TASER International, the leader when it comes to electronic control devices and digital evidence solutions, has received an order from the Texas Department of Public Safety for 2748 TASER devices, in addition to related accessories.
After an extensive review of the company’s available technology the DPS in Texas will be issuing the stunning devices to its troopers, making the order the fourth largest purchase of the self defense tools in the United States.
The Chairman and founder of TASER International said that by providing an effective and safe tool for utilization and as the fourth largest order, the people of Texas, plus additional law enforcement agencies will be assisted with product effectiveness, enhanced accountability, in addition to reducing the number of injuries to officers and suspects. It will also reduce the amount of excess force that other traditional weapons require.
At present there are over 475 law enforcement agencies in Texas that employ TASER devices.
Not only will this order prove to be a historical one for the company, but it will also prove to other agencies, as well as the public, that these defense tools are relied upon in great numbers. It also presents a positive message too. With such a big order in process, it can only be assumed that the DPS in Texas is purchasing the stunning devices because they trust the name behind the device and trust the tool itself when it comes to successfully subduing a suspect, while also protecting innocent lives.
TASER International has become the global leader when it comes to creating technology that protects a person’s life, while apprehending violent suspects. And with 40 countries and over 15,000 public safety agencies utilizing the tools, the company has proven that they are the ones that can provide an effective device that is aimed to deliver personal protection.
As a result of this more individuals, whether they work for the police department or are home owners, are turning towards TASER tools for their safety. After all, in this day and age we all need something that we can rely on when it comes to our protection.
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In the two and a half years that Lawrence police have carried their TASER devices around with them while on duty they have become a familiar sight to local suspects. And as a result, they generally try to avoid the shock from one.
For the most case these self defense tools don’t actually have to leave an officer’s holster. Since 2008 when the police department first received the stunning devices the weapons have only been utilized 17 times in more than 300,000 police calls.
However the deterrent effect, or the thought of actually been targeted by the metal rods, is extremely effective. In 41 instances, Lawrence police have been required to draw their TASER weapons, but didn’t employ them.
And for many of the Lawrence officers, these devices have been a huge success. While they may be another tool on an officer’s belt, the use of them is infrequent.
Roughly a fourth of the Lawrence department, or 41 officers, who carry the safety device with them have to initially go through the required training which enables them to find out how to actually employ them, in addition to understanding what it feels like to be stunned with one.
An officer who is stunned with one of these tools during their training will understand what their suspect is experiencing when they target someone. TASER International, the manufacturer explains that the voltage on these tools is much less than Christmas tree lights or even a wall socket.
And yet, while these self defense tools are employed in over 14,000 police departments across the globe, that doesn’t mean they don’t come without their criticisms. In July, a man died after an officer utilized a TASER device on him three times. However, it wasn’t until a preliminary autopsy report showed the man had cocaine in his system, in addition to an enlarged heart, that the use of the stunning device wasn’t the cause of his death.
In order to stop potential medical problems with the devices, Lawrence police are required to follow the strict safety measures put in place. Each time an officer has used the stunning device on a suspect, that individual is taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. But, since Lawrence police started using the devices there have been no serious injuries, while the positives of using the tool have far outweighed the negatives.
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Nowadays self defense is something that many people either talk about or hear about on a daily basis, and yet if we had to, would we be able to defend ourselves from a predator? Would we be capable of taking the necessary steps that could stop a dangerous situation from happening in the first place?
In order to make sure that residents would be able to, some local residents were provided with vital tips and techniques that will help them to protect themselves. These tips and techniques they learnt while they attended a workshop that was aimed at women and seniors.
Two main weapons that can help to stop an individual from becoming a target and ultimately a victim are body language and situational awareness.
During the workshop a color coded system was set out to gauge a person’s situational awareness that was set at five levels.
Level one, or condition white, is ultimately when a person is not even aware of their surroundings, in addition to not knowing what is going on around them. Unfortunately, this is the category that many people tend to fall into, which means this is also the category that predators look out for as they don’t know what is going on around them.
Level two, or condition yellow, is simply one step up from condition white. While the person may be aware of their surroundings, they are still not paying attention. These people will also make good targets and are easy prey for potential predators.
The next level is called condition orange, which means that the individual is aware of their surroundings and is paying attention. This person is ready to kick into gear their self defense techniques if needed.
