Gun vs. Taser Gun?

In a world where moral values are kicked around on a daily basis the peace lovers often seem to come out on the short end of the stick. When it comes to personal safety a significant portion of the population are unwilling to take the life of another human being – even when their own may be at stake. In more and more cases, pepper spray or Taser guns are becoming the defensive weapons of choice.

As of June 2008, a cadre of police sergeants on the New York City police force will start carrying a new, lighter Taser gun which is about the size of a handgun. By carrying a Taser gun officers participating in the pilot program will have a non-lethal option in many cases where the use of traditional firearms would usually result in serious injury or death.

In January of 2007, following the death of a young man gunned down in a hail of at least 50 bullets, Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly stated that he was dedicated to “doing everything necessary to minimize the unnecessary discharge of firearms.”
The results of Rand Corporation’s subsequent report, based on an independent study, showed that in 25 of 455 police-involved shootings the confrontations would likely have ended more quickly by using a “less lethal device,” like a Taser gun rather than a traditional firearm.

In its study, Rand found that at least three of 45 fatal shootings during a three-year timeframe could well have been avoided had police officers been equipped with non-lethal options, such as Tasers. The report figured heavily in the New York City Police department’s decision, made several days following the report, to begin equipping officers with Taser guns.

During the first week of June 2008, Commissioner Kelly enthusiastically supported expanding the use of Tasers in New York City precincts. Kelly says that although they are considered a bit cumbersome by some officers, he believes it is worth the inconvenience when balanced by the saving of lives. The only less lethal defense weapon used by patrol officers in New York City is pepper spray, though it is rarely used. . Based on the recommendation by Rand, department spokesman Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne said the force is interested in further expanding their base of information.

Many smaller police departments (smaller than 30,000 of New York City’s finest) have already begun equipping their officers with Taser guns in an effort to reduce lethal confrontations. Tasers typically deliver a 50,000-volt shock which can effectively paralyze targets as much as 10 yards away.

Since their development in 1993 the Taser Gun has saved thousands of lives. It is now used by security officers, military base security officers, bounty hunters, private investigators and private citizens around the world. Their cost begins in the $300 range and goes up into the thousands, depending on need and budget.

The Taser’s versatility in terms of size, shape, and force makes them a highly desirable, affordable, non-lethal self-defense weapon.