Personal Security - Stunning? Shocking? Or not to be sneezed at?
Protect yourself with a personal security device
Personal security is seen as a modern issue but, to me, it isn't. Over 30 years ago I was attacked by a gang of youths, mostly older than myself. There were seventeen of them and just my friend (who escaped) and myself.
The outcome was inevitable although I determined to 'take the leader with me' and I hurt him very badly. Unfortunately the Police took the viewpoint that I had used 'excessive force' in my effort to protect myself and this attempt at self defense meant that I was the only one of the nineteen of us who got into trouble that day. This, of course, had nothing to do with the Police being afraid of the families of the other children.
I only relate that anecdote to a) demonstrate that the need for some form of personal security is not new (although the persistent failure of the Police to 'punish the bad guys' has brought it more into focus recently) and b) to make the point that the powers that be will not approve of your attempt at self defense - in their eyes you just aren't supposed to protect yourself; you're supposed to survive long enough for them to arrive on the scene.
So where does that leave you? I resolved long ago to advise anyone who found him or herself in the same position as I was all those years ago to hit first and worry second. The law is supposed to protect its citizens and if it is failing then it is the law which is wrong. Please note that there is a world of difference between a passive self-defense via a personal security measure and an active 'vigilante' action - the latter is a very different proposition.
Everyone has the right to feel secure. A personal security device may give you that confidence although it should not lead you to take pointless risks.
Never carry any personal security device you would not be prepared to use instinctively and without question. If you are afraid to use it then it is worse than useless; it has got you into a situation you might not otherwise have got into, its appearance has possibly escalated the situation and it has also got the potential to be used back against you.
Popular personal security gadgets are:
Stun baton
These are high voltage (typically up to 500,000 Volts) nylon batons which deliver an electrical charge to anyone who comes into contact with it below its insulated handle. A blast of 3 to 5 seconds can even result in temporary paralysis. This often comes with a personal alarm - intended as a first resort application.
Stun Gun
Similar to the stun baton in the sense that it delivers a high voltage shock but its chief difference is that it is a much more 'up close' personal security device than the stun baton. It has two steel prongs which are pressed into the skin of the attacker. A stun gun also often comes with a personal alarm.
Pepper Spray
Oleoresin Capsicum is the standard spray and it has the effect of producing a temporary disabling effect as eyes close and the respiratory system shuts down. Capsicum is a naturally-occurring substance (chili is a member of the capsicum genus) and contains an alkaloid called capsaicin which itself is both tasteless and odorless yet can even be detected at a dilution ratio of 1:1,000,000. That is what creates the 'burn' effect.
Looking out for yourself is important but don't take unnecessary or avoidable risks, your objective is defense rather than attack and your last resort (and not your first) should be your personal security.
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