The U.S. Secret Service released a report in 2010 titled "Characteristics of the Armed Individual." The report is a combination of amusing tidbits and useful information-some tips are both-to help law enforcement personnel determine if a person is carrying a concealed weapon. "Macho feeling" is one of the listed "Body Movements" to look out for, for example.
The first thing you want to do is determine if the suspect is right or left handed by watching how they perform certain actions, such as writing or lighting a cigarette. The report says that many perpetrators will periodically touch or adjust their weapon, both consciously and subconsciously, giving themselves away.
The majority of Americans, about 88 percent, are right handed, so it might be a good idea to keep an eye on the right side of a suspect first-and check their waist band.
The majority of those righthanded people that carry handguns illegally carry them in the right front waist band, loose.
WHY? • They see it in the movies. • It's the "cool" thing to do. • That is where it is the most secure and accessible
As silly as this sounds, it's probably true. People who buy guns illegally are likely to get their information about them from peers and movies, rather than an instructor or mentor.
The guide points out that a good way to tell if someone is packing heat is to check out their clothing. If they're wearing a big baggy coat in the middle of the summer, that might be cause for suspicion. Guns are also heavy-even lighter sidearms are about two pounds. The weight can cause parts of clothing to sag noticeably or force a suspect to constantly readjust their clothes.
The Secret Service's "Characteristics of the Armed Individual" could prove useful in a dangerous situation someday. And if not, it's still an entertaining read-and a good reminder that if you're ever around an important political figure, keep the "macho feeling" to a minimum.
Source: Public Intelligence via Outdoor Hub
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