Whats your "style"?

[The_Mayor]

Hi, nice site! I'm honored to be a member. :) I work two separate shopping centers. One is across the street from a large high school. The other, one city over, is in an impoverished gang infested neighborhood. I get a lot of action in both, but particularly the one across from the high school. Several fights there, and only fight in the gang area. That one fight was much worse than the HS kids though.

I deal with a great deal of rif raf; many of whom would try to exploit any dealings with a Security Officer. As I have become more attuned to these POSs I in turn have acquired a persona. Or should I say a "style"......

I talk in a demeaning tone to HS students, I talk like a drill sergeant to the gang members. I say things like "I have instructed you to this...." "What are you going to do with that skateboard besides make me mad?" If someone has any beef I either call their bluff instantly or ignore them in way that really puts them down.

For example.

POS gangster's girlfriend comes up to me after her boyfriend and fellow banger have been arrested for selling dope in the parking lot. Thanks to me of course. :cool: She accuses me of calling the "po-pos". The first thing I said to throw the ball back into her court: "I dont beleive you." She continued to troll at my authority so I gave her a swift "You should not even be addressing me, and if you do again it will be 'sir yes sir'."

I have a CCW and I pack %100 the time. I also carry OC and stun gun.

Well, with that being said whats your style? How have you found it works for your circumstances?

[Arff312]

I feel that i get respect because i treat people like i would want to be. I always use sir or mam when i talk to people. If the person i am dealing with turns out to become beligerant i will then get firmer. I dont get confrotational unless needed. I am in the military and can turn to be strict if i need to. I work in the mall and there are fights and stuff that happen. But we control it. I think the time of day depends on my attitude. If it is a day shift i think i am easier going then at night. I will usually give chances in the day but at night its game on.

[N. A. Corbier]

Hi, nice site! I'm honored to be a member. :) I work two separate shopping centers. One is across the street from a large high school. The other, one city over, is in an impoverished gang infested neighborhood. I get a lot of action in both, but particularly the one across from the high school. Several fights there, and only fight in the gang area. That one fight was much worse than the HS kids though.

I deal with a great deal of rif raf; many of whom would try to exploit any dealings with a Security Officer. As I have become more attuned to these POSs I in turn have acquired a persona. Or should I say a "style"......

I talk in a demeaning tone to HS students, I talk like a drill sergeant to the gang members. I say things like "I have instructed you to this...." "What are you going to do with that skateboard besides make me mad?" If someone has any beef I either call their bluff instantly or ignore them in way that really puts them down.

For example.

POS gangster's girlfriend comes up to me after her boyfriend and fellow banger have been arrested for selling dope in the parking lot. Thanks to me of course. :cool: She accuses me of calling the "po-pos". The first thing I said to throw the ball back into her court: "I dont beleive you." She continued to troll at my authority so I gave her a swift "You should not even be addressing me, and if you do again it will be 'sir yes sir'."

I have a CCW and I pack %100 the time. I also carry OC and stun gun.

Well, with that being said whats your style? How have you found it works for your circumstances?


Um, Cali Bureau of Security allows carded guards to carry CCWs on their civilian CCW license?

I would be carrying alot more than OC and a stun gun, if I were antagonzing gang bangers. I played the gang banger game, where they try you, and you look at them, shake your head, and walk away. When they touch you, you tell them nicely to never do that again. Then, you detain them for battery when you pushed them away and they swung at you, since you feared the individual wasn't going to stop attacking you till you put them in handcuffs, since you pushed them away and they kept coming. :)

The drill instructor thing works, sometimes.

My 'style' is based on how I was trained, and how I trained probationary officers as an FTO for my previous employer. You never threaten, you only state what WILL happen. You never make a threat or ultimatum you cannot back up personally, or can guarantee someone else can. Everyone gets treated with respect, even while your kicking their ass across the entire courtyard. And finally, everyone goes home, with priority being to yourself, then the client, then the suspect. If someone can't go home, then that priority table is followed on who gets to.

[Arff312]

Mayor I would check on that as you can not carry a firearm on duty unless you are certified by state. Also i dont believe you can carry concealed while on duty. What part of california are you from i am from fairfield.

[The_Mayor]

I live and work in the North Bay. The carrying is legal as its for "personal protection", not "in the discharge of security duties."

