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Freeway Shootout: Backup Gun to the Rescue

NCJ Number
192495
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 25 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 37-41
Author(s)
Mark Hanten
Date Published
November 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article considers police officers' use of backup guns and protective clothing.
Abstract
The article describes an incident where a police officer was shot in the back several times, but survived with only minor injuries because the back panel of his protective vest stopped the bullets. The article strongly supports use of the vest; it lowers an officer's risk of serious injury and could be a lifesaver. When deciding whether to carry a backup gun, it is important to consider the characteristics of a good backup gun and departmental regulations concerning which guns their officers may carry. Other considerations include caliber selection, choice of holster, where to carry the weapon, the importance of training, and having a winning attitude. The officer who was shot during the original incident reported that he had ignored several "bad feelings" he had about the vehicle stop that started what turned into a gunfight. He had even called off his cover when everything seemed under control, even though he still had "nagging feelings." The article concludes with an admonition to others in a similar situation to "trust your instincts--when the hair on the back of your neck stands up--go with it."