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Police arrested a panhandler who reportedly lit man on fire outside a convenience store in Long Beach, Calif. after not receiving money.
I'm posting the above link because this is a perfect example of why you need to have a plan to deal with everyday people and situations. Having a plan to recognize threats early enough to make a difference is a topic that far too few people include in their training. The chance of running into an aggressive panhandler is so much higher than an active shooter needing another hole in his head. Think of what is probable not what is possible.
I personally have experience with three companies which provide a solution to these problems and think they are all solid in their own ways.
No particular order*
- Shivworks
- Suarez Intl (Swisher locally)
- Mindset Labs
Training with them or another group that specializes in this portion of a fight will help dramatically. Early decision making will frame your chances of survival or escape later on. If you can't/won't train professionally, at least train with some other people who will act out the parts. You don't have to be MMA fighters to get something out of some decision making practice. We did it a week or two ago at a small training group get-together...no one got hurt but lots of eyes were opened to the everyday problems that you might face.
We can talk more about this if everyone so chooses, but as a quick hitter I'll throw out a couple quick tips that I've found from my own professional training (companies above), teaching, and training group practice on these fundamentals.
What your plan shouldn't include
- Anything including the words "I'd Just..."
- The idea that you don't let people near you
- The idea that you will always be in condition X and don't have to worry
- The idea that your pistol or knife will simply scare them away if you access them early on
- The idea that carrying a gun makes you safe
What your plan probably should include
- Actual role-played decision making practice with training weapons
- A pre-planned set of verbal skills
- A pre-planned rough estimate of where you personally are comfortable escalating to tools or physical violence
- Solutions that don't include your main self defense weapon
- A decent set of simple combatives that you have practiced and are confident enough in that you won't default to pulling your gun if someone pushes you around a little (barring disabilities or other issues).
- Understanding of the laws in your state regarding use of force of civilians and when you are justified in acting
- A plan that may include family members if you are often with them
Your solution absolutely doesn't need to look like mine or anyone elses, but have a solution. These are common problems and they seem to be increasing. I've personally seen an uptick in the number of homeless/panhandlers/beggars in the last year or two. They have less to lose than you. Mishandling a beggar could end you in jail, fired, injured, or dead. For them, it's three hots and a cot. Think through this guys, and be honest about your abilities. When you come up with your shortcomings...start addressing them.