I sometimes get ‘grief’ from a lunch companion with regard to my powers of observation. While I am a trained observer, (a trained noticer, per B. Hall) I no longer get paid to notice, and as such, don’t pay much attention to some passers-by hair style or outfit.
I don’t particularly care.
I DO try to stay in condition YELLOW, however, and to observe what is important. Right out of the Patrol Procedures Officer Survival textbook.
WATCH THEIR HANDS.
It’s pretty difficult for an assailant to be an assailant if their hands are empty. No beer bottle, knife or handgun.
When I worked in the convenience store, we had many folks come in Open Carrying. This was (and is) the law in Arizona, forever. And some of the other clerks would freak-out. I always said if the gun wasn’t in their hand, who cares? Even struck up a few conversations with a few guys, “Hey, whatcha got there? Pretty cool!”
I figure if someone is moving rapidly toward me and/or has something threatening in their hand, this deserves condition ORANGE. Hopefully nothing further.
h/t Judy
A weapon really isn't a weapon until it's in someone's hands.
Posted by Tango Juliet | January 7, 2012, 9:11 am@Tango Juliet – Yep.
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | January 7, 2012, 9:13 amFor the most part, correct. Have you ever been hit by a trained boxer? Trust me, hands can be weapons.
Posted by Well Seasoned Fool | January 7, 2012, 9:29 amAnyone who fails to notice what people are doing is bound to be a victim at some point. Stick to your guns, Guffaw. (sorry 'bout the bad pun … actually, no I'm not.)
Posted by Rev. Paul | January 7, 2012, 9:33 am@WSF – Yes. But most boxers I've known threat their hands like weapons, not unlike karateka.Hasn't been an issue (knock on wood).@Rev. Paul – Thanks. Like puns.
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | January 7, 2012, 12:47 pmGood points, and attention to 'detail' DOES play into one's reactions…
Posted by Old NFO | January 7, 2012, 3:30 pmI tend to notice body language in general; sometime just the way someone is standing or moving their head can set off alarm bells in my head.
Posted by BobG | January 7, 2012, 3:42 pm@Old NFO – agreed.@BobG – good thinking!
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | January 7, 2012, 7:23 pm