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CONFRONTATIONS WITH GROUPS AND GANGS
- PART II
Following on from our previous issue where we looked into dealing with
the 'avoidable confrontation', let's now look into dealing effectively
with the 'unavoidable confrontation'. If avoiding the confrontation is
no longer an option we need to address ways to de-escalate the situation
and ultimately get to safety. This type of scenario could arise as a result
of walking out of a subway straight into the midst of a group or gang.
Turning into a street and being met by a group of individuals without
having the opportunity to avoid them, or any other type of group confrontation
where initial avoidance is not an option. Having found yourself in this
type of predicament there are a few hard and fast rules to observe in
order to give you the greatest chance of getting to safety: Firstly, some
of the 'Do's':
Realise that if you got a surprise to see them, then they more than likely
got a surprise to see you.
An individual always thinks faster than a group. If there are five- you
think five times faster. If there are ten- you think ten times faster.
This speed of thought is your greatest advantage. Use it by acting as
quickly as you can. v
Remember you pose no threat to them. Attempt to keep the situation at
this level. v
Physically remove yourself from where you are as quickly as possible.
If possible, walk around the group and move off in the same direction.
Your focus at the point of confrontation must be to de-escalate the situation
and remove yourself from the most dangerous place in the world right now,
which is where you are standing. v
The faster and more calmly you do this the greater the chance of getting
away. v
Ideally you want to be 20-30 metres past this group before they have
time to realise what they could've done to you.
Act as you are thinking- don't think of how to act. Secondly some of
the 'don'ts':
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Don't stop and stand in front of the group waiting for them to make
a move. You think far quicker than they do and your focus (escape)
is much clearer than theirs is. Use this to your advantage. v
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Don't attempt to 'eye-ball' any members of the group. As with the
weapon confrontation, at this stage your focus should be on de-escalation.
Avoid any actions that could be read as confrontational.
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At the point of confrontation avoid turning and running away from
the group (unless this will definitely enable you to get to a safer,
more populated area). This course of action, although effective in
the 'avoidable confrontation', is likely to encourage members of the
group to chase you when they are in such close proximity.
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When attempting to move on past the group, don't try to muscle your
way through the middle, move quickly and confidently to the left or
right and walk around them.
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Don't enter into any form of discussion with the group if it can
be avoided. Even genuine attempts at communication can be turned against
you in this type of situation.
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If successful in moving around the group and walking away, avoid
looking back over your shoulder towards them. This expression of fear
may lead to a further confrontation. Focus on getting yourself away
from them and, if possible, to a populated area.
In summary, your focus in this type of confrontation is to think and
move quickly. Your greatest advantage is your speed of thought. The more
distance you can put between you and the group, and the faster you do
it, the better. Focus on getting to a populated or well-lit area.
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