Stun guns are a great tool to have on hand in case of an attacker. They are legal to own in many states, and they work to temporarily disable your attacker.
However, you should know that stun guns are not a substitute for firearms, and you should always use them responsibly in self-defense situations. They can be dangerous if used improperly, and can put you in danger of being arrested for assault.
Disabling Cameras
One of the coolest features in Deus Ex is the ability to disable security cameras. These are usually found in high-rise office buildings or in airports. In Deus Ex: Human Revolution they aren’t exactly invisible, but a well-placed swatting gun or sniper rifle can make them all go away (and you may have to pay for the privilege). A similar trick is available in Mankind Divided, with a few tweaks in the settings and the game will reward you with an extra shot or two. The game also has the requisite number of other notable self-defense devices, such as stun guns and tasers, to name but a few. The most popular of these is the Taser X, which can be rented at many locations across the country.
Stun Guns
Stun guns are small, high-voltage devices that send volts through your aggressor to temporarily disable them. They’re also non-lethal, so they’re a great option for self-defense.
A stun gun works by causing your attacker to feel pain and muscle contraction, which can startle them into submission. However, it’s important to remember that even a single contact from a stun gun can take over three seconds for someone to be incapacitated.
In some cases, it can also cause confusion and disorientation. This is why it’s important to know your state’s laws regarding these weapons.
In Maryland, stun guns and Tasers are called “electronic control devices.” They’re not allowed in public schools or government buildings, unless permitted under local law. In addition, if you have a protective order against you or have a history of violent behavior, you’ll need to get a permit before carrying one. This may require more paperwork and costs extra money. Fortunately, you can find out what your specific laws are by looking them up on the Maryland State Law Library website.
Tasers
When police officers fire stun guns, they use barbed electrodes connected to a gun by two whisper-thin wires that stick to clothing or skin and create a powerful electrical charge. These stun guns can be used from distances of 15 feet and have a less dramatic effect on the human body when fired at close range.
Tasers are generally effective at disarming people who are armed or resisting arrest, but they can be dangerous when used repeatedly. That’s why Taser International, the company that dominates the stun gun market, has issued safety bulletins to police departments for more than a decade warning about the dangers of repeatedly shocking someone.
APM Reports reviewed records from more than 250 police shootings over three years that involved a Taser, and found that Tasers were not effective in subduing people who were then shot and killed by officers. In some cases, people became more aggressive after being shocked.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is one of the most common self-defense products, and it’s also widely used by law enforcement officers. It’s a non-lethal spray that temporarily incapacitates an assailant and allows you to escape and call for help.
While a lot of people use pepper spray as a defense, it’s not always the best option. A number of factors can make it less effective, such as wind conditions and the distance from an attacker.
In addition, some pepper spray designs have safety features that can prevent accidental discharges. Most of these include a side-slide safety or a spring flip top safety (Fig.1).
The side-slide safety requires the user to slide or push a notch located on the device to the right before using the spray, while the spring flip top requires the user to push the safety completely before pressing the spray button. These safety designs could prevent the spray from being fully activated, and possibly cause inaccurate aim.