Is Self-Defense Necessary? New Blogger Tackles Citizen Safety

My name is BK. Many of you Pikesville residents know me and my company Masada Tactical. We have been working with the local community, first responders, and various local organizations for over four years now.

A brief history about who I am and why I am writing this blog:  I was born and raised in Israel. At 18 I joined the Israeli Defense Forces and served in a unit that specialized in counter intelligence and counterterrorism operations.

My specialties include hand-to-hand combat, small arms tactics, CQC (Close Quarter Combat), waterborne operations, and more.

I moved to the United States in 1999 and have since completed my degree at UMBC in Counterterrorism and International Security.

Today, my company consults some of the largest law-enforcement agencies, hospitals, and private security organizations on issues ranging from self-defense training to policy design.

In my weekly blog posts here at Pikesville Patch I will concentrate on topics that can enhance the safety of the common citizen, from awareness to basic skills that can help keep you and your loved ones safe!

Is that truly necessary? Yes it is. When was the last time you checked the sex offender registry in your area? Do you know whose houses your kids are walking next to when coming from school? How about crime? Are you aware that Pikesville, in all of its beautiful areas, commerce and community outreach, has gang activity? Home invasions, muggings, even murders occur on our streets. Would you know how to protect yourself or your family if an armed person was attempting to carjack you?

Please do not think I am trying to scare you. I am not. But the threat is real and awareness begins with facing the facts. And the facts are that the need for personal protection awareness and skills are at an all-time high, and I am here to help, even if it's just a bit via this blog.

So let us begin. In today's blog I will introduce two terms that our members at Masada Tactical have heard me refer to often: Primary versus Secondary Crime Scene.

Definition:

Primary Crime Scene: Original point of contact between an assailant and a victim. This may be a mugging site by an ATM, or the car you sit in when approached by a carjacker.

Secondary Crime Scene: A secondary location the victim is being moved to after the initial contact was made. This may be in (or out of) a car, from that ATM into an alley, and the like.

This is important to know because statistics will help us determine what our reaction should be. Generally speaking (exceptions do apply) contact made at a primary crime scene would end once the demands are met. So if a person is being robbed at an ATM, chances are that the robber simply wants the cash and will not hurt the victim if the demands are met.

However, if the suspect/assailant attempts to move the victim, chances are that the incident will end in some sort of an aggrevated assault.

Lesson to be learned: Do not move! If the assailant tries to move you from the original point of contact, and mind you, it may be from your front lawn into your house, you should not move! Your chances of survival are higher in fighting the assailant off at that initial point of contact.

So, what skills can you use? What if you are an untrained individual? Well, keep reading this blog, and maybe I will be succesful in providing you with the tools you need and the clarity of mind to protect you or your loved ones when the threat is real.

Although I have plenty to share with all you readers, if there are any specific questions you may have, please feel free to leave me comments on this page or by emailing me directly at bk@masadatactical.com. I will do my best to respond to all the inquiries.

In the meantime, stay safe!

Tzviel 'BK' Blankchtein

www.MasadaTactical.com