Staying Safe

¡WARNING GRAPHIC!

Although it’s not clear if this is an unknown contact or not, we can still compare the officer’s response in this video to the last breakdown and see there is an apparent difference in demeanor, response, and outcome. No need to elaborate on that point.

For this post, I want to focus on the takedown, which was well executed.

There are three main principles for a successful takedown:
* Entry
* Off-balance
* Ex*****on

The type of takedown is irrelevant to these principles (doesn’t matter if it is a shooting takedown, a sweep/trip, or a throw); however, sometimes these are individual steps to the takedown and sometimes they are concurrent; it will depend on the specific takedown.

Take a second to rewatch the video and identify where each principle is applied.

Follow for more breakdowns.

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Disclaimer: Most violent encounters provide many concepts and principles to learn from. The point of my posts are to breakdown a particular incident into a few digestible concepts; not to provide full commentary on all lessons to be learned.

¡WARNING GRAPHIC!

Managing unknown contacts - how do we deal with people that we don’t know who have no unclear intentions?

* Manage space (reactionary gap), if possible - includes movement and positioning
* Default hand position - hands in a position to allow rapid defensive posture and/or to preemptively strike with minimal telegraphing
* Assess the contact(s) - pay particular attention to the behaviors that deviate from the baseline and pre-attack indicators
* Planning - create a plan of action based on the available information
* Be aware of what you’re saying and how you’re saying it; the goal is not to escalate the situation. Sometimes de-escalation is not possible but maintaining the current level until another solution can be found or help arrives is the best available option - also referred to as verbal judo

We cannot afford to be complacent or arrogant when managing unknown contacts. This officer learned a hard lesson that day and fortunately the outcome was not worse.

I’ve written articles on the above bullets; they can be found by using the search bar on my website. Link in bio.

Disclaimer: Most violent encounters provide many concepts and principles to learn from. The point of my posts are to breakdown a particular incident into a few digestible concepts; not to provide full commentary on all lessons to be learned.

¡WARNING GRAPHIC!

All attacks follow (3) phases:
Phase 1 - Pre-Attack
Phase 2 - Attack
Phase 3 - Post-Attack

This video provides a good example of the entire cycle.

It’s starts with planning - knowing the routine for coin collection/movement (from observation over a period of time or recognition as a crime of opportunity during collection). The criminals recognize this is the most vulnerable the laundromat will be and/or this will yield the most payout for them .

The ex*****on happens in phase 2; in this case the attacker initially used force (pistol whip) then switched to psychological intimidation (showing pistol and threatening violence) to ensure compliance.

Phase 3 is focused on escape and exploitation. It’s clear what that means for this attack, but not all attacks have a clear cut escape (think long term abuse e.g. ongoing DV cases) or have tangible exploitation (non-tangible exploitation could be gaslighting, psychological distress, blackmail).

Four key takeaways on prevention for this scenario:
* Do not create a routine for handling valuables
* Only trusted team members have access or knowledge of the collection schedule
* The venue should be empty and secured during collection times
* Utilize a trusted team member as a lookout during collection

This is an extremely minimized overview of the phases of an attack. For a full breakdown and in-depth explanation of the phases, please check out my website (linktree in bio).

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Disclaimer: Most violent encounters provide many concepts and principles to learn from. The point of my posts are to breakdown a particular incident into a few digestible concepts; not to provide full commentary on all lessons to be learned.

¡WARNING GRAPHIC!

Although mask requirements may be helpful to prevent spreading germs, they encourage people with ill intent due to the perceived anonymity.

The attacker is wearing a hood upon entering the store. A quick search shows that at the time of attack (3:40 pm) on 3/26/21 the weather was 81 degrees, 15 mph wind, and 25% humidity - the hood should be considered an anomaly.

After entering the store, the attacker begins to fidget in his pocket; knowing the outcome, it’s clear he was manipulating the edged weapon. Although, this is not necessarily an anomaly in itself, as someone may be adjusting a phone, wallet, or other item; the hands are extremely important to track. Additionally, it appears the attacker slightly blades himself upon reaching the desk - I believe this was in an effort to make a final adjustment on the edged weapon and disguise the coming actions.

The victim remained seated. Any time we come in contact with an unknown contact, it’s important to maintain space and mobility. As shown in this video, the victim had space and a barrier between herself and the attacker; however, her inability to react quickly by blocking and/or moving allowed the attacker to land his strike on target. It’s important to note that barriers and space may be temporary or insufficient for preventing an attack; in these cases our response is critical.

After the attack, the victim ran to the door and opened it. It’s not clear what her intent was (yelling for help, etc.). In many cases, we do not know the full intent of the attacker, and we should not assume the attack is over just because the attacker started to flee. If you’re injured and the attackers leaves, I recommend securing yourself and/or the area and begin self aid.

Follow for more breakdowns.

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Disclaimer: Most violent encounters provide many concepts and principles to learn from. The point of my posts are to breakdown a particular incident into a few digestible concepts; not to provide full commentary on all lessons to be learn

The ads that pop up while you’re pumping gas are not only annoying but are also a distraction.

Gas stations are transitional spaces - transitional spaces/habitual areas (parking lots, public metro stations, gas stations, public bus terminals, etc.) are prime areas for criminals to choose targets and locate/create opportunities for attacks. Turning off these ads will take away unnecessary noise and distractions so you can focus on what’s happening around you.