reputation; especially if the whole encounter is on video. The above news article points out that the situation starts with a verbal encounter. Even without knowing the reasons or words being said behind this; we know that in a heated verbal altercation, walking away can be tough, but lets go over some quick pointers that help with de-escalation; maybe even without giving off an appearance of “weakness”.
- Advise you’re not looking for trouble. This can be said in many different ways.
- If you’re going to use the method of “walking away” don’t turn your back. Instead walk backwards as long as you know behind you is clear. Why? Because by not turning around…you won’t be displaying “weakness” and you won’t be giving off the persona that you’re being disrespectful.
- Keep hands open, visible and close to your body (chest area). This will help to keep you ready for physical assault while not being a visual threat.
- Watch the persons hands. Are they in their pockets, or just one hand in their pocket? This might go towards situational awareness but still helps how you deal with the encounter.