Well, I have to preface these remarks with the comments that the NRA has a whole set of different rules for any homeowner trapped inside the house by an armed and dangerous intruder. This is where things like: A loud verbal warning, a cell phone, a security safe, trigger lock and handgun, a powerful flashlight, secondary escape and police arrival greeting plans really come in handy. However, few of these precautions are appropriate against a hard fast assault-style attack where premeditated murder is the specific intended goal. For a real life hit man you need to play the game by an entirely different set of rules.
First: If you see the situation developing, visit with the State Police. Tell the (incredulous) interviewing officer of your concerns. (It’s OK if your suspicions are presently unfounded!) Give him the names and addresses of any potential actors. Preface your remarks with a comment, like; ‘It’s probably nothing to worry about; but, if something should happen to me … .’ Do not rely on the interviewer to keep accurate notes, either. Put everything in writing, yourself, and afterwards mail a hard copy of your interview report to the State Police barracks.
Second: Harden your own living environment. Get a big dog(s). Go online and checkout security websites for any of the really excellent wireless perimeter alarms that are around today. You’d be amazed at what you can buy for less than $500.00!
Third: (And often overlooked) Wear your sidearm! It ain’t going to do you any good if it’s in the other room when you need it!
Fourth: Discuss your, ‘action plan’ with whomever lives with you. Each of you should know what to expect and how to respond. If it happens, all you’ll get (and all you’ll need) is a brief initial warning. That’s enough time to get vested, locked, and loaded.
Fifth: Anytime you sense an attack is about to occur, hit 911 on your cell phone; leave it connected to the operator; but don’t waste valuable, ‘trigger time’ trying to explain what’s going on. Nowadays most cell phones are GPS equipped; the police WILL be able to listen to what’s happening as well as to locate you.
Sixth: Expect everything to happen very, very fast because it will! Do not move around looking for your attacker. Make him come to you, instead. Have a, ‘fallback position’ (and weapons) ready for after the first shots are fired. If you must leave cover, then, let the dog at him - first. By following the dog into the fight you’ll be able to sight-in on him before he’s able to focus on you.
Seventh: Know your weapon(s) very well. Your hardware shouldn’t change. You should always be using and carrying the right gun(s) and other equipment.
Eighth: Deliberately vary your daily routines and travel times. The most dangerous event you’ll have to prepare for is, ‘the setup’. Any assailant who truly knows what he’s doing will try to get you off your own ground before attacking. The most dangerous things you can do while being actively stalked is to travel, use an automobile, or isolate yourself - in any way - from immediate public view. Parking lots, parks, sidewalks, quiet restaurants, restrooms, and (Are you ready for the last one?) large tightly-packed crowds are the most dangerous places to find yourself.
Ninth: Watch what you say on the telephone or to, ‘friends’ about where you’ll be or what you’ll be doing! Your own mouth is the primary mean of discovery about yourself and your daily habits. You need to clearly understand that you can’t afford to trust, either, other people or unexpected events. I’ve studied these personalities for many years; in my experience, the vast majority of criminals who commit this sort of crime are inveterate cowards. They won’t attempt an attack on a, ‘hard target’.
In this regard your biggest threat won’t come from a lone gunman; it’s a team of multiple assailants that you’ve really got to worry about. You will definitely need: advance preparation, some sort of warning system, (I prefer silent.) a good dog(s), an initial as well as a backup firing position, (and weapons) and you are going to have to resolve that determined fighting is your only way out.
But wait, it gets better! Now things are really serious. Anytime you go up against 2 or more assailants, well then, in addition to all of the above, you’re probably also going to need to know something about defensive and evasive driving maneuvers, too.
Tenth: Say your prayers; make yourself right with God; and be ready to, ‘go for broke’ at a moment’s notice. Me? I’d expect some sort of trickery, first, before an actual, ‘hard attack’. Nevertheless, being stalked by hit men may not be as bad as you think.. Personally, I’ve always thought that old age is much worse; but, hey, life can be boring and, anyway, that’s just me!
PS: Sometimes, I thoroughly enjoy reading these (mostly silly) threads; and, in this regard, I really loved your post, ‘BDC’!