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LIBERTY TACTICAL TRAINING

Jesse Mathewson 2010-2012

UFGRE 310

Code for billing if necessary

Use of Force and General Rules of Engagement

This is a 16 hour course with approximately 8-10 hours of actual shooting time, it is a
comprehensive two day course designed to teach the novice/intermediate shooter how to
shoot like a professional, and results depend on the student. However, if the student follows
the recommended approaches they will likely notice an extreme improvement and become
more confident in their abilities. The student will also understand what is beneficial to say
and think upon the unfortunate and to be avoided potential for engagement and use of
deadly force. Taking notes is strongly encouraged as there will be a short exam upon
completion of the course.
Jesse Mathewson
jesse.mathewson@hotmail.com
(520) 249-8495 (Mountain Standard Time)

Classroom Practices
Discussions on the following subjects are not tolerated during class; this is a class for learning to utilize
the firearm as a defensive tool.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Politics
Religion
Personal life
Caliber or firearm type (outside of general effectiveness and good practice)

This class is meant to assist you in becoming a positive member of the shooting community. My sole
goal as your instructor is to help you all understand the benefits and responsibilities of owning a firearm
and learning how to carry one safely, and successfully.
Times are included as guidelines and may not be exactly adhered to depending on changes that may
need to occur.

Equipment Necessary
1. Handgun (functioning handgun semiautomatic, or revolver)
2. Sufficient holster for the handgun, no shoulder holsters or backwards canted holsters per range
insurance
3. 3 Magazines will be a benefit; however, for those who utilize a revolver, at least two additional
speed loaders and 2 magazines are a minimum requirement.
4. Magazine retention devices, belt clips, belt pouches and more may be brought but are not
required.
5. 300 rounds of ammunition specific to the handgun you have brought
6. LUNCH
7. Plenty of Water! (2 +gallons a day)
8. Sun lotion (recommended 45 SPF or higher)
9. Foldup chair (umbrella may be desired for personal comfort)
10. Hat with a brim or bill is required.
11. Eye protection, sunglasses/ shooting glasses
12. Ear protection (foam inserts, over ear protection)
13. NO OPEN TOED FOOTWEAR
Ask for additional requirements as decided prior to class

Feedback
Positive meaningful feedback will be provided on a regular, individual basis to each person, each
instructor has been selected for their ability to shoot and communicate that knowledge and experience
to others in a meaningful way. There is never a benefit in making derogatory remarks or approaches
when training. Our goal as instructors is to assist each student in becoming better acquainted with the
proper use of a firearm and the benefits of understanding the proper approach to utilizing a firearm for
defense.

The Art of the Gun

The use of a firearm is a martial art similar to the various forms of karate, taekwondo, muy thai, escrima
and more. It is a benefit to the individual desiring to learn defense of self with a firearm, to view various
approaches so they can adapt that which enables them to perform to the best of their abilities. As a

result, this and other courses offered by Jesse Mathewson often include multiple approaches and the
instructors will rarely promote one over another unless there is a specific, articulable reason for doing
so. If there is a reason, it will be thoroughly explained and your input and feedback will be requested. It
is the instructors understanding over a lifetime of teaching and promoting martial arts that what may
work for some will not work for all. So throughout the class, ask questions, request information and do
not be afraid to do it wrong.

Course Description
The Use of Force and General Rules of Engagement course is specifically designed to introduce
individuals with minimal to moderate experience in handgun use to an additional array of abilities and
necessary competencies / capabilities in the journey to a complete knowledge in the use of force and
accepted rules of engagement. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on safety, proper
handling and muzzle control and awareness. This is non-negotiable and will be expected of all
individuals on the range. This course is a comprehensive start to the rest of your life as an armed, safe
and knowledgeable individual.

Course Topics and Objectives

First segment (Day 1): Introduction to the firearm, safe handling, safe direction,
four rules of safety.

For the first segments NO LOADED FIREARMS

will be permitted on the rangethis is FOR your safety and that of those around you, until the abilities
of each individual are understood and assessed by the qualified and
professional staff. Each individual will be asked to leave live
ammunition in their vehicles or in a locked/sealed ammunition
container in a location designated for this purpose.
1. Safety Rules -5 minutes, student verbal participation encouraged. (These will be repeated
throughout the day at regular intervals, each student is responsible for themselves and their
surroundings, NEVER hesitate to alert others to potentially dangerous behaviors.)
a. Loaded or not, keep the finger OFF the trigger
b. Loaded or not, always ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction

If you forget rule one, but remember rule two, there will be no injury or property damage.
If you forget rule two, but remember rule one, there will be no injury or property damage.