The fourth level is condition red, which is when a person must engage in defensive behavior. This ultimately means either fight or flight.
The fifth and final level, or condition black, is when a person finds themselves in a state of terror and panic. This is a category that a person doesn’t want to find themselves in, as it usually means that a person has jumped from the first category, condition white, straight to condition black, and isn’t prepared to handle or even engage with their predator.
However, those who are in category orange won’t find themselves in this state, as they will already have had their eye on their surroundings and will consequently know who is lurking in the parking lot, while making sure that they portray themselves in such a way that they don’t become a victim.
As a result, those who attended the workshop were told by instructors that it is important that you stay in condition orange at all times.
Body language is another important aspect when it comes to an individual’s self defense; after all your body language will ultimately keep you from becoming a potential victim.
It is always a good idea to walk and stand erect, while also walking with confidence. Make sure to make eye contact with any person that walks pass, while not looking intimidated.
Simply making eye contact will show a predator that you are aware of their presence, while telling them that you have a visual of what they look like should you need to identify them. In most cases predators don’t want to mess with a person who will fight them. They are only looking for someone who will make an easy victim.
And yet, while these may be easy enough tips to remember, they are not always that easy to do. Throughout the workshop a number of techniques and tools to utilize for a person’s self defense were also demonstrated.
Some of the techniques featured kicks and punches, poking fingers into the eyes, in addition to learning how to hit the end of an attacker’s nose with the use of a hand, an open palm or even a fist.
While it’s always easier when practicing, as you have the ability to redo a move again and again, those tips and techniques will only be of proper use if you need to utilize them for your safety. However, one level that will ultimately keep you from being a victim is by staying in condition orange, while also being prepared to protect yourself.
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An argument that ended with a man cutting his own neck experienced the shock from a TASER device when deputies in Panama City were able to get to him and stop him from further harming himself.
Deputies responded to a 911 call that involved an argument; however the names of the men and women involved have been withheld since the deputies had to invoke the Baker Act in order to have one of the men committed, thereby removing any of their information from public record.
As one deputy proceeded into the home with the woman, the man stayed with two other deputies outside on the porch.
However, as they were waiting, the man decided to rush into the house where he continued to the kitchen. According to the report as he went through a kitchen drawer he pulled out a large knife. He then proceeded to press the knife to his neck, and in two passes was able to create an inch about 2 to 3 inches, before one of the deputies at hand was able to utilize his TASER weapon on the man.
While the man was subdued from further harming himself deputies applied a towel to the man’s neck until emergency personnel arrived.
Nowadays we live in a world that is filled with dangerous people, and as a result the police departments across the United States and the world have had to step up their game when it comes to the types of weapons they use.
It’s no longer possible for an officer to utilize a traditional firearm, especially not in a situation that sees a man cutting his own neck. Because of this TASER devices have come into play and have proved extremely effective when positive results are needed.
Preventing a man from harming himself further would not have been achieved if a firearm was used. Instead a non-lethal self defense device was employed with no harm to the victim himself. The only harm he suffered was his sliced neck, but with the quick thinking of the deputy and fast action of the stunning device the man was hindered from harming himself any further.
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In this day and age, it is important that a person knows how to protect themselves when the time requires it. It is vital that individuals are ready and cautious if they want to successfully defend themselves in what has become a crime dominant world. But in order to feel safe, one must have the necessary self defense tools available, because there will be times when the police won’t be around to help.
The devices could either fall in the lethal category, such as a traditional gun or a knife; however these devices also come with the risk of taking an innocent life and could also land the individual holding one in severe trouble with the law. On the other hand there is also the non-lethal option, for example a stun gun.
The main benefits of owning such a device over other traditional weapons is that they are effective, non-lethal and the effects produced on a person only last a short time; however a long enough time for someone to make their escape to safety.
Furthermore utilizing a stun gun is a more suitable option compared to a lethal weapon as they both serve the same objective, but when it comes to the stunning device it is easier to utilize, there is less risk involved and just as vital it won’t take an innocent life.
A few points to consider when comparing the self defense device to a traditional gun.
The device performs the scientific theory that when the device is connected to the body of an assailant, he will receive an electric shock that will subdue him for a short period of time. Unless the device has been misused in a serious way then the device is not lethal in any way.
