5/10/23 Crime Prevention and Safety Tips

In light of the recent and close mass shooting in Allen, I want to write a short piece regarding active shooters in public areas. I don’t mean for this to cause controversy or debate, but at the same time I don’t think we should ignore this kind of information any longer. This is not about gun control, mental illness, or other arguing points that politicians and media will make for the next coming weeks non-stop.

I want to impart some personal advice in the unlikely event you find yourself in an active shooting event, both as an armed private citizen and a responding law enforcement officer.

 

This is NOT official tactical advice. Ask 20 cops, they may give 20 different answers. People will find fault with every piece of such information, and that’s just fine. So ignore the following, or perhaps take something to heart. The choice is yours. My goal is to give you an advantage in an otherwise terrible situation.

 

As a private citizen who is armed, here is some advice I want to give you.

 

First of all, I personally do NOT carry a firearm openly. Never have, never will. When I am not on duty, I wish to blend in with the public at all times. A gun on the hip will attract attention from absolutely everyone, and if someone intends to murder a group of people this could make me a primary target. If I’m taken out first, who will protect my family? Mass shooters are ambushers; they give no warning. On May 3rd 2015 two jihadists attempted to ambush and murder hundreds of people at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, but were stopped by one officer. I was there that day, and I know the officer involved. Not to take away from the amazing skill and total bad-assery he showed, but he was fortunate those two jihadists were idiots. They drove by several times, arousing suspicion. They also stopped in front of him and attempted to challenge him directly. Had they not, and actually intended to act covertly, that incident could have turned out much worse.

 

So while I am armed at all times in public, I don’t advertise it.

 

Secondly, if you find yourself in a shooting situation; find cover immediately. Would I criticize an armed person from confronting a shooter? Never in a million years. There’s no wrong answer, but also consider your family (if they are with you) or people within your reach. Grab those you can and find cover. Metal-tipped bullets will go through a lot before they run out of energy. But things like a vehicle engine block provides excellent cover from weapons fire. Get down behind a front wheel of a parked car. Brick or stone walls will also provide excellent protection. Wood, plaster, obviously glass will not.

Now, as a police officer, I would also suggest the following:

 

If the unthinkable happens and you take your weapon out and drop a mass murderer (good job!), consider the following….

 

PUT YOUR WEAPON AWAY IMMEDIATELY! Once the threat is over, holster your gun, put it in your car, even on the ground. A responding cop will only know someone is shooting, and not much more at first. If he or she gets there and sees you holding a gun over a body…well, what would YOU think? They’re not going to give you time to explain yourself. So please, put the weapon away A.S.A.P. Next, if you’re calm enough, call 911 yourself and tell the dispatcher what happened. Two reasons: one, it will be on public record you are doing the right thing. Two, it’s vital you tell law enforcement who you are, where you are, your clothing description, and the location of your weapon. They may have you put your hands on your head, lay on the ground, etc. Whatever they tell you, COMPLY. High-fiving will come later, but if you wave your gun in the air, shouting at responding cops about how awesome you are….well, just DON’T do that! Remain on the line with dispatchers until officers arrive. They may cuff you at first but don’t worry. Remember what they have to deal with.

 

Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, if you do have a handgun, KNOW HOW TO USE IT. It doesn’t take much. Go to a range and pop some rounds at a paper target. I can even give some tips on weapons tactics and control. Just don’t wait for a tragedy to unfold before you reach for that gun for the first time. Life isn’t a movie, and the good guys aren’t guaranteed to hit what we aim at. Think how awful it would be for one of your stray bullets to strike a bystander! Take training seriously.

 

On that note, if anyone is interested in an informal class on weapons handling and tactics, let me know and I can set up a time to put one together. I can go with a small group, and put on more than one if there’s enough interest.

 

Stay safe out there!

- Chief Stallings