Posts Tagged ‘Crime’

How to Use Pepper Gel as a Self Defense Weapon

A new self-defense weapon has entered the market and though it’s naturally more expensive than other weapons, it’s also more effective and able to further increase your chances of protecting yourself against attacks.

It’s The Same Formula
Pepper gel contains the same formula used for pepper sprays and foams. Its main offensive ingredient is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), a compound taken from cayenne pepper. The effectiveness of pepper compounds as a self-defense “weapon” is measured in Scoville Heat Units or SHU. A habanero pepper has 300,000 SHU. A jalapeno pepper merely has 5,000. Pepper sprays and gels, however, have approximately 2,000,000 SHU.

It’s The Same Procedure
Pepper gels are just as easy to use as its predecessors. Pepper gels come in flip-off bottles. The lids are necessary for preventing accidental spraying. It’s important to keep it concealed but easily accessible. This could be inside your pocket or snapped on to your jeans under your shirt.

If you’re under attack, all you have to do is flip off the lid, aim for the eyes or face, and squirt away!

It’s The Same Effects
One spray of pepper gel will cause your attacker to experience shortness of breath. Temporary blindness may follow shortly after or occur concurrently. Last but certainly the least, your attacker will experience pain in the areas affected by the spray. Touching the liquid will only result to even more pain as it can cause a burning sensation on your attacker’s hands.

Better and Longer Lasting
Gel form, however, allows the advantages of this type of self-defense weapon to be more powerful.

Firstly, pepper gels have greater range. While pepper sprays can only work in a range of six to twelve feet between you and your attacker, pepper gels can reach targets located as far as eighteen feet away. Two feet may not seem much at first glance, but when you’re under attack, an additional two feet could give you the precious seconds you need to make a successful escape.

Pepper gels also have greater concentration of OC because of its semi-liquid form, making it even a more powerful self-defense weapon.

Targeting your attacker is also made simpler. Unlike pepper sprays and foams, pepper gels are unlikely to disseminate or lose power before it reaches its target. You’ll find pepper gels easy to use even when your hands are shaking and you’re about to go into full-blown panic.

Lastly, pepper gel, again because of its natural form, stays longer on the attacker’s face and consequently prolonging his agony. Unlike spray or foam, gel can’t be easily wiped away and clings stubbornly to the skin. They’re definitely the ideal self-defense weapon, able to give you the element of surprise “and the upper hand” in practically any fight.

mace pepper gel image

Electronic Restraining Devices, Which Self-Defense Weapon is for You?

Having a nifty self-defense weapon in your pocket or handbag can help you gain the upper hand in unexpected attacks. It’s going to be even more effective if you’ve chosen the ideal electronic restraining device for your use.

Static Charge Electronic Restraining Device
Stun batons and stun guns emit static charge when used. They are effective in restraining an attacker without being lethal.

Not all states permit civilians to carry such self-defense weapons with them so do be aware of laws regarding use of stun guns when traveling away from home. Stun guns are more preferable than stun batons because they’re more compact and therefore easier to conceal.

Stun guns can produce a range of voltage. The weakest could release only 80,000 volts while the most powerful stun guns could discharge as high as 625,000 volts on your attacker. Low-voltage stun guns can operate with just one 9-volt battery while higher voltage stun guns may have to use two or three 9-volt batteries.

Upon using a stun gun on your assailant, he will undergo shock for the first second, which could cause him to experience muscle spasms and mental daze. Longer contact would cause even greater mental disorientation and loss of balance.

Even if your assailant were to touch you while you’re using a stun gun on him, you need not be afraid as electrical charges won’t be able to travel from his body to yours.

Phase Induction
Stun guns that discharge electricity through phase induction are slightly more advanced than those using static deployment. As such, this next type of electronic restraining device is more effective, allowing for a more efficient knock-down rate and longer-lasting shock.

Because of phase induction, a stun gun with 300,000 voltage power can discharge electricity that would amount to as much as 400,000 volts. Voltage power for stun guns of this type ranges from 100,000 to 625,000 volts.

T-Wave
This type of electronic restraining device employs the greatest wattage, ranging from 18-26 watts and causing electro-muscular disruption (EMD). A phase induction stun gun only utilizes 7-15 watts while a static charge stun gun uses 9-20 watts.

When a T-wave stun gun is used on an assailant, his entire central nervous system is affected and his skeletal muscles are virtually rendered useless. Besides being immensely powerful, such stun guns can also work in as far as 21 feet in distance. Advanced models can even penetrate thick clothing.

Air cartridges for advanced Taser guns are, however, not reusable, making them the most expensive option, albeit possibly the most effective as well, of all self-defense weapons.

stun baton image

Understanding the Different Types of Pepper Sprays

Contrary to popular belief, pepper sprays have been around for a long time. They also come in various forms and kinds, allowing an individual choose the most suitable type of self-defense weapon for his use.

