Under which circumstances is it advisable to draw your weapon?

The advisable circumstance to draw your weapon is when an aggressive subject has a visible weapon. This is a critical moment when the potential for harm increases significantly. If a subject displays aggression while holding a weapon, it poses an immediate threat to both your safety and the safety of others around you. In such situations, drawing your weapon is a necessary measure to protect yourself and others and to address the threat appropriately.

The visibility of the weapon, combined with the aggressive behavior of the subject, necessitates a heightened level of situational awareness and readiness to respond effectively. This action is in line with the principles of use of force, which emphasize the need for proportionality and immediate response to threats.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not present the same immediate danger that would justify drawing a weapon. Having backup support may create a more secure environment, but it does not inherently require the drawing of a weapon unless a threat arises. A secure area suggests there are no active threats that would necessitate a weapon drawn. Similarly, if the subject is compliant, there is no reason to escalate the situation by drawing a weapon, as compliance indicates a lack of immediate threat.