General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: New Concealed Carry poll [View all]GreenStormCloud
(12,072 posts)If a criminal is going to attack you, he will almost always go though a series of steps. If you are alert and spot someone taking those step regarding you, then you try to avoid the situation by escape, let him know that you are ready if you can't escape (NO, you don't draw the gun yet.), finally - draw and fire if he produces a weapon, or otherwise attacks you.
Critical to his attack is isolation and approach. They will rarely attack you with a lot of others around. He will try to trail you to an isolated spot, or wait in ambush. Be alert for anybody following you, or waiting, as you go to an isolated area, such as a parking lot.
Observe their posture and body language, looking for pre-assault indicators. (That's a police term for that type of body language.) There are web sites and DVDs to learn them.
If you think someone has targeted you, escape if you can. If you can't, make eye contact, and use your own body language to let him know that you are armed. He WILL read it and understand. He is a criminal and that skill is part of his livelihood/hobby. Usually he will abort the attack at that moment. (Be alert, he may have accomplices)
Don't talk if he tries to engage you in conversation. Say, "Stay away." When he starts to talk to you is called, "the interview". He is in the final part of selecting you as a victim. He isn't sure yet. You want to fail the interview. It is OK to be impolite to strangers in dangerous situations. Take control of the situation. He has a script for a play and you are supposed to play a certain role. If you aren't following his script for you it presents him with a situation in which he can't be sure of what you will do. Experienced criminals will back off and look for easier prey. At this point you have also put you hand under your clothes and on the gun, ready if things go south.
If he attacks or then pulls a weapon, you are also ready.
This has been a brief summary. There are detailed books and videos on the subject, many used by law enforcement for training.