When it comes to purchasing a stun gun, the prospective buyer should take the time to learn all that they can about the tool before first utilizing it. A simple touch that lasts from 5 to 30 seconds is all that is needed on your attacker’s body for the device to function correctly.
In short, owning a stun gun is certainly the most effective and powerful tool that a person can buy for their self defense when you compare it against other lethal weapons. Since a traditional gun or knife, in addition to the stunning device serve the same goal, it only seems natural that someone would opt to purchase the safer option instead of utilizing a lethal weapon that could potential be unsafe for those involved.
A stun gun is safe, reliable and non-lethal, and in today’s society, this is just the device that countless people are relying one when it comes to their safety.
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Police officers in Saginaw, Michigan are finding themselves under fire after they employed their TASER devices to restrain a number of young people at a well known outdoor festival in the area.
Over a dozen residents took a stand during a City Council meeting to express their feelings about what they believed was excessive force by the police department’s members.
The argument started from a film screening at the Old Saginaw City’s Lawn Chair Film Festival when officers were seen utilizing their stunning weapons to hold back teenagers who were causing a disruption during the event.
During the City Council meeting at City Hall members of the Saginaw chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, in addition to city leaders, questioned officers and asked if they were practicing racial discrimination.
And yet, not all the residents said that the actions of the police were distasteful.
During its first six years of existence the annual festival has experienced no problems. The problems only started to rise during late last season and during this year. Some residents even said that many of the teenagers who were subdued by the TASER weapon didn’t attend the festival to participate, but rather to hang out.
Additionally, the chief of the Saginaw police department also defended his officers’ use of force, explaining that the police have a lawful right to control those individuals who decide to resist against the commands of an officer.
The chief went on to explain that to date there have been no incidents with the use of the self defense tool that breaches the policy of the device.
Many however, are just hoping that the controversy doesn’t stop the festival in years to come. The mayor of the town, plus council members, said they were not aware of the argument until the meeting of the City Council, but said that they will investigate into the claims made.
The mayor added that while the city won’t stand for any individual disturbing the event in the future, at the same time they don’t stand for police brutality to take place either.
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When it comes to sending children back to school, parents can be seen frantically preparing their children with various courses in writing, arithmetic and reading. Now however, there is an additional course that parents are signing their children up for: self defense.
Most children will at some stage experience school bullying, whether it’s in the form of name calling, teasing, hair pulling, or physical fights. According to the National Association of School Psychologists they reported that bullying is the most typical form of violence in American culture, and generally affects between 15 to 30 percent of students whether they play the role as a bully or a victim.
Even though countless schools have a zero tolerance against bullying, there are still many cases that see bullying taking place. And this is where self defense classes come into play.
A developed program called Play It Safe has been designed to prepare children of various ages to tackle bullying, in addition to other distressing issues they might face, for example sexual abuse and abductions.
The two hour class teaches its students verbal tactics and strategies, as well as providing its pupils with confidence to deal with issues that happen in and outside of the classroom.
Children from as young as five to 12 years of age can be seen utilizing the basic bully busters as they took a stand against an aggressor, while also receiving vital tips on stranger awareness. The techniques that the children are learning involve role playing, in addition to helping to prepare the students for possible verbal attacks with mock abduction and bullying situations.
Not only that, but the instructors also teach their students that their voices are their best weapon available. By simply raising your voice you can attract attention, while also scaring off your attacker. It’s important to utilize your voice at all times.
Self defense policies and procedures are an important step that all schools should employ. Taking the necessary action is a crucial component when it comes to abuse cases. By being educated and knowing what to do can make all the difference when it comes to a child’s self defense.
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Three males accused of posing as police officers during a home invasion have been arrested.
According to police who arrested the suspects, they found several canisters of pepper spray, a badge, a gun, and handcuffs, in addition to a flashlight on them when they invaded a home. The trio then left the scene in a black Ford Crown Victoria.
An hour after the home invasion had taken place, a police officer noticed the vehicle traveling on a highway. After performing a tag check the officer found that it belonged to a different car. As a result a traffic stop took place.
Once the car had pulled over, police found a BB rifle, a loaded 9MM handgun, gloves, canisters of pepper spray, a silver security badge with holder and clothing, plus a black flashlight inside the car.
