Stun Guns Info

The topic of self defense is being talked about a lot these days. And there is no doubt about the reason why this is happening. With increasing crime levels, people are becoming aware of the fact that if they are confronted with an attacker, they need to know what to do.

While self defense products like pepper sprays, stun guns and tasers are extremely easy to use and convenient, you cannot carry them with you all the time. For example, if you are wearing an elegant gown and going for a party, there is a small chance that you would like to carry a pepper spray with you. Though pepper sprays and stun guns also come in small packages and can be disguised as lipsticks or key chains, they may not be your first choice in such situations.

It is obviously advisable to arm yourself with other knowledge and skills so that you can use other self defense tactics if need be. Undergoing some kind of self defense training is especially important for those who may have jobs or professions that put them at a higher risk of attack. Security guards, waitresses and bartenders need to be more careful while they are at work and while getting off work too. With this knowledge in mind, there are various companies that have started marketing videos on self defense techniques. Some of these videos claim to tech martial arts and judo. On the other hand some of them claim to comprehensively train you in various self defense tactics that you can use when attacked.

Irrespective of how authentic these self defense videos may be, there is one thing that almost all fail to mention – the fact that active and concerted practice is required to master the art of self defense techniques. Learning self defense is not as easy as sitting on the couch and watching a self defense video once a day for five days at a stretch. For that matter, it is not even standing in front of the idiot box and practicing some moves once in a while. If you really want to learn how to defend yourself in the time of need, you need to see the video’s, and involve a friend and practice the moves regularly till you become confident and adept. You could use kickboxing equipment to practice too.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that the story ends there. There is another aspect of self defense that is not very well known. Irrespective of how many times you may have practices your moves and self defense tactics, you may react in a completely different manner when you are actually confronted by a real assailant, kidnapper or rapist. Many people who consider themselves otherwise prepared for an attack freeze at the sight of someone with a knife.

One is not suggesting that you throw yourself in front of real attack situation for practice. However, thinking about the situation actively can help you prepare for it mentally. Think of what you would do when something like this happens, the moves you would make and the manner in which you will go about using your strengths. Learn about the weak spots that you can hit upon so that you can emerge victorious with the least effort required.
Following the above mentioned recommendations in conjunction with the self defense training videos can definitely help you in protecting yourself better.

By: Steve Thibeault

About the Author:

When you are wondering what shows up in a background check, you need to first know what the background screening is for. There are a thousand and one things to find out about a particular individual and if you are not selective on what you need, you may end up with an overflow of information that you cannot digest. So let’s start with a typical example of background screening, pre-employment check.

So what shows up in a background check for prospective employee?

First and foremost, the prospective employer should do a Social Security Number or SSN check. The check reveals information like name, aliases, current address, address history, and SSN date of issue. Information gathered from SSN check can be used to verify the integrity of particulars given by the prospective employee. If the person claims that he was born in US but SSN date of issue was only a few months ago, this could mean the person is lying. Another scenario will be if he claims that he never stayed in another state for the past 5 years but SSN check revealed that he was in another state a few months ago, you should have some serious questions as to why this person is withholding this information.

The next thing you need to look at is criminal history record of the person. It is not enough just to look at what shows up in a background check on criminal history because a person may be charged or under investigation but has yet to be convicted. In this case, a warrant record will come in handy to make it a more comprehensive report on the person’s standing with the law. A court record will further enhance the person’s report by showing whether he or she has been charged in court before.

We covered the social and legal aspect, the next step is to go into the financial aspect. A person’s financial status can be determined by bankruptcy and credit report. What shows up in a background check on credit score can help to ascertain an individual’s credit situation. Knowing a person’s financial standing is crucial especially if he or she is going to be dealing with company assets or funds when joining.

Knowing what shows up in a background check is one thing but gathering those information is another. Go for a one-stop service that provides you with all the necessary information instead of gathering them from different sources. It will save you an enormous amount of time.

By: George Tho

About the Author:

Quick Facts: Burglary Statistics

What is considered a burglary…

Burglary is defined as the unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. The use of force to gain entry is not required to classify an offense as a burglary. Burglary is categorized into three sub classifications: forcible entry, unlawful entry where no force is used, and attempted forcible entry.

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report 2005

Burglary Facts and Statistics…

* Property crime makes up slightly more than three-quarters of all crime in the United States

* In 2005, law enforcement agencies reported an estimated 2,154,126 burglary offenses-a 0.5-percent increase compared with 2004 data.

* An examination of 5- and 10-year trends revealed a 1.8-percent increase in the number of burglaries compared with the 2001 estimate, and a 14.1-percent decline from the 1996 number.

* Burglary accounted for 21.2 percent of the estimated number of property crimes committed in 2005. The average dollar loss per burglary offense in 2005 was $1,725.

