Is there statistical research on what works for PD?

[tombogan03884]

Tom,

What I was referring to is that moment of hesitation that MB has called the "This can't be happening" reaction. It happens in all crisis situations to pretty much everybody. I have seen in at car wrecks, heart attacks and any other incident. You can train yourself to MOVE mentally to get unstuck. It is similar to RP's starting from a flinch response in training. My experience is mainly with accidents not violence where folks that I have trained do the deer in the headlights thing until something triggers their training and then the kick into gear.

I agree that by definition we will start behind the curve in an aggressive situation. The bad guys are often mentally lazy and assume we will give them the sheep response because that is what they always see. Items 1 and 2 applied early through #3 can change the equation.

At that point, it is what tools can you apply?

Joe

OK. I did say I might have been misunderstanding what you posted.

[kmitch200]

We are getting a shotgun for home defense, but are reluctant to carry a handgun while out. It would be really nice to know what else would be an effective, defensive carry - such as pepper spray, tactical light, stun gun, etc.

Go with guns. Do you want to bet your lives on half measures ?

There is a definite place for "1/2 measures" in a use of force continuum.  The bad guy who breaks after he gets his eyes bleached from a 120 lumen flashlight or gets OC sprayed is someone who doesn't have a family filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Immediate, life threatening, no other possible course of action? May you center mass your way to good health.  Anything less than that doesn't need deadly force. The earlier a threat can be noted and dealt with, the more options you have.

[tombogan03884]

Depends on what's more important to you. Avoiding a lawsuit ? Or being alive ?

[MikeBjerum]

as I understand it from the cops who have showed up at IDPA and USPSA matches, the departments don't want to pay the cops overtime to go qualify and/or practice.

The bureacrats, say like the mayor, would rather see the police force out patrolling the streets during their normal straight time shifts.

The department must allow them the time to stay proficient.  The bottom line is that most officers don't want to practice, so they use this as an excuse.  Those officers that want to get stuck with what their co-workers cause for them.  However like Tom said, if these officers cared they would do it on their own time.  Most of us get our continuing education that is required for our licenses or jobs on our own time and dime.  Don't whine about needing to go to the range and practice.

[kmitch200]

Depends on what's more important to you. Avoiding a lawsuit ? Or being alive ?

Read the whole post.  Immediate, life threatening, no other possible course of action? May you center mass your way to good health.
Being alive is of course the only choice in your narrowly phrased response....but I also have powerful lights and OC spray. 
Avoiding a lawsuit is a big deal - even if you win, you lose financially. My house may not be anything special but it keeps me dry when it rains, and I do like to be able to eat.

Remember the old adage:  If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.  More tools = more options.

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[Magoo541]

Remember the old adage:  If the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.  More tools = more options.

In what circumstances would you use OC spray or a light in self-defense?  Deadly force is clearly valid in cases of imminent grevious bodily harm or death, what is short of that were the application of OC/taser/bright light/club is valid?

I guess what I'm getting at is if you aren't in immediate/immenent danger you can run away or am I missing something?

[tombogan03884]

If you do not feel your life is in danger (when a gun would be an inappropriate response ) the use of Pepper spray or other non lethal defense item is called assault and YOU will be the one going to jail.
If there are more than one attacker you will wind up with that light shining out your butt.
And people will laugh at you and ask " why didn't you carry a gun ?"

[tstand]

I have fired about 6 different handguns over the past few months. The first was a Walther P22 and it sucked. It was too small in my hand and I could not hit anything. I also fired a 40 caliber Glock the same day and felt overwhelmed by the power.

Next it was a 22 revolver, 38 revolver, 9 mm Glock, and also a big boy gun but I can't remember the caliber. Maybe a 45?

By comparison, I also fired a pair of 22lr and 9mm rifles, and hit bullseyes easily. But everyone keeps telling me the 22 isn't good enough to stop an attacker. So then I finally fired a shotgun and found I could hit the clay pigeon sometimes and the kick wasn't bad at all. It seems like the logical choice for a weapon with knock down power and fairly easy to aim.

In all I just don't feel confident I could hit a target under stressful conditions with a handgun, and a story from my initial instructor stays with me. An LE and expert marksman at a range he knows got caught in a firefight, and the guy could not hit his target at all even after 40-something rounds. Having someone shoot at HIM changed the whole situation. I don't imagine I would fair much better even with lots of practice.

[Timothy]

Very seldom do Law Enforcement and Expert Marksman belong in the same sentence.

There are dozens of stories of Cops emptying their duty weapon and never hitting a darn thing.  Most only shoot to qualify yearly and are not that good!

You need experience and training!  Over time, you'll feel more comfortable with firearms.  Until then, be patient.  

Most of us grew up with firearms.  It's second nature...

[Solus]

The only drawback of the shotgun is that it is not likely to always be with you.