We’ve written previously about CCW Safe and why we believe a membership with them is vitally important for each reader to hold. We’ve even published the story of CCW Safe member, Mike, who had to use his membership coverage after he was involved in a personal defense shooting. In this post, we tap into someone on the inside of the organization – a valued member of their Critical Response Team (CRT), team lead Cris Cunningham.
Cris Cunningham Background
Cris Cunningham boasts a background of 31 years with the Oklahoma City Police Department, starting in 1992. She worked in patrol, IMPACT (narcotics and crime prevention), community relations, investigations, media relations, was a homicide detective for 17 years and spent the last two years of her career in the child pornography/Internet crimes against children unit. Cris believes that time spent in IMPACT allowed her to cut her teeth with the idea of thinking outside the box when solving homicides and other crimes, as she was exposed to a wide variety of crimes.
Cris was the first member of her family to go into public service. Her goal was always to become a homicide detective, even at the beginning of her career. She initially wanted a position as a federal officer, and took a job with her local police department to get the experience needed to apply for a federal position. She wound up falling in love with the job, and never made the intended move to the federal level.
While she worked in investigations, she took on the challenge of working officer-involved shootings. She promised the officers graduating from the police academy that if they did their jobs, she would do hers. She says that she always tried to perform really clean investigations, where she was always at her best and wearing multiple hats.
Cris met CCW Safe’s CEO Mike Darter through their shared time at the Oklahoma City Police Department. Cris says that 31 years was a long time to see what she saw while working with the police department, and she was ready to retire and enjoy life. But her plan was altered by an offer from CCW Safe. Her current role is as the CRT Lead, a position she has held since 2023.
We asked Cris questions about her role at CCW Safe.
1 – It sounds like you earned a peaceful retirement. What made you leave it to work for CCW Safe?
I spent many years working within the criminal justice system and it is definitely broken. The team at CCW Safe is able to provide something for their members that is immeasurable. They provide ALL the support both legally, and personally, to their members. They have a response plan that allows the member to focus on their personal recovery while the experienced professionals handle the heavy work. I feel this approach allows the member the space to breathe and get the proper representation immediately following what could be the most traumatic event of their lives.
As an investigator who saw citizens get overrun by the system simply because they did not have the financial means or knowledge to properly defend themselves, it is very rewarding to be part of this team.
2 – What is the role of the CRT Lead?
My role is to respond to the member, in person, and handle anything they may need in the immediate future. I explain what their plan provides and speak to them about the general process that is in front of them.
CRT members have hand delivered the amount needed for a member’s bond. We then met the member upon release from jail.
In past responses I have relocated members to hotels as they were not able, or not comfortable staying in their residence as a result of the incident. I have arranged for crime scene cleanup when the incident occurred in the member residence.
I have taken members shopping for basic needs and clothing as they were not able to obtain items before leaving their residence. I am also available for any questions for assistance from the member after the incident. This includes counseling requests and other issues that are not related to the legal or civil defense.
3 – With your background as an investigator, how do you wear your investigator hat during the process after the personal defense incidents with CCW Safe members?
I am able to provide some insight to the owners and coverage committee based on my experience. But my role with our members is simply as support. I speak to them about the criminal justice system in general. We do not discuss the specifics of the incident as those conversations should only take place with their attorney.
4 – Transitioning from being an OKC police officer to CRT member at CCW Safe, you are able to be more helpful in reassuring members that everything will be OK. You can keep them from being “steam-rolled” by the judicial process. How important is that role in the service that CCW Safe provides its members?
I think it is important to note that CCW Safe cannot guarantee the outcome of any incident. What CCW Safe does provide is the most experienced team in the industry, from law enforcement and legal experience combined.
The team that will be involved with the member will provide the best available representation in the industry. It is the team and the approach of CCW Safe that provides the member with the resources needed to prevent the member from being “steam-rolled” during the grueling process that is the judicial process.
5 – I’ve heard that a personal defense incident can initially be called a homicide. Can you expand on that?