* Of all burglary offenses in 2005, 65.8 percent were of residential structures.

* Most (62.4 percent) of residential burglaries in 2005 for which time of occurrence was known took place during the day, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

* Among burglaries of nonresidential structures when time of occurrence was known, 58.0 percent occurred at night.

* A burglary takes place in the U.S. every 14.6 seconds according to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program Crime Clock.

* According to the FBI Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report, January-June, 2006, “burglary offenses showed an increase, up 1.2 percent from the 2005 level.”

* Overall, in about 84% of all burglaries, the offender gained entry into the victim’s residence or other building on the property.

Source: Crime in the United States 2005 Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation Release Date: September 2006

Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/

Where Burglars Enter a House…

One survey in Pennsylvania showed that 81 percent of residential intrusions occur through the first floor.

34 percent of burglars entered through the front door;

23 percent through a first-floor window;

22 percent through the back door;

9 percent through the garage;

4 percent entered through a basement;

4 percent through an unlocked entrance;

2 percent through a storage area;

and only 2 percent entered anywhere on the second floor.

A study in Connecticut showed that 12 percent of burglaries occurred through an UNLOCKED door and that in 41 percent of alarmed homes that were burglarized, the security system was not turned on.

By: John A. Leo

About the Author:

Juvenile crime is a blanket term that refers to any of a number of criminal acts which are perpetrated by minors. While adult crime is typically well understood from a criminal psychology perspective, the range and causes of juvenile crime are a bit more vague in terms of our understanding.

In any case, juvenile crime poses a unique threat and responsibility to society to address and prevent before it can cause devastating consequences.

Some of the most common forms of juvenile crime are vandalism, harassment, drug use and sales, as well as gang related violence and battery.

While researchers do not agree upon the causes of juvenile crime, there are a number of risk factors which are associated with statistically higher incidence and dangers for a given community of youths to engage in juvenile crime.

Some of the major risk factors which have been found to increase the danger of juvenile crime are poverty, and the presence of drugs and drug related violence in a particular community.

Domestic violence within the home is also a significant player in many lives of juvenile delinquents. Exposure to violent streets which already suffer from gang violence have also been found to play a significant role in increasing the incidence of juvenile delinquency in a particular area.

Compounded with easy access to fire arms, exposure to violence in the media, as well as an unstable family environment, the risks for juvenile crime become exceedingly significant.

While many people expect the state to address the issues of juvenile crime, the expected effectiveness of a state sponsored program is not high concerning the prevention of crime, but rather it is focused on the rehabilitation of delinquents after criminal acts have already been executed.

Since juvenile crime begins in the home, it will only be prevented at the societal level. Close knit societies can influence and address the problems facing the youth in a particular area and give them the support they need to reject negative peer pressure.

Part of preventing juvenile crime is by giving youths a suitable substitute to the gang mentality.

That being said, some of the more common state run projects to preclude juvenile crime are state sponsored youth initiatives as well as drug abuse education.

Along with these activities, the state also diverts a substantial amount of tax monies into supplying and maintaining correctional facilities whose focus is the rehabilitation of minors involved in juvenile crime.

No matter what the primary cause of juvenile crime is, the fact remains that it is a significant issue that we need to address as a society.

Only by the fair address of juvenile crime at the community level can we take the steps required to win over the disenfranchised youth.

By: Elia Levi

About the Author:

Having a sniper rifle in one?s hand is a great feeling. It transports one to the dark world of high profile hit men, the rugged grounds where army men and personnel take their shots or the slushy trenches that date back to the world war period. It only takes one?s imagination to list the various feelings associated with a sniper rifle. Unfortunately, sniper rifles are extremely hard to come by and are prohibitively expensive. Even if you purchase a sniper rifle by putting in your big savings, to what use can you put it? Air soft sniper rifles are a great alternative. They are excellently modeled in a mix of wood, metal, and plastic, to give a feel of the real thing.

Instead of shooting real bullets, these guns fire plastic BB pellets (usually at 400 fps). These can be either spring powered or gas powered. The gas powered ones are better in terms of range and quicker loading.

The downside of an air soft sniper rifle is that they are essentially ineffective for long distance sniping. They only become effective after a power upgrade, variants of which are quite common in the market today. The usual range of 50-100 feet gets a boost with these power upgrades. Also, hop-up mechanisms on selected models put a backspin on the BB pellets to maintain a straight projectile flight path. A laser pointer can also add to the fun.

Various models of sniper air soft guns are available at hobby stores and several online stores. Ebay also has several listings of sniper air soft guns that can help you purchase new and used guns at reasonable prices.

By: Kristy Annely

About the Author:

A robber or sexual predator is looking for a vulnerable person who is walking alone and isolated, typically at night. Beyond this, most attackers do not plan their assault in any detail. They wish to do the deed and quickly flee undetected.

