In the tense moments following a defensive shooting, a common question arises—when should I contact authorities? The answer is simple: as soon as possible. But there’s more to it than that. In this article, we’ll dive into when, why, and how to make that call to 911 and what you should be prepared to say.

A Guide for Concealed Carriers: Understanding When to Call 911

Understanding Deadly Force

Before we discuss calling the authorities, having a solid understanding of deadly force is crucial. State laws govern the use of lethal force, but the overarching principle remains consistent across all 50 states: deadly force is justified when there is an imminent threat of serious injury or death, and lesser forms of force are unavailable or inadequate.

This concept underpins every defensive scenario involving a firearm. While the specifics may vary by state, your responsibility as an armed citizen remains the same: to act lawfully and within the bounds of justified self-defense.

For those who carry concealed and train regularly, much of the focus tends to be on firearm deployment. Specifically, how to draw your weapon, assess threats, and respond appropriately. However, your actions after deploying your firearm or even during a high-stress event are just as important.

So, when should you make that crucial 911 call? And what should you say? Let’s break it down.

When to Call 911: Sooner Is Always Better

The rule of thumb is clear: call 911 as soon as possible. Whether you’re hearing suspicious noises in the night or dealing with an escalating situation, alerting authorities quickly is essential.

Here’s why:

1. A Recorded Line: When you call 911, your conversation is recorded. This can provide crucial documentation of your actions, intent, and the situation as it unfolds. The recording can become your strongest ally in proving that you acted lawfully and responsibly.
2. First Contact Creates a Narrative of Responsibility: The first person to contact authorities often shapes the narrative. If you make the first call, law enforcement is more likely to see you as the credible party, and you can establish a rapport with the responding officers. This gives you an opportunity to ensure they understand your side of the story from the outset.

Let’s explore two common scenarios where calling 911 becomes critical.

Scenario 1: Shooting on Private Property

Imagine spending a day shooting on private property, following all local ordinances. Suddenly, an upset neighbor arrives to complain about the noise. You safely set your firearm down and engage in conversation. Though heated words might be exchanged, the encounter doesn’t become physical, and the neighbor eventually leaves.

At this point, contacting your local police department is the smart move.

Here’s why:

• You give your deposition first: By calling the authorities, you document your side of the story before the neighbor can file a potentially exaggerated or false claim.
• You build rapport with officers: Establishing a relationship with the officers on duty can work in your favor, especially if the neighbor later accuses you of brandishing a firearm or other threatening behavior.
• The call is recorded: Every word you say is on record. This could be critical later if the neighbor claims you acted aggressively. Your recorded statement will show that you handled the situation calmly and lawfully.

Importantly, you are not required to answer any questions without your attorney present. Having the conversation on record also establishes that you contacted the authorities first, which can prevent legal complications.

Scenario 2: A Possible Intruder in Your Home

Now, imagine you’re home, and you hear a suspicious noise that suggests an intruder. After arming yourself, your first move should be to call 911 before investigating further.

Here’s why:

• A recorded line: As you speak with the dispatcher, you provide real-time information that could exonerate you later if deadly force becomes necessary. You can also give critical updates as the situation unfolds.
• Command presence: As you confront the potential intruder, announcing that you are armed and ordering them to leave can demonstrate that you attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to force.

If you must deploy your firearm, the 911 call will already be documenting the event. Afterward, it’s crucial to inform the dispatcher of key details, including the attacker’s condition.

While it may seem unnecessary—after all, the person just threatened your life—it shows that you value human life and are acting from a responsible, ethical mindset. This can be crucial if the case goes to court.

When calling 911, it’s essential to stay calm and composed. You need to be clear and rational when communicating with the operator. If your attacker is injured, this is also the moment to request medical assistance for them.

Use breathing techniques to slow your heart rate and compose yourself before making the call. A calm demeanor helps ensure that the operator fully understands the situation and that you provide accurate, helpful information.

Key Information to Provide

Once you’ve composed yourself and connected with 911, there are several pieces of crucial information you need to convey.

• Clearly Identify Yourself and Your Location: Start by stating your name, your involvement in a self-defense situation, your exact location, and your phone number. Providing these details first allows law enforcement to respond quickly and efficiently.
• Request Assistance: Always ask for both police and ambulance services to respond, even if no one was physically harmed. The stress of the event may affect you or your family members in unexpected ways, such as a panic attack or elevated heart rate. Requesting medical attention can prevent more serious issues, like a heart attack.
• Describe Yourself to the Authorities: When officers arrive, you need them to identify you easily. Tell the 911 operator your height, body type, and what you’re wearing. This will help law enforcement distinguish you from potential suspects when they arrive on the scene.
• Indicate if the Scene Is Secure: If the threat has been neutralized or the attacker has fled, let the dispatcher know that the situation is under control. This helps officers approach with clarity, knowing that they are not walking into an active shooter situation. If the scene is still unstable, communicate that as well.

Follow a Simple Script

When speaking with the 911 operator, it’s important to stick to a simple, factual script. This will help to avoid accidentally incriminating yourself or providing unnecessary details.

Here’s a straightforward example:

“There has been a shooting. The person attacked me. I was in fear for my life. Send an ambulance and law enforcement. My name is _____. I am located at _____. My phone number is _____. I am wearing ___________ and will meet the officers ______________________.”

This concise script provides the necessary information without oversharing. After relaying these facts, it’s best to hang up and wait for authorities to arrive. Remember, you are not obligated to answer any questions without your attorney, even to a 911 operator.

Call Your Attorney

After speaking with 911, your next call should be to your attorney. Every concealed carrier should have an attorney’s contact information readily available. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process and handle communications with law enforcement, ensuring that you protect your rights from the start.

What Not to Do After the Incident

In the immediate aftermath, there are several things you should avoid doing:

1. Don’t Volunteer Unnecessary Information: Stick to the facts of the situation. Avoid guessing or making speculative statements, such as how many shots you fired. Misstatements can damage your credibility later.
2. Don’t Argue Your Case: Now is not the time to explain or justify your actions to the 911 operator or arriving officers. Leave legal explanations to your attorney.
3. Don’t Admit Fault: Even if you believe you acted within your rights, admitting fault could have severe legal consequences. Stick to the facts and let the legal process unfold.
4. Don’t Discuss the Incident with Bystanders: Refrain from talking about the incident with bystanders or anyone other than your attorney or law enforcement. What you say can be used against you later.
5. Don’t Leave the Scene: Stay at the location until law enforcement arrives. Leaving could be interpreted as fleeing, which may imply guilt.

Final Thoughts

For concealed carriers, deploying a firearm is something you hope never happens. However, if that day comes, handling the situation properly—before, during, and after—is as important as your ability to handle the firearm itself. Calling 911 promptly is an essential part of protecting yourself legally and morally.

By staying calm, communicating clearly, and contacting the authorities first, you protect yourself from legal repercussions. Likewise, you also demonstrate a sense of responsibility and ethics that can be invaluable if you need to defend your actions in court.

Always remember, in any defensive scenario, the recorded 911 call can be your strongest ally.

Shoot safe, train smart, and always be prepared—on and off the range.­­­­­­