After seeing this pamphlet, would these guidelines seem reasonable?

SPC James Harsh — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 10:05:17 -0400

The scenario is about using an atm and the suggestions of what to do, should they be different for CC'ers

Response by Alan K. made Apr 9 at 2017 10:12 AM

Alan K. — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 10:12:16 -0400

As a concealed carrier I would confront somebody hanging around me at an ATM......Because the next person might not be a CCW holder.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2017 10:15 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 10:15:16 -0400

The Jerry Brown Governor Moonbeam of California would prefer you give them the money since only criminals have guns and now only criminals have high capacity magazines including terrorist but if you live in Illinois New York Massachusetts or other states that are liberal but have strict gun laws God help you. But if you live in Idaho or Utah or other states that have concealed carry better make sure you kill the bad guy because the ACLU and the bad guy are going to try to sue you

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 9 at 2017 12:06 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 12:06:27 -0400

I was visiting family in Cali and went to the BofA nearby to hit the ATM. Saw a van parked nearby in the lot with the side door open and a guy standing about 20 feet away from the ATM with a backpack with some wires coming out of his shirt sleeve. I pulled around and called 911 from the car. LAPD was there in force in about 3 minutes and collected the guy with the skimmer receiver, the guy in the van with the spotting scope, and that was it. When giving my statement, the officer said they were looking some time for these guys and were surprised I noticed and were less surprised I was exMIL and just nodded in an understanding manner when I told them I spent some time overseas. We tend to stick to our old observational habits.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Apr 9 at 2017 12:31 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 12:31:08 -0400

I live in a safe area and use drive-in ATMs, but I am still aware of my surroundings and carry concealed.
But for people in high crime areas these seem like minimal requirements.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2017 2:45 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:45:18 -0400

Yeah with the exception of if I have the chance I'm drawing my pistol. Always be aware of your surroundings. There's people everywhere that await crimes of opportunity. Before you move use something like crimereports to see what's going on in your area. Be aware, stay informed.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 9 at 2017 9:38 PM

SSG Dale London — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 21:38:28 -0400

This is good advice regardless of your carry status. If you're being cased for a robbery you probably will not get the chance to draw your weapon without precipitating violence. If you're just a little too paranoid, you risk drawing on an innocent and will get you into very hot water.
Remember that keeping a low profile is best. Also, you're carrying a weapon to protect life, not a few dollars. You should never draw your weapon in public unless there is no other way to prevent serious injury or death. Period.
You can only cry self-defense if you could reasonably be assumed to have been in fear of your life or the life of another. Shooting a bad guy in the street just because he wants your money will get you an orange jumpsuit.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Apr 10 at 2017 11:31 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 11:31:35 -0400

SPC James Harsh Everything is situational. If I have to go to the ATM at night, I try to use a drive up. Anytime I have to insert my card at an unattended machine I pull on the card slot first. Any give, and I leave. Paying attention to the surroundings is important. If others can see me, I go to my car, but I will not leave the lot until I have counted my money. I am always concerned that there will be an error in the dispensing of cash and want to verify everything before leaving. If there are people around and someone demands the money, I would give it to them if the odds were good I would hurt a bystander by resisting. If it is just me and them, I would resist.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Aug 18 at 2019 3:56 PM

SGT Steve McFarland — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 15:56:45 -0400

I rarely use an ATM. Easier and safer to get cash back when I shop.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2020 4:15 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:15:33 -0400

It all sounds very reasonable to me. Of course it is more meaningful if you actually have enough money to take some out!