Hartford County Close To Legalizing Stun Guns and TASERs

Big doings in Hartford County, one of only a few districts in Maryland that continue to ban stun guns in a state where ownership is legal. The matter has been taken up by the Hartford City council. Councilman Jim McMahan is sponsoring the bill.

The original 1985 bill that made stun guns illegal was initiated by a city of Baltimore councilman who sought to enforce a the ban in the city and surrounding jurisdictions. It was an attempt to ban people from bringing in stun guns to Baltimore city. That statute is being attacked as a violation of the second amendment.

In 2009, the state of Maryland passed a bill legalizing the adult possession of stun guns and TASERs. The new bill would allow residents in Hartford County to own and use stun guns as a means of self-protection.  

Todd Fisher, of Forest Hill, was alone in seeking new legislation to overturn the 1985 ban.

"While Maryland politicians continue to pretend this is not so, the right to self-defense does exist in our once-free state," he said. "Maryland continues to withhold this right to bear arms as if it were a mere privilege to be granted by the state."

Jim McMahan says that the 1985 bill has only put more restrictions on good people. With the legalization, "homeowners will also be able to get personal devices to protect against home invasions and assaults."

If the bill passes, that would leave only Baltimore County, Baltimore and Annapolis banning the devices. McMahan told Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti that no one in Hartford has been arrested in recent years for having a stun gun.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/harford/belair/ph-ag-county-council-0319-20140318,0,7514566.story#ixzz2yaMzQMYd

Cell Phone Stun Gun Reviews

The cell phone stun gun is exactly what it implies, a stun device masquerading as a cell phone. They’ve been wildly popular since their debut in the mid 2000s.  This is a survey of what’s available in the marketplace and the differences between the models.

The first model was simply called “The Pretender” and is still going strong. It’s a rectangular affair with a top window showing an outdoorsy desktop. The telephone style keys are on the bottom. Both are non-functioning and just simulated. The only controls that work are the on-off mode functions for the stun function or LED  light and a momentary switch that activates the mode you choose. This model, and all models, come with a soft case that allows you to wear it on your belt.

The appearance of these cell phones stun guns haven’t changed much through time. What has changed is the power rating. These devices debuted with a rating below 1 million volts. Through time they have gone up in steps to where they are now rated at 4.5 million volts. Somewhere around 2010, a rechargeable model was added to the line-up. On this model, there are no batteries that need changing. Just plug the recharging cable into the wall to recharge (just don't lose it!). The Pretender uses a separate charging cable.The color pink for the ladies was added at about the same time.

A competing manufacturer had brought out its own version of the Pretender with its own branding and it is still active in the catalog. This is called the Immobilizer 5,500,000. It has the same features as the Pretender. One improvement though, is that the charging interface is built in. Just slide out the two prongs and plug it into a wall outlet. At the time of this writing, only pink is available.   

This maker sells a less expensive model called the Immobilizer 3,500,000. The only discernible difference besides the lower power rating is a somewhat larger screen (fake remember) and the more traditional separate power charging cable. Despite it's lower power rating, this one is capable of knocking an intruder off his feet!

These are effective self-defense weapons when used as described in the instructions. What could be improved is the look of the models as they most resemble cell phones sold in the last decade. If they would be dramatically thinned with a large screen (drop the keypad) then they would more closely resemble today's smart cell phones.

The cell phone stun gun give you the element of surprise. By carrying a covert weapon, you can prepare a strike without your opponent being any the wiser. If your weapon screams “stun gun” by its shape, you may lose the precious seconds you need to be effective in your own defense.  

If you would like to see details about cell phone stun guns and other stun guns in disguise, go HERE. 

2/25/2014 STOP THE PRESSES!

As if to answer my suggestion, Streetwise has recently released the SamStun model cell phone stun gun. Get it? It's the smart phone version and thoroughly up-to-date in design. http://www.stungunsupply.com/SamStun-Cell-Phone-Stun-Gun-_p_741.html 

Wisconsin Corrections Officers Now Permitted to Carry Pepper Spray

You might think that virtually all state correctional officers have ready access to pepper spray to help control unruly inmates who congregate with other inmates during mealtimes. And you would be wrong. At least in Wisconsin, where it seems supplying vulnerable corrections officers with hot pepper spray canisters is a new thought to state officials. Wisconsin corrections officers are not allowed to carry guns. But now following a new ruling, pepper spray will be permitted for use. 