You can reduce your chance of injury or trauma by observing the following:

In Your Neighborhood

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Play “what if…?” How close is a populated area where you can feel safe? How close is a telephone? Public telephones are becoming a vanishing breed so carry a fully charged cell phone. You should have your local police number on a quick dial. Dialing 911 does not work on some cell phone networks. Try it first.

2. Carry a defensive device, whether its pepper spray or a stun gun or other device. Know the product you have and how to use it. Read the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Trust your instincts. Research shows that crime victims were aware that “something was wrong” just before an attack.

4. Over half of all assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. Take notice if an acquaintance is paying unwanted attention to you.

5. Don’t wear headphones in higher risk areas. You must be aware of your surroundings.

6.If you’d like to jog but are afraid, consider Hot Walkers pepper spray. They look like ordinary walking weights but actually hold canisters of pepper spray.

Auto/Travel

1. Keep your car in good repair. Perform the recommended maintenance schedule. You don’t want to be in a position of being alone in a disabled vehicle.

2. Again, this is the time to carry a cell phone. It can literally save your life in an emergency.

3. If you are traveling overnight, make sure you leave an itinerary with family or friends. Include your expected route and choice of hotel/motel.

4. Plan your trip carefully. Use and carry a map or internet map plan or GPS device and familiarize yourself with the route beforehand.

5. Carry an emergency auto kit including flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumpers, etc. If you do not know how to change a tire, why not learn? It’s not difficult and it can get you going quickly if you have a blowout.

6. Personal defense items such as pepper spray or a stun gun can help even the odds against a strong assailant. Keep these in your glove compartment.

On Campus

1. Stick to well lighted areas at night. Know your campus security providers and where they patrol.

2. Dorm security is getting better but is not fool proof. Keep your dorm room locked, especially when alone.

3. Let a friend know if you are going off campus, where you are going and when you plan to return.

4. Do not walk or jog alone.

5. It’s best to leave your headphones at the dorm. You must be aware of your surroundings!

Keep these tips foremost in your mind so you may avoid becoming another crime statistic.

By: Eugene Brenner

About the Author:

TASER devices are some of the most popular self defense products on the market today. They disable an attacker through the use of electrical currents, causing the target to lose muscle control. If you’re considering carrying a TASER device for your personal protection, here’s what you should know about them:

What does TASER stand for?

TASER is an acronym for ” Thomas A. Swift’s Electric Rifle,” a device from an early 20th century children’s book capable of firing bolts of electricity. The TASER name was first used for self defense devices by Jack Cover, a NASA researcher. In 1974, he developed the first device that would become known as a TASER.

What happens when a TASER device is used?

When you fire the device, a compressed nitrogen cartridge fires two probes at your attacker. Once they make contact with the attacker’s clothing or skin, the probes send an electrical signal, at which point the attacker will lose all neuromuscular control. In under five seconds, he will fall to the ground, unable to continue the attack.

What are the aftereffects?

All targets of the TASER device become immediately immobilized, and will fall to the ground. Some will experience a tingling sensation or vertigo. After the electrical current is applied via the probes, the target of the TASER device will feel dazed for several minutes. The physical effects of being hit with a TASER can last for up to an hour, but the TASER device causes no long-term or permanent harm.

How is this high voltage method non-lethal?

While most TASER devices have an output of about 50,000 volts, the low amperage of the TASER’s electrical output results in no damage to nerves, muscles, or other body parts, while causing immediate loss of muscular control. Although a TASER is a high-voltage device, it only applies about 26 watts of power for less than five seconds, resulting in no permanent damage.

Do the probes need to contact skin directly?

No, the electrical current will still be effective as long as both probes come into contact with either clothing or skin. The current can jump up to two inches, meaning that it will even go through thick jackets and other clothing. For best results, the probes should be fired at the torso, which provides the largest target area.

What happens if the probes miss the target?

If only one probe comes into contact with your attacker, some electrical current will still flow. The amount of current depends on what material is contacted by the second probe. TASER devices can also be used as stun guns. The device itself can be applied directly to the attacker, without use of the probes. This method can be used again and again, without replacing the nitrogen cartridge in the device.

What is the range of a TASER device?

The probes should hit the attacker’s body at least four to six inches apart. The probes separate further from each other as the distance from the attacker increases. For bet results, TASER devices should be fired at a target at least several feet away. With most TASER models, the optimum distance is seven to ten feet. At this distance, the probes will land about 16 inches from each other.

By: Richard Armen

About the Author:

Let’s face it! Most common crooks are lazy. Sexual predators are not far behind. I firmly believe that if common sense is used and women in particular take advantage of their sense of instinct they can avoid a heap of trouble.