2. Dominant hand check

a. What is dominant hand, the dominant hand is the hand that manipulates the trigger
b. Support hand is the hand that supports the firearm, draws magazines and clears
concealment garment
3. Understanding your firearm -30 minutes,
a. Field strip/cleaning
b. Safe handling, unloading etc.
4. Hand-out short guide on various holster types and benefits of each WITH information on
obtaining these- If this is necessary- will utilize local resources for additional needs
5. Magazine/loading safety - 15 minutes,
a. How to load show best methods for women, men, smaller persons etc.
b. What are best ways to load
c. Best approaches to magazine/round retention

Short break, REMEMBER TO HYDRATE!

Second Segment (Day 1): Proper hold, Draws, Stances, Reloads and Sights
1. How to hold the firearm
a. Dominant hand should be firmly seated with the webbing of the hand tight under the curve
at the top of the grip
b. The meat of the palm should be towards the back of the grip, it is important to maintain as
much skin on grip contact as possible
c. The bottom three fingers should wrap tightly under the trigger guard firmly touching the
bottom of the trigger guard and clasping the grip
d. The trigger or index finger (otherwise known as the safety) should be laying along the frame
above the trigger guard, a slight crook in this finger allows stronger retention
e. The thumb can be either pointed up or alongside the opposite lower side of the frame from
the index finger. This is up to the individual though some firearms are known for their desire
to eat your thumb if it is too high.
f. The support hand should be placed with the meat of the hand in the gap between the finger
tips and the meat of your dominant hand on the opposite side of the grip.
g. Wrap all four fingers around the front and underneath the trigger guard again firmly placing
them against the underside of the trigger guard and wrapped over the three fingers from
the dominant hand
h. The alternate thumb should be underneath the dominant hands thumb, it is important to
not cross these digits as this will not aid in a firm platform
i. Utilizing a crushed grip or a very firm grip one may assume that this grip will in fact
provide a strong platform for shooting and doing so accurately.
2. Drawing the firearm

a. Proper carry for each individual

b. Draw from CCW carry,
I.
support hand grasps clothing over firearm and pulls up
II.
dominant, gun hand, placed firmly over butt of pistol
III.
strong, solid, seated grasp
IV.
Ensure finger is OUTSIDE and above the trigger guard alongside the frame, either
straight or slightly crooked.
V.
Draw straight out of the holster
VI.
Rotate the barrel slightly forward and point in the direction of the target with your
hands close to body
VII.
Meet the dominant hand with the support hand and complete the grip as you
extend the firearm towards the target
VIII.
If you are in a solid stance you will find a solid draw allows you to be aiming at the
target regardless of sights at this time
c. Draw from open carry
I.
Place dominant hand on firearm,
II.
Strong, solid, seated grasp
III.
Mimic steps IV-VII above
d. Practice draw
I.
Practice drawing from current holster AFTER visually checking and verbally agreeing
on empty state of firearm
II.
A minimum of 10 cold reps, (cold means NO AMMUNITION in or near the firearm)
e. Additional holsters addressed as necessary depending on mode of carry
3. Stances 30 minutes
a. Verify students strong side/eye (dominant hand/ eye)
b. Show the three main holds and stances (explain this is not set in stone and should adjust to
each individual- during this phase INCORPORATE crush grip and proper grip techniques into
instruction on holds.)
c. Isosceles Hold Triangle arms in front of body fully extended weight may be neutral or even
back, Modern Iso Hold weight shifts more aggressively forward using instructors show why
weight distribution is important
d. Weaver stance Both elbows bent, pistol (dominant) hand pushes forward with firearm
while support arm pulls back creating tension theoretically allowing better shooting, body is
at a 45 to the target, Modified Weaver simply locks the dominant hand/arm straight out.
e. Offhand, Bullseye One hand, strong hand, facing sideways to target arm extended
4. Sight acquisition, usage and understanding 20 minutes
a. Explain what the sights are and using the students firearms allows them to discover this for
themselves.
b. Show stress fire indexing, focused on target, handgun comes up into stance/grip viewing the
front sight not the full picture. Within 15 yards this is a reasonably solid approach to
shooting under pressure.

c. Show each proper sighting techniques for less stress based shooting, 6 oclock hold, center
hold etc.
d. Show proper trigger management- gentle, slow and steady squeeze straight back into the
frame until the firing pin is released- DRY FIRE practice for FIVE MINUTES!
e. Ensure they understand that their firearm should be properly sighted in before use

LUNCH BREAK- 40 minutes, review as necessary with students.

