What Cops Want You To Do (But Don't Tell You) After a Shooting

Published on January 31, 2026
Duration: 7:52

This guide outlines critical steps for civilians after a deadly force incident, based on the expertise of an instructor from Geauga Firearms Academy. It emphasizes clear communication with 911, compliance with arriving law enforcement, and managing the immediate aftermath, including legal and emotional considerations. The advice is presented with a serious, professional, and authoritative tone, drawing on the instructor's experience in various policing environments.

Quick Summary

After a critical incident involving deadly force, provide 911 with your location, the nature of the call (e.g., self-defense), a request for police/EMS, and your description/weapon location. Then, hang up, secure your weapon, and comply fully with arriving officers, keeping hands visible and speaking minimally.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Dispatch Realities
  2. 00:46Securing the Scene
  3. 01:18Initial Police Contact
  4. 02:12Variations in Response
  5. 03:01Communication Discipline
  6. 04:10Four Critical Pieces of Information
  7. 05:10Ending the Call and Compliance
  8. 06:12Legal and Emotional Aftermath

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four critical pieces of information to give 911 after a self-defense incident?

When calling 911 after a self-defense incident, provide: 1. Your Location, 2. The Nature of the Call (e.g., 'I had to defend myself'), 3. A request for Police and EMS, and 4. Your physical description and the location of your secured weapon.

How should you interact with police after a shooting incident?

Upon police arrival, comply fully with all commands, keep hands visible, and avoid excessive talking. Limit your statements to essential facts, as everything said can be recorded and used in court. Hang up the phone after providing initial information.

Why is communication discipline important after a critical incident?

Adrenaline can cause people to say things they later regret. Limiting your communication to essential facts prevents potentially damaging statements from being recorded and used against you in legal proceedings, whether criminal or civil.

What should you do with your phone after calling 911?

After providing the essential information to 911, hang up and put your phone away. In low-light conditions, a phone in hand can be mistaken for a weapon by arriving law enforcement, potentially leading to a dangerous escalation.

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