I'm all about TactCom or Tactical Communications. No threats. You do what I tell you to do OR this is what happens ( insert something uncomfortable or undesirable here).


"We can do this the easy way or the hard way.....its up to you."

[The_Mayor]

Troll at your authority? You're a security guard, you have the same authority as any private citizen. Don't argue with these idiots, just do your job and go home safe. You don't make enough money doing mall security to get hurt at your job.

Agreed.

________

[N. A. Corbier]

Troll at your authority? You're a security guard, you have the same authority as any private citizen. Don't argue with these idiots, just do your job and go home safe. You don't make enough money doing mall security to get hurt at your job.

Keep in mind, that depending on the state, the security officer may have more authority than a private citizen. Not all security guards are required to carry square badges and are contracted to protect property only, and some states support that mission with extended powers, such as Texas.

[N. A. Corbier]

This concept bewilders me. Security Officers don't recieve nearly enough training to be performing the duties you're describing.

Please tell me where you are basing your opinion on? Your own state, where security guards recieve very limited training, or having actually researched the topic?

You consistantly make generalities without backing them up.

[The_Mayor]

If you agree with me, then why do you act like you do?

First off,
If you want ANYONE to take your seriously than talk and use proper grammar like an adult. "If you agree with me, then why dont you act like you do?

Secondly,
I have found that your posts are just full of generalizations. I DO have more powers than a citizen while I'm on duty. Heres just one for you JO, I issue parking citations. What citizen issues parking citations in my shopping centers? :rolleyes:

Third,
You assert that Seurity Officers do not receive enough training to perform our duties. I have ample training under my State and a certification. I suppose you could try something in front of me and find out the hard way that you can be arrested by a Security Officer. :D

Other than that. Go to a grammar school... and have some sources if your going to speak of "facts".

[The_Mayor]

I don't really want to put anyone down, but my statement had perfect grammar, spelling and punctuation. Something your posts lack severely.


If you agree with with me, than why do you act like you do?

So the above is grammatically correct? :rolleyes: Than your an idiot for asking this question. If I agree with you than why shouldn't I act that way? :confused: They say the average person has an 8th grade education...so I'll do my best to keep it at your level. Highlight these parts of my posts where my grammar lacks severely. Oh wait, you cant because your just a troll without an intelligent response aren't you?



Anyway, when I was employed as a security guard at a shopping center, I issued parking citations also. That makes me a private citizen, licensed as a security guard, issuing bogus parking citatations that could be thrown away when they were recieved by the RO.

Again another generalization from who. But thats okay, I expect ignorance from you. If you dont pay or contest and win one of my citations the DMV will not register your car. :eek:

Why did you go from past tense to present tense while speaking of your alleged "security guard" days? :rolleyes:

Why are you on this board if you dont work in Security?

trolls, trolls, trolls, trolls, I deal with you people everyday.

[mallpopo]

I let people talk down to me, then, when they leave, I write a mall ticket and put in on their car.....Then I collect the tickets and maybe tow if I feel like it. Thats what I call a good day.

[N. A. Corbier]

I don't know any state where security officers recieve enough training to do as you describe. You're basically decribing police-duties. Last I checked police officers were receieving over 800 hours in the academy. There's no private security receiving that much training.

Most of that training is not in force protection, either. The jobs of private security and law enforcement are different in some aspects, and similar in others.

Does a police officer, out of the academy, know how to engage in armed static defense of a site against armed advisarial groups? No. Can they be trained? Yes. Usually by someone who is not in law enforcement - the military, private security contractors, etc.

The job of a law enforcement officer is to investigate criminal acts and bring those accused before a magistrate or judge in the presiding jurisdiction. Eventually, they added "protect people," but in actuality, this is the protection of the public, not individual persons.

The job of private security has always been the protection of specific clientele, not society as a whole. Before there was public policing, people would hire their peers to protect them, and their property, from armed bandits, robbers, and other bad men. They did not need police powers, as the powers of the property owner to protect what is theirs, andd the powers of a private citizen to protect the life and liberty of themselves and others were all that was needed.

Fifty years ago, the police profession was NOT seen as a "real job," and only "stupid irishmen" could be police. Only within the last few decades have professional unions stood up and presented a unified public image of the police as a dedicated, honorable, profession. Once that happened, you started seeing college degrees for entrance, 800 hours of training, etc. Before, it was "can you shoot, can you fight?"

