RE: May 2007

I think Off. Hammond responded in the exact proper manner. His first thought was to get more help and had his wife calling in for it, then he went to stop further injuries. He was aware of the potential problems and showed an appropriate concern for the lack of communications and uniform.

I always carry when off duty, but only a small pocket pistol. I carry a spare magazine for it, but that gives me a total of 12 shots. In the case of an active shooter, all I could really hope to do is keep him pinned down until real help could arrive. This is what Off. Hammond did, and is about all we can do with concealed guns.

Besides being worried about myself and my family, the first concern for me would be where my shots are going if I miss the shooter. After that, where his are going to go when they miss me. The innocent civilians around will not know how to get to cover and will get in the way. I remember the Miami shootout with the FBI and civilians kept driving right down the street in the middle of the shooting. People inside a mall will panic and will run into the gunfight the same way. I think I would try to be yelling directions for them to get out, but I don't expect the people to hear or understand me very well. This is a concern when I am on duty or off, if I react to an active shooter situation.

RE: May 2007

double post eliminated

Last edited @ 5/19/2007 6:47 PM

RE: May 2007

Hammond is a hero. What an outstanding job he did. I carry off duty by choice and because it is required by policy. I always carry 2 spare mags and a cell phone. I practice daily and am very confident in my skills. If confronted by another active shooter I would move to a tactical position of advantage using available cover and make the threat a bullet sponge. The faster you deliver effective hits the faster his actions will cease. I took care of my last active shooter while on duty by delivering 375 grains of JHP center mass, 125 grains per dose...but that's another story. Lessons learned? Don't expect your pistol rounds to be immediately effective...bleeding out takes awhile. Keep shooting and hitting until the threat is not a threat. Carry a rifle while on duty and deploy it when a heightened threat is perceived. Train realistically. Don't hesitate to defend your life or the life of a third person. Winning is all that matters. Repetitive verbal commands will not stop a determined suspect, give them anyway so witnesses hear you if present, but don't give them to the point where you are trying to convince yourself you're not going to have to shoot the bad guy. Get your mind right, complete the assignment, and go home safely to your family!

RE: May 2007

I can't find any fault with Off. Hammond; he did everything right near as I can tell. And Steve, you're right about people getting in the line of fire. I had an active shooter at a McDonald's parking lot once, instead of staying inside the resteraunt everyone ran outside to 'watch the show'. And got mad when I yelled at them to get back inside becuase there was a shooter. Sometimes you can't win for losing. At least my guy was just a moron shooting into the air; I'd hate to find myself in Off. Hammond's position. But I am thinking of upgrading my CC pistol up from a .380 to something with some punch.

RE: May 2007

Wolf, I have been having the same thoughts lately about upgrading my weapon. I like the .380 for its compactness and ease of concealment, but I worry about the lack of ammo and the effectiveness of it. I bought that new 1911 for when i am back in uniform or not worrying about concealment and I am seriously thinking of a compact one for the concealed times. I also like the Springfield EMP in .40S&W.

RE: May 2007

I carry by choice and have learned it is the first defense of being complacent. My back up as well as my carry off duty is a Kimber Ultra Carry 45. The gun is sweet and I qualify better with it than I do the Glock 21..lol. I tried to convince the Lt. to go to Kimbers but he says its costly....imagine that.

Last edited @ 6/10/2007 7:22 AM