So, recently I walked into a convenience store late at nite (around 1:00 am) and immediately notice there's no one behind the counter or in the store. I stop walking, sweep my vest aside for easier access to my sidearm, and yell "Hellooooo?". Nothing. At this point, I again carefully sweep the store, peer over the counter (is there somebody laying on the floor?), and take a step or two backwards toward the door as I yell again. This time, a voice answers from the back room and the clerk appears. He explained that he was running water in the back and didn't hear me come in. Everything's cool.
It makes me wonder what someone else would have done and also leads me to ask what kind of situational awareness exercises that others employ. For example, I always visually sweep any establishment I enter; after I enter, I pause and scan all patrons, just to get a feel for who's present. Another thing I always do (say, at a restaurant) is sit with my back in the corner or against the wall so that I know no one is behind me and I can see everyone who enters.
What do you do?
It makes me wonder what someone else would have done and also leads me to ask what kind of situational awareness exercises that others employ. For example, I always visually sweep any establishment I enter; after I enter, I pause and scan all patrons, just to get a feel for who's present. Another thing I always do (say, at a restaurant) is sit with my back in the corner or against the wall so that I know no one is behind me and I can see everyone who enters.
What do you do?