HayesGreener
Ronin
In law enforcement we have what is referred to as a Use of Force Matrix. The theory is that force ranges from the least, which is simple officer presence, to verbal, then soft or open hand controls, then pain compliance, then striking, then less lethal devices and impact weapons, then deadly weapons, with infinite variations. Force can start and end anywhere along the matrix, depending upon the resistance or violence offered. Officers in most departments are required to document any use of force above soft hand controls, and the vast percentage of those encounters resolve with no reportable use of force. I saw a complete change of demeanor in potential combatants, for example, when I drew my PR24 to the ready position. It was not a reportable use of force, but the implied threat was there.
Now I will equate citizen use of force to what is encountered by police. If a trespasser or thief is encountered by the property owner, (physical presence) in most cases he will flee, and no further force is indicated. If the homeowner is armed in some manner but does not threaten to use the weapon, it becomes an implied passive threat, but is not a use of force. This, I believe, is where most uses of firearms in defense occurs, and is generally not reportable and LE never hears about it. You have to be careful because there is a fine line between passively having a visible firearm or other deadly weapon, and aggravated assault or threatening display. Once the homeowner points the firearm in the direction of the criminal, or threatens to use it, or fires it, it become a reportable event. So, at what point along the way does the law enforcement agency report that the person used a firearm? It depends upon locale, and the political and LEO attitudes of your jurisdiction, at what point it becomes a reportable event.
One other immeasurable is, how much deterrence occurs where residents own and use firearms? For example, I live in an area where everyone hunts and shoots, and where the Sheriff has said if you shoot burglars, it will save the taxpayers money.
Burglaries here are nearly non-existent and a couple burglars in recent memory have wound up on the slab. The joke around here is that burglars stay away because everyone has access to a gun and a backhoe. I would suggest that burglary in conservative rural areas is a far riskier occupation than in liberal cities, but that is not captured in the overall statistical picture.
Now I will equate citizen use of force to what is encountered by police. If a trespasser or thief is encountered by the property owner, (physical presence) in most cases he will flee, and no further force is indicated. If the homeowner is armed in some manner but does not threaten to use the weapon, it becomes an implied passive threat, but is not a use of force. This, I believe, is where most uses of firearms in defense occurs, and is generally not reportable and LE never hears about it. You have to be careful because there is a fine line between passively having a visible firearm or other deadly weapon, and aggravated assault or threatening display. Once the homeowner points the firearm in the direction of the criminal, or threatens to use it, or fires it, it become a reportable event. So, at what point along the way does the law enforcement agency report that the person used a firearm? It depends upon locale, and the political and LEO attitudes of your jurisdiction, at what point it becomes a reportable event.
One other immeasurable is, how much deterrence occurs where residents own and use firearms? For example, I live in an area where everyone hunts and shoots, and where the Sheriff has said if you shoot burglars, it will save the taxpayers money.
Burglaries here are nearly non-existent and a couple burglars in recent memory have wound up on the slab. The joke around here is that burglars stay away because everyone has access to a gun and a backhoe. I would suggest that burglary in conservative rural areas is a far riskier occupation than in liberal cities, but that is not captured in the overall statistical picture.
