The Effects of Stun Guns & Tasers

Stun guns and Tasers have become increasingly popular as devices for self-defense by individuals and as standard equipment for many law enforcement officers. They are safer than firearms because they are effective in stopping an attacker, but they are not designed to do permanent damage. If you plan to purchase, or if you already carry, a stun gun or Taser, then you should know how these devices affect the target physically.

Brain Activity

• When a stun gun or Taser emits its electrical charge into the target, the brain activity is affected immediately. Much like an electrical signal can interfere with your television, the charge disrupts communication between the brain and the muscles. The interference makes the target unable to control his muscles, which typically results in their instant collapse and inability to fight back.

Disabled Muscles

• One of the factors that make the stun gun so effective is its ability to instantly disable the muscles. It is this effect that keeps the attacker down for a significant amount of time. The influx of energy into the body instantly turns the target's blood sugar into lactic acid. This conversion renders the attacker's muscles useless for several minutes, according to the Security Pro USA website. Though the experience can be painful to the attacker, it is not lethal and is unlikely to do any permanent physical damage to the person.

Exhaustion

• The physical reaction to the stun gun charge wears off in a few minutes, but the rapid physical reaction to the charge completely exhausts the target. Even when the attacker is able to move again, he is likely to be so exhausted that he will be unable to put up much of a fight and will certainly not be in any condition to chase or struggle with a victim. Repeated shocks will further exhaust the target but should not do any further permanent physical damage.

Deterrent

• Perhaps the most desirable effect of the stun gun or Taser is its ability to deter an attack before it ever happens. Many attackers seek out what they perceive to be easy or weak targets. When a seemingly weak target suddenly presents a stun gun and points it at the would-be attacker, he may reconsider and go away. While this effect isn't guaranteed, it is the most desirable end to a threatening situation.

Legality

• Whether you are able to carry a stun gun or Taser depends on what state you live in. Seventeen states restrict the use of stun guns or Tasers. The strictest laws concerning exist in Hawaii, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. These states prohibit anyone other than law enforcement officers or other officials from carrying or possessing these devices. Fines and potential jail time can be the result of breaking these laws. Illinois is the only state that requires a firearms permit to obtain a stun gun or Taser.

  Partial restrictions exist in California, Georgia, Florida, Kansas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Connecticut. Most of these laws restrict the possession of stun guns and Tasers for convicted criminals or ban them on school grounds or other public property. Check local laws to determine the legality of stun guns or

  Tasers in your area.