Concealed Carry for LEO’s

Title:

Concealed Carry for LEO

Lesson Purpose: Training Objectives:

At the end of this block of instruction, the student will be able to achieve the following objectives in accordance with the information presented during the instructional period: 1. Identify various one-handed and two-handed presentations of a concealed handgun from the standing, seated, and supine positions. 2. Identify various concealed carry weapons, gear, and accessories and the advantages and disadvantages of each. 3. Identify various concealed carry handgun locations and the advantages and disadvantages of each. 4. Identify various tactical lights that can be used for concealed carry and the methods used to carry them. 5. Demonstrate the ability to draw from concealment while utilizing both a one-handed and two-handed grip. 6. Demonstrate the ability to reload from concealment while in the standing, seated, and supine positions. 7. Demonstrate the ability to draw and reload from concealment while on the move. 8. Demonstrate the ability to deploy both the handgun and a tactical light. 9. Demonstrate the ability to clear fail to fire, fail to feed, stovepipe, and fail to extract malfunctions. 10. Demonstrate the ability utilize correct follow through tactics after an OIS. 11. Demonstrate the ability to safely identify oneself as an LEO after an OIS incident.

Hours:

Four (4)

Instructional Method:

Lecture/ Firearms Drills

Required Materials:

Handgun 2 magazines Concealment holster Concealment mag carrier 250 rounds practice ammunition Concealment garment Tactical light (concealable) Eye and ear protections, billed ball cap Chair w/ no arms

Training Aids:

Student Lesson Plan

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s Prepared by:

Corporal Raymond Laird Narcotics Unit Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

Date Prepared:

November, 2012

References:

I.

Introduction A.

Opening Statement Every day police officers carry concealed handguns under for a number of reasons and under a variety of conditions. Undercover agents or narcotics investigators carry concealed to maintain their cover, while many officers exercise their privilege to carry concealed while off-duty. Whatever your reasons are, there are a number of decisions to make and issues to take into account prior to carrying a concealed handgun. What is the best concealed carry handgun for me? What type of holster and carry method will I use? Do I need an extra magazine and if so, where will I carry it? Do I need a tactical light today? How will I conceal my handgun?

B.

Training Objectives 1. Identify various one-handed and two-handed presentations of a concealed handgun from the standing, seated, and supine positions. 2. Identify various concealed carry weapons, gear, and accessories and the advantages and disadvantages of each. 3. Identify various concealed carry handgun locations and the advantages and disadvantages of each. 4. Identify various tactical lights that can be used for concealed carry and the methods used to carry them. 5. Demonstrate the ability to draw from concealment while utilizing both a one-handed and two-handed grip. 6. Demonstrate the ability to reload from concealment while in the standing, seated, and supine positions. 7. Demonstrate the ability to draw and reload from concealment while on the move. 8. Demonstrate the ability to deploy both the handgun and a tactical light. 9. Demonstrate the ability utilize correct follow through tactics after an OIS.

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s 10. Demonstrate the ability to safely identify oneself as an LEO after an OIS incident.

C.

Reasons

INSTRUCTOR NOTES: THIS LESSON PLAN IS DESIGNED TO BE TAUGHT COMPLETELY ON THE RANGE AND IS DESIGNED TO BE DELIVERED IN AN EVEN FLOW OF INFORMATION, WITH EACH SECTION BUILDING ON THE PREVIOUS ONE. PRIOR TO BEGINNING THE CLASS, THE INSTRUCTOR SHOULD DELIVER A SAFETY BRIEFING CONCERNING BASIC FIREARMS SAFETY AND THE RULES OF THE RANGE. IF POSSIBLE, THE INSTRUCTOR SHOULD HAVE A VARIETY OF CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS, CONCEALABLE TACTICAL LIGHTS, AND CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ON DISPLAY. While on the job, police officers often encounter violent, aggressive individuals in dangerous environments. Although officers don’t often have the tactical advantage in all situations, we try to minimize some of the risks by wearing ballistic vests, wearing a duty belt with extra magazines, a radio, handcuffs, a security holster with level II or III retention, chemical and impact weapons, TASERs, edged weapons, and backup weapons. We carry rifles and shotguns in the patrol car, and we often arrive to hot calls with backup. We utilize officer survival tactics that minimize the suspect’s advantages and put them on the reactionary side of the OODA loop. Due to a lack of training and knowledge, sometimes the same officer described above will, while off duty, tuck a Glock into their waistband to go to the mall. Some of these same officers have never trained to draw from concealment and have no plan for being involved in an off-duty OIS. They sacrifice security and tactics for comfort. This training will provide officers with the some of the tools to needed to safely carry a concealed handgun, whether off duty or on the job. The officer will be provided knowledge base from which they can effectively deploy a handgun in a critical incident and hopefully survive an armed encounter.

