Level 1 might save your life….
I’ve written several articles pertaining to Situational Awareness but with recent events I’m inclined to dive deeper into the subject. Just recently, on a neighborhood social app I read a story about a couple who were attacked while leaving a restaurant in the Desert Ridge area of North Phoenix. The attackers, 4 males and 2 females, assaulted the couple causing injuries to the victims. There was no previous contact with the assailants, and it appeared the attack was committed for no specific reason such as robbery or theft. I know you all hear about these things on a regular basis, maybe not always in the Phoenix area but definitely incidents occurring across the Nation. Sixteen major cities have surpassed their all-time homicide numbers, crime is at an all-time high and criminals are feeling emboldened and getting away with little to no punishment if apprehended.
What does this mean for the law-abiding citizen just trying to live their lives the best they can and in an environment that’s safe for them and their loved ones? Does it mean just keep going about your business the way you always have and hope for the best? Or does it means change the way you carry yourself and be on the lookout for possible offenders or situations that if left unchecked might do you harm.
In Law Enforcement we have a scale, “steps,” referred to as the Level of Force Continuum. It is a list of levels of force used by an officer beginning with the lowest or less intrusive, building up to the highest which was deadly force. The lowest level, “Officer Presence,” I felt was most important and this is what helped me safely return home every night. The way many officers and I carried ourselves prevented violent or escalating circumstances from ever occurring. Examples of Officer Presence include things like a professional appearance, well-maintained uniform, well groomed, clean organized personal equipment, how I physically carried myself including the appearance of being fit and healthy, standing tall and erect with confidence and sure of my words and actions. The way you present yourself is the first step of your security plan.
“Head on a Swivel” is a term used in Law Enforcement and Military and is a part of your Level 1 Use of Force Continuum. This phrase defines one of your actions needed to remain safe when in public settings. It means always look around and be aware of your environment and the actions of those within your vicinity. Look forward outside your immediate area, check to both sides and always remember to check your “6”, behind you. This is not the mentality of living in fear or paranoia, it is a conscious state of mind of wanting to see what’s coming before it’s directly in your face. If you see something strange or someone acting suspicious, look at them, let them know by your actions that you see them and you are aware of their presence. This is not the time to look away as if that person were the panhandler standing at the curb when you just got the red light.
If you look away from a suspect that is planning to do you harm, you are following the steps they want you to follow. You are showing a sign of weakness and fear that they will use to their advantage. Stand tall and confident show them that you are not ready to be victimized today.
Other steps remaining in the Use of Force Continuum include verbal commands, control holds, and less lethal devices such as pepper spray or foam and electronic shock devices like Tasers, and also lethal devices such as handguns and long guns. If you decide to add any other devices to your plan of security, please get trained in them and become very knowledgeable about their effectiveness.
Please, make Level 1, Command Presence, a priority. Be aware of your surroundings, look ahead outside your immediate area, check left, right, and behind. Create a physical and mental presence that shows strength and confidence and let them know that you see them. Criminals want a soft target, an easy target, and usually they want the element of surprise.
As an Official Partner with USCCA we would like to provide you with a FREE Guide on “7 Steps to Highly Effective Situational Awareness” call or send us an email and we will get to you right away.
NEVER STOP TRAINING!
For any questions regarding my article, please email me at
[email protected]
Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
JohnsonGroupTAC.com
602-448-8283 / 602-410-7355
