Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/320907
38 Law Enforcement Technology June 2014 www.officer.com FIREARMS 10. Consider a weapon-mounted pistol light that protrudes beyond the muzzle Not only does a robust pistol light enable you to see and disrupt a suspect's vision, if it protrudes beyond the muzzle, it may provide a gap between your muz- zle and the suspect so you can fire multiple contact distance shots, a function typically associated only with a revolver. 11. Be prepared to shoot while on the ground with the sus- pect As a police officer, the last place you want to have to fight from is the ground. Studies have shown that when a suspect takes an officer to the ground, the assault is usually brutal and continuous. You need to know how to draw and shoot while fighting from the ground. Controlling whichever one of the suspect's hands is closest to your gun is a good place to start. 12. Retain your gun at all costs Between 2003 and 2012, 43 officers were killed with their own guns. (Sadly, while writ- ing this article, I received an email notification of yet another officer who was disarmed and killed). If the suspect goes for your gun, all bets are off. 13. When you disengage, Tap, Rack, and Assess There's a good chance a tug of war over your pistol will render it out of battery so it's wise to tap the magazine to ensure it is prop- erly seated; rack the slide to chamber a round, then assess to determine if firing is warranted. 14. Don't forget to scan for additional threats Stay focused on the immediate threat until it is neutralized. Then, move your head to overcome the "tunnel vision" effect, as you scan for additional threats. 15. Never give up! Sure, technical proficiency is a critical fac- tor in the outcome of a close quarter shooting, but it pales in comparison to your willingness to do whatever it takes to win. No matter how dire the situation, you must believe that you will prevail. As police officers, we don't always dictate where the fight takes place. But it is our duty to become proficient at fighting from what has proven year after year to be the most deadly range of combat. So, grab an inert training gun, find a partner, and see what works for you against an animated adversary who's trying to make you fail. Then, next time you're at the range, focus on developing your close quarter shooting repertoire. One day, your life could depend on it. ■ Richard Nance is a veteran police officer and former SWAT team leader. He is the co-owner of WARTAC, a company that provides training in firearms, tactics, and personal defense. Nance cohosts Handguns & Defensive Weapons, a new television series on the Sportsman Channel. Circle 45 on Reader Service Card Circle 46 on Reader Service Card LET_34-39_DeadDistance0614.indd 38 5/20/14 1:46 PM