CCW Safe

Inside CCW Safe Podcast- Episode 24: HR 218 Dave Spaulding

In this podcast, Stan and Mike talk with firearms trainer, and owner of Handgun Combatives Dave Spaulding.  

Dave spent five years as a full time use of force instructor, and another five years as the commander of a multi-jurisdictional drug task force, working major narcotics cases from Seattle to Miami. During his years on SWAT and while working narcotics, Dave was involved in a sizable number of forced entries including several hostage situations. He worked in all facets of law enforcement including corrections, communications, patrol, investigations, evidence collection, anti-fencing operations and undercover investigations. He honorably retired with the rank of Lieutenant.

Dave is a graduate of most of the major shooting schools including the highly-acclaimed CRUCIBLE, Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, Mid-South Institute of Self-Defense Shooting, Smith & Wesson Academy, SIG-Arms Academy, Chapman Academy, Heckler and Koch International Training Division, Tactical Defense Institute, CQB Services of Liverpool, England, Berretta Training Academy, FBI SWAT School, Lethal Force Institute, Defense Training International, Gryphon Group, Direct Action Resource Center, Blackwater, and more!

The three talk about HR218 (Law Enforcement Safety Officers Act), firearms training in law enforcement, and best practices for retired law enforcement when it comes to HR218 and firearms training.  

Inside CCW Safe Podcast- Episode 23: Gear feat. Steve Moses

In this podcast episode, Stan and Mike talk with Steve Moses.  The topic is gear, and Steve talks about everything from lights to holsters to guns and more.  

Inside CCW Safe Podcast- Episode 22: New Year feat. Steve Moses

In this episode, Stan and Mike talk with Steve Moses about the New Year's Resolution articles.  

In the articles that Steve wrote, he discussed several thing that he felt are important for concealed carriers which were:

1. Improve physical conditioning 
2. Acquire a suitable handgun and important support gear and stick with it
3. Practice relevant defensive shooting skills twice a month
4. Take a self-protection class, clinic, or seminar twice a year

Click below to read each article. 

First Article

Second Article

Third Article

Inside CCW Safe Podcast- Episode 21: Captive Insurance and the Police Union Model feat. Kyle Sweet

 

In this episode, Stan and Mike talk with Kyle Sweet, Co-Founder and General Counsel for CCW Safe. Kyle talks about the captive insurance company, 2A Insurance, which was formed by CCW Safe in 2016. They talk about the role it plays in servicing the coverage for CCW Safe, which services the membership of our members.  

CCW Safe was initially formed as a legal service membership rather than an insurance company because of the very threats that are now affecting the insurance companies in this industry.  CCW Safe was founded on the police union model of membership and service.  

The founders of CCW Safe, Kyle Sweet, Mike Darter, and Stan Campbell, all have extensive experience in the police union model, as well as shooting and lethal use of force investigations.  

If you have ever had questions about the captive 2A Insurance, and how it works with CCW Safe and our members, this would be a great podcast to listen to.

 

 

Inside CCW Safe Podcast- Episode 20: Content is King- feat. Justin Collett

In this episode, Stan and Mike talk with Justin Collett, newest member to the CCW Safe Team.  

Justin will be the new content manager for CCW Safe.  Justin has already been working with us on a contract basis for several years, but now will join us full time to produce and manage even more online video content.  

Justin is responsible for most of the Stephen Maddox content, and really got to know who we are and what we do, as he saw first hand, behind the scenes during the filming of that content.  

Here is a video sample of a cool video he did recently for DMR, LLC.

https://youtu.be/R94nQz0uL_E

The three talk about his background, the Maddox case, and various other topics in preparation for SHOT 2019.

Inside CCW Safe Podcast: Episode 19- Critical Phases feat. Don West, Pt. III

In this podcast, Stan and Mike interview CCW Safe National Trial Counsel, Don West for part III of Critical Phases.  The three continue talking about the critical components of a lethal self defense incident picking up where they left off in the last episode.  

Episode 18 ended with Bail, and in this episode, they continue talking about attorneys and the process of what happens over the next months to years in a lethal self defense case.  They talk about investigators, experts, consultants, and even break down the different types of experts, such as use of force experts, firearms experts, or forensic pathologists.  

