I've been gone a while, but I am back. Continuing with the 10 deadly error series, with #7: Failure to Watch Their Hands.
This is an important one because it requires the officer to do several other things. Not getting too close leaps to mind. Now we can't be too far away, because then you not only can not communicate effectively, you are unable to see anything clearly. Most of the police survival literature mentions reactionary gap. It's different for different threats. For an excellent explanation on this, go to Dave Grossi's article here:
http://www.policeone.com/police-trainers/articles/6258834-The-reactionary-gap-Reminders-on-threats-and-distances/
Grossi mentions the MINIMUM gap is 6 feet. This is for unarmed persons. The question is, who is unarmed? We always teach entry level students and experienced in-service officers that regardless if the suspect is armed or not, there is ALWAYS a gun in the fight. That gun is yours! Taking that point, officers need to recognize that weapons can be hidden in and under clothing.
In this great school safety video, the kid hides a dozen guns under his clothing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMA2zkodZCk
This link has a JPG showing the location and mannerisms of those carrying hidden firearms:
http://img.labnol.org/di/hidden_weapons.jpg
I say all this to make the point that officers need to be continually evaluating people. Regardless of the encounter, watch how they carry themselves. Shirts that aren't tucked in are the usual concern. Most concealed handguns carried by offenders carry them in the groin or appendix area. Up front for quick access. Small handguns are favored by the criminal element because they can be easily hidden in a pant or jacket pocket. Regardless of the location, persons carrying a concealed gun typically will touch and adjust the gun. Watch for this during your encounters.
As added insurance, when approaching a person, take a moment and observe them. Does their clothing match the season? Does one side appear more weighted down than the other? Are they unconsciously touching the front of their pants or pockets? When they see you, do they quickly walk to another location? Do they shift their bag or backpack to their opposite shoulder away from you? These are all signs of either concealed carry of a firearm or carrying of some contraband. Now this isn't necessarily probable cause for a search, but it can mean a Terry frisk is warranted.
As more added insurance, approach them with the intention of keeping some barrier between them and you. Have them stand in front of your cruiser while you are behind the fender. Maybe there is a mailbox or utility pole between the two of you. Anything you can quickly duck behind or around if a weapon is produced.
Finally, none of this absolves you of the responsibility to WATCH THEIR HANDS! Hands disappear for a reason. The closer you are to them, the more dangerous it is. If you are engaged in a physical encounter already and their hand disappears, he is most likely reaching for a weapon. In this case, grab their wrist and pancake it to their person before they can get it in to action. Counter attack with punches to the face, then attempt a disarm. If you have distance and a barrier as mentioned earlier, step back or around the barrier and get your own sidearm in to action. The barrier provides protection from bullets and from the suspect getting any clean shot at you. It also helps you get time back on your side.
Remember, hands that disappear are up to no good!