It’s not everyday that people decide to pose as something that they are not; but what’s even rare to see is someone taking it upon themselves to pose as an officer. How these three males were able to obtain the items they had in their vehicle has not been determined.
However, what can be determined is that the men involved did so in order to abuse the power they had over others who weren’t likely to question them. When it comes to law enforcement many individuals rely upon them to enforce the law when it’s needed and to protect those who need protecting.
Unfortunately, because of this, there aren’t many people who go around questioning whether someone who is wearing a police uniform is actually a police officer. We take it for granted that they are. As a result of this, there will be people who take advantage of this and decide to pose as one.
One thing to remember though is that pepper spray is a device that many people can rely on. If you should find your home under invasion and you have this self defense device within your home you will be able to effectively utilize it on those who have entered uninvited.
Quick and efficient those who are targeted will instantly feel the effects that it can produce, thus giving you the opportunity to call for help.
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In many cases people don’t often think that they will be a likely target for an attack. After all what could possibly happen as you walk along a dark street, or make your way to your car? But then you hear a sound behind you, your heart starts to race, and you suddenly realize that your worst fear has just been realized as you fight for your safety.
A new class however is being offered to people that goes beyond self defense and is teaching its students skills that can take out their attacker when they find their safety in harm’s way.
The class is called Target Focus Training and it utilizes violent moves in order to strike the weak points on a person’s body.
According to the founder of Target Focus Training, violence has become a stigmatized matter in our society over the previous 20 to 30 years, and the only individuals who have the tool available are in fact the predators who decide to employ that tool against people they consider weaker then them.
But anyone who is able to think in addition to move can be taught how to utilize this same tool for their own benefits.
Those who want to undertake the training are advised at the beginning that the moves they will be learning are extremely dangerous that they should only be employed as a form of self defense in order to save their lives.
In other words when no other option is available to a person, when they have no way to talk themselves out of a sticky situation, or if that person doesn’t feel like listening to what you have to say, then these skills will prove vital.
One thing to bear in mind though is that if an individual who has been trained in this field does in fact kill someone, they may find it hard to prove that they did so in self defense. Of course anyone who kills another person will be in legal trouble, but a person who has undergone the target focus training may be considered of a higher standard, such as members of the military or law enforcement would find themselves in.
While Target Focus has made this liability clear, they still have people from across the country joining up to take the classes. The students who undertake the training are taught to consistently practice what they have learnt, in addition to knowing when they should walk away from a situation – but if they need to fight for their safety, then they will be ready to do so.
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In Columbia a proposal to ban the utilization of TASER devices will appear on the upcoming November 2nd ballot.
However on Monday, the City Council was seen to vote again the proposal, which if passed would see the employment of the self defense device banned inside the city limits. As the City Council voted against it, the final decision will now be up to the voters.
According to local newspapers, an organization by the name of People for a TASER-Free Columbia has managed to collect over 4,000 signatures from the people who want to see the ban go through. Furthermore, not only is the petition an attempt to see the stunning tools banned, but the petition would also make it a class A misdemeanor if someone is seen using or threatening to use one of the devices.
Previous news articles have stated that the same organization that is petitioning for the ban wants them prohibited because they consider them to be unreliable and unpredictable.
A police chief who joined a police department in Columbia has explained that since he became chief in April of 2009, the protocol and training for the use of TASER weapons has tightened considerably. He also went on to explain that he intends to train all 160 Columbia officers in crisis intervention.
While in May 2009, two officers took it upon themselves to talk to the Citizens Police Review Board about the stunning devices policy. The officers’ present argued that these tools offered a safer and more effective alternative compared to other tools they could use, for example traditional firearms.
The employment of the stunning devices has received a negative name in the last few years, especially if a death is related to it too. But it’s important for people to realize, that while there may be incidences involved, they do ultimately present a safer option.
Countless people can attest to the fact that their lives have been saved, and it’s all thanks to a TASER device which was utilized for their protection. Without such a tool, many people would find themselves unprotected against an assailant whose main objection is to cause harm to those it considers weak.
But with the help of one of these devices, no one needs to feel weak anymore, simply because they have a device that can effectively defend them in times of need.
So by banning a tool that many have come to rely on, the bad guys will know that they’ve won; and the crime numbers will steadily rise once again.
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