Eventually, professional unions will win, and the profession of private security will undergo the same transition that public policing did. This has happened with alot of industries, much to the hatred of industry leaders. Right now, there is a war between the security unions, the police unions, and the security companies over professionalism. Police unions fear what they have fought so hard being given to someone else, security unions want higher pay and more training for their members, and companies don't - they want to know who the hell is going to pay for all that.

[The_Mayor]

I've bolded your spelling and grammar errors, as you requested.

And you never corrected your own. But thats a good effort there youngster. :D


I think I'm pathetic, I'm 22 years old and I use viagra. I'm just a looser and I pick my butt all day, trolling at these boards. No one likes me on Officer.com so I'm trolling at security guards now.

Hey, dont go so hard on yourself. Try and get some help. :)

[Bill Warnock]

I think this article may be of interest. I've learned that what my instructor at Lackland AFB, TX was true. We have two important muscles that must be used properly and in the right sequence to correctly perform security and law enforcement duties. From my guide and for the good of the order:

Have security force members received comprehensive confrontational training so as to effectively deal with visitors, customers and employees? *Does this training include:

Make a quick evaluation about safety precautions such as distance between parties, your stance, evacuation route, physical barriers, and so forth.

Evaluate person?s body language, facial expressions and words for warning signs. Watch hands, eyes and possessions for weapons.

Let individual vent. Let them talk. Let them release their frustrations.

Use empathy skills. Genuinely listen and try to understand the problem.

Asking for clarification if member does not understand something.

Be aware of voice, tone, volume and words.

Don?t take anything personally. Don?t lose temper. Don?t interrupt.

Use person?s name occasionally. Use comments such as ?thank you,? ?I understand? or even apologies when appropriate.

Don?t create more obstacles. Never say, ?That?s not my job.?

Sincerely try to help. Treat them the way you would want to be treated in the same circumstances.

Appropriate use of humor can be effective in defusing anger.

Don?t make excuses or use defensive comments. Tell them what can be done for them.

When dealing with hostile, aggressive people:

Remember member?s first goal is personal safety. Constantly watch actions and body language.

Listen and let them run out of steam. Acknowledge their anger.

Do not respond to insults. Don?t show your disapproval. Don?t return aggressiveness.

Change what they say to something more agreeable.

Stay calm and display self-confidence.

Know your limits and call for support if needed.

Act as if every action you take is being videotaped.

Remember you are the one in control, not them.

When encountering extremely hostile persons:

Stay at least two arm lengths away from the person.

Determine if the person is right-or left-handed. (Hint: Look for their wristwatch.)

Stand with your body at a 45-degree angle to theirs.

Establish eye contact. Scan upper body. Don?t stare. Avoid making demands.

Develop calm, controlled responses and breathing. You can practice this.

Given them some recognition. Give them an ?out.? It?s all about saving face for them.

Don?t argue.

Use diversions to distract them, i.e., ?Sit here and we can talk.?

Bring their voice volume, tone and speed down by bringing your own voice down.

Stay on guard.

There is a limit to just how much an employee can be expected to take from any disgruntled person. Draw a line in the sand. You only have to take so much. Once that line is crossed you can call for support.

When confronting an angry person, remember it is not about winning, but safety and helping someone with a problem. It doesn?t really matter if that problem is real or imagined. The way you deal with them can reduce the problem or magnify it. The outcome is dependent upon your responses. (*Source: ?©Security and Angry Customer Confrontations: Who Is Going To Win?? by J. Branch Walton, Security Technology & Design®, March 2001.)

Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

Standing at a 45 degree angle to the person, will, to the average person, disorientate them. They first will attempt to turn to meet you at a 90 degree angle, so they can talk "face to face," or physically attack.

Anyone who can deal with you at a 45 degree angle is a danger sign - it means they are either naturally able to deal with threats at off angles, or they have been trained to. Remember, they're hostile to you - that means that your a threat to them.

There is a "rule" that is easy to remember, the six and three rule. It goes, depending on situation:

If you are less than six feet away from me for more than three seconds, I will back you up.
If you are less than three feet away from me for more than six seconds, I will get hurt.