According to the December 21, 2013 edition of the online Milwaukee-Wisconsin Sentinel, the ruling comes on the heels of a report that listed 351 assault or attempted assault incidences from mid-2012 to mid-2013. Corrections officers will be supplied with 3 ounce canisters of pepper spray and supervisors who have interactions with inmates will be outfitted with TASERS, according to Corrections Secretary Ed Wall.  

A pilot program was conducted at the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility and the Green Bay Correctional Institution. The program was successful so now pepper spray is being rolled out in all minimum, medium and maximum security facilities.

Wisconsin is one of just a few states that limit access of pepper spray to citizens who desire this form of non-lethal self-defense. The formulation, size, packaging and labeling must meet certain specifications. TASERS and stun guns are also subject to many restrictions under Wisconsin law.

Police Chief Gets Tasered For Donations

Small town police forces have a hard time soliciting funds for needed equipment. Take for example Police Chief Danny Baker from Knighstown, a small eastern Indiana town. Funds were needed. So did he try a spaghetti dinner? No. How about a small carnival? Nope. Chief Baker recently agreed to be shot by a X26 Taser for donations.

What’s need is a lease on a new squad car. And the deed has been done. The chief says he raised $800.79 in cash and received a $25,000 pledge from a Texas company.  He says the feeling of being hit by 50,000 volts of low amperage electricity is like someone hitting him on the back of the head repeatedly as hard as they possibly could.

Chief Baker had two fellow police officers support him during the Taser hit. Even though Tasers were designed to be non-lethal, several instances of death have occurred. Taser International reminds operators to hit in the lower chest away from the heart or on the back. Also, if the perpetrator is highly stimulated and out of control, do not administer the Taser repeatedly.

You can find out more about the consumer version called the TASER X26c here.

How to Operate a Stun Gun

Stun gun technology has evolved through time. Today’s devices are generally smaller, sleeker and of a higher built quality than those from just a few years ago. But no matter which model you choose, it is up to you to properly operate the device. Without knowledge and steady practice, all would be lost in a tension filled encounter with an opponent determined to do you harm.

SM-Multi Stun Gun

Fortunately, operating a stun gun is not complicated no matter which model you choose. While models may differ in their switching layout, all serve the same functions. Here are the main controls followed by operating procedures in an encounter.

1.      By law, the main “on” switch must be separate to an “activate stun” button. So first and foremost, learn the location of these two controls. Most main “on” controls are of the sliding switch variety; slide from “off” to “on”.  This arms the device. The “activate stun” button or rocker switch is of the momentary switch type, press to activate, release to stop the stun.  Practice locating these two controls, first by site and later by feel alone. It may be dark in an actual encounter and these movements must be automatic. Yes, it’s OK to discharge the unit in the air for brief moments.

2.      Your unit may have a flashlight feature.  The control arrangements vary by model but usually a sliding switch goes from “stun” to “flashlight.” Practice this move also. A steady light shining in your opponent’s eyes can blind temporarily-- to your benefit.

3.      Stun devices (stun guns and batons) are powered by either replaceable batteries or rechargeable ones that charge inside the device. A good rule of thumb is a “top off” every 30-60 days. Read your manual because charging times vary by model. DO NOT leave the unit plugged into a wall outlet indefinitely. You can spot a weakening battery by briefly discharging the unit in mid-air and/or by turning on the flashlight and gauging the brightness.

4.      You’ll need to figure out how best to carry your stun gun. Most come with holsters but you may want to have on in your car or in your carry-all bag. If you are walking alone in a dark place, by all means turn the main switch ON. Then all you have to do is press the “activate” button in an encounter.  

5.      The stun gun must be touching your assailant to work. Your stun gun will penetrate through clothing up to 2 inches in thickness. When you have to use your stun gun, push the stun gun against any part of the assailant's body with the contacts on the assailant. For maximum effect, the best areas of the body to aim for are the shoulder, neck, torso or hips. Of course, if you are ever in a situation where you have to use your stun gun, you may or may not be able to direct it where you want. That is why any part of the body will still get the effects of your stun gun. Hold the stun gun on your assailant for as long as you need to bring him/her down. Don’t expect to hear the zapping sound when applied against the body. It IS working. 

For more details of stun gun operation go to www.stungunsupply.com