Pepper Spray As A First Response

Gershon Ben Keren

Mon 28th Jan 2019

I’ve always been a proponent of OC/Pepper Spray for civilian carry – where it is legal. Whilst I have written about the technical attributes, characteristics and effects of such defensive sprays (in this blog) before, I haven’t written much concerning the legalities, consequences and situational components that should be considered when using pepper spray. I understand the reluctance and concern(s) of using sprays in law-enforcement and security settings, such as the effects of cross-contamination when trying to both spray and apprehend/control an aggressive individual, etc., and this article isn’t aimed at this group/audience; rather it looks at civilian situations where...Click To Read More

Dropping The Call

Gershon Ben Keren

Mon 21st Jan 2019

I have written about some of the personal safety issues regarding mobile phone use before, however there is a lot of activity on social media at the moment, concerning/surrounding this, so I thought it would be a subject worth revisiting and expanding on. Firstly, let me state that if you are looking at your phone or on the phone in a public space, you are distracted, your awareness is compromised etc., and you may stand out as an easy target. However, not being on your phone, doesn’t automatically make you more aware, mean that you don’t have other distractions, or...Click To Read More

Chokes & Strangulations

Gershon Ben Keren

Mon 14th Jan 2019

You should have more than one way to finish a fight. Whilst many fights can be decided by the use of concussive force i.e. punching/striking, there may be times when you face a pain tolerant/resistant attacker, who will continue on, regardless of the punishment you inflict upon them – most assailants will take themselves out of a fight (emotionally crumble) when faced with a barrage of punches, kicks, knees and elbows, but there are those who due to experience, adrenaline, drugs and/or alcohol, will react to these things as if you were flicking cocktail sticks at them. In a dynamic...Click To Read More

Separation & Escalation

Gershon Ben Keren

Mon 7th Jan 2019

What may seem to us as a single incident, may not be from a legal perspective. If you disarm somebody of their weapon, such as a gun, and step back 5 or 6 yards, a separation has occurred; what happens next will be looked on as something separate, to what preceded it, and how you now decide to act will be judged on its own merits i.e. you are now the one in possession of a lethal weapon, and the power differential has shifted, etc. The burden of proof will now be on you to justify your further actions e.g....Click To Read More