II.

Body

DURING THE FIRST PART OF THE CLASS, DISCUSS THE SELECTION OF BASIC HANDGUNS AND HOLSTERS. DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT CARRY METHODS, AND THE NECESSARY ELEMENTS ALL CONCEALMENT HOLSTERS SHOULD HAVE. A. Concealment HandgunsIf possible, your concealment handgun should mirror your duty weapon. It should at least operate the same. Smith and Wesson, Glock, Springfield, and Sig Sauer all offer smaller,

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s more concealable versions of their full size duty handguns. Following this theory requires no “re-training” to carry concealed. Finding a concealable handgun that is comfortable to carry will encourage you to carry more often. a. Full Size Handguns-Although it offers a higher magazine capacity, it is very difficult to conceal. b. Compact Handguns- Offers a more concealable weapon while retaining a higher magazine capacity, is a good option for a weapon to be carried both on duty and off duty. c. Sub-Compact Handguns- Very concealable, has smallest magazine capacity B. Concealment Holsters and GearWith all of the holsters and gear out there, we need to have certain criteria met to help decide what holster we’re going to carry. They are as follows: -

While gun is in holster, be able to establish the master grip After establishing the master grip, you should be able to defeat the security and retention features You should be able to draw with one hand You should be able to re-holster with one hand The weapon should be stable and secure and in no danger of falling out under rigorous movement

There are a number of holster types and materials to choose from. a. Kydex Holsters- Solid material that offers retention (not security), one handed draw and re-holster, suitable for OWB or IWB, very fast presentation, doesn’t retain moisture or dirt, usually inexpensive b. Leather Holsters- retention loosens over time, usually requires a thumb snap, retains moisture and dirt, expensive c. Hybrid Holster- Usually a leather interior (touching the skin), and a Kydex exterior, very comfortable in normal conditions, usually very large footprint d. OWB (Outside the Waistband) Holsters- Most common type, very comfortable, visible when wearing an open front garment or short pull-over garment. e. IWB (Inside the Waistband) Holsters- Most concealable holster, requires one handed draw and re-holster f. Shoulder Holsters- two handed draw and re-holster g. Cross Draw Holsters- not concealable with open front garments, not consistent with LEO training h. SOB (Small of the Back) Holsters- difficult to draw when in supine position or seated i. Ankle Holsters- presentation requires two hands and a kneeling position, should not be for primary weapon, two handed re-holster j. Bag/Backpack/Purse Holsters- presentation requires two hands, difficult reholster k. Pocket Holsters/Neck Holsters- should not be for primary weapon, slow presentation for pocket holsters, neck holsters are not stable and uncomfortable, slow re-holster. l. Belts- A solid belt is needed to supply a good foundation to your holster system.

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s

C. Concealed Carry Locations and Methods a. b. c. d.

Strong Side- 3:00 to 5:00 Small of Back (SOB)- 5:30-6:00 Crossdraw- 10:00 to 11:00 Ankle Carry- Carried on interior of support side ankle, requires shooter to drop to strong knee and draw with strong hand while pulling pants up with support hand, very slow presentation e. Pocket Carry- Carried IN HOLSTER in pocket, very slow presentation

D. Concealed Carry Concerns- “Don’t Be Spotted” a. b. c. d.

Length of concealment garment when reaching up Grip length and imprinting when bending over IWB vs OWB holsters How tight is your shirt?

