ASO ASO Weapons Retention and Tactical Positioning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest position for an armed security officer's hands when standing near a potentially hostile individual, allowing for a quick draw if necessary?
- Arms fully crossed over the chest
- Hands in pockets for concealment
- Hands in a 'ready' position near the midsection, not on the weapon (Correct answer)
- One hand resting on the holster at all times
Correct answer: Hands in a 'ready' position near the midsection, not on the weapon
A hands-ready position near the midsection allows for fast reaction without prematurely presenting the weapon or appearing aggressive.
Question 2: When moving through a hallway or corridor while armed, an officer should position their weapon-side:
- Toward the wall to protect the firearm from grabs (Correct answer)
- Toward the open center of the corridor
- Behind the officer to protect from rear attack
- At the leading edge so the firearm is most accessible
Correct answer: Toward the wall to protect the firearm from grabs
Keeping the weapon-side close to the wall limits angles from which a subject could attempt to disarm the officer.
Question 3: Which of the following is a key reason armed security officers are trained to use cover rather than concealment during a threat response?
- Cover is always closer than concealment
- Cover stops bullets; concealment only hides the officer (Correct answer)
- Concealment requires more training to use effectively
- Cover is required by federal law for armed officers
Correct answer: Cover stops bullets; concealment only hides the officer
Cover (such as concrete walls or engine blocks) provides ballistic protection, whereas concealment (such as shrubs or drywall) only hides the officer's position.
Question 4: An armed officer notices someone attempting to unsnap their holster from behind. The BEST immediate response is to:
- Draw the firearm immediately and turn to fire
- Drop to one knee and cover the holster
- Spin away from the attacker while securing the holster with the strong hand (Correct answer)
- Call for backup and wait for instructions
Correct answer: Spin away from the attacker while securing the holster with the strong hand
Spinning away creates distance and disrupts the attacker's grip while the strong hand secures the weapon in the holster.
Question 5: When an armed security officer must pass through a doorway, the recommended tactic is to:
- Stop in the doorway and scan both sides before entering
- Move through the doorway quickly to minimize time in the 'fatal funnel' (Correct answer)
- Back through the doorway to keep the weapon away from the threshold
- Hold the door open and wait for backup before proceeding
Correct answer: Move through the doorway quickly to minimize time in the 'fatal funnel'
The doorway is called the 'fatal funnel' because it limits movement and focuses potential fire; moving through quickly reduces exposure.
Question 6: Which holster carry position is most commonly recommended for armed security officers who must frequently enter and exit vehicles?
- Small of back (SOB) carry
- Strong-side hip (3 o'clock) carry (Correct answer)
- Appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) carry
- Shoulder holster carry
Correct answer: Strong-side hip (3 o'clock) carry
Strong-side hip carry is the standard duty position because it is accessible, minimizes accidental discharge risk during vehicle ingress/egress, and works with most duty belt systems.
ASO ASO Weapons Retention and Tactical Positioning 2
What is the safest position for an armed security officer's hands when standing near a potentially hostile individual, allowing for a quick draw if necessary?