First of all, there's something like 18K state & local LE agencies in the US, covering a lot of geography, ranging from rural to urban and all mixes imaginable. Lots of potential for variable experience, which means a fair potential for varying "results" regarding observing the weapons used by folks of criminal inclination, the experience of criminals with firearms and trying to make predictions.
I'd not disagree with the comments and opinions kraigwy has posted in this thread. BTDT. Looking at "trends" over the course of 25-30+ years tends to give someone a potentially pragmatic "long view".
Yes, snapshots of current "trends" may certainly be valuable for helping to learn to address issues (for local LE). However, does anyone want to guarantee that "hiccups" in patterns that occur locally, or may only be the result of short-term "trends" favored among some criminals in some geographical areas, may not distract from the larger picture that appears over time?
Even the FBI's UCR statistics warn against trying to apply them to specific population areas (and for good reasons).
Then again, people can always pick up and move/travel ... and both criminals and their victims are drawn from among the greater group of people. Things can change.
Listening to the situations and trends reported in LEOKA training (law enforcement officers killed and assaulted) can help working LE better understand what's been observed and learned (from interviewing) from convicted criminals, but I'm unaware of anything similar for private citizens.
All the talk about always having a dedicated defensive weapon on someone's person from 'eyes open' to 'eyes closed' is all well and good, but most people don't live their lives in the constant state of being a warrior of Sparta.
Also, firearms used in the role of dedicated defensive weapons are still just gear, in the larger picture.
Knowledge, mindset and training (initial and recurrent) are still higher on the food chain than simple gear considerations, day in and day out.
FWIW, one of the advantages that may be found in properly organized and structured training classes (besides the obvious potential for hopefully improving one's skillsets) is that some of these side questions may be answered over time.
I'd not disagree with the comments and opinions kraigwy has posted in this thread. BTDT. Looking at "trends" over the course of 25-30+ years tends to give someone a potentially pragmatic "long view".
Yes, snapshots of current "trends" may certainly be valuable for helping to learn to address issues (for local LE). However, does anyone want to guarantee that "hiccups" in patterns that occur locally, or may only be the result of short-term "trends" favored among some criminals in some geographical areas, may not distract from the larger picture that appears over time?
Even the FBI's UCR statistics warn against trying to apply them to specific population areas (and for good reasons).
Then again, people can always pick up and move/travel ... and both criminals and their victims are drawn from among the greater group of people. Things can change.
Listening to the situations and trends reported in LEOKA training (law enforcement officers killed and assaulted) can help working LE better understand what's been observed and learned (from interviewing) from convicted criminals, but I'm unaware of anything similar for private citizens.
All the talk about always having a dedicated defensive weapon on someone's person from 'eyes open' to 'eyes closed' is all well and good, but most people don't live their lives in the constant state of being a warrior of Sparta.
Also, firearms used in the role of dedicated defensive weapons are still just gear, in the larger picture.
Knowledge, mindset and training (initial and recurrent) are still higher on the food chain than simple gear considerations, day in and day out.
FWIW, one of the advantages that may be found in properly organized and structured training classes (besides the obvious potential for hopefully improving one's skillsets) is that some of these side questions may be answered over time.