UZIEL Fighting System: Police & Military CQC/H2H FEBRUARY 2014 | Page 16

Law Enforcement and Veteran’s in Crisis Part-2 15 Author: Karl Monger Last month I wrote about a "veteran in crisis" and a standoff lasting more than 24 hours, and I ended the article suggesting that a smaller show of force is more effective in de-escalating the situation than a larger, more intimidating show of force. Remember the veteran, whose PTSD is triggered, is searching for the source of that trigger, which in all likelihood cannot be identified. This creates the hyper-vigilant state - patrolling the perimeter, peering out of a darkened house, searching for the danger. A visible show of police force naturally becomes the "enemy". While a civilian might be intimidated into surrendering, the veteran might be driven further into defensive mode, reacting by training rather than by reason. The veteran is probably also broadcasting "SITREPS" or Situation Reports over social media such as Facebook. What should be the next course of action here? You do not want to move into the building with force. To do so will cause the veteran to react as he or she is trained to react, and you could walk straight into a buzzsaw. Someone is going to be hurt. In this case the opposite may be more effective. Instead of narrowing the perimeter, expand it - if possible, so that the veteran cannot see the perimeter. Instead of calling the home phone or using a bullhorn, find the veteran on social media and exchange text or instant messages. Instead of having a negotiator with no military experience lead the discussion, • Bring in your veteran interpreter. • Who in your community is the trusted veteran resource? • Identify them in advance and get them on your alert roster. • Call them for assistance in this situation. • Which of your experienced officers has military combat experience? Get them in communication with the veteran. Remember the veteran will react based on his or her training, so put them off balance. If they want a fight, don't give them a fight. The goal here is for everyone to come through this unharmed, and for the veteran to receive appropriate help. UZIEL Fighting Systems 2014