There are basically three kinds of chemical compounds used for making pepper sprays.

Oleoresin Capsicum
It works more as an inflammatory agent than an irritant and your best strategy for using pepper sprays using OC compounds will be to target your attacker’s face. Capillaries in your attacker’s eyes will dilate, forcing the eyelids to close, and resulting to temporary blindness. OC also renders your attacker choking and coughing while causing affected areas to burn and sting.

Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS) and Alphachloroacotaphenone (CN)
Both these compounds, as opposed to how OC incapacitates attackers, work more as irritants. They target membrane tissues in particular and are also especially effective if you’re able to target your attacker’s eyes. Besides creating a stinging sensation on the affected area, it can also cause a person to feel disoriented and his eyes to tear profusely.

CS and CN are not, however, as instantaneously effective as OC. It will take approximately five seconds to half a minute before it comes into effect and as such, it’s important that you’re well-prepared for a counterattack from your opponent the moment you make use of your pepper spray.

Studies also show that the effects of these two compounds are somewhat lessened when used against people who are intoxicated, psychotic, on drugs, or incapable to feel pain for some reason.

Types of Forms for Pepper Sprays
Not all pepper sprays merely spray out its content. Some pepper sprays release pepper foams. The substance contains 10% pepper. When sprayed on an attacker’s face, his first instinct will be to wipe the foam away and in so doing, he will end up grounding pepper into his face and eyes, which will then create a burning sensation.

A UV marking dye is a self-defense weapon spray that is commonly used together with pepper sprays. When sprayed on an attacker, it will create a distinctive mark that will be invisible to the human eye but visible to UV tools. Such marks are highly helpful in identifying and capturing assailants.

Pepper sprays can also differ according to spray patterns, nozzle types, sizes, and concentrations. A bigger device may have greater content but it’s also more difficult to hide. Spray pattern is also important as some are effective with accurate aim while others work best in close range.

pepper spray image

Why Police Would Be Better Off With Stun Guns

In 2005, the Metro police in Nashville, Tennessee was sued by a family which alleged that the department was to blame for using a Taser weapon and causing a man’s death. Although a medical examiner eventually ruled out the allegation, it was more than enough to influence the law and restrict the use of Taser weapons for sergeants only.

A new law, however, has lifted the restriction and made Taser weapons available to all officers. The authorities believe that the use of Taser weapons will be beneficial overall. According to the News Channel 5 website, the Metro Department is in the opinion that the use of Taser Guns will diminish the chances of suspects or officers getting injured. They also believe that the accompanying recording devices will also help in keeping officers in line with regard to its use.

Definitely, the right time for using such weapons should be a concern, especially when considering recent events in Orange County. The LA Times reported two separate incidents when the use of stun guns caused the deaths of two inmates.

The grand jury of the State of Orange County Jails had suggested a ban for using stun guns in its annual report, which was released last June 2008. The first victim, Michael Patrick Lass, had died when deputies utilized a Taser in their efforts to subdue him. The second casualty, Jason Jesus Gomez, had slipped into a coma after being restrained also by Taser. He died last April 1, 2008 at the Intake Release Center.

The grand jury had cited this as a “cause of alarm”, and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens had then responded by banning the use of stun guns if there was still alternative means of subduing “overtly assaultive behavior”.

Of course, there are always two sides to a coin, and in some cases, the use of Taser weapons and the likes have proven to be advantageous. Consider, for instance, the WFSB website’s report on a failed burglary attempt in Vernon, Connecticut.

The police had received a tip some time after midnight about a burglary attempt and responded accordingly. The suspect, Juan Rafael Santiago, had fled upon the police’s arrival and was then pursued by foot. It took several uses of stun guns before the suspect was finally subdued.

He was brought to Rockville Hospital and treated there for minor injuries. Upon his release, he remains in the police’s custody with a $450,000 bond and is set to face previous and new charges.

runt stun gun image

Top 7 Ways to Prevent Thieves from Ever Victimizing You

Thieves are a sneaky bunch. They will employ plenty of tactics to get what they want. Prevent thieves from ever victimizing you or your family by using these tips:

Lock up.
An unlocked door or window is simply an open invitation to thieves to come in and help themselves. Use the built-in lock if there’s one or install an extra lock to keep yourself and your valuables safe.

Don’t leave keys in obvious places.
Keys that are placed in areas that are easily accessed by others make them easy to steal and use later. Keep keys in places that are accessible to you but difficult for others to find.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving keys in your car, even if you’re just warming it up. Thieves need only a few precious seconds to sneak in and drive away with your vehicle.

Use anti-theft device.
Low-tech or high-tech, an anti-theft device should serve its purpose – prevent thieves from making a poor victim out of you or at least deter them from doing their dastardly deeds.

Familiarize yourself with the use of the device and don’t forget to activate it. Periodically check if the device works and replace old batteries with fresh ones. Consider installing anti-theft devices that may be operated remotely. A kill-switch for your car’s ignition, for example, will help prevent car theft.

