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As patrol officers, we frequently ask people, “Do you have any weapons?” The normal response is “No.” Any other response should tell you “Yes!” When a subject is trying to be deceptive, they will often pause, stammer, hem & haw, change the subject, etc. to change the focus from what they are hiding; in this case a weapon. If they are being deceptive about being armed, act immediately!
Review the incredibly sad video of South Carolina Trooper Mark Coates when he is shot and killed by Richard Blackburn during a traffic stop. Coates asked Blackburn, “Do you have any weapons?” and Blackburn doesn’t answer directly. Rather he says, “Um...well...you know.” A short time later, he produces a .22 caliber handgun and shoots Trooper Coates. Recognizing this hesitant, deceptive behavior saved my life. Interviewing a shoplifting suspect, I asked, “Do you have any weapons?” Much like the Blackburn, he responded, “Um...well...you know.” Fortunately, I reacted immediately and was able to disarm him as he tried to pull a combat knife out of his pants. What I didn’t know at the time was that he was wanted for attempting to kill a police officer elsewhere in the state. Look for and recognize deception when it comes to weapons and act immediately when you encounter it.