Prevention And Training May Help You Avoid Being A Victim

Steve Hensyel demonstrates his simulator that helps individuals learn more about potential threats and when the use of force may be necessary.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The news is often scary, and it’s even scarier when serious crimes hit near home and in our own small town.

Police agencies like the Oskaloosa Police Department often publish information that is designed to help individuals stay as safe as possible in their homes, plus offering tips to help prevent burglary and other forms of theft.

A couple of those tips are making sure your doors are locked, even while you are home, and having a well lit yard, in particular any doors and garage areas that may be inviting to a potential burglar. Motion sensor lights also help to deter a potential burglar.

One of the most powerful tools is to get to know your neighbors and let them know when you are gone. An extra set of eyes is always a good thing, possibly preventing a theft or burglary.

Many of those same tips that are used to help secure your home can also work to help protect your next most valuable asset, your car.

Lock your car and make sure it’s in a well lit location if possible. Remove the keys from the car and make sure valuables are removed. Even spare change in your cup-holder can be a tempting target for theft.

“If you see suspicious activity such as individuals looking in vehicles, walking close to vehicles or individuals out at a late hour, call and report it immediately.

When violent crimes make the news, many people will consider purchasing a firearm as a means of protecting themselves.

Steve Hensyel owns Hawkeye Firearms Instruction in Oskaloosa. We sat down with Hensyel to discuss ways of helping to protect yourself from being the victim of a crime.

When it comes to use of force, Hensyel said that people jump to the conclusion that just because someone is in your home, that you can shoot them. “That might not work out good,” says Hensyel.

“What if the drunk kid in your kitchen was your son? You come around the corner and there’s your son in the dark.”

“Identify the threat. Make sure they are an actual threat before you use force,” says Hensyel.

“Use of force is a last resort,” Hensyel said, “It’s the last thing on your list, it’s your last option when you have no other options.”

Hensyel said that what he teaches his students, who are looking to carry a weapon, is the use of force continuum. Force continuum is “when you can use force as a civilian.”

“It’s a last resort when you feel your life is in danger, or someone elses.” Explained Hensyel. “If you’re the type of person that flies off the handle or has emotional issues or just let your ego get in the way, then carrying a weapon is probably not for you.”

Hensyel says he got the virtual trainer as another option to offer his clients. The simulator saves on ammunition and offers a safe environment for further training, for learning more about a threat and when force may or may not be needed. “I can bring people in here who are nervous about guns, who have maybe never shot, and they are unsure if they even want to shoot,” says Hensyel. “It offers a safe environment for people to learn.”

“The main thing is for the judgmental training,” says Hensyel of the simulator. “To teach that shoot, no-shoot.”

During the training, individuals will be facing situations that may have a potential intruder to their home, a car-jacking or situations in public. The user of the simulator has to make sure the person in the scenario is truly a threat before use of force, even when in your home.

Henyel said that facing the scenarios outlined in the simulator are what is really critical to a better understanding of when force may be necessary. “This is along the use of force continuum. Do they have the ability, the opportunity, the jeopardy and can you avoid it. The preclusion, it teaches that as well.”