What is the role of visual control in managing a confrontation?

Visual control in managing a confrontation is crucial for maintaining situational awareness, particularly regarding the subject's hands. This aspect is vital because a person's hands can indicate their intentions; they may be reaching for a weapon or exhibiting other aggressive behavior. By keeping constant awareness of the subject's hands, an officer can assess potential threats in real-time and make informed decisions about how to respond to the situation.

This focus on the hands allows for proactive rather than reactive measures, enhancing personal safety and that of bystanders. Maintaining visual control serves as a deterrent as well, because the subject may be less likely to act aggressively when they know they are being closely monitored.