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Similarly, I just need to make a predator think long enough that the next target will be easier.

Exactly.

In this example, the criminal has completed phase 1 (Target selection) and 2 (Target approach), and is in the process of phase 3 (Final target assessment) where the film begins. Examine the non-verbal communication between the two, in particular the posture and distance, and you can see why the target was selected, and why the threats' intentions should have been perfectly clear long before he launches his attack.

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Lets look at it from the criminals point of view first:

1. Target selection - Target seems smaller physically and could be overpowered or intimidated. Target has possessions that may be of worth. Target is alone, and in location conducive to an attack. [attack conditions met = yes]

2. Target approach - Target is non-responsive to the approach. Target is displaying passive body language and does not look like it will resist. Target appears to be intimidated and is keeping its head down and won't look at me, possibly out of fear. [attack conditions met = yes]

3. Final target assessment - Target remains completely passive. Target does NOT defend personal space, and probably won't resist much. [attack conditions met = yes]

4. Assume attack position - Make final position adjustment, attempt to distract, and attack. [attack conditions met = yes]

5. Launch attack - SUCCESS! I'M THE MAN!!!.....WHOA....wait a min....what the....holy! Oh no, I think I'm getting chok..ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............. [attack = FAIL]

Now lets examine it from the citizen perspective:

1. Target selection - Why is this dude eyeing me up and down, and why is he alone and hanging out in a subway? The dude looks like a thug. (Course of action: project confidence and strength in body language. LOOK at the potential threat and gauge their reaction to YOUR look. If they have the "crap, they see me..." expression on their face, something is up.

2. Target approach - Why is this dude closing the distance toward me? I better keep this dude at arms length. (Course of action: Observe the approach, identify avenues of possible retreat, prepare for defense in place, assume non-threatening defensive posture, extend arm and tell the dude to hold outside of personal space)

3. Final target selection - Why is this dude trying to "square up" to me / breach my personal space / not complying with my request to leave? (Course of action: Maintain distance and defensive posture conveying you consider them a threat and WILL defend your personal space, TELL them to beat feet, non-compliance combined with intentional breach of personal space means hostile intent and the immediate need to defend yourself accordingly, which may or may not include the use of force.

Bottom line: Even if the target DID project strength, he would more than likely have been approached, HOWEVER, had he recognized the non-verbal communication displayed by the threat and acted on it, he could have challenged the threat at arms length, which would have required the attacker to reveal his intent to attack. That challenge may have been enough to convince the attacker it wasn't worth the trouble.

After seeing yet another post involving a criminal attack that clearly displayed intent prior to the attack itself, I believe that the discussion of non-verbal communication merits a separate thread, especially during this time of year when a lot of folks will be out shopping at all hours.

Most opportunistic criminals become very adept at observing and interpreting non-verbal communication signals in order to select an appropriate target, and while having a physical advantage over a target is an important factor, strength is meaningless without the will to use it, and that will (or lack there of) can usually be assessed prior to launching an attack.

While there are many different takes on the same process (a process shared with 4 legged predators), criminals usually undergo a process that revolves around the following:

1. Target selection
2. Target approach (movement to / wait for)
3. Final target assessment
4. Assume attack position
5. Launch attack

Throughout this process, the criminal is using non-verbal communication signals sent by the target to determine whether or not to continue the process and launch an attack. As a potential target, the goal is to first, send non-verbal communication signals that project strength of body AND mind, and second, to identify and recognize those displaying and exhibiting predatory non-verbal communication signals.

These two vids were posted here before, and clearly show how this process is applied by the criminal:

1. This criminal goes through each step prior to launching his attack, and each phase can be easily identified.

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2. This criminal does the same thing, but much more quickly, and he is much more subtle in his approach. However, despite trying to mask his intent, he clearly gives non-verbal communication signals of hostile intent with his gaze, and his movement. Notice as he walks in, he stares at the target from behind (first assessment), than he stares again beside the target as they have what looks like a small trivial verbal exchange (final target assessment, he saw no suspicion or signs of resistance in the eyes of the target, and the target body language does not project strength), he looks AGAIN just prior to assuming his attack position and makes a final position shift for the attack (final target check, target completely ignoring the threat), since all of his criteria has been met, he launches his attack.

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Every criminal is different, and there are no doubt some who use violence simply because they LIKE to use violence. However, most criminals are looking for the easy target, and will not waste an attack on a target that is likely to offer resistance, REGARDLESS of any physical advantage they may have over their target, and it is this type of criminal that we can more easily deter through the recognition and use of non-verbal communication.

Think about, and practice, using non-verbal countermeasures to the predatory / criminal process:

1. Target selection - Looking for weakness and the ability to surprise the target.

Citizen counter: Project strength of body and mind through confident posture and awareness. LOOK at those around you, and view those staring at you like a piece of meat with suspicion, and gaze at them long enough so that THEY know that YOU know they are watching you.

2. Target approach (movement to / wait for) - Looks to see if target notices them and their reaction (fear/suspicion/anger/defensive posture), tries to maintain element of surprise.

Citizen counter: Monitor the approach while projecting confidence (won't be intimidated), assume a defensive, but not overtly aggressive, posture (interview stance, firing side protected and accessible). Protect and maintain your personal space. (Move to a better position if needed. I use my extended arm with palm faced out in a "stop" signal and TELL them "what's up", this sends a clear message and pretty much stops their forward movement in an instant)

3. Final target assessment - Tests mental resolve with banter, assesses whether or not target can be intimidated and if it will resist. Tests to see if personal space can be breached and what the reaction is.

Citizen counter: PROTECT your personal space, and look for signs of them intentionally invading it. (Move. TELL them to back up or BACK them up if you are able) Be, confident and direct but courteous. "NO thank you." "I'm NOT interested, thank you." "BACK UP, please."


4. Assume attack position - Attempts to secure position to launch successful attack with weapon of choice (hand, gun, knife, whatever) Attempts to block line of retreat or reinforcement.

Citizen counter: Recognize this positioning, and counter position yourself to prevent and defend against it. After an initial warning, I consider a deliberate breach of my personal space hostile intent, and will immediately defend myself accordingly in order to prevent any attack, and this defense MAY include the use of force depending on the situation. There are only two reasons strangers deliberately share personal space, and both reasons start with the letter "F", and since I am fully clothed in public, ONE of those "F" words is simply not practical, so I assume their intent is to perform the other...

5. Launch attack - Self explanatory....

Citizen counter: Do the best you can with what you can.

Long post, I know, but I believe it is an important topic and worthy of discussion.

Bottom line: LOOK for non-verbal signals of hostile intent, as they are evident prior to almost EVERY attack in a gaze, a posture, or a movement. PROJECT non-verbal signals that make you look like a tough target, and should you encounter a threat, act decisively and with confidence BEFORE they can launch their attack.

Stay safe folks.