How often are weapons involved?

Has anyone here seen the television series "Americas Hardest Bounty Hunters"? These BEA's literally get into a standoff in what seems like every other bust. They do have the SWAT/Raid mentality though, which is definitely not something that appeals to me. Also, I'd just like to say that I am aware a reality show is not the best source for fugitive recovery info, but I just thought it would be a good example for those of you that have seen it

Remember that only the 1% of action in the job makes for good TV. If they tried to use all the hours of sitting watching, wrong houses ect... it would make a very boring show.

Sorry, I kind of stopped reading right there.

Ever hear the saying, "Live by the gun, die by the gun?" I do carry, but it is my intent never to use. In my opinion, if a weapon is drawn, somebody screwed up.

I've been doing loss prevention, as my main source of income, for about four years. Both companies I've worked for, are hands on, meaning we can use more than words to get people back in the door.

The first company I worked for, we always worked in teams of at least two people. We had to go hands on quite a bit, usually because whoever I was working with escalated the situation when it didn't need to be.

The company I work for now, I work alone. You would think that with less back up people would be more likely to fight and try to get away since they have better odds. I've gone hands on once. I always go out with my hand-cuffs in my pocket, but I've never had to use them.

In LP, in BE, and in other aspects of life, It's all about the approach.

I understand why you quit reading, but like I said, I know the show is not an accurate portrayal of the job. I was more or less looking for people to tell me "No, that in no way is how things are generally done".

... I mean, after all... who wants to see a fat balding old man with a grey beard, shoot someone with a water pistol or run away down the street in my sandals, Disney-world plaid shirt, Bermuda shorts carrying a walmart bag.... screaming like a little girl... nahhh.... you'd turn the TV off.

I have been a use of force instructor for over 7 years now and all I can say that as far as all the high speed weapons go, while it is fun to go to the range how often do you really use your weapon? Now on the other hand on every recovery how often to you use your cuffs ? Starting to see where this is going?


Take down and control and restraint leading to cuffing is one of the most over looked things in this business and LEO as well.

The question will become the integrity of the training, instructor credentials as well as your own instructor. If your Team is not trained properly, judgment could be lodged against you or cost you your freedom.

Be safe out there, and if I can ever offer any help please feel free to ask.