[Bill Warnock]

One of many things we in this profession must be remembered is the 21-foot rule in regards to a person with a knife. Regardless of how fast a LEO/Security Person is, the reach for a sidearm or baton will never match the knife. So moving back is your only option at times. The rules are simple 3x6 or less than 21 you are a dead man/woman. N.A., nicely done!
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

Something that pisses me off is that Surviving Edged Weapons is a LE restricted video. Every security officer, especially every ARMED security officer, should have to watch this video. I did, and it explained alot to me.

Your baton? USELESS.
Your firearm? USELESS.

If you are within 21 feet, even an idiot can charge you before you draw either. Why? Because it takes 1.5 seconds to draw, sight picture, and engage with firearm. It takes .9 seconds (approx) to sprint 21 feet and embed a knife into your chest.

I'm working on getting a rep who will sell me that video, and Surviving Edged Weapons II. So far, most of them are like, "Well, some of our customers feel that is a restricted item, such as <Insert Police Union Here>."

Galls, Streichers, Chief, US Cav... Nobody will sell it unless its on sworn letterhead. You'd think I was trying to buy a 40mm grenade launcher.

[Bill Warnock]

When a PD orders a "Restricted to Law Enforcement Only" and that department chooses to show it to other than LEOs, and the word gets back to the vendor, that PD is stricken from the roster of Certified Receipents and it takes forever to get back on. The FBI has the same restrictions with their film/tape/CD library.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[jmaccauley]

Something that pisses me off is that Surviving Edged Weapons is a LE restricted video. Every security officer, especially every ARMED security officer, should have to watch this video. I did, and it explained alot to me.

Your baton? USELESS.
Your firearm? USELESS.

If you are within 21 feet, even an idiot can charge you before you draw either. Why? Because it takes 1.5 seconds to draw, sight picture, and engage with firearm. It takes .9 seconds (approx) to sprint 21 feet and embed a knife into your chest.

I'm working on getting a rep who will sell me that video, and Surviving Edged Weapons II. So far, most of them are like, "Well, some of our customers feel that is a restricted item, such as <Insert Police Union Here>."

Galls, Streichers, Chief, US Cav... Nobody will sell it unless its on sworn letterhead. You'd think I was trying to buy a 40mm grenade launcher.
Actually, the Surviving Edged Weapons video is fairly outdated. It was a good Academy level introduction to the world of edged weapons, however modern research has caused us to change many attitudes about edged weapons and our defensive responses. The biggest being that 21 feet is the minimum distance. Actually, without the proper training and awareness, 21 feet is still too close. Kind of makes it hard to talk to someone from across the room doesn't it? Reading body language, threat awareness techniques and learning to move laterally are some of the more important survival techniques. Forget the video and find a credible instructor to train with.

[Mr. Security]

Good reminders, Bill. Thanks :)

Re: Your article of interest

[Bill Warnock]

Mr Security you are welcome. We must strive to assist our fellows in this profession with advice, encouragement and if and when needed, help.

Enjoy the day,
Bill

[jakeslife]

I am always nice until the other person is not nice to me. I am also firm in what I say. For example, a transient asleep in a loading dock doesn't want my apologies or to hear that I'm just doing my job. I just woke him up and told him to leave, so he doesn't care. ATM--Ask, Tell, Make.

[histfan71]

ATM--Ask, Tell, Make.

Right on Jake!

[N. A. Corbier]

Right on Jake!

Ask, Tell, Make.

Always be in a position if you have to ask someone to do something that you can tell them, and if that fails, you can make them. If it requires calling the police to make them, don't bother telling them. You didn't make them, the police did, and it sets up a pattern - I can act up around the guard till the police arrive.

If you can't do it, ask, then call the police. They'll tell and make. :)

If you CAN make, then tell away.

[jakeslife]

I thought that pretty much went without saying. If not, I'll laugh while someone pursues a vehicle on foot.

[Bill Warnock]

I thought that pretty much went without saying. If not, I'll laugh while someone pursues a vehicle on foot.
In my line of work, as a government employee and now as a consultant, some of the best intelligence came from homeless folks sleeping where they should not have been.
A kind word and something to eat or drink seems to do the trick. The word spreads and you get more intell than you can handle. I am prepared for the ringer, but that is part of this business. You sift, keep what it good and trash the rest.
If you are about to be set up and the homeless person speaks up and scares the bad folks off, you are miles ahead in your mission.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

I thought that pretty much went without saying. If not, I'll laugh while someone pursues a vehicle on foot.

