Consider the following when you respond to your next domestic call.
1) The people are already in an agitated or aggressive mode.
2) Somebody in that argument doesn’t want you there.
3) Family members other than the combatants may distract you or hinder you from seeing a weapon.
4) Always consider a weapon is in the home or premise.
5) Always consider that they have more firepower than you.
6) Always consider they can outgun you, are better-trained than you, and have superior equipment. Don’t forget that many civilians train often and hard! Many civilians practice home invasion drills. So don’t think for a minute that you always have the upper hand because you carry a semi-auto sidearm into a domestic call.
Remembering the above, you are reminded that on any given domestic call, you may be the one fighting for your life. So, considering the above, consider these things before you arrive.
1) You may wait for back up
2) You may think about cover while approaching and in the house.
3) You may separate subjects but keep everyone in view. Never let a person go to another room while you are in another talking with the lady in the house unless of course you have back-up. And you should see your back-up officer at all times. Stay connected. Why? They could come back with a weapon to kill either of you or both.
Tactical thinking will keep you prepared and alive. So stay in the tactical mindset. Be safe out there. Oh, and please add some tactical thoughts here for all to share. Only takes a minute may keep one cop alive.