shooting tactics in vehicle

[GlockTalk9]

Assuming you are driving in the patrol car and 100 yards away in front of you is a drive-by shooting in progress. The suspect vehicle contains 4 shooters of which the backseat passengers are using assault weapons. What would your move be? Get out the vehicle and use it as cover?

[fullrearview]

Are they driving away from me, or towards me. Do I have thier attention yet? What/who are they shooting at? Can I visibly see victims getting shot? Are the victims shooting back at them?

There are so many variables there, so there is also no "right way" of handling it, with the exception getting home safely.

1st thing I would do is get the AR out, have a round chambered and slung over my neck (I patrol in an expedition, so I'm granted a bit more room, allowing me to do this, and have done it while driving). 2nd is call out what I see and try to get a perimeter and air support (But, being that I work the mountains, backup will be at least 15 min away, and air support will be 30-45 min away).

While I don't go looking for a fight, I would much rather they see me and start directing their attention to me....Inocent people don't shoot back, but I do!

[Massappeal]

Assuming you are driving in the patrol car and 100 yards away in front of you is a drive-by shooting in progress. The suspect vehicle contains 4 shooters of which the backseat passengers are using assault weapons. What would your move be? Get out the vehicle and use it as cover?

4 armed felons some with assault weapons against 1 cop? That doesn't sound like a very good situation no matter what until more back up comes. but I'm not a officer so I have no clue
maybe they should start issuing RPG's for cases like this

[GlockTalk9]

assuming they spotted the patrol vehicle, shooting people on sidewalk and heading toward your direction.

its a horrible situation and i ask because i work doing armed security. it just came up to my mind at work. we only carry whats in our holster. the company has us drive black crown victorias that were previous UC police cars that can be misleading. a drive by shooting occurred 2 nights ago (toward houses, not security) and wanted to prepare ahead of time. im not a sworn officer (obviously) and looking to see whats the best decision as far as safety goes.

and yes, im seeking a new job. the risk factor over weighs what they pay/offer me.

[AJAX22]

I'd call gecko45 for an expert opinion on tactical engagements

[9mmepiphany]

The common mis-conception...I think it's from TV...is that you would either get out of the car to shoot (very bad), using it as cover (almost as bad) or shoot from the car (very dated and very bad, if you value your hearing).

If you are in a ton and a half vehicle, which you can accelerate to any reasonable speed, how much energy do you think you have at your disposal...believe me it's more than any handgun you might have handy.

In that kind of situation, my first choice would be to escape the "kill zone"...that's why they have the big "R" on the steering column

[1911su16b870]

In the OP scenario, IMO drive to cover, put it out over the radio and engage with your patrol rifle from cover.

cover = something that will stop bullets.

[thetaxman]

I'd call gecko45 for an expert opinion on tactical engagements

Where did gecko45 go? I really miss all his wisdom.

[eltee]

Follow the BG vehicle (since they have spotted you) and pretend to lose them. Follow undetected. When they arrive at their destination, call your C.I. in the rival gang, give up their location. Be sure to use a cold phone. When the fireworks start, hold off, after a suitable delay call in a "shots heard..." report to dispatch, set up adequate support and tactics, scoop up all the survivors from the two gang shootout.

[Jonathan Doe]

You have the radio in the patrol car. Use it with emergency clearance (10-33 with my agency). Definitely like to get an air unit in the air.

[BigDogatPlay]

In that kind of situation, my first choice would be to escape the "kill zone"...that's why they have the big "R" on the steering column

^^^This^^^ Then call it in and if possible try to follow from a reasonably safe distance.

A guy I know got his windshield shot out with a 5.56mm rifle trying to make a car stop on a couple of actors one night. Not much fun to be had there, according to him.

[IrishJoe3]

4 armed felons some with assault weapons against 1 cop? :

Call in close air support!!

[nobody33]

My crown victoria is the largest caliber weapon I take with me on patrol. If it comes to it, buckle up and ran them. There was a good video of this tactic being used by a game warned back east some where... with an well placed M4 head shot as a follow up.

I love some of these tactical questions on here. Realistically you're not going to be able to stop them. We're civilian police, were not manned or equipped to deal with warfare.

[TRICKSTER]

That's why we have air support.

I WISH.

[masameet]

My crown victoria is the largest caliber weapon I take with me on patrol. If it comes to it, buckle up and ran them. There was a good video of this tactic being used by a game warned back east some where... with an well placed M4 head shot as a follow up ....

That would be the wildlife warden who rammed the vehicle of the suspects who murdered two West Memphis (AR) LEOs. Dashcam videos as well as the helicopter video showing the ramming are on YT now. Interestingly the killers supporters are saying they were set up for political reasons and were not the actual killers.