Thanks to shows such as CSI and Crossing Jordan, more and more people have realized the importance of DNA evidence in solving crimes.  Since 1985 when DNA fingerprinting began to be used as a technique for identifying individuals, the technology has proven indispensable to many fields of study and research.  And of course, it has its practical application in criminal law.  During an investigation, DNA can usually be collected either voluntarily or through samples considered for public use.  Lately, though, a rather surprising way for DNA collection to be carried out has emerged: through the use of a stun gun.

Stun and collect?
In a news article that appeared on www.upi.com and in several sources in online news websites, a judge in Niagara Falls in New York city ruled that the act of police officers using a stun gun on a suspect for the collection of a DNA sample was legal.  The judge, Sara Sperrazza, declared that getting a sample from suspect Ryan Smith a second time around with the use of the stun gun was valid and acceptable in court.

Smith had previously given a sample of his DNA to the police through a cheek swab but the sample was mistakenly sent and consequently ruined by another laboratory.  A new court order was issued to obtain a new sample from Smith, who later refused.  As a result of Sperrazza’s decision, the sample was obtained after Smith was tasered using a stun gun.

The defense for Smith was unhappy about the ruling, even going as far as to declare that the use of a stun gun in Smith’s case makes it acceptable to taser just about anyone.  However, the ruling that came courtesy of Judge Sperrazza only allows for the collection of DNA evidence using a stun gun with certain restrictions — the stun gun, for example, should only be used with the least amount of force, the taser should not be used in a cruel or malicious manner and the act should not result to injury.

What’s it to you?
Yes, police can use a stun gun on a civilian as long as they have a lawful reason to do so.  In fact, if police use a stun gun on you, the DNA sample they obtain will be considered legal evidence should you refuse to voluntarily give one.  It may seem like a frightening prospect but really, the goal of the ruling is to encourage suspects to volunteer their DNA during legally sanctioned collections.  In the end, it will help eliminate the use of unnecessary force and ensure that the rule of law is respected and upheld.

There are so many things one needs to know about one of the safest self-defense gadgets for men and women — the pepper spray. To learn more about it, I suggest you look at the following case. Let us see how pepper spray was able to stop a crime before it happened, saving the victim and at the same time, the assailants from committing a crime.

At the South Carolina National Guard Armory, a deputy acting as security during a teen event at the armory was caught in the middle when a dispute between the males broke up and turned into a big fight. Several of the teen offenders were detained by the deputy leading the other teens to surround the deputy threateningly. Even after having been warned by the deputy, the teens kept advancing so that he was forced to use pepper spray on them. Hostilities against each other were immediately broken down.

What is it in pepper spray that stops an assailant from attacking? The first thing it does when it hits the eyes and face is to irritate these organs. The mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract or the throat are irritated immensely so that the victim automatically starts coughing and choking. Pain is also felt at the same time. Because of this, the victim becomes incapacitated temporarily because of the inability to see and not because of paralysis.

Pepper spray has always been a safe and easy-to-carry self-defense gadget. It has been known to deter attackers. However, there are some setbacks into its use. Always remember that pepper spray will not be able to disable an assailant instantly. The effect becomes more evident after a few seconds. It does not cause paralysis so that there is a possibility that the assailant can still grab, punch, shoot or stab you. But if you have aimed correctly, the victim, almost immediately, will fall to his knees and rub his eyes.

One more thing, pepper spray has little effect on people who are intoxicated, hysterical or under the influence of drugs. If ever you do encounter these kinds of people, you’ll just have to spray twice to make sure it takes effect.

There are certain factors that affect the effectiveness of pepper spray and the speed of reaction time. The wind speed and direction directly affects the hit of the spray on the assailant. The distance of the spray from the eyes is also a factor and so is whether the assailant’s eyes are open or close when the spray hit.

When it comes to getting the experience necessary to guard yourself against a would-be assailant, there is a great deal of available information on the Internet. Turn to the web to get information on the various techniques and tips from experts, as well as the variety of self-defense products. With all this online self-defense information, you can be ready should it be necessary.

More than 1.3 million crimes are committed every year, according to national law enforcement figures. You do not want to become a victim of an aggravated assault, forcible rape, a car jacking or a robbery. Arm yourself with the knowledge of self-defense or carry a self-defense device, and don’t become a statistic.

People prefer to buy online self-defense products, as there is a lot more information and resource available. Sometimes you will find comprehensive blogs and interactive discussion forums where people can ask questions, or receive additional information and share their personal experiences.

When it comes to buying non-lethal self defense products, online self-defense websites provide items for you to carry with you or to keep at home. These sites will also suggest books and videos for your education, give you free articles and regular newsletters and will generally help you in learning more and more about this important topic.

Some people are uncomfortable going into a local store to look for personal safety devices. In this case online self-defense websites are the answer. You will find a variety of items that, due to today’s technology, will fit into a pocket or a purse. Stun guns, tasers or pepper spray will work effectively in a potential attack.

Numerous home safety products can help when it comes to protecting yourself. Many people think that crime only takes place when you are away from home, but FBI crime figures show that a burglary takes place in an apartment, house or condominium once every 15 seconds. Often the homeowner is at home at the time but does not hear the intruder until it is too late.

An extensive selection of available online self defense products often make it more sensible to shop the Internet rather than traditional brick and mortar retail stores. Apart from the conventional services such as door and window alarms or motion detectors, the other methods available including fake TVs, electronic dog alarms, fake televisions and door braces. There is such an extensive collection of products at affordable prices, that it only makes sense to protect your own safety.

Look for experts when you are ready to shop for online self-defense devices. Some stores were started by former law enforcement or military officers and they have extensive experience in self protection. As an added bonus, they will be able to advise you on the legality of your items for your particular state.

Took the kids camping and fishing this weekend from Friday to Sunday. Had a good time, caught a couple of fish and got to relax a bit.

A bit challenging this time because no Mom on this trip. She was visitng her friend in Texas so I had the 13 yr old, the 7 year old, and the 1 year old all by myself.

We all had fun though and enjoyed the outdoors. I always try to fit in something to do with survival whenever I take them camping. No pics this time but they got to watch how to make a fire and get it going quickly.

At least my toddler was asleep before the fire got started. He’s very curious about anything.