DRY FIRE DRILL: FROM CONCEALMENT, TWO HANDED DRAW, AND DRY FIRE- REPEAT X 10 FROM CONCEALMENT, ONE HANDED DRAW AND DRY FIRE- REPEAT X 10 FROM CONCEALMENT, ONE HANDED DRAW AND DRY FIRE STRONG HAND ONLYREPEAT X5 W/ COMMANDS LIVE FIRE DRILL: ENSURE THE SHOOTER IS NOT FIRING 2 ROUNDS DURING EVERY SRING OF FIRE SO THAT TRAINING SCARS AREN’T DEVELOPED. INSTRUCT THE SHOOTER TO CHOOSE 1, 2, OR 3 ROUNDS AND CHANGE ACCORDING THE NUMBER OF THREATS AND NUMBER OF ROUNDS THEY HAVE LEFT. COMMANDS SHOULD BE LOUD AND CLEAR SUCH AS “POLICE! GET ON THE GROUND! STAY DOWN!” FOLLOW THROUGH, OR POST-INCIDENT PRIORITIES SHOULD BE DISCUSSED: SCAN, MOVE TO COVER IF AVAILABLE, RELOAD, CALL IT IN, COMMUNICATE WITH PARTNER, SELF CHECK/BUDDY CHECK. EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING: DID I HIT HIM? DID IT WORK? ARE THERE MORE? EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE RE-HOLSTERING TO A CONCEALED HOLSTERSHOULD BE RELUCTANT TO HOLSTER THE WEAPON 10 YARDS: FROM CONCEALMENT, TWO HANDED DRAW AND FIRE- REPEAT 10X W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH (20 ROUNDS) 10 YARDS: FROM CONCEALMENT, ONE HANDED DRAW AND FIRE STRONG HAND ONLY- REPEAT 10X W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH (20 ROUNDS)

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s E. Weapon Presentation From Concealment a. Open Front Concealment Garment i. Center strong hand at opening of concealment garment ii. Catch edge of garment with 4 fingers iii. Sweep around the outside of body while pushing down toward handgun iv. Establish master grip b. Pull-Over Concealment Garment i. Place hand just behind handgun on waist ii. Catch edge of garment with 4 fingers iii. Pull garment up past handgun iv. Apply pressure towards body, securing garment in the raised position v. Push downward toward handgun vi. Establish master grip

DEMONSTRATE THE PROPER USE OF STANCE AND GRIP AND HOW THEY AFFECT MARKSMANSHIP AND COMBAT SHOOTING.

F. Shooting Positions There are a number of stances and positions that have taught over the last 75 years. Although all were designed and created to aid in combat, dash cam videos and studies have shown some of these to be ineffective during combat. a. Standing i. Weaver- Older combat stance exposes holes in ballistic armor to target, forces awkward movement during training, rarely occurs during OIS. 1. Strong leg to the rear 2. Hips at 45 degrees the target 3. Strong arm locked 4. Support arm bent ii. Isosceles- Used by competitors in practical shooting, doesn’t for full auto 1. Both feet and hips squared to target 2. Both arms extended and locked 3. Knees bent to lower center of gravity iii. Dynamic- Used by SF groups and SWAT teams, provides great recoil management, can be applied to handgun, rifle, and shotgun, allows for movement, allows for wearing ballistic vests, 1. Either leg to the rear, although normally strong leg 2. Knees bent to lower center of gravity 3. Hips are squared to the target 4. Arms are extended, though not locked (allows for wearing a ballistic vest) 5. Head in front of the shoulders, shoulders in front of the hips b. Kneeling- according to situation, one may have an advantage over another, should be proficient in both

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s i. One Knee- may restrict access to gear, less stable to two knees, quicker to standing position ii. Two Knees- same as isosceles from knees up, provides full access to duty belt and pockets, slower to standing position c. Prone- numerous variations, should be fast and stable, very vulnerable, firing d. Supine- worst position, limited movement, LEOs often find themselves in this position during attack, very dangerous to train from i. On back ii. Plant strong foot on ground if possible iii. Roll to support side to aid in presentation iv. Ground defense position if possible, possibly one handed grip e. Seated- the seated position inside of a vehicle restricts movement and slows the presentation, the inside of the vehicle can be used to stabilize, i. When seated, lean to support side ii. Clear garment from around holster and draw iii. Plant feet on ground and lean body against seat to stabilize shooting position. LIVE FIRE DRILL: DURING THESE STRINGS OF FIRE, INSTRUCT THE SHOOTER TO GET OFF THE X BY LATERALLY MOVING LEFT OR RIGHT

