Survival isn't just a skill, it's a mindset—especially in law enforcement. Officers are trained to operate in high-risk environments, often with little warning. While very few citizens will ever encounter the risks and situations that we face on the job, many of the principles that keep us safe in uniform can be applied to civilian life. Here are five foundational elements of a preparedness and survival mindset, with both the law enforcement perspective and the civilian parallel:
1. Awareness of your surroundings
Law Enforcement Perspective:
Complacency kills. Officers must constantly scan their environment—not just for potential threats, but for exits, cover, or unusual behavior. This “combat mindset” means staying alert even during routine tasks. Tunnel vision is dangerous, especially in unpredictable situations.
Civilian Parallel:
Criminals target the unaware. Walking through a parking lot with your eyes glued to your phone, headphones in, or head down makes you an easy mark (more on this below). Instead, keep your head up, look around constantly and trust your gut. Be aware of who's around you, especially in isolated or unfamiliar areas.
2. Don't get distracted—especially by your phone
Law Enforcement Perspective:
The phone is the arch-enemy of situational awareness—for most people, it is a nearly 24/7 distraction. In uniform, distraction means missing a cue, a threat, or a teammate in need. And that, of course, can lead to very bad outcomes. Officers must resist the urge to check messages or social media when working, especially when in public or unsecured locations.
Civilian Parallel:
Just because you’re not wearing a uniform, or not sitting in a patrol car, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the risk of phone distraction seriously. Checking texts as you leave the store or unlocking your car while scrolling can leave you vulnerable. Distraction delays reaction. Staying alert and developing a “heads-up” habit gives you precious time to avoid danger or make a decision that can save your wallet, your car or your life. Your phone can wait.
3. Know your equipment: location, access, and transitions
Law Enforcement Perspective:
Every second counts. Whether it’s your flashlight, baton or CEW, OC spray, cuffs, radio or firearm, You must know instinctively where your gear is and how to deploy it under stress. You must practice transitioning fluidly between tools until it becomes second nature. Fumbling in a high-stress, threat situation can be fatal.
Civilian Parallel:
Your “equipment” might be your car keys, personal alarm or self-defense tool, such as a personal OC device. Have your keys in hand before you exit the building. Know how your pepper spray works before you need it. If you carry any self-defense tool, especially a firearm, know it like the back of your hand and train with it constantly. Confidence and competence come only from practice and repetition.
4. Know your capabilities and understand your weaknesses
Law Enforcement Perspective:
Being a great cop doesn’t mean you’re great at everything. To be sure, you should know your strengths and leverage them. But you must also know your limits—whether physical, emotional or tactical—and train to improve in those areas. Overestimating yourself in a confrontation can lead to costly mistakes. Survival is about smart decisions, not ego.
Civilian Parallel:
You don’t have to be a fighter to survive. On the contrary, as is often said, the best fight is the one you avoid. Trust your gut; If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t try to confront a threat if you don’t have the training or ability—it’s OK to run. Have an escape route in mind, call for help, and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way if there’s an alternative. Survival means choosing safety over pride.
5. Have a plan before you need It
Law Enforcement Perspective:
Officers are trained to develop plans on the fly—or better yet, to plan before stepping into different situations. That means mentally rehearsing scenarios: where would I go if I got ambushed? What’s my backup plan? Who and where is my closest support?
Civilian Parallel:
Planning applies here, too. Before walking to your car at night, check your surroundings. Have your keys ready. Know where you parked. If something feels off, don’t walk alone — ask for an escort, or wait until the area clears. Set yourself up for success before a situation becomes dangerous.
The bottom line: survival is about awareness, preparation and humility
Whether you wear a badge or not, the goal is the same: go home safe. You don’t need to be a hero, you just need to be smart.
For officers, that means rigorous training, attention to detail and knowing your tools and limits.
For civilians, it means staying alert and aware, avoiding risky situations and behavior, and having a plan. It's OK to say no… to leave… to run… to make a scene… or to call for help. Your safety is always more important than your pride.
We can all learn from each other. And when it comes to survival, the best tactic is to stay ahead of the threat before it finds you.
