As chicagotribune.com reports, even an off-duty cop can be robbed. In Chicago a police officer was robbed of his wallet, his 5 star badge but not his gun. His gun? I know what you’re thinking. How does a cop carrying a gun not kill at least one of the two people who held him up at gun point? Well, I’ll tell you why. One of the men, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, pulled a chrome .357 Magnum handgun and demanded cash, police said. I’m pretty proficient with my handgun regardless of the consistent training I do as a police officer. But not proficient enough to take on a .357 Magnum point blank to the face . . .
It’s a superior gun to say the least and the bad guy already was two steps ahead of that particular police officer when they 1) Were able to approach him and 2) Had the gun in his face.
If this article showed one thing is that the bad guys had a pretty cool individual in front of them. The police officer (in his 40’s) was aware that tactically he was at a disadvantage and that his life was worth more then what was in his wallet. He gave them what they wanted and the perps fled without incident.
Carrying your gun doesn’t make you invincible. It allows you to defend yourself in case of maniac on a school campus or your favorite restaurant decides to go on a shooting rampage. It also gives you peace of mind that you can protect yourself when the opportunity presents itself.
If that opportunity should arise, you must learn to be tactically sound. Simply carrying your gun isn’t enough. Most people reading this won’t be competing on Top Shot, thus quick drawing your gun to shoot someone who already has the drop on you isn’t an option.
Knowing your surroundings and environment is very important and tactically safe. Walking to an ATM or out of a store completely oblivious to what is going on around you will only make you the target of the predator watching those who are coming in and out of the area. Like a lioness in the Serengeti Plains over seeing its potential dinner. Tactically you have to make yourself uninviting.
Why this police officer became a target for these bad guys is beyond me. Crime has no rhyme or reason; just time, place and opportunity. Your gun will give you peace of mind but what good is having it when you give the bad guy the opportunity to point his gun in your face? Yes you did the right thing and walked away with your life but never let yourself get to that point to begin with. Be tactically aware of what’s going on around you.