The talk is based on the experience of the three in lethal self defense cases, and much of the information comes from the first actual first degree self defense murder case in the industry.  This was the case of Steve Maddox, who was a member of CCW Safe.  

Time: 57:19

Inside CCW Safe Podcast: Episode 18- Critical Phases feat. Don West, Pt. II

Happy New Year!  Today Mike and Stan are back with Don West to continue talking about the critical phases of a lethal self defense case.  

The three give a short welcome and background, then get into talking about the critical phases of a lethal self defense case from the actual event through the filing of charges and the bail hearing, if you are arrested.  

The three talk about some things that might lessen your chance of being arrested, and talk about the initial contact with law enforcement, investigators, initial statements, and more.  

The discussion continues up to the bail hearing, and the three decide to record one more podcast covering bail to trial next week.  

Enjoy the show, and share it with friends and family if you like it.  We hope that everyone had a safe and happy new year, and wish the best for 2019!

Inside CCW Safe Podcast: Episode 17- Critical Phases feat. Don West

In this Episode, Mike and Stan talk with Don West about the critical phases of a lethal self defense incident.  

They start off with a question from Bruce Gardner about taking images from your cell phone if you are involved in a self defense incident.  They talk about the pros and cons of this, and the alternative of making sure that responding law enforcement officer and investigators preserve the evidence, and giving them the information to do so.  Don also references the Zimmerman case in this discussion, and how photographs were used and not used in that case. 

They talk about the critical phases of a criminal case, and give a great overview of your rights, the stages of investigation, and areas of control, in terms of what you have control over if you are involved in a lethal self defense incident.  

They also talk about attorneys, and what you should expect in terms of attorneys if you are involved in a lethal self defense case.  

In ending the discussion, they determined to have a follow up discussion with Don about the critical phases of a case to dive deeper into each key part of these phases. 

The Inside CCW Safe Podcast: Episode 16- Merry Christmas & 7 Tips to Avoid A Deadly Encounter

In this episode, Stan and Mike talk about a recent email they got from a member in reference to an incident he recently experienced.  It was very similar to the Ted Wafer case incident, and because our member had read the "in Self Defense" articles on the case by Don West and Shawn Vincent, he was able to get through the incident without using deadly force.  The member showed great confidence and restraint. 

They also talk about 7 tips to avoid a deadly encounter, which are outlined below:

1.  Avoidance is the best way to stay out of harms way.  Many experts present situational awareness as the first step yet we have found if you take the time to identify and avoid high crime areas you are ahead of the game.  In our course our CEO Mike Darter goes into detail about this and presents a few tools you can use to identify these areas in your city or while traveling.  

2.  Think like a cop and mentally practice for deadly encounters.  One of techniques discussed in the police academy and practiced in patrol is mentally preparing yourself for successful deadly encounters.  And was is meant by that is working through scenarios in your mind an attack or an escalated situation where you make decisions that are tactically sound and mentally go through the motions of finding cover and getting to your weapon.  You should use this technique first placing yourself in known places you actually frequent.  It would help to do this in real time as you park in a location and just go over the “What if” incident and use positive thoughts to make sure you win.  

3. Positioning is the key in tactics.  As a member of SWAT and as a self-defense instructor success in any operation or physical confrontation weighed heavily on superior positioning and readiness.  As a concealed carrier you must think about positioning yourself in places to provide the best defensive advantage.  When in restaurants I always request to sit either near a secondary exit or at least where I can see the front door.  When pulling up to a convenience store I pull into the parking space where I can see the attendant and anyone in front of the counter before I leave my car.  This way I won’t be caught off guard and walk into a robbery in progress.  I make sure I plan my gas and ATM runs during the day and choose locations that don’t have a bunch of blind spots or are isolated. 

4. Training in Situational Awareness is more important than range time.  We all have the ability to identify when something is out of place or someone does not match the surroundings.  Practice people watching as you enter any situation so you can pick out potential threats.  We all get drawn into technology and concentrate on our cell phones more than we do our environment.  As a concealed carrier you always should pay attention so when your phone goes off with a ring or text vibration use that first alert to remind you to visually check your surroundings and note where you are and pick it up on the second or third ring.  Don’t spend so much first You have a gut feeling Be aware and position yourself Get help started your way.

