If an attacker tries to steal an officer's weapon, what should be the first response?

Turning the weapon or holster is crucial when an attacker attempts to steal an officer's weapon because it serves multiple purposes. This action helps to create distance between the officer and the attacker, reducing the likelihood of the weapon being taken. By turning the weapon or holster, the officer can protect their firearm from being accessed and can maintain control over the situation.

This tactic also allows the officer to position their body in a way that makes it more difficult for the attacker to succeed. It can provide an opportunity to regain control, reposition, or create an opening to escape or seek assistance. In critical situations where an officer's firearm is threatened, securing the weapon effectively can be a decisive factor in ensuring personal safety and maintaining authority in the encounter.

Options that suggest hitting the attacker or shouting for help might be immediate reactions, but without first securing the weapon, those actions could escalate the threat or lead to unwanted consequences. Dropping the weapon would further endanger the officer and could result in the attacker gaining access to a firearm, which is highly undesirable. Therefore, turning the weapon or holster represents a proactive and strategic response to mitigate the immediate threat.