5 YARDS FROM THE TWO HANDED TUCK, MOVE LATERALLY AND EXTEND AND FIRE WITH TWO HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 10 TIMES (20 ROUNDS) FROM POSITION SUL, MOVE LATERALLY AND EXTEND AND FIRE WITH TWO HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 5 TIMES (10 ROUNDS) FROM CONCEALMENT, MOVE LATERALLY AND DRAW AND FIRE WITH TWO HANDED TUCK POSITION W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 10 TIMES (20 ROUNDS) FROM SEATED POSITION AND CONCEALMENT, DRAW AND FIRE WITH TWO HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 10 TIMES (10 ROUNDS) 3 YARD LINE FROM SUPINE POSITION, FROM CONCEALMENT DRAW AND FIRE WITH ONE HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 10 TIMES (20 ROUNDS) CONTACT RANGE- START SLOW AND IN RHINO STANCE TO CLEAR SUPPORT ARM FROM LINE OF FIRE

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s FROM ONE HANDED CQ TUCK, FIRE 2-3 ROUNDS- REPEAT 10 TIMES (20 ROUNDS) G. Grip Types Due to the fact gunfight rarely occur in situations where you are able to stand still in a perfect isosceles stance the lower body is not as important as the upper body. Which foot is forward depends on where you are when a threat is presented. Upper body and grip positions are much more worthy of your training time. a. Two Handed Extended Grip- The most practiced grip, the most stable, very controllable when firing multiple rounds quickly b. Two Handed Tucked- Same as above, however the elbows are brought on the side of the rib cage, the gun can be either pointed downrange when engaging a threat or pointed towards the ground when in a stack or maneuvering around objects or people c. Position “Sul”- The support hand flat against the torso, the strong hand holding the weapon muzzle down with both thumbs connecting, and the index finger on the support hand touches the middle finger on the strong hand, forming a diamond between the strong and support hand. This is a very fast position from which to extend and fire but also allows for good muzzle control during close quarters or obstacles. d. Two Handed CQ- two handed grip with the strong elbow brought completely to the rear, the strong arm is parallel to the ground, and the weapon is rotated outboard away from the torso allowing the slide to operate without obstruction. The magazine of the weapon is secured against the ribcage. e. One Handed CQ- one handed grip with the strong elbow brought completely to the rear, the strong arm is parallel to the ground, and the weapon is rotated outboard away from the torso allowing the slide to operate without obstruction. The magazine of the weapon is secured against the ribcage. LIVE FIRE DRILL- HAVE THE OFFICERS LOAD THEIR MAGAZINE WITH 2-3 EMPTY BRASS ROUNDS TO CAUSE SOME MALFUNCTIONS DEMONSTRATE THE PROCESS OF CLEARING VARIOUS MALFUNCTIONS 7 YARD LINE WHILE MOVING FORWARD, DRAW AND FIRE WITH TWO HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 5 X (10 ROUNDS) WHILE MOVING FORWARD, DRAW AND FIRE MAGAZINE LOADED WITH EMPTY BRASS WITH TWO HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 5 X (10 ROUNDS) WHILE MOVING, DRAW AND FIRE WITH TWO HANDED GRIP W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 5X (10 ROUNDS)

