It's the walk, not the talk: Behavioral indicators of concealed and unholstered firearms carrying. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meehan, Nathan; Strange, Christopher; Garinther, Alexander
• Is Part Of: Police journal. Volume 94:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Law enforcement -- gun carrying -- crime prevention -- police practice; Police -- Periodicals; Police -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 363.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0032258X20960777
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-258X

Abstract

This article identifies a set of behavioral indicators associated with the carrying of concealed and unholstered handguns. Using qualitative data collected from interviews and focus groups with veteran law enforcement, we outline a variety of cues that, when used appropriately, can help authorities identify people who may be concealing handguns. This work provides a systematic means of assisting the police in identifying and safely interdicting persons who might pose a threat to police or the public. The cues described here contribute to a lexicon that may also serve law enforcement communication, training, and research.