When in a crowd, do you find yourself planning for what you would do in an emergency such as if a crazed shooter were to occur?

When look into the crowd, I look at from a tactical perspective. I can who is paying attention to the surroundings or if they are mindlessli talking or playing on their smart phone. I can see the ones who will probably be left behind or straggling in the event there is a panic such are people with physical handicaps or if they are in a wheel chair. I look for the loners and the groups of people. Finally, I look for places to take cover and for all the exits and if there are any choke points. The bad guys also do the same thing but for different reason as they would want to inflict the most casualties and damage. Having researching crime for many years, I have come to a conclusion that good guys must think like bad guys to stay a step ahead.

Shortly after 9/11 I happened to be walking with the head of security at the Dallas high raise where I worked. He mentioned that he had been tasked with an "anti-terrorism" plan. He admitted he didn't know where to begin.

It never occurred to him that the little wooden gates on the parking garage wouldn't stop anyone, or that parking a car bomb under the sky bridge would direct the blast into the building...

The shocked look on his and my co-workers face was the first time I realized not everyone saw the world the same way I did.

I don't consider it paranoid... I'm just "situationally aware".

Considering that statistics say 25% of women are the victims of rape, IMO a healthy level of "paranoia" is warranted.

I teach BOTH of my kids to have their "heads on a swivel", both do, my son does more naturally though.

I always try to remain aware of my surrounds. Who is immediately around me, to my sides and rear. Who could possibly be a threat? It is possible to sense a threat level coming from individuals and groups. This has saved my ass multiple times. I concealed carry as a matter of course and keep that side available for response if need be. I walk with confidence and purpose transmitting the signal that I am no threat until threatened but you wouldn't want to go there.

Be the sheep-dog not the sheep, the hunter not the hunted. If a person walks looking toward the ground and avoiding eye contact you identify yourself as prey. It is good to always know your exit, your cover and your capabilities. Let others be the easy prey and most of the time the wolf will move on.

I am not paranoid, I am self-aware. I do not actively hunt wolves but will deactivate them where necessary.

I am hyper-vigilant, so much so that one of my former employers apologized for startling me. The best therapy is to try and integrate as much as possible. In most of my jobs I sought out seclusion and being in any store makes me nervous even if I am doing a charity of some kind.

All day everyday..most especially when I have my 2 year old son with me. Did it tonight in Target.

A plan saves lives!

I always have a plan, it's kind of scary.

Every time! Also, when I set somewhere I prefer my back against the wall so I can see avenues of approach and plan escapes routes. I don't do crowds.

I do it all the time and it not just in crowds. When we go into a restaurant I scan for exits; avoid windows; watch people. While driving I am always looking for an "exit" when in tight traffic. I always park in well lit areas; I scan my vehicle as I approach it; I look in the back seat before opening the doors. Some of it is my military training; some of it is just a feeling of uncertainty of life today.