My personal approach is to scan a space as I enter, not really focusing, but making a quick mental map of entries/exits, obstacles, even even surveillance cameras with respect to where I need to go. Look up as well as around! Then I scan for for people and group behavior. In a crowded place, clusters of people tend to be “self-organizing”; e.g., think of how people on a city sidewalk will generally walk on one side or the other, depending on their direction of travel. That’s normal. Someone who doesn’t follow the pattern sticks out and can disrupt the normal movement of others. That draws my focus. I also listen to my gut. “The Gift of Fear” should be required reading! https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Fear-Survival-Signals-Violence/dp/0440226198
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That’s awesome, @BrophE. It also doesn’t hurt to know your local LEOs in case there is an incident. Not only will it be easier to deal with people you know, but also with people who know your character.
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Having worked on the Sheriffs campaign I know more of our deputies now. Prior to the campaign I knew a handful, who have always told me to carry long before I had my CCW.
They’re not out there looking for me or you, they’re looking for the bad guy/girl. They also realize that we legally armed citizens may be their closest backup should thing hit the fan. Here backup can be as much as 45 minutes away.
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