Quote:
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if I see a robber with a gun in the face of a convenience store clerk, do I step in?
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My rule of thumb for off duty involvement for the above situation is I would not become involved unless...
1) I could deliver a close range or a contact wound to the head of the perp
2) The perp shoots the clerk which IMHO, leaves me no option but to safely become involved
I do agree though that the training we as LEO's receive (and the daily job we do) puts us in a completely different mindset than a citizen without that training. Stress, concern for self/family, situational awareness and the like add a whole different dimension to a tactical situation. While I am confident there are many citizens who can perform under those circumstances the harsh reality of it all is there are many who cannot.
I also agree with David Armstrong's advise. If an opportunity exists to safely get away then that is a choice that must be left up to the person(s) involved. Again, situational awareness is important.