There are plenty of folks who believe "Ask Make Tell" goes like this.

Officer: "The hotel manager says you have to leave, your no longer wanted here. Please do not return. Do you understand?"
Idiot: "F- you, pig, I'm not leaving."

Officer: "Fine, I'm going to go call the police and they'll make you leave."
Idiot: "Too much for you, eh? Can't make me leave yourself, pu--- a-- rent-a-pig?"

Police Officer Arrives
Idiot walks off property, and goes, "I'm leaving now that the REAL police are here."
Police Officer agrees that only the real police can make them leave.

Value of security guard in this instance? Minimal. Deterrance function failed. Non-confrontational advisement failed. Lawful order failed. Police summoned. Police Presence caused compliance. Result: Manager should of called police in first place.

Ask, Make, Tell:
Ask - "Hello. Are you staying here? I'm going to have to ask you to leave, because this area is for guests only. Will you leave?"
Tell - "I said you have to leave. If you don't leave now, you'll be removed."
Make - *overcome passive or active resistance, remove to property line* "If you come back, your going to jail for trespass after warning."

Vlue of security guard in this instance: Great.
Deterrance Function: Failed
Non-Confrontational Advisement: Possibly failed, will not fail for those witnessing.
Lawful Order: Succeded, when backed up by physical force.
Police were not summoned.
Result: Officer has shown to BG that rules will be enforced, and his presence will not be tolerated. Witnesses shown that security is effective in establishment, and not just another cell phone toting 911-dialing rent-a-cop.

[histfan71]

In my line of work, as a government employee and now as a consultant, some of the best intelligence came from homeless folks sleeping where they should not have been.
A kind word and something to eat or drink seems to do the trick. The word spreads and you get more intell than you can handle. I am prepared for the ringer, but that is part of this business. You sift, keep what it good and trash the rest.
If you are about to be set up and the homeless person speaks up and scares the bad folks off, you are miles ahead in your mission.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

I agree wholeheartedly with Bill on that. I have gotten great intel from homeless people in the past, all for the price of a kind word.

This also works well with prostitutes. The hookers in the neighborhood know all the local punks and thugs (and even some outside the neighborhood) and if your treat them with a little human kindness and decency they will share what they know.

[jakeslife]

I am not in the business of gathering street intel though. My job is to clear them off property.

[Bill Warnock]

I am not in the business of gathering street intel though. My job is to clear them off property.
That is fine, do your job, but always be ready with a kind word, a cup of hot coffee or a Big Mac. As you move them on engage in an interview, which is a conversation with a purpose.
Armed with that intell, you might find out about a pending theft or attack that just might save your client money and you your life.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Bill Warnock]

I agree wholeheartedly with Bill on that. I have gotten great intel from homeless people in the past, all for the price of a kind word.

This also works well with prostitutes. The hookers in the neighborhood know all the local punks and thugs (and even some outside the neighborhood) and if your treat them with a little human kindness and decency they will share what they know.
Histfan71, I've interviewed prostitutes and sometimes their pimps. We were able to bust up a +++++ ring. On your voucher, under other expenses, you just put the dollar figure down. When your division chief asks, you tell him and he initials the voucher. If she charges $20 for 20-minutes, you get 20-minutes of good and I might add, solid intell.
In my world now, if in doubt, out of pocket expenses. It does matter and we as a profession are that much better off.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Mr. Security]

Always treat others regardless of their standing in life, as you would want to be treated. I sincerely believe that physical confrontations can be greatly reduced by treating the subject with respect and dignity, even if an arrest must be made. If hostage negotiators can talk desperate fugitives into releasing their hostages and surrendering peacefully, then we know that the tongue can be an effective tool in resolving, or conversely, escalating a situation.

Granted, circumstances may limit the time we can spend reasoning with a person, but we can at least try it before using force. :)

[wjohnc]

Style. Yeah.

11 years ago it was don't look and maybe the problem will go away.

These days, after all those years of doing without gun, baton, OC, radio, partner, or often even a phone, I've learned how to talk with people, and how to talk to them when I need to.

That said, I have a reputation in the whole city, not just my current employer, as a problem-solver and a peacemaker. I didn't get that by being the drill sergeant, by coming off as a pr**k.
I did that by treating everyone with courtesy and respect. And by using the familiar tone, phrases, and demeamor.
Actually, I'm really amazed how well that approach works.