Here are some common sense tips to help you avoid an assault, sexual assault or rape.

 Use an elevator instead of the stairs. I know you need the exercise but going down a stairway by yourself at night can be a scary thing without anyone around. It is prime ground for perverts.

 If confronted with an armed assailant on foot-TAKE OFF. Only 2% of attackers are armed anyhow. Chances are that his aim isn’t that good. Your chances are better running away than staying and being assaulted or raped.

 If an assailant gets into your car with a gun-step on the gas, gun the car and CRASH THE CAR.

 If an assault from the front appears imminent YELL “Stop or Back Off.” Most assailants are not up to resistance. They expect an easy time of it. Resistance throws most of them for a loop.

 ALWAYS carry some non lethal self defense weapons such as pepper sprays or stun guns. The bad guys use surprise as a weapon. You can use it too. Imagine an assailant grabs you from behind with his arm around your neck and you spray him with some pepper spray.

 ALWAYS carry a personal alarm and be ready to use it.

If you follow these tips you are going a long way to preventing an assault-perhaps even protecting yourself.

Please Note that even though pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, some states and cities have restrictions. Some states and cities have restrictions on stun guns. Check with your local police department. Literally thousands of police departments carry and use pepper spray and stun guns. Why wouldn’t you?

By: Jack Krohn

About the Author:

Human beings are conditioned to believe that lying is morally and biblically wrong. They do not like to lie but do so consciously or unconsciously when they are under pressure. Lying produces nervousness and anxiety. These two conditions in turn produce distinct physiological effects that are sometimes visible and most often measurable in a lie detection machine such as a polygraph. The physiological effects of lying include:

An increase in breathing rate accompanied by a decrease in the depth of each breath, also known as shallow breathing. The pneumograph aspect of the polygraph measures these effects. An increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. The cardiograph aspect measures these vital signs. An increase in sweating. The galvanograph aspect measures the difference in the electrical resistance of the skin as the subject sweats under pressure. Electrical conductivity increases with an increase in sweating due to the electrolyte concentration found in perspiration. It does not measure the amount of sweat directly.

The lie detector machine records the measurements on an analog graph. Over the last half century or so, analog polygraphs have traced out their measurements on moving paper rolls which look similar to fax paper rolls on early 90’s fax machines. These papers are then annotated by the examiner during the polygraph test and read after the completion of the test.

More recently, polygraph machines have been hooked up to and its measurements recorded onto laptop or desktop computers thus making it easier for the examiner to administer the test without having to fumble around with lengthy paper rolls. Computers have revolutionized the way polygraphs are recorded. Computers have made analog polygraphs obsolete and make it efficient in storing the results of multiple subjects in one place.

The most important aspect of digital polygraph machines is the software program. The software program includes chart analysis capabilities designed to help the examiner in interpreting the results.

Again, the results of digital polygraph tests can be inconclusive provided that the test subject has had previous surgeries, illnesses, or is taking drugs, medications, or alcohol.

By: Fabiola Castillo

About the Author:

What Product is Right for You?

When shopping for self defense products, the most important question is also the simplest, what products are right for you? It is worth a good amount of consideration and self insight. A poorly chosen product can cause more damage than it can prevent.

For example, what good will a stun gun do if you aren’t comfortable with it? An attacker might wrestle it away and use it on you. On the other hand, you may be in a situation where you are phobic of weapons, so a stun gun may be ideal for your steady hand.

Throwing stars have been discussed for decades, but like samurai swords, if you haven’t had the training, they won’t really help you at all. A taser is wonderful for an attacker that is a few yards away, but would you be comfortable with it for a close range attack?

Keychain mace will be wonderful for those who have their keys with them at all times. If your lifestyle, or your work, doesn’t allow a keychain or other personal items, it will likely stay in your vehicle more than actually with you. Would physical training benefit you more so in this situation?

You should know your lifestyle before reaching a final decision. What items do you have with you the most? If you are always connected with work through cellular phones and wireless internet, perhaps you would be best suited with a taser or stun gun that resembles a pager?

Self awareness will do more in the long run to ensure you are protected. Having a honest anticipation of your routine will give you quick ideas of which items are realistic and which are unrealistic. A set of solid steel handcuffs may seem like the ideal way to keep burglars at bay until the authorities arrive. But, you should also anticipate how they will be subdued or disarmed in order to be cuffed. You should also consider as many different situations as possible. You can keep your weapon in the car, but what if someone attacks you before you get to it? What if you can’t get to your car in time? Answering these questions can prevent injury and hardship beforehand.

Choosing the right weapon is only the beginning. You also need to ensure the item is legal in your state. Your local authorities should be able to tell you what products are legal on both a regional and State level.

By: Mike Rao

About the Author: