Immediately After Encounter with a Burglar

Immediately After Encounter

 

In the immediate aftermath of an encounter, whether shots have been fired or not, you should NOT have your weapon in your hand when the police arrive. If the situation is still critical, i.e.: you are holding the perpetrator at gunpoint, have a relative go outside to notify the police that a suspect is being held on the ground by a legally armed citizen. You do not want the cops bursting in and shooting you by mistake. Remember, their adrenaline in at a high level also and this can be a dangerous and confusing time

 

Scenario # 1

You let the perpetrator go

 

If there is no one to help you in this situation, it may be best to just let the perpetrator escape and let the police chase them down. If this is the case, dial 9-1-1. Identify yourself and give this explanation only: "A person just tried to rob me and they got away, please send police." Then give your address. It's not advisable to give any further information over the phone. Now, sit down and collect your thoughts so you can give a cohesive and thorough description of the perpetrator to the police when they arrive. Also make sure your weapon (if you have one) is holstered or in plain sight away from you when they arrive.

 

The honest citizen should always cooperate with the police or be willing to help when possible. After all, they are there to help.

 

Scenario # 2

You have discharged your weapon

 

You have discharged your weapon and the perpetrator is wounded. Dial 9-1-1. Identify yourself, using something like this example: "A person just tried to rob me and I shot him. Please send police and an ambulance to...."  Give your address. Again, it is not advisable to give any further information over the phone. If the situation is peaceful, make sure your weapon is holstered or away from you when the police arrive.

 

At this stage, there is a lot of discussion as to what is best to do, and what is not best to do. What you should say and what you should not say to the police. Cooperation of course is always the best, but you must be in the correct frame of mind to give any statements.

 

Tomorrow, I will go over some different trains of thought on just this. Thanks for reading--