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s

H. Malfunction Types and Repair The first step to repairing all malfunctions is to OBSERVE the malfunction. This can be done by sound, by sight, or by touch. Hearing a click instead of a bang, seeing brass sticking up from the chamber, or feeling a mushy trigger pull can all be cues that you have a malfunction. a. Type 1- Fail to Fire, Fail to Feed, i. TAP the magazine to properly seat it ii. RACK the slide to the rear iii. FLIP the weapon so that the ejection port faces down, allowing gravity to assist in removing the brass iv. READY- Reassess the threat b. Type 2- Fail to Eject, Stovepipe i. RACK the slide and hold it to the rear ii. FLIP the weapon so that the ejection port faces down, allowing gravity to assist in removing the brass iii. READY- reassess the threat c. Type 3- Fail to Extract, Double Feed i. LOCK the slide to the rear ii. STRIP the magazine from the mag well iii. RACK the slide a few times to clear the round from the chamber iv. INSERT a magazine v. RACK the slide to chamber a new round vi. READY- reassess the threat Due to the fact that we often lose the ability to use logic during critical situations where we experience fear induced stress, immediate action drill should be taught and practiced as a troubleshooting process. When a malfunction is observed: TAP-RACK-FLIP-READY If the malfunction is still present LOCK-STRIP-RACK-INSERT-RACK-READY DEMONSTRATE THE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES OF DEPLOYING A TACTICAL LIGHT IN COMBAT. IF THE RANGE IS AN INDOOR RANGE, DARKEN THE ROOM LIFE FIRE 5 YARD WITH BOTH LIGHT AND WEAPON CONCEALED, DRAW AND FIRE WITH A HARRIES GRIP W/ COMMANDS- REPEAT 10 TIMES (20 ROUNDS) 7 YARDS

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s WITH LIGHT OUT IN NECK INDEX, DRAW WEAPON FROM CONCEALMENT AND FIRE W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH- REPEAT 10 TIMES (20 ROUNDS)

I.

Tactical Lights for Concealed Carry a. Handgun Mounted Lights i. Advantages1. Light always present and ready 2. ii. Operation 1. Center weapon after draw 2. Upon application of support hand, use support thumb to engage switch on light 3. Extend weapon b. Handheld Tactical Lights i. Bulb Types 1. Halogen- Old technology, yellow colored light, poor energy efficiency 2. LED- Newer technology, white colored light, highly efficient 3. C4 LED- Newest technology, high efficiency, white colored light, very bright ii. Battery Types 1. Alkaline- inexpensive, easy to find, lower voltage than lithium, voltage drops off evenly from first use. 2. Lithium- expensive, long shelf life, voltage drops off quickly when depleted. 3. Rechargeable- certain batteries can develop a memory, the batteries have a life span and will need to be replaced eventually. iii. Switch Types 1. Side Mount Switches 2. Tail Cap Switches 3. Dual Switches c. Tactical Light Grips i. Light Grips and Deployment Methods 1. Icepick grip- Standard LEO carry of lights, uses tail cap switch on short lights, side mount switches on longer lights a. Harries- Most popular deployment, offers some support, better than neck index from behind a barricade, possibility of light hand crossing in front of weapon during draw b. FBI- Uses the theory that adversary will shoot and hit a light source in low light c. Neck Index- Standard LEO carry during most encounters, light doesn’t move during draw or

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s deployment of weapon, no support, very minimal training required 2. Sword Grip, uses side mount switch a. Chapman- very simple, put hands together, very little support, little training needed b. Ayoob- same as Chapman, rotate support hand to simulate a two handed grip, very little support 3. Syringe Grip- engages tail cap switches with heel of the hand a. Requires special ring around body of light, difficult for small hands, usually requires tip-carry in special holder, offers some support but completely different grip than most LEO’s utilize under normal conditions DEMONSTRATE A SAFE TECHNIQUE FOR IDENTIFYING ONESELF AS LEO LIVE FIRE 7 YARDS FROM TWO HANDED TUCK POSITION, EXTEND AND FIRE W/ COMMANDS AND FOLLOW THROUGH WHILE CORRECTLY RESPONDING TO SIMULATED UNIFORMED LEO COMMANDS FROM INSTRUCTOR- REPEAT 5X (10 ROUNDS)

J.

Identifying Yourself to Responding LEO’s A Kansas City, MO study showed targets that carried badges at belt level were 6 times more likely to be shot by officers than those who carried their badges at chest level. Proper training covers this post-incident process that prevents blue-on-blue incidents. a. If confronted, place firearm on ground b. Hold badge at chest level c. Follow all commands

III.

Conclusion A.

Summary Training for concealed carry is something that a lot of agencies put on the individual officer. This line of thinking doesn’t offer any advantages to society and presumes that the officer will train with the correct tactics. Concealed carry is something that agencies should encourage and for which they should require training.

B.

Questions from Class

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s

C.

Closing Statement

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference

Concealed Carry for LEO’s

NOTES

2013 IALEFI Annual Training Conference