Third Segment (Day 1): Review of basic safety, stances and more (30 minutes)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Review, ask questions start loading magazines

DO NOT load revolvers yet
MAGAZINES loaded with rounds BUT NOT in the firearm
Ear protection,
Eye protection
Short break, HYDRATE!

Fourth Segment (Day 1): SHOOTING (60 minutes)

1. Final safety check, insert/place hearing protection on, eye protection on and check your holster
2. Place the cleared and UNLOADED firearm in your holster while facing downrange (or in
designated area)
3. Place the loaded magazines in your pockets, magazine carriers of choice/ THREE 5 round
magazines 4. Advance upon instructors command to the 3 yard line and hold for instruction
a. Upon hearing the command to MAKE READY assume the most comfortable stance WITH
firearm still unloaded and holstered
b. LOAD a magazine upon hearing the command, LOAD keep finger off the trigger, and
maintain stance
c. Upon hearing the command to FIRE gently squeeze the trigger depressing until the firing pin
is released and the firearm discharges- fire 5 rounds into the designated center of the target
5. DO NOT PLACE the firearm back in your holster yet, have the person next to you verify clear,
have an instructor double check and clear than replace the firearm in its holster.
6. Remain at the 3 yard line
a. Upon hearing the command to MAKE READY assume the most comfortable stance WITH
firearm still unloaded and holstered
b. LOAD a magazine upon hearing the command, LOAD keep finger off the trigger, and
maintain stance
c. Upon hearing the command to FIRE gently squeeze the trigger depressing until the firing pin
is released and the firearm discharges- fire 5 rounds into the designated center of the target
7. REPEAT this process until all magazines are used up- of the THREE magazines you loaded.
8. TAPE targets and RETRIEVE brass

9. Upon hearing RANGE IS COLD command, check your targets with assistance and proceed to
Collect individual brass from the ground
10. Load three magazines of 5 rounds apiece and return to the 7 yard line
a. Repeat above process except at seven meters repeat as necessary

Fifth segment (Day 1): Brief overview of Rules of Engagement and Verbal
Commands
1. What is the Tueller Drill?
a. Sergeant Dennis Tueller, of the Salt Lake City, Utah Police Department wondered how quickly
an attacker with a knife, rock, bat, or hands could cover 21 feet (6.4 m), so he timed
volunteers as they raced to stab the target. He determined that it could be done in 1.5
seconds. These results were first published as an article in SWAT magazine in 1983 and in a
police training video by the same title, "How Close is Too Close?" (It is recommended that you
study this in depth)
b. Demonstrate the Tueller Drill with students take notes
c. Explain the Doctrine of a Reasonable and Prudent person
I.
What would a reasonable and prudent person have done under the exact same
circumstances?
II.
If you know exactly what the defendant knew would you do the same thing?
d. Best Evidence rule,
I.
Get the original evidence if at all possible
II.
Have your attorney hire an investigator
III.
Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, Inc. - $85.00 annually, assists in covering
you in the event of a self-defense shooting.
IV.
Know when the attack will come and have a defense in place/ready at all times
e. Utilize an affirmative defense
I.
Stipulate the act of judicious use of deadly force and our correct behavior, by
utilizing this defense we than place the accusers in the defensive.
II.
If you believe the defendant, you MUST find him not guilty these are, the words
you want to hear and will hear in court.
III.
Maintain correct action =s trial =s perfect defense and acquittal
f. Doctrine of Competing Harms or Doctrine of Necessity (Most Important to note)
I.
You are allowed to break the law in the rare circumstance where following the law
would cause more human injury than breaking it.
II.
Exigent Circumstances EXTREME emergency, here and now, that threatens human
life and limb.

