How to Recognize a Concealed Handgun

Upon completion of this lecture, you will understand the two types of people that typically carry concealed handguns. This includes managing the unique challenges each group presents. Further, you are reminded to avoid debates and arguments over gun rights, Constitutional amendments and related highly incendiary politics.

Instructor Cole Morris provides insight into:

• The importance of determining a person's dominant side

• The role of holsters in concealed carry

No one likes to hear the word "no." This is also true if you are responsible for prohibiting weapons in your workplace. After this lecture, you will understand the importance of linking "no" to options that can help resolve the issue. For example:

Sir, I'm afraid this is a weapons free establishment. Can I ask you to remove the handgun from our premises? Perhaps you can secure the weapon in your car as you shop...?

This lecture emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. Almost everyone has feelings about firearms and these are formed by a number of personal experiences. What's your background and attitude regarding guns? Will this influence you ability to handle a gun issue in the workplace?

Self-reflection and personal awareness are suggested.

Don't miss the video in the Resources Section. It is a link to the USCCA, the largest organization catering to the needs of the concealed carry community. The video will give you additional perspective. Watch it.

This short video discusses potential reciprocity between states. The idea is that a concealed carry permit from one state will be recognized by other states. It's an idea kicked about by the Trump Administration.

It's time to focus on behaviors as they apply to concealed handguns. This lecture sets table for future videos regarding:

Types of firearms

Categories of behavioral indicators:

• Those prompted by the position and mass of the concealed weapon

• Those resulting from stress and fear of being discovered/challenged

This lecture provides a quick overview of the six behavioral indicators of gun carrying:

1. Security Feel

2. Shortened Stride

3. Shortened Arm Swing

4. Adjusting Pants/Belt

5. Repositioning Gun

6. Blading

The Security Feel is a behavioral indicator people can lean to watch for. Is is commonly exhibited by people when concealing a handgun. This lecture describes the security feel and why it occurs.

Similar to the shortened stride, the shortened arm swing is another observable indicator of a potentially concealed   handgun. Both indicators originate with the carrier being self-conscious about the concealed weapon. In short, the shortened arm swing is used to help secure the weapon-- and to keep it concealed.

This lecture continues with the motivational theme as to what drives the gun carrier's behavior. In this case, a gun concealed at the waistline and belt, often prompt observable behaviors. This can include:

- Readjusting clothing

- Tightening ("cinching") the belt

This lecture further identifies observational opportunities such as:

- Exiting a car

- Transitioning from a seat to standing.

Repositioning of the handgun is usually the result of physical movement. It is sort of like a "security feel" on steroids. Important Point: In some instances, repositioning may indicate a "pre-attack indicator."

"Blading" is the physical action of turning one's body 90-degrees when engaging another person. Blading is conducted by legal and illegal gun carriers. It is also widely practiced by law enforcement and armed private security officers.

After this lecture, the student will be able to describe physical activities and conditions that can contribute to a concealed weapon.

Printing is the most common way to recognize a concealed handgun. This lecture provides examples of printing. After this section, the student will be able to describe printing as well as the role of weight, bulk and gravity when a handgun is carried in a jacket pocket.

In this final lecture, Cole Morris emphasizes critical operational points. These include:

• The "whole person" concept

• Be able to articulate your decision making

• Remember handgun safety

• Importance of signage

• Making sure organizational policies and local laws agree