I also swear.

Yeah, everybody thinks that SO aren't allowed to swear on the job, but TS! How many times have I said someone is full of s**t, or simply to f*** off, both done in the familiar tone, with a grin or a smile (works best with groups of teens).

And if someone really gives me s**t? Humiliate them. I demean them, verbally, loudly and publically as I can.

I'm also kinda' goofy, a la Columbo.

I've sometimes made people think it's too much trouble to deal with me because I lay on the Columbo act so they just leave. I'm not too big a man to put away my pride. As long as they do what I want them to do (even if they think it was their idea), and with a minimum of work and paperwork, then I'm happy.

I use these styles according to the subject, the environment, and how bad I want the SOB. Whatever works, man, whatever works.

wjohnc

[wjohnc]

Oops, forgot something...


Yeah, 'Ask Tell Make', that's the way to go.

And speaking of intel, and being nice: I once arrested a dude for theft (I think he did it to be sent back to jail - all his buddies are there), who, in the three hours we waited for the cops to come, did a lot of talking about who was who in the 'hood, criminal-wise. I took a lot of mental notes, and when he started to get tired I gave him a Snickers bar I had in my pocket.

The guy's eyes actually welled up! He was hungry (very obvious) and in about 30 arrests (including one for breaking a guy's skull with a rock) had never been treated with the respect and kindness that I had shown him that day.

He kept talking, and I had no issues of violence whatsoever from him.


This is how it's done when you don't have formal training, equipment, or backup. All by myself, all the time. I've learned s** that people spending $40 000 don't learn. Shame.

wjohnc

[Mr. Security]

.....
I also swear.....

"Like a sailor." Another one who can't express his viewpoint w/o using excessive profanity. IGNORE BUTTON ACTIVATED!!

[Lawson]

I know this is coming in a little late, but in regards to the 21 foot rule... I saw someone mention you dont have enough time to step backwards from them.

...dont.

I have found the sidestep to be much more effective. Now, they have to make a turn in their attack which throws off their original intent of charging straight at you.

[Bill Warnock]

I know this is coming in a little late, but in regards to the 21 foot rule... I saw someone mention you dont have enough time to step backwards from them.

...dont.

I have found the sidestep to be much more effective. Now, they have to make a turn in their attack which throws off their original intent of charging straight at you.
First: Please read all N.A. Corbier's posts. Second: On a plain sheet of white paper, use a small protractor and with a pencil, draw around it. You will see the straight line represents 180 degrees. The curved portion represents the 21-foot rule. You can move to your right or left and as long as you are within that 21-foot semi-circle, you are in danger. Get yourself out of that danger.
Your objective is to do your duty and then go home. You cannot do that if you are in the hospital or on a slab in the morgue.
Watch Corbier's recommended video. Notice the marks on the defender's arms or chest made by the magic marker.
Remember always, the guy with the knife knows what he proposes to do. You don't.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Lawson]

I have to disagree with this one. When you are in the 21ft range and it is action time, your best manuver, IMO, is to get out of the way, it is much harder to try to get someone who is moving to the side than trying to head straight on.

I have read all the safety thing, and seen all sorts of tapes, they were required watching material when I got Taser Certified. See how long it takes you to run 21 ft from a stop, then see how long it takes you to run straight 21 ft then have to make an unexpected change in direction. This is very beneficial to the officer when every second counts.

I personally, when possible try to use a small barrier, or have one available to me in close proximity. A chair, my car hood, a desk , a standing ashtray, a stump, a parking meter, One of those little curb things in parking lots, anything that could cause a bit of a harder charge.


edit: Im not trying to say this makes the 21ft area okay to stand in... I feel it is just a more effective manuver when it is "go" time.

[N. A. Corbier]

If your within 21 feet of the threat, you basically have two choices. Avoidance, or engagement.

I do have to note that turning 180 degrees and running will probably result in a knife in your back. Distance is good, but so is putting obstacles in the assailant's path. The trick is to gain time to either escape or engage with firearm or, in some cases, taser. Anything ranged that will stop the threat.

So, I'm going to have to say that a middle ground is perferable to Bill and Lawson's roads. Running away is good - if you can do it safely. Till you can, tactical movement is key. This tactical movement should be part of the plan you have formulated to get out alive.