DAY II Sixth segment (Day 2): Brief review of Firearm Use

THIS IS A COLD RANGE, NO AMMUNITION SHOULD BE PLACED IN FIREARM

UNTIL RANGEMASTER/INSTRUCTOR GIVES THE COMMAND TO LOAD AND
MAKE READY
Safety Rules REPEAT WITH INSTRUCTORS
a.
b.
c.
d.

All guns are always loaded

NEVER let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy
Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
Always be aware of your surroundings (sure of your target)

1. How to hold the firearm

a. Dominant hand should be firmly seated with the webbing of the hand tight under the curve
at the top of the grip
b. The meat of the palm should be towards the back of the grip, it is important to maintain as
much skin on grip contact as possible
c. The bottom three fingers should wrap tightly under the trigger guard firmly touching the
bottom of the trigger guard and clasping the grip
d. The trigger or index finger (otherwise known as the safety) should be laying along the frame
above the trigger guard, a slight crook in this finger allows stronger retention
e. The thumb can be either pointed up or alongside the opposite lower side of the frame from
the index finger. This is up to the individual though some firearms are known for their desire
to eat your thumb if it is too high.
f. The support hand should be placed with the meat of the hand in the gap between the finger
tips and the meat of your dominant hand on the opposite side of the grip.
g. Wrap all four fingers around the front and underneath the trigger guard again firmly placing
them against the underside of the trigger guard and wrapped over the three fingers from
the dominant hand
h. The alternate thumb should be underneath the dominant hands thumb, it is important to
not cross these digits as this will not aid in a firm platform
i. Utilizing a crushed grip or a very firm grip one may assume that this grip will in fact
provide a strong platform for shooting and doing so accurately.
2. Drawing the firearm
a. Proper carry for each individual
b. Draw from CCW carry,
IX.
support hand grasps clothing over firearm and pulls up
X.
dominant, gun hand, placed firmly over butt of pistol
XI.
strong, solid, seated grasp
XII.
Ensure finger is OUTSIDE and above the trigger guard alongside the frame, either
straight or slightly crooked.
XIII.
Draw straight out of the holster

XIV.

Rotate the barrel slightly forward and point in the direction of the target with your
hands close to body
XV.
Meet the dominant hand with the support hand and complete the grip as you
extend the firearm towards the target
XVI.
If you are in a solid stance you will find a solid draw allows you to be aiming at the
target regardless of sights at this time
c. Draw from open carry
IV.
Place dominant hand on firearm,
V.
Strong, solid, seated grasp
VI.
Mimic steps IV-VII above
d. Practice draw
III.
Practice drawing from current holster AFTER visually checking and verbally agreeing
on empty state of firearm
IV.
A minimum of 10 cold reps, (cold means NO AMMUNITION in or near the firearm)
e. Additional holsters addressed as necessary depending on mode of carry
3. Stances
a. verify students strong side/eye (dominant hand/ eye)
b. Show the three main holds and stances (explain this is not set in stone and should adjust to
each individual- during this phase INCORPORATE crush grip and proper grip techniques into
instruction on holds.)
c. Isosceles Hold Triangle arms in front of body fully extended weight may be neutral or even
back, Modern Iso Hold weight shifts more aggressively forward using instructors show why
weight distribution is important
d. Weaver stance Both elbows bent, pistol (dominant) hand pushes forward with firearm
while support arm pulls back creating tension theoretically allowing better shooting, body is
at a 45 to the target, Modified Weaver simply locks the dominant hand/arm straight out.
e. Offhand, Bullseye One hand, strong hand, facing sideways to target arm extended
4. Sight acquisition, usage and understanding
a. Explain what the sights are and using the students firearms allows them to discover this for
themselves.
b. Show them stress fire indexing, focused on target, handgun comes up into stance/grip
viewing the front sight not the full picture. Within 15 yards this is a reasonably solid
approach to shooting under pressure.
c. Show each proper sighting techniques for less stress based shooting, 6 oclock hold, center
hold etc.
d. Show proper trigger management- gentle, slow and steady squeeze straight back into the
frame until the firing pin is released- DRY FIRE practice for FIVE MINUTES!
e. Ensure they understand that their firearm should be properly sighted in before use

Short Break- 15 minutes, review as necessary with students

individually.