5. Call for help if you can before and after you react.  In those situations that you either walk up on or present themselves where you can call the police do so.  Many concealed carriers get themselves into trouble trying to intervene with a secondary dispute before calling 911 to get police started.  Police officers call for backup and you should too.  And if there is no time and you have to react and you successfully de-escalate the situation you should still call the police to make them aware of the suspects behavior.  If you used a threat of force by displaying your gun or pointing it at the suspect make sure you call 911 after the threat is over and you are safe.  Many of our members have found the need to display their weapon and after the suspect leaves that person is the first to call 911 and our member would be approached and sometimes be forced to deal with the consequences as if they are the suspect.  Some have also been arrested.  Please don’t let this be you.

6.  Don’t be the Aggressor in a Road Rage Incident.  You have to remember when you have an interaction with another driver don’t get pulled into their “Moment in crisis.”  You have always remain calm and understand it could be someone with a mental illness or going through an emotional crisis.  It is best to get the tag number and only follow long enough to get what is needed to give the suspect, car and suspect description to the police.  Follow at a safe distance and do not pull over if the suspect invites you to do so.  If you are already stopped don’t engage in the verbal back and forth by rolling down your window and please don’t allow the person to talk you into getting out of the car because you could be seen as the aggressor or your actions can be seen as helping to escalate the conflict prior to the use of deadly force.  Stay in control and drive away if possible.

7.  Know your limitations and when to tactically retreat.  I have many members who try to de-escalate and find that they are dealing with someone that is mentally ill or on drugs.  You are not a doctor or an officer so please know your limitations.  Just because you have a gun does not mean that you have to continue moving forward.  You could continue to talk to the person calmly as you put a barrier between you and look for an avenue of escape.  You could use some of the techniques suggested in our course but try to recognize the signs associated with a pending attack.  If you see the person looking around nervously, balling their first, taking clothes off or posturing with their body language; it is now time to disengage.  If you allow them to believe they won this stage of conflict, you will actually be the winner because they won’t force you into a deadly force incident.  Always keep your eyes on them as you back away so you can see a weapon is not being accessed.

These are just a few tips and suggestions to keep you out of trouble and becoming involved in a deadly force encounter.  Please remember to always respond to every situation and make the same decisions you would with a firearm that you would if you did not have a firearm.

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and as always, stay safe!

Inside CCW Safe Podcast: Episode 15- Commitment and 10 Tips

 

In this episode, Stan and Mike talk about the core value of Commitment and the role it plays in the company, and in the services offered by CCW Safe.

They talk about a recent incident and how CCW Safe responded for it's member and how commitment played a role in those actions.  

Stan also gives 10 recommended tips if you are ever involved in a self defense shooting or deadly use of force.

These are things that should be thought about well before any involvement, and should be thought about often, in order to effectively deal with your traumatic event, should it ever happen to you. If you are involved in a self-defense shooting, CCW Safe can greatly assist you by providing all the financial support for attorneys, expert witnesses and investigators.

Here are 10 suggestions you should consider if you ever are forced to use your gun in self defense.

