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  1. #1
    . Fireforce Tactical's Avatar
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    Default COUNTER CAPTIVITY




    COUNTER CUSTODY / COUNTER CAPTIVITY (Part 1)

    Context:

    The purpose of this article (and it's further instalments) is to create or enhance awareness of the relevance and importance of counter custody / counter captivity to everyone of us.

    Acquiring and developing counter custody skills and equipment is an alien concept to many of us, at least initially. Once put in the context of escaping from being held hostage or captive by criminals it usually assumes somewhat more relevance. When you factor the ongoing increases in violent home invasion robberies and hijackings into the equation one cannot argue the relevance any longer. In spite of this, it is probably only a tiny minority who would actively pursue acquiring and practicing such skills as well as basic equipment to deal with being held against your will.
    It is ironic that we often, possibly mostly, overlook or ignore many or even most measures that are relatively simple, inexpensive yet very relevant to improving personal readiness and security.

    Counter custody is for most a classic example of cognitive dissonance, that which does not fit my thinking or requires uncomfortable adjustments in my thinking and realities in order for it to fit.

    Counter custody readiness does not mean you have to become Jason Bourne or James Bond. The risk of not being able to escape being held against your will, under circumstances realistically relevant to most of us, can be significantly reduced by some basic, easy to implement and inexpensive measures.

    Consider the places and circumstances where you are at greatest risk and likelihood of being held against your will. Home invasion robberies and car hijackings present probably two of the most likely such scenarios for most of us. They also present the most likely situations in which your loved ones may be placed at risk.

    Last year we had 14 602 reported hijackings, on average 40 per day. Home invasion robberies amounted to a reported 20 819 incidents or around 57 per day. Consider that in both of these crimes the perpetrators are typically armed and usually do not hesitate to use physical violence to accomplish their goals.

    More to follow..........
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    Last edited by Fireforce Tactical; 02-01-2017 at 13:19.
    ​www.fireforcetactical.co.za

  2. #2
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    Default Re: COUNTER CAPTIVITY

    Following

    Sent from my ONE 3G HD using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    Default Re: COUNTER CAPTIVITY

    Great ! thanks

  4. #4
    . Fireforce Tactical's Avatar
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    Default Re: COUNTER CAPTIVITY Part 2

    PART 2

    Hijacking:
    We will focus here on dealing with hijackings in progress and possible captivity thereafter. Hijack prevention is a subject for a different article.

    Allow us to remind everyone that your life, and the lives of your loved ones, is worth more than your car! If it appears that all the hijackers want is the car, let them have it! Your ONLY concern should be your safety and that of the people with you. Regardless of how angry you may be at what has just happened, do not lose sight of your ONLY concern and engage in rash actions!

    If it appears that the hijacker/s is intent on taking you captive, our personal opinion is to attempt to make your escape, even at the risk of being injured in doing so. This is a decision we suggest you think through beforehand so that you have some form of plan in your mind, should this situation arise. If you travel with your family you will have to consider them in your thinking and planning and brief them accordingly. The likelihood of injury or death escalates dramatically once the perpetrator has had time to consider the implications of his crime. You are at the very least likely to be able to identify him/them. Once they realize this, you become a total liability. This increases the risk of serious harm or death at the hands of your captors.

    In the event of being taken hostage or captive during a car hijacking you may end up tied up and locked in the boot of your car. The prior concealment of a few basic tools in the boot of the car may greatly aid your ability to escape and survive.

    Do not place any counter captivity tools in obvious places such as with the car’s jack or other tools. Conceal your gear in locations inside the trunk where you would be able to access these, but well hidden from sight and not in any obvious spot. Ideally you want to have at least 2 sets of every essential item hidden in different locations.

    Test your plans. Get into the boot of the car and test whether you could access the concealed item/s if you were tied up and in the dark. (Don’t close the boot, just close your eyes to simulate being locked in the boot!)

    What should you have in the boot?

    Very sharp (utility) knife, capable of easily cutting cable ties and nylon strapping. Test it realistically. Can you use it to cut yourself free whilst you have your hands tied together?
    Sharp side cutter pliers to cut through electrical cord and steel wire, often used to tie victims. Test it realistically.
    Small LED torch with spare batteries or LED button light. Red light does not ruin your night vision. (checklist item)
    Quickclot or similar bandage and tourniquet to effectively and rapidly stop bleeding in the event of your having been injured. Blood loss will rapidly degrade your ability to effect an escape or other actions.
    Cellphone. (checklist item) This takes a bit more planning and preparation but can be an incredibly valuable asset if things go wrong. Have your auto-electrician connect a charger socket in a hidden location in the boot. This is necessary to ensure the phone remains charged. Your cellphone can make emergency calls even when you have no airtime. Activate the tracking function on this phone with your cellphone service provider.
    Prybar/crowbar to break open the lock of the boot. Invest in a GOOD quality one. This might enable you to escape, once you have cut yourself free. Preferably use this should the vehicle be left unattended for any reason. Otherwise you can break out any time you deem opportune. The prybar/crowbar can also be a very effective surprise weapon, especially if you are only dealing with a single assailant.
    Spare car key (once you managed to free yourself there may just be opportunity for you to escape with your car)
    Pepper spray or any other aerosol spray (small can of Tabard - eyes will burn like hell)
    Covert knife (Cold Steel honeycomb dagger or similar)
    Stun gun ( Covert type/looks like flashlight or similar)
    Whistle

    Checklist items – keep a list of items to be regularly tested to ensure they will work when needed.

    As always, your considered comments and contributions are welcomed.
    Thank you
    ​www.fireforcetactical.co.za

  5. #5

    Default Re: COUNTER CAPTIVITY

    While I was reading part 1, my initial thoughts were that it would be a lot of words with no value but I do concede, the contents of part 2 have a lot of valuable information.
    Now that you started, you may not stop short now.
    Thanks, very good food for thought.

  6. #6
    . Fireforce Tactical's Avatar
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    Default Re: COUNTER CAPTIVITY

    Quote Originally Posted by Harry OpieTremspoor View Post
    While I was reading part 1, my initial thoughts were that it would be a lot of words with no value but I do concede, the contents of part 2 have a lot of valuable information.
    Now that you started, you may not stop short now.
    Thanks, very good food for thought.
    Thank you for your post. We do appreciate your comments and contributions.
    As per your instructions, more to follow, we will not stop short. Please spread the word.
    Watch this space...
    Last edited by Fireforce Tactical; 04-01-2017 at 17:03.
    ​www.fireforcetactical.co.za

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