Seventh Segment (day 2): Understanding differences in distances

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

All students should load 3 magazines of 5 rounds apiece

Place the students at 3 yards
Fire five rounds into target from most comfortable stable individual platform
Tape and check group sizes
Place students at seven yards and repeat
Tape and check group sizes
Place students at 15 yards and repeat
Tape and check group sizes

This short amount of shooting should allow students to both checks their stances, grips and sights as
well as to show them the difference that distance makes in ability to shoot small groups, it should help
them understand that they may need to slow down even further the longer the distance.

LUNCH BREAK 45 minutes review as necessary

Eighth Segment (day 2): Shooting for effect
The following are UNTIMED
1. The 3 Yard Scramble
a. Load three magazines with five rounds apiece
b. Place students at the 3 yard line and LOAD one magazine
c. UPON COMMAND- From the holster each student draws and with BOTH hands engages the
target with five rounds, clear firearm, show safe
d. Reload with ONE magazine again at 3 yards
e. UPON COMMAND-From holster draw with dominant hand and using ONLY the dominant
hand engage the target with five rounds, clear, show safe
f. Reload with ONE magazine again at 3 yards
g. UPON COMMAND-From holster draw with dominant hand, transfer firearm to SUPPORT
HAND carefully and using ONLY the SUPPORT hand engage the target with five rounds, clear,
show safe
h. TAPE, RETRIEVE BRASS
2. Seven yard rush
a. Load three magazines with five rounds apiece
b. Place students at seven yard line and LOAD one magazine
c. UPON COMMAND-Kneel, draw firearm and using isosceles position ENGAGE the target
KNEELING with five rounds, clear, show safe
d. Reload with one magazine again at seven yards
e. UPON COMMAND-Standing, draw firearm and fire FIVE rounds into the target, clear, show
safe
f. Reload with one magazine again at seven yards

g. UPON COMMAND-Standing, draw firearm and ENGAGE with DOMINENT hand only, fire five
rounds into target, , clear, show safe
h. TAPE, RETRIEVE BRASS
3. 15 yard accuracy
a. Load three magazines with five rounds apiece
b. Place students at 15 yard line and LOAD one magazine
c. Upon COMMAND take solid shooting stance, draw firearm, engage target with five rounds,
reload immediately and repeat until all three magazines are emptied
d. Show clear, safe and wait for Range is Safe instruction- proceed downrange and visually
check progress/ tape targets
e. TAPE, RETRIEVE BRASS

Ninth Segment (day 2): Final Target, Timed course of fire

IF the students do not have three magazines situate rounds accordingly so as to equal 15 rounds
total, if the student has less than three magazines the student will lose 3 points on each stage, each
round is counted as 3 points, a total of 135 points to complete the course of fire with a perfect
score. A score of 105 is qualifying and should be attained to satisfactorily pass the course. This
allows for 30 points missed between all three stages. If a miss occurs outside of the B zone it will
count as 6 points down, B zone hits count as 3 points down, A zone hits are not counted as misses.
1. The 3 Yard Scramble 60 seconds
a. Load three magazines with five rounds apiece
b. Place students at the 3 yard line and LOAD one magazine
c. UPON COMMAND- From the holster each student draws and with BOTH hands engages the
target with five rounds, clear firearm, show safe
d. Reload with ONE magazine again at 3 yards
e. UPON COMMAND-From holster draw with dominant hand and using ONLY the dominant
hand engage the target with five rounds, clear, show safe
f. Reload with ONE magazine again at 3 yards
g. UPON COMMAND-From holster draw with dominant hand, transfer firearm to SUPPORT
HAND carefully and using ONLY the SUPPORT hand engage the target with five rounds, clear,
show safe
h. TAPE, RETRIEVE BRASS
2. Seven yard rush 60 seconds
a. Load three magazines with five rounds apiece
b. Place students at seven yard line and LOAD one magazine
c. UPON COMMAND-Kneel, draw firearm and using isosceles position ENGAGE the target
KNEELING with five rounds, clear, show safe
d. Reload with one magazine again at seven yards
e. UPON COMMAND-Standing, draw firearm and fire FIVE rounds into the target, clear, show
safe

f. Reload with one magazine again at seven yards

g. UPON COMMAND-Standing, draw firearm and ENGAGE with DOMINANT hand only, fire five
rounds into target, , clear, show safe
h. TAPE, RETRIEVE BRASS
3. 15 yard accuracy 120 seconds/ Two minutes
a. Load three magazines with five rounds apiece
b. Place students at 15 yard line and LOAD one magazine
c. Upon COMMAND take solid shooting stance, draw firearm, engage target with five rounds,
reload immediately and repeat until all three magazines are emptied
d. Show clear, safe and wait for Range is Safe instruction- proceed downrange and visually
check progress/ tape targets
e. TAPE, RETRIEVE BRASS
With 45 rounds the object is to score all rounds inside the A zone of the target, this is possible and
attainable if the students follow the instruction given.

