Blue Sheepdog

An unfortunate truth about police work is there are evil people out there who would like to kill us, simply because we are cops. Given the opportunity, some of them will try.

So, we need to take every opportunity to spot danger before it is too late. One of the more useful skills an officer can develop is learning how to spot someone carrying a firearm. Several agencies, such as the US Secret Service, offer training in this life-saving skill. A lot of basic police academies, unfortunately, do not.

In the July/August 2007 issue of The Police Marksman, Chuck Remsberg wrote an article called “Spotting Armed Suspects.” In the article, Remsberg details indications and characteristics of potentially armed suspects. Some of these indicators are listed below.

1. Determine Strong Side - Most guns are concealed on the strong side of the person’s body. While up to 90% of the world is right-handed, it could be a fatal mistake to assume that everyone you encounter will be.

2. Gun Location - According to Remsberg’s article, most armed suspects tuck their handgun in the waistband of their pants, between the navel and hip. A distant second for preferred carry location is the small of the back. Most offenders do not use a holster.

3. Touching of the Firearm - Most people, especially anyone not used to carrying a concealed weapon, will touch the gun to ensure themselves that it is still there.

4. Unusual Body Movement or Positioning - The suspect positions themselves, or moves in such a manner, as to shield the firearm from view. Additionally, unusual movements may be seen by someone trying to keep an unholstered gun in place while moving.

5. Bulges - If you see a hard bulge in a place consistent with carrying a firearm… well, I think you know what to do.

6. Clothing - Look for unusual clothing that may be used to hide a firearm. For example, someone wearing a winter coat in the middle of August on Clearwater Beach, FL.

The article is much longer than this post, and it is well worth the time and money to pick up a copy and read it.