Document your property.
Cars, valuable paintings, jewelry, appliances, computers, mobile phones, etc. are favorite theft items. If you can’t prevent thieves from getting their hands on these, at least prevent them from getting away with it.

If you have registration numbers, titles and certificates that will help identify the item once it’s stolen, keep these in a safe place for reference. Take pictures as well. If it won’t help you in getting the item back, a photograph will serve for insurance purposes.

Protect your identity.
If you aren’t careful, identity thieves can easily victimize you. Guard personal information well, particularly those that pertain to your social security number, driver’s license, bank account details and credit cards.

Be possessive.
Don’t trust strangers with your personal stuff and don’t leave items lying around, within easy reach of thieves. Purses, packages, bags, mobile phones and laptops are easily picked up when you’re not watching.

Verify.
Anyone who tries to get into your house should be cleared first. If they claim to be from a certain company or organization, ask for identification and then verify with the company itself. If somebody is trying to get to you online, be wary and make sure you check them out first.

image credits to nijoker

How a Taser Gun Works

A taser gun can be a valuable weapon for police officers who wish to catch their victims without having to engage in a chase. The gun itself is a frightening weapon: discharging around 50,000 volts of electricity, it has the capability to stun a would-be criminal and disable the person for about five seconds. According to the account of one police officer, that five seconds consists of feeling as though you are in a black tunnel, with a current coursing through your body that disables any movement and prevents you from fighting an officer or resisting arrest.

The pain, the officer says, comes from arching the back and tensing it while under the effects of the taser gun; the taser gun itself leaves bee-sting like marks and may often result in wound bleeding due to the probes that fly out of the taser gun and onto the back of the would-be criminal. Police officers often volunteer to have the taser gun used on them because they want to know the effects of it when they themselves have to use the guns on their subjects. Although the gun is reportedly safe, there have been deaths due to taser gun use.

How does the taser work? The 50,000 volts of electricity take on the central nervous system by overriding its control of the body. That is, the electricity prevents the brain from controlling the body: the taser imitates electronic pulses that match those used by the nerves; the nerves in question are those that transmit orders from the brain and to surrounding muscles. Electronic pulses are what cause muscles to contract. However, when the nerves that surround and transmit orders to muscles are flooded by electronic pulses that resemble their own, the normal signals that usually travel from the nerves to the muscles are drowned out. In effect, the muscles will start to contract uncontrollably.

The body, under the taser, is thus a bundle of muscles that cannot be moved voluntarily. Once subject to a taser, a person can collapse and will be disabled for a few minutes. Although recovery is fast, the collapse can provide a police officer with enough time to shackle the subject and keep him or her from running farther or attacking the officer.

How safe are taser guns? Although there have been deaths, taser manufacturers and police officers alike attest to the guns’ safety. If you are concerned about taser guns, you may want to talk to your police officer and ask about the tests that have been done with such guns. There is also literature on the subject available in popular science websites that you can browse and read on.

taser c2 image

When is Self Defense Not Self Defense?

When in the court of law, many people who have been accused of assault or manslaughter will often say that they were acting in self defense. Of course, this is understandable if the person who was killed was about to kill them or rape them, then the accused may well claim self defense. But when is self defense not self defense, and when is the line crossed?

In general, the law will allow for the “use of necessary and proportionate, non-deadly force in self-defense anytime the victim reasonably believes that unlawful force is about to be used on him,” in the case of a non-lethal force (such as assault); and it will also allow for the use of deadly force any time a faultless victim reasonably believes that unlawful force will cause death or grievous bodily harm is to be used on him,” as in the case of a lethal force (including manslaughter).

The wording on such laws can be tricky, and it can all depend on how the trial will proceed and how the defendant is able to prove that he or she reasonably believed that he or she was under threat. This can be difficult to prove, and it may require a psychiatrist or an eyewitness, the latter of which can be difficult to procure. Moreover, the use unlawful force is debatable: there are idiosyncrasies of laws that can permit certain actions to be understood as lawful even if they seem logically frightening. How faultless the victim is can be a point of contention. In many cases, prosecutors will do what they can to make a victim appear to be at fault.

Another point of contention might be the extent to which the victim acted in purported self-defense. Was it necessary and proportionate to the coming threat, if any? This necessity and proportionality can often be a matter of opinion. For instance, would mauling a would-be rapist be a proportional punishment? Would murdering a man because of a sexual slur be “overdoing” it? Moreover, what “punishment,” if any, should the defendant be given? Should there be rehabilitation involved, psychiatric help, or time served in prison?

As with many other aspects of the law, self-defense is tricky and can be redefined depending on the prosecutors, defendants, and how the case proceeds. If you are interested in finding out more about this aspect of the law, then you may need to do more research, talk to a criminal lawyer, and ask about how self-defense cases are resolved.

image credits to meredithfarmer