Verbal commands before engaging?

[Hmac]

What if the guy was actively shooting someone else? and you are behind him?

I was taught to issue verbal commands, but seems unnecessary if someone is actively engaged in life threatening activity.

Yes, I agree completely. May very well be tactically unwise to give away your advantage. I wasn't saying that you shouldn't do it.

My point was that, relative to subsequent criminal legal action, civil litigation, and newspaper articles, shooting the guy in the back without warning, while likely saving lives (including yours) will very likely make your life difficult in the aftermath.

[gan1hck]

Yes, I agree completely. May very well be tactically unwise to give away your advantage. I wasn't saying that you shouldn't do it.

My point was that, relative to subsequent criminal legal action, civil litigation, and newspaper articles, shooting the guy in the back without warning, while likely saving lives (including yours) will very likely make your life difficult in the aftermath.

I suspect that my action would a VERY loud "drop your weapon" a fraction of a second either before or after the trigger press.....

All anyone is going to remember is that a verbal command was issued before the bad guy failed to comply.

[skydivr]

My opinion is that once you've made your mind up to unholster/take action, don't do anything to distract from your single-minded purpose. In that scenario, the bad guy doesn't need to see what's coming...but, be prepared be 2nd guessed ad-infinitum in and out of court.

[Hmac]

I suspect that my action would a VERY loud "drop your weapon" a fraction of a second either before or after the trigger press.....

A reasonable tactic. Might mitigate some of the legal fallout from the bullet in the back.

[Litpipe]

Only warning is the "BANG"

[ST911]

A verbal challenge is a tool. Justification of deadly force can be bolstered by using that tool. If variables allow, give one. If it doesn't, use the force justified.

[G_M]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBYSau64LOc

[GunBugBit]

I'm in the camp that says it might help you if others in the place were able to report that they heard you yell "Drop the gun".

[markm]

I hate hypotheticals

When I see these threads, I want to yell... "DROP THE KEYBOARD!"

(and then shoot)

[Surf]

A couple thoughts....

#1 - KNOW YOUR LOCAL LAWS!....Anyone teaching CCW should know the local laws in regards to firearms and use of force according to the law. Understandably CCW instructors may not be able to impart practical defensive skills but that is when higher education should be sought.

As of law, many or most jurisdictions have laws that are along the lines of "feasibility" of verbal commands / warnings. Meaning that when the use of deadly force is justified, verbal commands / warnings may not be necessary in instances where the issuance verbal commands / warnings may increase the risk of danger to the individual or others being protected. So in other words if you issue some type of warning that may put your life or the lives of others in greater jeopardy from "tipping your hat" then a verbal warning may not be necessary under law. Of course you need to be able to articulate your justification, which leads to number 2 below.

#2 - KNOWLEDGE IS LIFE!.....If you are serious about home or personal defense not only is defensive firearms training a must, but this day in age and if feasible, I would highly suggest quality force on force training as it is INVALUABLE. Not only will it quicken your response with a more correct and efficient response, it will also allow you to come to a more clear cut justification for your own actions. Knowing your own abilities and limitations and what can easily happen in an armed conflict greatly changes the state of mind and justification process for an individual on when they can, or should be shooting and how they should be conducting themselves throughout the fight. 99.9% of people, LEO's included, are shooting way too late and not truly understanding at what point the threat really ceases to be a lethal threat. The more you know and understand, the better your articulation for your own actions in regards to your use of deadly force, which you gained via training and experience. This goes for civilians as well as LE.