NCLawman
.410
In today’s society from the big city to rural America you cannot take your personal safety lightly. In my profession I have found that many good people become victims because they fail to react at the first sign of danger, maybe because they are too trusting, or embarrassed to react. I’ll tell you about a brief encounter that I had off duty that turned out well, and hope that it helps someone reading this.
Last Monday while I was off duty I went to the Post Office in town to send out some Ebay packages for Mrs. 131. While leaving the parking lot I observed a man walking on the side walk preparing to cross the exit. I stopped, and motioned for him to cross in front of me. As he did, we both exchanged a friendly wave, and as he passed, looked back and asked “How are you doing?” I simply answered “Fine. Thank you.” And that should have been the end of that. The pedestrian turned back and started to walk back to my vehicle. Recognizing that I was not in a position to react to a physical confrontation (seated position, in a vehicle, not able to see his hands, blocked by traffic). I reacted with a firm voice. “I don’t recognize you! I recommend that you step back please!” The pedestrian turned and went about his way as I did to.
About two days later, while on duty, this fellow and I ran into each other again. After he identified himself to me I was able to recall that we met the previous Saturday during a brief call for service. He and I talked briefly and I told him that I didn’t recognize him during our last encounter and meant no hard feelings. We shook hands and went about our own way.
Call it like you see it, be direct, don’t be embarrassed to react. Take care and be safe.
Last Monday while I was off duty I went to the Post Office in town to send out some Ebay packages for Mrs. 131. While leaving the parking lot I observed a man walking on the side walk preparing to cross the exit. I stopped, and motioned for him to cross in front of me. As he did, we both exchanged a friendly wave, and as he passed, looked back and asked “How are you doing?” I simply answered “Fine. Thank you.” And that should have been the end of that. The pedestrian turned back and started to walk back to my vehicle. Recognizing that I was not in a position to react to a physical confrontation (seated position, in a vehicle, not able to see his hands, blocked by traffic). I reacted with a firm voice. “I don’t recognize you! I recommend that you step back please!” The pedestrian turned and went about his way as I did to.
About two days later, while on duty, this fellow and I ran into each other again. After he identified himself to me I was able to recall that we met the previous Saturday during a brief call for service. He and I talked briefly and I told him that I didn’t recognize him during our last encounter and meant no hard feelings. We shook hands and went about our own way.
Call it like you see it, be direct, don’t be embarrassed to react. Take care and be safe.