1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE SAFE: Make sure that everyone involved, which may be you, your family, or others, are safe from any threat before doing anything. Verify that the suspect is down and no longer poses a threat. Visually scan for other suspects and visually verify that the suspect no longer has access to a weapon. Do not approach the suspect or move evidence.
2. INITIATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE: From a position of cover (do not leave the scene) call 911 for police assistance. Request emergency medical services. These services may be for you, your family, or for others, including the suspect. Do not discuss the incident with dispatch in depth, only give brief facts of the case. Think of things such as “I was forced to defend myself”, “I was in fear for my life”, or “I was attacked”. Try not to use phrases such as “I killed someone” or “I just shot someone”. Describe what you are wearing and let the dispatcher know you will not have your weapon in your hand when the officers arrive. For members of CCW Safe initiate our response by calling our 800 Emergency Line on your membership card. Remember officers will probably remove your phone and routinely separate all involved in cars which is common in any deadly force case so call CCW Safe following your call to 911or as soon as allowed.
3. PREPARE FOR RESPONDING OFFICERS: This happens before officers arrive on the scene. As you hear or see police cars or officers getting close, holster your weapon. If you have time retrieve your concealed carry permit, your driver’s license (if you have it) and your CCW Safe card; placing them in your front pocket. Officers responding to a shooting incident often have a heightened level of concern for their safety so be prepared to follow their directions. Raise your empty hands above your head with palms facing officers and listen to their commands. They may tell you to get on the ground, and if they do, comply with their request as there are times information of who the suspect is not conveyed through the dispatcher before the first officer arrives. They may see something that you don’t, or it may make them feel safer. Remember the first call to 911 could have been from a witness.
4. PROVIDE INITIAL INFORMATION: Remember your defense begins with you… What you say and do can make or break your case. Provide initial information to the responding officers. Some things that can explain your situation might be “I AM THE VICTIM”, “I HAD TO USE THE WEAPON IN SELF DEFENSE”, “I WAS FORCED TO DEFEND MY LIFE”, “THAT IS THE SUSPECT”, “MY WEAPON IS SECURE IN MY HOLSTER”, “MY CCW PERMIT IS IN MY HAND ALONG WITH A NUMBER FOR MY LAWYER”, “I WILL GIVE A FULL STATEMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ATTORNEY”.  Please keep in mind if you believe what you did was wrong or you have concerns about your decision to use deadly force do not speak about the incident without being in the presence of your attorney.
5. IDENTIFY CASE ELEMENTS TO OFFICERS: What you don’t say could also hurt your case… There are certain basic case elements the responding officers are looking for when they arrive. Again, the details of the incident should only be shared in the presence of your attorney but break your silence to share case elements; especially if it would cause your defense to unravel at the start. Some basic case elements might include the following: “THAT IS THE SUSPECT”, “THAT PERSON OVER THERE IS A WITNESS”, “THERE IS THE SUSPECTS WEAPON OR CASINGS”. Sometimes witnesses decide to disappear when the officers start asking questions or police officers drive their cars over evidence.
6. INFORM OFFICERS OF INJURIES: You should have already requested medical personnel to the scene but they will not approach until it is safe. Let officers know of any injuries and make sure that they are documented before you are cleaned up, unless the injuries are life threatening. If you are injured in any way, request to be taken to the hospital for evaluation. This is not the time to be macho because your injuries can be presented to support your decision to use deadly force. Remember just because you are not bleeding doesn’t mean you should not be checked for internal injuries that you may not realize you have due to the adrenaline overload associated with facing a traumatic occurrence.
7. BE THE FIRST TO CALL 911: Be the first one to call 911… Even if you do not pull the trigger. Report to police you had to point your firearm at someone to defend your life so you are not seen as a suspect if that person leaves the scene and calls first. Always remember police officers commonly identify the first person who calls in as the victim and leans towards their story as the truth initially. If there are independent witnesses get their name and contact information if they are trying to leave.
8. YOU ARE A VICTIM. ACT LIKE ONE: Act like the victim you are… Do not get emotionally drawn into the excitement of others that witnessed a good guy triumph over a bad guy. If you are ever involved in a self defense shooting you should know each person reacts differently. Try to remain calm as even officers that arrive might display signs of elation and they may act or say things that to some would be considered inappropriate. Police officers deal with shootings, violent death and accidents daily, and respond and react to those incidents differently than people who are not around it. Witnesses or bystanders may become excited. Do not get drawn into their behavior, or show any non verbal, or express verbally signs of excitement.
9. CONTROL THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INCIDENT: Do not exchange stories with witnesses or news personnel on the scene. Do not post anything on social media, or share through any device information to family or friends. Do not make off color comments or laugh at the jokes of others.
10. PROVIDE IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ONLY: Give the responding officers your basic identifying information only. Explain to them that you would like to give a full statement and interview in the presence of your attorney. If you are a CCW Safe member you could let authorities know you have representation for self defense actions involving deadly use of force.

Please be alert, safe out there and remember assess every situation asking yourself, “If I didn’t have a weapon on me at this time what would I do?” That one question could keep you from being launched into a traumatic incident that will change your life.

Stay safe out there, and Happy Holidays to all!  If you like CCW Safe's services or podcast, spread the word!