Citizen assist an LEO under fire?

[txpitdog]

My guess is that, generally, LEOs already under fire and dealing with the worst case scenario don't want vigilante citizens inserting themselves into the situation only to confuse and escalate things, but how can we help?

I can't imagine being in a situation where I'm the target of gunfire, but if I were passing by or caught in the middle, what would you LEOs say to an armed citizen?

Start shooting and help us? Position your vehicle to help with cover? Get out and let you deal with it? I know this sounds off the wall but things are clearly at a point where citizens may need to be the 911 for officers. I think there are more and more everyday citizens willing to step in and help protect those that protect us if the situation calls for it. Just wondering if there's something specific we should do or not do to help the thin blue line be a little thicker.

[Landrover]

Very interesting post. I dang sure would help if put in that position but honestly not something I would feel comfortable with.

[okrattler]

I'd help no doubt about it. I'd be more likely to turn around and run my truck full speed into whoever was trying to kill the cops than anything. Especially if they were in a shootout and using their vehicle as a barricade. I'd tear it all up.

[Artos]

I don't know the answers but I sure wouldn't add to the confusion with an added firearm unless LE knew 100% I was there to help & welcomed...I'm sure they have to consider all the angles of who is friend & foe based on the immediate circumstances!!

[Landrover]

I don't know the answers but I sure wouldn't add to the confusion with an added firearm unless LE knew 100% I was there to help & welcomed...I'm sure they have to consider all the angles of who is friend & foe based on the immediate circumstances!!

Bingo!!!
I have had an acquantice attempting to help in a civil matter and ended up face planted by cops he was actually helping. They apologized but he had road rash scratches for months.

[PYBUCK]

In the Dallas shooting the chief of police stated the citizens with guns trying to help were considered suspects and treated as such.

[coy-ote]

I'm sure at the time any help will be a great help , but understand we wont know the civilian good guys from the bad guys when the shtf and officer start arriving at he scene already pumped up,i have stopped several times when I see an on duty leo with several people and I make sure he see's me and I ask if he is ok? then he may or may not know or begin to know i'm not part of the problem, but even with off duty leo's approaching a situation don't reach for your badge or id in your back pocket as you're approaching, bad juju in my book. I know here in S.A. we have a lot of military personnel with lots of training that we could use in a critical situation but its a up to the individual at the moment its happening .

[Landrover]

In the Dallas shooting the chief of police stated the citizens with guns trying to help were considered suspects and treated as such.

oh crap!

[Olphart]

In most situations when the shtf, the officers will welcome those other officers in uniform, regardless of agency. Plain clothes cops, reserves, retired cops, and the lawfully carrying public are best off not rushing in. Without compromising your safety, be good witnesses.

The cops in uniform won't know who is a suspect and who isn't...and they won't have time to listen to you or try and weed through those that want to help and those that want to do them harm. Situations dictate this, but if you see a punk about to shoot an officer, take the action you deem appropriate (when there is no doubt at all).

[Artos]

In the Dallas shooting the chief of police stated the citizens with guns trying to help were considered suspects and treated as such.

I really don't think they have any other choice if they do not have any knowledge of intent on the front end...again, a good deed can only cause yourself unneeded agony & a loss of assets needed for LE that could be put to use on the bad guy.

[DTala]

you could easily put yourself in a dangerous position by doing so.

I was driving home one afternoon from an out of town school, dressed in civilian clothes, but I was in a state truck. As I came thru Tuscaloosa Al I heard an officer calling for help on my radio, then I realized he was right close to me, maybe two blocks away. I turned into the trailer court, saw a crowd, figured it was about him. So I rolled up and bailed out. As I went thru the crowd I saw a black man on top of a police officer as they fought over the officer gun. I knocked the man off the officer and put my gun to his head as I held him down....I immediately identified myself to the dazed officer as an LEO and held my badge up as prolly 10 police cars rolled up. I was concerned that they wouldn't see me as a LEO but it worked out.

The officer was very grateful for the help and his Lt wanted to write a nice letter to my Capt.

of course I was young, dumb, and bulletproof in those days...

[Saddle Tramp]

As far back as the UT tower shootings in Austin the police have ask people to let them handle things to the best of my knowledge.
If they really need the public help I am sure they would ask.

[UltraMax]

I would hate to accidentally shoot a civilian, who was only trying to help me. It would be easy to do because that citizen would not be uniformed or vested up with LE markings.

[krisw]

As far back as the UT tower shootings in Austin the police have ask people to let them handle things to the best of my knowledge.
If they really need the public help I am sure they would ask.

Pretty sure Whitman was pinned down by students and rifles before the police got there.

As has been mentioned, in a situation like Dallas, if you aren't wearing a police uniform, you might get shot. By the police or some one helping. If it is a one one type of deal, then you might be able to help a little better.

[txdukklr]

i'm using my gun to defend who i love, myself and my property.

if a situation escalated and LEO's were involved I'm going to help by getting the heck out of their way