Lesson 9.6: Aftermath, 911, Statements, and Legal Counsel
A defensive incident does not end when the threat stops.
When safe, create distance, call 911, request police and medical aid, follow lawful commands, and avoid unnecessary statements before legal counsel is involved.
Call 911 When Safe
Give the location. Request police. Request medical aid if anyone is injured. Give a basic description of yourself. Tell the dispatcher if weapons are involved.
Speak clearly and truthfully. Do not lie, exaggerate, guess, or fill in missing details.
When Officers Arrive
Officers may not know who called, who is armed, who is injured, or who still presents a threat.
Keep your hands visible. Follow lawful commands. Do not argue. Do not reach for the firearm unless specifically instructed.
Evidence and Witnesses
Do not move, clean up, unload, reload, rearrange, or collect evidence unless safety requires it.
Point out obvious witnesses, evidence, injuries, cameras, or continuing threats when possible.
Statements and Counsel
Give enough information to get help, identify yourself, identify immediate safety concerns, and preserve obvious evidence.
Save the detailed statement for after legal counsel is involved.
You may say, “I will cooperate. I want to speak with an attorney before giving a detailed statement.”
Do Not Post
Do not post, text dramatic details, joke, argue online, give interviews, or discuss the incident publicly.
Anything said, typed, recorded, posted, shared, or sent may become part of the aftermath.
Davey Defense Standard
Call 911 when safe. Request police and medical aid. Follow lawful commands.
Do not lie, guess, disturb evidence, post, or give a detailed legal statement while flooded by the incident.