Tenth Segment (day 2): Additional Legal Terms and approaches; Review of First
Days basic approaches
1. Furtive Movement (understanding the term and legal applications)
a. Movement consistent with the potential perpetrator reaching for a weapon but is not
reasonably consistent with any other movement.
I.
Bully type movement where the perpetrator is attempting to bully the armed
citizen
II.
The other type may be unintentional in nature.
III.
Remember in a self-defense shooting whether judicious or not there is NO
winner, ONLY survivors.
b. Threat management
I.
The gun is viewed as negative by the general public; it is your responsibility as a
law abiding gun owning citizen to present the opposite view of the gun. This is
known as a higher standard of care!
II.
Ignorance of the law is NO excuse in a court of law. Again KNOW where the
attack is coming from and have a counter in place.
III.
The firearm is a tool, like a fire extinguisher or seat belt. It cannot by itself
without assistance from you supply defense, and it is not meant to replace law
enforcements role, however, due to the potential for extended response time it
is necessary to understand you must defend yourself.
IV.
You do not fire unless you are in immanent harm or the threat of grave bodily
harm or death exists.
V.
NEVER LIE TO AN OFFICER, the court will view this as a negative and it will
reflect badly on you.
c. Types of Homicide for purposes of understanding the charges should there be any.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

I.
Justifiable Homicide You are right to kill (possible to receive this as a charge)
II.
Excusable Homicide Under given set of circumstances it was right
III.
Manslaughter NO intent, reckless disregard (likely to receive this as a charge)
IV.
Murder Element of malice exists in the death of a human being
V.
Pre Meditated Murder Cold Calculated planning
VI.
Second Degree Murder- Passion instigates the murder
VII.
First Degree Murder Cold Planning
VIII.
Capital Murder The difference here is who is murdered, public officials
IX.
Felony Murder Committing a felony and someone dies
There must be, IMMEDIATE OTHERWISE UNAVOIDABLE DANGER OF DEATH OR GRAVE
BODILY HARM TO THE INNOCENT, if there is the SLIGHTEST doubt DO NOT SHOOT.
I.
We as armed citizens hold a great power and have a greater responsibility.
II.
LEO standard Necessary force
III.
Civilian Standard Equal force
IV.
Ability opponent possess the power to kill or cripple / there is a DISPARITY of
force; this can be force of numbers, size, or disability.
V.
Warren Doctrines against a gang, any member of the mob gets the jeopardy
(however) when one is left if they are no longer presenting a threat, it is no
longer justified!
VI.
Able bodied against disabled, elderly, male against female (according to law
females generally will have benefit of doubt) culturally pre-disposition for this.
Physical size and strength mean allot when it comes to disparity.
VII.
Distance and obstacles, busy street in between (or even Empty Street) there is
no immediate opportunity unless armed.
NEVER discuss the use of deadly force online, in person unless in a training format or for the
purposes of furthering your abilities
I.
These discussions can and WILL come to light in court, prevent additional future
harm by understanding the repercussions of current actions.
Understand what FEAR is.
I.
When asked if we feared, YES I reasonably feared for my (or my loved ones
other innocents) safety.
II.
Another response is, (when asked a grey question with yes or no connotations)
your honor I cannot give a black or white answer to a grey question.
Priorities of SURVIVAL
I.
Mental awareness and preparedness be prepared to take life, be prepared to
avoid conflict, be prepared, and ALWAYS be alert to your surroundings.
II.
Tactical common sense
III.
Skill with tools available, proper training, continuing education and
understanding benefits you
IV.
Optimum choice is AVOIDANCE, next is utilization of proper equipment/tools.
Interaction with suspects (VERY IMPORTANT)

I.

i.

