I may be a little "old school" here, but I do not agree totally with your assumption that a warning shot is "never" an acceptable option. I am a retired thirty-four year officer to police lieutenant from a major department. Approximately 80% of my on duty time was as a watch commander over the night watch with 35-50 officers , plus sergeants and civilians. I am not one who says never say never when it comes to waring shots. Back in the early day, warning shots were not that uncommon for street officers in some situations. I'll give you one example in particular. At the time was a patrol field training officer with a fairly new recruit working the 1st watch when we found a burglar breaking into a grocery store.
He escaped temporarily and when my trainee and I separated in search of him, I observed that my trainee had found him approximately 30-40yards from me. The suspect made movements toward the officer and reached toward his back pocket as if to possibly remove a weapon. I was ready with my pistol but because the two were so close together, I was reluctant to fire in fear of hitting my rookie who was steadily back stepping trying to keep some distance between them. I fired a warning shot and the suspect immediately turned and ran away with the two of us in pursuit. Never say never to me when a life is at stake. Gut instincts about the "whole" situation, training and experience the better. As a general rule however, I agree with your advice. But then again, you were not there and he was and probable not well trained.
Agree with Keith. My mind is still questioning what I would do - 911 obviously. Hate 2nd guessing a brother. Like hearing others thoughts.
Just came home from a “Transient” event at our parish. It’s Thursday, no services, I was doing treasurer’s work, when a man w/obviously mental health issues was on the property. Ranting, had moved his things onto our property. Verbally abusing females leaving the office. Called 911 Riverside County CA Deputies - great, well trained team. Wonderful Sheriff.
I attempted to de-escalate. Tough with a MH person. Got females to cars and out. Deputies arrived quickly - acted professionally. God bless them. Am still “AMPED UP” though. Was carrying w/CA CCW. Deputies told me ABC. But man…
I just got done training a LEO class with 5 Riverside Deputies in that class. I have many friends that work there. It is a great department and you are lucky to have them protecting you. Remember, it takes two to deescalate. If they don't want to it won't happen. As for second guessing a brother, we must talk about these events or we will never learn. You have to have thick skin. I've been second guessed my whole life as a cop, so I guess I'm used to it. It is how we learn and grow.
And that’s where I made my 1st mistake- it takes 2 to de- escalate. Great advice and I saw it in training and totally missed it in real life. Frustrating and Thank you.
PS - Trying not to go political - hope our sheriff, Chad Bianco, runs for governor. Lord knows we need him.
PS - Seeing more and more of our Deputies here going to Staccato from Sig and Glock. Interesting. Truly respect our LEO’s. Good people and very supportive of places of worship.
I agree! He was aggressive and in the end it is either him or you. Sadly this is the world we live in. God help us and come soon!
I may be a little "old school" here, but I do not agree totally with your assumption that a warning shot is "never" an acceptable option. I am a retired thirty-four year officer to police lieutenant from a major department. Approximately 80% of my on duty time was as a watch commander over the night watch with 35-50 officers , plus sergeants and civilians. I am not one who says never say never when it comes to waring shots. Back in the early day, warning shots were not that uncommon for street officers in some situations. I'll give you one example in particular. At the time was a patrol field training officer with a fairly new recruit working the 1st watch when we found a burglar breaking into a grocery store.
He escaped temporarily and when my trainee and I separated in search of him, I observed that my trainee had found him approximately 30-40yards from me. The suspect made movements toward the officer and reached toward his back pocket as if to possibly remove a weapon. I was ready with my pistol but because the two were so close together, I was reluctant to fire in fear of hitting my rookie who was steadily back stepping trying to keep some distance between them. I fired a warning shot and the suspect immediately turned and ran away with the two of us in pursuit. Never say never to me when a life is at stake. Gut instincts about the "whole" situation, training and experience the better. As a general rule however, I agree with your advice. But then again, you were not there and he was and probable not well trained.
I agree that warning shoot is pointless and will endanger the people around. Either fire at the suspect or run away.
100% agree! No warning shots! It's lose, lose!
By the way, Keith how are you? Love what you do for my team! God Bless you!
Agree with Keith. My mind is still questioning what I would do - 911 obviously. Hate 2nd guessing a brother. Like hearing others thoughts.
Just came home from a “Transient” event at our parish. It’s Thursday, no services, I was doing treasurer’s work, when a man w/obviously mental health issues was on the property. Ranting, had moved his things onto our property. Verbally abusing females leaving the office. Called 911 Riverside County CA Deputies - great, well trained team. Wonderful Sheriff.
I attempted to de-escalate. Tough with a MH person. Got females to cars and out. Deputies arrived quickly - acted professionally. God bless them. Am still “AMPED UP” though. Was carrying w/CA CCW. Deputies told me ABC. But man…
I just got done training a LEO class with 5 Riverside Deputies in that class. I have many friends that work there. It is a great department and you are lucky to have them protecting you. Remember, it takes two to deescalate. If they don't want to it won't happen. As for second guessing a brother, we must talk about these events or we will never learn. You have to have thick skin. I've been second guessed my whole life as a cop, so I guess I'm used to it. It is how we learn and grow.
And that’s where I made my 1st mistake- it takes 2 to de- escalate. Great advice and I saw it in training and totally missed it in real life. Frustrating and Thank you.
PS - Trying not to go political - hope our sheriff, Chad Bianco, runs for governor. Lord knows we need him.
PS - Seeing more and more of our Deputies here going to Staccato from Sig and Glock. Interesting. Truly respect our LEO’s. Good people and very supportive of places of worship.
You are 110% correct regarding warning shots. Completely negligent and reckless.
❤️