part of protecting yourself is learning to ID a threat. if you see a threat first try to out of the situation by running and acting crazy.

if forced to confront a threat. Your confidence in use of your self defense method of choice needs to be second nature.

train on the basics. over and over. in the case of a firearm 100 rounds ain't it.

dry fire
deployment of method of choice
front sight, front sight and more front sight.
get training from a pro and generally, the local LEO is not it.

most people are harmed by someone they know. Pattern of Life being mixed up as the normal, will help protect you against predators.