The Distraction

In this Scenario Saturday edition of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby explains how distraction tactics work, why they’re so effective, and how to spot them before they turn into real threats. Learn how to keep a 360° mindset, train your family to recognize diversion plays, and project the kind of awareness that makes you a hard target. Plus, practice a simple roleplay drill to strengthen your family’s awareness together.

Episode Transcript

(02:53):
We are still with the Johnson family as they pull into a rest stop on their evacuation route.
Emily takes the kids inside, and a stranger approaches Daniel in the parking
lot, asking for directions.
While Daniel is engaged, another person drifts a little bit closer to the car, glancing inside.
Nothing's happened yet, but the setup is clear. One person distracts,

(03:18):
the other exploits the opening. It's a common tactic, and without awareness,
it's easy to miss until it is too late.
At Amcon, we teach that situational awareness means seeing beyond the obvious.
Not every threat announces itself loudly.
In fact, many begin very quietly, with something as simple as a stranger's question.

(03:40):
Distraction tactics are common because they exploit our natural instincts.
We're wired to respond when someone asks for help.
Most of us want to be polite, but awareness requires balancing courtesy with caution.
If one person commands all of your attention, ask yourself, what else is happening

(04:00):
around me while I'm focused here?
This principle extends beyond the parking lot.
In retail thefts, one person may engage a cashier while another slips items away.
In personal safety scenarios, one individual may strike up a conversation while
an accomplice closes distance.
Even in emergencies, false alarms can be used to divert resources while another

(04:25):
vulnerability is exploited.
The key is to keep a 360 mindset.
If someone approaches, widen your awareness. Don't narrow it.
Where are their hands? Who else is nearby?
What's happening at your car, your kids, your exit?
By training yourself to zoom out instead of tunnel in, you maintain control of the whole picture.

(04:48):
And here's the empowering part. Most threats evaporate once they realize they've been noticed.
Criminals look for easy targets. A family that projects alertness,
where mom and dad are scanning, the kids are close, and no one looks distracted
is far less likely to be chosen.
Situational awareness doesn't mean living in a state of paranoia.

(05:10):
It means understanding that distraction is a tool and refusing to be the easy mark it relies on.
So today's challenge is to talk with your family about distraction tactics.
Roleplay a simple scenario. One
person approaches with a question while another tries to get too close.
Practice keeping distance, staying polite but firm, and most importantly,

(05:35):
keeping awareness on the bigger picture.
Awareness doesn't just protect you. It trains your kids and teammates to recognize
when something feels off.
That habit alone can stop trouble before it ever starts.
Tomorrow, we're going to close the week's arc with a Sunday reflection,
how practicing awareness doesn't create fear, but actually builds peace of mind.

(05:59):
Because the more you see, the less you have to fear.
As always, thanks for listening to the AMCON Daily Brief. If you're already
a member, make sure and check out the resources available on our members-only website.
And if you're not a member yet, head over to AmericanContingency.com and join
the network to start building real resilience today.

(06:20):
I'm Tom Rigsby. Stay alert, stay ready, and I'll talk to you again tomorrow.