Non-Lethal weapon choice. - American Police Beat Forums powered by OfficerResource

4everlate · #1 03-02-07, 12:14 PM

An NOPD officer asked me recently if I carried a gun. I told him no. He told me, "you should and need to get one." I agreed, but thought I was more interested in non-lethal.

Scenario for my intended use and need is something that I can carry with me and in my vehicle. Something that will immediately disable and give me run/call for help time.

In appearance, I do not pose a physical threat. I feel that I am more of the type where someone wanting to harm would do physical contact. I am never in a situation where I feel a gun is warranted.

I am thinking a stun gun of some sort. Don't know what kind, what voltage, etc. Can you help and make suggestions?

Piggybank Cop · #2 03-02-07, 12:36 PM

Non-lethal; the only way to go:

http://www.taser.com/ctwo/index.htm

Get training on this; it's important.

ps: get a gun.

**Pedro56** · #3 03-02-07, 12:36 PM

I would rather carry a firearm. If you want non-lethal though I like my good ol' wooden baton. I keep it in my car at all times.

**slick628** · #4 03-02-07, 04:35 PM

non lethal: flashlight...it's my best friend

**dla4079** · #5 03-02-07, 07:40 PM

I like my trusty MK-9:

**spcwes** · #6 03-03-07, 01:03 PM

For a non-lethal I would suggest the taser and pepper spray. The taser is very effective if you are able to deploy it correctly and get a good connection on the attacker. The drive stun is ok but not nearly as effective as the prong hook-up.

Of the two the prong hook-up done correctly is the only way to stop someone for sure. The pepper fogger is ok as long as you are upwind.
Also, a couple large capable pit-bulls or rottys in the car are a great self-defense weapon.

**conalabu** · #7 03-03-07, 02:31 PM

Taser.
Pepper spray is only good when apllied directly to the nostril.
Baton, of any type, is only as good as the person using it.

4everlate · #8 03-05-07, 06:46 PM

Thank you for your responses.

I like the rottie idea, but that would get old really quick, plus I am sure one of you guys would get me for leaving my dog in a vehicle w/100 degree weather (140 inside vehicle.)

Downwind from pepper spray

Seems no one liked my "stun" idea. I was really hoping for suggestions on the recommended kind and voltage.

Just a guess, but I think you are all partial to guns.

**Rhino** · #9 03-05-07, 08:53 PM

The trouble with Stun guns is they don't work. I've been hit with a stun gun and with a taser, and compared to the taser, the stun gun just tickled.

If you want to go with something like that- I'd go with the taser. You can also take off the cartridge and it's a contact weapon like the stun gun- and it has higher amperage- which is what you want versus voltage.

TwanimusPrime · #10 03-05-07, 09:02 PM

Taser all the way. Pepper spray is only as good as the drive of the person yer using it on. (We fought through it in the academy, so anyone else can to). I keep it basiclaly just for dogs.

Same with Baton. I really only use the baton (both PR24 and Asp) for breaking windows and hitting dogs. It CAN be useful on an adversary, but IMO its to risky to use. You swing for the femoral nerve, and he moves his leg, you crack his knee...say bye bye to your badge. The PR 24 has good intimidation factor, but save it for riots.

Piggybank Cop · #11 03-07-07, 08:20 AM

Non-Lethal weapon choice.

A gun is non-lethal until you shoot and then only if you hit the right area.
The NRA reports that guns are used over a million times a year without firing for self-defense, just the showing deescalates the situation. (or something like this)
It worked for me a few times, when I wasn’t a cop.

Learn how to and when to use a firearm and continue training.

Ps: The bad guys don’t care and they will hurt, kill, rape and rob you in a New York minute it’s up to you to protect you.

rob84 · #12 03-07-07, 08:39 AM

Jackalope · #13 03-07-07, 01:17 PM

No one has mentioned a very important limitation of the Taser. I believe the civilian versions have 15' leads, which means if your attacker is 15'1" away or farther.... you are unarmed.

KaiGywer · #14 03-07-07, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackalope

No one has mentioned a very important limitation of the Taser. I believe the civilian versions have 15' leads, which means if your attacker is 15'1" away or farther.... you are unarmed.

Well, you could also say that the cop version is useless too outside 21 feet. Every tool has its limitations

Jackalope · #15 03-07-07, 02:49 PM

True, but cops use Tasers differently, and a cop has a gun to use when it's appropriate. A cop has the obligation to subdue a suspect and take him into custody. A civilian is only using a Taser to defend their own life and buy themself some time to escape the threat.

**Pedro56** · #16 03-07-07, 03:47 PM

How could I forget these two items. I still carry them...you never know.

**Coloradocop** · #17 03-08-07, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedro56

How could I forget these two items. I still carry them...you never know.

Hey Pedro,

Are you guys allowed to carry SAPS on-duty? I thought we were the only ones left in the country who still carried those!!! I love my SAP.... works great for knocking on doors or bad guys

**Pedro56** · #18 03-08-07, 05:54 AM

Are you kidding me? Mine is my great grandfathers as are the brass knuckles. I will take the day rip if either of em saves my ass.

J-WS6 · #19 03-08-07, 07:45 AM

If you arent comfortable carrying a gun, then you may not be comfortable with acting should you need to.

Most weapons covered here would require the same permits as a firearm, and some may be totally illegal depending on where you live.

I'd suggest getting a cellphone and calling 9-1-1.

bmcgonag · #20 04-19-07, 03:12 PM

As they originally stated they just want something to give them time to run and call for help (thus your 911 suggestion), but getting that time is the first step.

Kick to the groin, chopt o the throat, thumb through the eyeball, not just a poke either, jab that thing out!

Head-butt to the nose, car keys laced between fingers, then jab the neck and face (not to mention makes it fairly easy for cops to identify the attacker later).

Once you move on into the commercial products, there are so many...make sure whatever you get is legal, and if you need one that you get a license to carry it.

Taser is great! Pepper Spray great (only people it's ever not worked on were mentally insane or high, and I didn't have to apply it directly to nose...just the general vicinity).

Whatever you go with, have it in your hand at all times so it's ready. If you have to go searching or digging for it...you're screwed.

Best of luck,

Brian