Without context I cannot speak directly to the quote you mentioned. I would say it is important to note that most calls to law enforcement do not get called in as a “self-defense incident.” The calls are vague with initial information being a “disturbance,” “shooting,” “trouble unknown” or sometimes completely incorrect of what occurred. Most officers arrive with limited information or no information. It is not until witnesses are interviewed and scene investigations are done before the clarity of what occurred can be determined.
The importance of this for anyone involved in a self defense incident is they cannot assume the nature of the incident is obvious to law enforcement. They need to make sure they protect themselves, and their rights, by obtaining legal assistance as soon as possible. This provides them with an advocate (their attorney) who can help guide them through a very stressful situation.
6 – In 2025 you helped create a series around Situational Awareness. What do you want women to understand about situational awareness as it affects them and their safety?
I would tell them “situational awareness” is a catch phrase for gut instinct. It is simply paying attention to your surroundings and recognizing when you are uncomfortable.
It can be in public (city park, parking garage, driving your car) or at social/private events (office parties, restaurants, other gatherings). It is OK to leave or ask for assistance if you feel uncomfortable. Many times women will discount their “gut instinct” because they do not want to be an inconvenience to someone.
7 – During the CCW Safe Podcast Ep. 135: Cris Cunningham Part 2 you are interviewed by Mike Darter, and discuss the subject of perception. Please would you tell our readers more about perception and the role it plays in a defense situation?
The video’s information referred to the individual experiences and perceptions we bring into our lives.
I was specifically referring to how each involved party’s perceptions, shaped by their life experiences, can lead to assumptions. When this happens, the facts of the incidents can be seen in very different lights depending on the individual’s role.
This is important because each can paint a very different picture of what happened or how an incident developed. When witnesses only see part of an incident their idea of who the aggressor was can differ from a witness that saw the entire incident.
In a society where people reasonably believe cameras are “everywhere,” it’s important to remember that the whole story often remains unseen due to many moving parts. Many say “perception is reality,” when in fact, it can be the farthest thing from what really happened.
8 – You advise people to give basic information to an officer after a shooting or other personal defense incident. What would that entail?
I would encourage someone to provide the basic needed information. Advise them what you are wearing and what the other involved party is wearing. If anyone, including you, is armed, state what type of weapon. Where are the weapons? If the other person has left, give a description of how they left (on foot, or in a car with a description of the vehicle). What direction did they go?
Regardless of physical injuries immediately known, ask for an ambulance. Your adrenaline may prevent you from realizing the significance of your injury. The other party may need medical assistance.
This information would be considered “public safety” information. It helps prevent misunderstandings that can result in others being injured.
DO NOT disclose any details of the incident during your initial call for assistance. Those excited statements can be misunderstood and if they are incorrect or inaccurate, it can be problematic for you during the investigation.
9 – What services provided by CCW Safe do you tell your family and friends about?
I am a big proponent of our Ultimate Plan. It offers the most comprehensive membership benefits at the highest coverage amounts.
I also believe this coverage should be carried by everyone as CCW Safe coverage is not limited to firearm use. CCW Safe covers any weapon used during a self-defense incident.
10 – Please tell us about some recent cases where CCW Safe members had to use their memberships.
I speak with members on a daily basis. I take calls, if needed, 7 days a week. A large part of our members have incidents that do not require a CRT response so I speak with them on the phone, and they are able to obtain guidance for their specific situation.
My last CRT in person response was related to a self-defense incident with a member in the home.
Tapping into the insights of CCW Safe CRT Lead Cris Cunningham proves an enlightening experience. From her recommendations about needing Ultimate Plan coverage for all people, not just CCW permit holders, to her encouragements on situational awareness and trusting your gut instinct, and more, she brings knowledge to the table that shouldn’t be ignored. Be sure to check out CCW Safe’s website, where Cris regularly is featured in their videos and podcasts, and see her in action.
And stay tuned for Part II, where we delve into specific stories from Cris’s experience with members in her role as CRT Lead.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
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