Know what to say to suspects, they will not respond to weakness, gain their
attention, enforce your credibility, establish situational dominance and seek
cover/concealment.
II.
DONT MOVE triggers response, slows or freezes suspect
III.
POLICE CALL THE POLICE this accomplishes two goals, it enforces your role as an
innocent with bystanders that may present, and, enforces your position with
the suspect.
IV.
DONT TOUCH THAT WEAPON Again this enforces your position and credibility
with witnesss and the suspect
V.
DROP THAT WEAPON covers all types of weapons and again enforces your
position as an armed innocent citizen
VI.
Once you have gained control of the situation and IF the suspect attempts to
flee, LET THEM GO- UNLESS and ONLY UNLESS the suspect presents an
additional threat to the safety of yourself, or other innocents by allowing them
to flee.
VII.
IF the suspect remains, DO NOT APPROACH, from COVER issue the following
commandsVIII.
SLOWLY RAISE YOUR HANDS
IX.
KEEP YOUR HANDS STRAIGHT UP
X.
SLOWLY KNEEL
XI.
SLOWLY CROSS YOUR ANKLES
XII.
SLOWLY LIE FACE DOWN HANDS STRAIGHT OUT TO THE SIDE (utilize command
voice but not panicked yelling)
At this point call emergency responders and state your address FIRST!
I.
Repeat your address TWICE clearly!
II.
Than state clearly, Sir(mam) I believe you are armed, if you make any sudden
movements I will shoot!
III.
Than to the dispatcher, there is an intruder at my house/church/business
IV.
STAY ON THE PHONE WITH DISPATCHER- answer any RELEVANT questions
V.
Relay a COMPLETE description of yourself and the suspect to the dispatcher, it is
unnecessary to describe glasses/hats etc., as these can easily be lost in a scuffle.
VI.
Listen for their arrival and upon arrival lay your firearm DOWN on the
ground/floor and ANNOUNCE your presence.
VII.
REMEMBER, IF ANYONE DIES OR IS HURT IT IS TO SOME DEGREE A FAILURE TO
CONTROL THE SITUATION THAT ALLOWS THAT!

Fulfill your responsibility to the witness

- Alleviate the witness fear of us. This can be done with simple statements in a louder than
normal, CLEAR voice.
- STAND (or stay) BACK HE STILL HAS A WEAPON this simple statement makes you the good
person.
- HAS HE HURT ANYONE ELSE? (you and you pick people to help) LOOK AROUND AND SEE this
ensures they will help, they have been singled out

YOU, YOU, and YOU CALL THE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS/ POLICE/ AMBULANCE again you are
involving the witnesss as well as ensuring that you are still the good person in this situation.

Make sure you say these things in 5-8 seconds this is all the time it takes for a person to confabulate an
entire story!
j.

Interaction with responding Officers

I.
The responding officers MAY or MAY NOT have uniforms; make sure you
identify yourself completely.
II.
Make sure the respondents ARE officers, as the suspect may have backup! (ASK
FOR IDENTIFICATION)
III.
Remember, nothing always works- but many things generally do.
IV.
WATCH your bearing and demeanor, DO NOT ACT IN A THREATENING OR HASTY
MANNER

k. The following MUST be followed EXACTLY to keep you from becoming another statistic to
be used when giving statement
I.
Explain what happened, BRIEFLY, THOUROUGLY
II.
What do they NEED to know? Where is the EVIDENCE located? where is the
SUSPECT? where are the WITNESSES? (point them out, THIS IS EXTREMELY
important)
III.
State that YOU are the VICTIM; explain what happened, DO NOT OVER EXPLAIN!
(PROVIDE THE 5 WS)
IV.
State your name, DOB, and that you will SIGN the complaint, THEN say, Officer
you will have my full cooperation AFTER I speak to counsel, I would like to speak
to counsel. NOTHING you say after this point can be used in COURT, HOWEVER,
DO NOT say anything else!
l. You will likely be arrested. At some point you will get a phone call. Call a trusted colleague
who has attorney information and is knowledgeable regarding what to do. This very
important person should have the attorneys phone numbers (multiple!) You may also wish
to keep my number as a professional witness to your completion of this course. Please
understand if the course is given without profit that it may be necessary to pay for lodging,
loss of income etc. BE PREPARED!
I.
When you place the call, BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY! This is not a joke, I am
alright, I have not been hurt, there has been an incident, I am located (give
location) with officer (give his rank and name) can you get me legal counsel
immediately And that is ALL!
II.
REMEMBER DO NOT LIE AT ANY POINT!
2. Test and Review of the verbal, written portion of the course.

