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Patrol officers often have to approach and/or awaken a sleeping person. People tend to startle, but this is brief and doesn’t usually put themselves or the officers at futher risk. But this isn’t always the case.
The first think I do when approaching a sleeping person is to look at the hands to see where they are and what is in reach. Then look around to make sure no type of weapon is readily available. (Be prepared with verbal commands, such as, “Keep your hands visible where I can see them,” and “don’t put them into your pockets!”) I then approach their feet. I use either my foot or the top of my ASP to tap the bottom of the person’s foot. This keeps you standing upright, eyes available to watch the subject, with at least one hand free. If a weapon is needed, the ASP is already in hand. I’ve found that too many officers bend over and shake the person awake. This means you’re slightly off balance and the person may swing an arm or kick at you while you’re in close proximity.