Reading the Street

I try to make most decisions with what could be called “built-in tactical awareness.” This approach guides how I drive, where I park, how I leave my car, how I enter the buildings I go to – including my home – how I leave those buildings, how I re-enter my car, and how I go about my daily business. You may be the same way and if you are, good on you. If you aren’t then it’s time to catch up.

I consider myself a well-trained offensive and defensive street warrior. I have a law enforcement background, I can talk my way out of trouble, and am quick with getting my gun on target. But I know I am not bulletproof, that I can’t fight off five guys who are serious about kicking my ass, and that street people are unpredictable. As such, when I see a group of three or four dudes trying to act tough and blocking the street or the corner, I cross the street and avoid them like the Coronavirus. Why? Is it because I’m afraid of them? No, I’m not afraid of much.

I simply don’t want a confrontation with them and we all know the types of street people who go around looking to start problems. Having a concealed gun and having a lot of training and experience in dealing with angry, disturbed, impaired people who start or end up in confrontations has taught me well. When in doubt, move away. They can think I’m scared if they want to. If they cross the street to confront me, after I’ve deliberately moved away, then I will protect myself as necessary. I don’t care if street people think I’m weak, passive, or anxious. I know what I can do if they pester me after I have gone out of my way to avoid them.

Here are some tips:

Practice “tactical walking” and cross the street to avoid drunks, the obviously mentally ill, aggressive and predatory homeless people, overly aggressive teenagers, and young adults that dress like gang members (sometimes you can judge a book by its cover).

Avoid large groups and disruptive crowds, especially when people in them have been drinking, arguing, fighting, and can get emotional about something (like who is winning the game and how you happen to be walking by wearing the other side’s jersey.)

Quickly move away from fights or confrontations, If you have to watch these events unfold in front of you because you can’t get away, watch from the edges of the crowd, not the middle, and keep moving.

One important thing always to keep top of mind when you are Carrying Concealed is that there is already at least one gun at every situation you go to – yours. It’s unlikely you could get disarmed in a crowd situation but it’s possible.

When you’re in crowds, make a conscious decision to protect your firearm at all times as you pass through. Pickpockets steal guns too, not just wallets and smartphones.

Keep your head down and keep the faith,

Reno