One thing that Villains in Costumes don’t like is Heroes. It goes without saying. This is Especially true when you have Heroes that know what they are doing.
Whether the heroes are part of a group or alone when they encounter villains (Criminals and Lawbreakers) in the process of crimes, violent or otherwise. When they follow the A.C.I.D.S approach it improves their chances of stopping the villains plans in their tracks.
A.C.I.D.S Approach to Foiling Villains Plans
Assess – the situation – is someone in mortal danger? Is it a setup? What weapons might the villains have are are likely to have? Is this a situation that you can handle alone or do you require back up in the form of local enforcement, ie: Police. Will doing nothing be worse than getting involved straight away. Remember that comic hero batman may track a kidnapped victim back to the abode of the villain before enacting a rescue plan.
Call – the Police inform them of the crime in process. Don’t take for granted that someone else has. Location, estimated number of perp’s. Any injured persons. Visible weapons if Any. If the villain is on the move then direction.
Intervene – use common sense here. What is your Aim for Intervening? Would calling the police and tracking the perp’s till the police catch up be enough? It would pay to read up and practice military strategies and tactics when dealing with a number of different situations. Eg: Are you outnumbered? Are you outgunned? Can you surprise them and use that to your advantage? Can you extract the victim with and still be effective? Can you use the Terrain to your advantage? How?
Diffuse – This can also be disarm or dismantle the situation where need be. Inform them that the police are on their way and that their pics have been emailed to your support network should they attack you? Command them to leave but stay together (if part of a group)where possible. Negate threats to safety as a priority unless your priority is to rescue someone then it is a judgment call but be aware that injury or Death is always a possibility.
Safety -Survival – ensure that you and the victims (if any) are safe. Or make them safe as well. Don’t forget your own Safety, you cant save a drowning person if you are unconscious b/c you have been battered against some rocks. Have first aid packs handy and also learn some first aid. Relocate to a safer location if needed, preferably a public location with security cameras or hospital or police station/precinct. If you need to retreat to another position look for a location that will provide protection against the attacks that you are likely to receive.