{"id":5598,"date":"2020-01-16T23:01:22","date_gmt":"2020-01-17T04:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/69.167.168.176\/~phillips\/kerriansnotebook\/kerriansnotebook\/?p=5598"},"modified":"2025-05-22T11:35:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T15:35:08","slug":"kn-p-252-tasers-and-stun-guns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pattiphillipsbooks.com\/kerriansnotebook\/2020\/01\/kn-p-252-tasers-and-stun-guns\/","title":{"rendered":"KN, p. 252 “Tasers and Stun Guns”"},"content":{"rendered":"

If there are no paragraph separations in this article, please double-click on the title to create a more readable version.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

TASER<\/strong> devices and stun guns<\/strong> each have slightly different functions, but the common purpose is to shock the aggressor and allow time to move strategically for improved control over the situation, without using lethal force. A TASER <\/strong>can be shot from a distance, and a stun gun<\/strong> requires direct contact with the attacker.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span> Stun Gun<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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This stun gun has sharp points which might pierce clothing and will even set off an electric charge if somebody tries to grab it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Other stun guns resemble cellphones, while another type looks just like a mag light. Neither has great power, so in order to get close enough to use it effectively, an attacker may be able to get the upper hand against an untrained civilian. Some stun guns are in the shape and length of a baton (12-19 inches) allowing the user to be a step or two away, rather than just at arm\u2019s length.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In many states, law enforcement groups have been using stun guns to subdue targets for years. Pepper spray occasionally<\/span> blows back at the user, so private citizens sometimes opt for using a stun gun as a self-defense tool.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Designed in the 1960s for use in tight spaces (inside airplanes) when firing a gun would be especially dangerous, a Taser is considered a safer (non-lethal) alternative to a handgun if used correctly. Concerned about a rise in gun-related injuries during arrests or captures, some law enforcement jurisdictions around the country have required that Tasers and\/or stun guns be added to their officers\u2019 equipment belts, giving the officer a choice in tense or<\/span> escalating situations.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/span> Taser and cartridge<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How does a Taser work? The cartridge contains 15-20 foot wires with probes attached at the end. The wires shoot out when the weapon is used. When the probes reach the target, they deliver a shock as well as pain, but this will only happen if both probes insert into the person\u2019s body. In general, the person loses muscle control when<\/span> hit with the probes, making an arrest easier or allowing the officer to stop an ongoing attack.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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There are a variety of Tasers on the market, some of which guarantee contact even through clothing. Some recent Taser models also include the stun gun feature so that the prongs don\u2019t have to be fired during every use.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One criticism of some Tasers is that they can misfire, causing real problems for the officer during an attack. The LATimes<\/em> ran an article<\/span> about the issue, comparing effective use in successive years:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/local\/crime\/la-me-lapd-tasers-20160401-story.html?utm_campaign=meetedgar&utm_medium=social&utm_source=meetedgar.com&fbclid=IwAR17l2SVeCW7idV6PJVIm3nzh-U-jkmIh0bqVSfcFi_UoZlIp7xFXTwtaKs<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Less critical, but potentially disturbing to a civilian Taser owner, is that storage in the home might become an issue. A curious friend or neighbor happening upon the Taser might fire it \u2018just to see what it does.\u2019 If it happens to misfire accidentally, somebody could get hurt. Burn marks on floors and ceilings from mis-firing have been reported by Kerrian followers, even when the Tasers have been handled properly. (True story)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Expense is a factor. Stun guns<\/strong> usually cost<\/strong> between $10 and $30. TASER<\/strong> devices have a lot more power and are a lot pricier because of that \u2013 running anywhere between $450 to $1,100. If the department in a town of 100,00 people has 180 officers working in the field and the units cost a minimum of $450 each \u2013 do the math. That\u2019s an initial hit to the city budget of $81,000 and that\u2019s before the replacement cartridges, etc. Each time the Taser is fired, it needs to be recharged and in some cases, a new cartridge must be inserted \u2013 at a cost of between $25 to $35 each.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Need to replace the Kevlar vests this year (a necessity every five years) or get that new million dollar fire truck the city needs so badly? Even if the Taser (or stun gun) is a great idea, the budget may not be able to handle it. So, if your town\u2019s officers would like to have that option available to them, grants and donations from local law enforcement supporters may need to be sought out.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Legality<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As of 2018, four states required background checks for Taser ownership.<\/span><\/p>\n