It is important to note that you should continue to practice all steps included in this course. When
involved in an incident your adrenaline WILL impact your critical thinking and the ability to simply rely
on muscle memory will allow you to ensure a better end to any unavoidable situation.
Additional training in legal scenarios is available for a small fee; feel free to discuss this with the
instructor upon completion of this class. This class is not to be utilized as a get out of jail free card; it is
meant to supply you with the basic tools necessary to assist you in avoiding the potential and
regrettable situation in which you may be called upon to use deadly force. The information enclosed is
not meant as a substitute for legal counsel and should not be misconstrued in any way. At no point does
the instructor make claim that this is guaranteed to work. It should be noted however, that by following
these simple guidelines you may be able to prevent additional issues and may be able to make more
informed decisions.

Personal Liability and Indemnity Waiver

Legal Disclaimer In all cases the information given is suggested and is taken from applied cases and
real incidents of note. It should be noted also that the instructor recommends that all individuals
approach daily life in such a manner so as to avoid the potential for conflict as conflict cannot and never
has solved any problem and is at the very least an unsavory task and at the most something to be
avoided. No legal liabilities are accepted by this instructor for this class unless it is taken as a paid class,
in which case liabilities are based on a separate waiver and approach, listed below which constitutes the
full liability of the instructor. Additionally the instructor retains all rights to submit adjustments to the
coursework as becomes necessary, these will not be submitted without fair warning (24-48 hour notice)
to parties concerned.

Liabilities accepted as follows At no time is the instructor to be called upon to testify for the
individuals taking the class. All views and opinions expressed in the class are the sole opinion of the chief
instructor and are not meant to be construed as legal advice. At no time will legal advice be offered with
this class. If legal advice is desired, the instructor may make suggestions as to where to obtain that,
however, as the class itself is not meant to construe legal advice the students should refrain from asking
with regards to that. Suggestions for approach to potential situations are made, but are not expected to
be followed or used as a legal defense.

Adult Release, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement

1. I acknowledge and fully understand that I and all others engaged in shooting, observing and
training with firearms will be engaged in activities with substantial inherent risks of serious
personal injury including disability or death and severe social or economic losses which
might result from my actions or inactions or the actions or inactions of others; such risk
include but are not limited to:
a. my failure to abide firearms safety rules or to properly handle or use firearms or
ammunition;

INITIAL _____

b. the failure of others to abide by firearms safety rules or to properly handle or use
firearms or ammunition;

INITIAL _____

c. the characteristics, including the design, manufacturing or other defects, of any firearm
or ammunition being used by myself or others;

INITIAL_____

d. the inability of the instructor to, at all times, monitor or supervise all actions by myself,
guests, or others involved;

INITIAL_____

e. I recognize that I may be expelled from these facilities for violation of the safety rules of
conduct, Range Rules or for behavior deemed unsafe by the instructor;
f.

INITIAL_____

On behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, I hereby assume all
risk of personal injury and accept personal responsibility for any and all damages that
may occur as a result of any such personal injury, disability or death. The word
damages includes, but is not limited to, the incurring of physical and emotional injury
of any kind, loss of physical function, ability or capacity, medical expenses, lost wages or
income, loss of consortium and any other compensatory damage.

INITIAL_____

g. On behalf of myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, I hereby agree to

indemnify and defend the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, actions or
lawsuits for any personal injury, disability or death occurring to myself or any other
person which result entirely or in part from the actions, failure to act, or negligence of
myself, my guests for whom I am responsible.

INITIAL _____

h. I agree that this Adult Release, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement shall be
interpreted according to Arizona law and that any dispute shall be resolved in Arizona.
INITIAL _____
I hereby state that I, the actual signer of this Agreement, am an adult over the age of 18 years, that I
have read and initialed each of the above terms and conditions, that I understand everything set forth
above and that I have knowingly given up substantial legal rights by signing below, which I do
voluntarily.

Signature: _________________________________
Print full name: _________________________________Date_______________________
Permanent address: _________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________
Drivers License No.:______________________________
State of Issue: __________________________________
Identification address: __________________________________________________________

Witness Signature______________________________________________Date_____________