With all of the talk about cameras and camera cards getting stolen as well as studio break-ins, I have a question:
Have any of you thought about carrying a taser? I live in Illinois and I believe that it is legal to carry one - from the info here: http://www.taser.org/laws.html
I was nervous at a wedding yesterday - outdoor in a large public park - with lots of walking alone from place to place. I usually carry everything on me for safety and convenience sake except for lightstands and tripod. I even haul it all in to the bathroom with me (-:
On the way to the wedding - I was thinking about how much $$$ I was actually carrying around, added it up and it came to almost exactly $8000 in equip, just carrying on me! Yikes!
I am always a little nervous leaving the reception late and actually did have someone follow me out last night - but he was simply walking out for a smoke.
I am insured very well - so everything could be replaced immediately. I would still be so mad if it all got taken!!!
Not sure I want to enter into battle over some easily replaced equipment, even if I did make my living with it.
I will admit that in some 30+ plus years of wandering around the Southwest U.S. border areas of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, there were numerous times I (legally) carried a firearm with me, even though I was just out to take "senic photographs" and enjoy the outdoors.
However, the issue then (and would be now) for me was that I had every right to be where I was going AND there was an actual or perceived possibility of life-threatening encounters with people who could care less about stealing from me - they would just want to make sure I never talked to anyone again about seeing them.
So to me your issue should resolve around your intent, training, and preparedness to enter into personal combat over a possible theft, knowing that it could result in your injury or death.
I can tell you from experience that if you are lugging a bunch of gear around (or backpacking) your weapon, regardless of what it is, will NOT be readilly availalbe and reachable, which automatically puts you at a 10-15 second disadvantage (recognize the threat, divest yourself of equipment, arm yourself, begin defense). In most cases you will have already lost the battle by that point.
On the bright side, most thieves (mostly dopers) recognize that camera gear is harder to dispose of than other things, and it brings almost no money on the fenced market.
Your call, but I advise taking a good self defense course and (really and truly) interviewing and placing on annual retainer a good criminal defense lawyer if you decide to arm yourself, even with a TASER.
THAT makes a lot of sense - wherever I would pack such a thing - I wouldn't be able to get to it in time anyway.
I have always thought of my D300 and 70-200VR as my weapon anyway - and it is always easily accessable!!!
~Val
Genes Home wrote:
I can tell you from experience that if you are lugging a bunch of gear around (or backpacking) your weapon, regardless of what it is, will NOT be readilly availalbe and reachable, which automatically puts you at a 10-15 second disadvantage (recognize the threat, divest yourself of equipment, arm yourself, begin defense). In most cases you will have already lost the battle by that point.
Genes Home wrote:
I can tell you from experience that if you are lugging a bunch of gear around (or backpacking) your weapon, regardless of what it is, will NOT be readilly availalbe and reachable, which automatically puts you at a 10-15 second disadvantage (recognize the threat, divest yourself of equipment, arm yourself, begin defense). In most cases you will have already lost the battle by that point.
On the bright side, most thieves (mostly dopers) recognize that camera gear is harder to dispose of than other things, and it brings almost no money on the fenced market.
Your call, but I advise taking a good self defense course and (really and truly) interviewing and placing on annual retainer a good criminal defense lawyer if you decide to arm yourself, even with a TASER....Show more →
I'm not sure what type of weapon you are referring to, but a hammerless revolver fits into any pant pocket and pulling it out from a pocket holster takes les than 1.5 seconds. No one can see it, it does not interfere with your movements, and it is very effective.
As far as self defense goes, I have trained in martial arts and the way I see it, it will only be benificial if someone is fighting with you. If that person has a weapon, even Chuck Norris can't get out of it without getting shot!
Criminals are ruthless and will sell their own mothers for crack or meth. They don't analyze what can get them caught, they just think that if it looks expensive they will be able to sell it for a few dollars to get their fix.
I myself carry pepper spray as well as a handgun (licensed) I had a incident one time at a wedding (dont arm myself with handgun during wedding) I had my pepper spray on my belt which can shoot 10 feet and 25 burst per bottle. Had to walk back to my car which was in the street 1/2 a block down in a bad neighborhood. I was approached by 3 guys that followed me even when I tried to avoid them. I was able to get my pepper spray in my hand an ready. Sure as shit one of them jumped me I managed to get a clear distance away from them and let all 3 have it with one sweeping action. Dropped them right to there knees. and I stood there why they screamed as I called the cops. All 3 were charged with criminal menacing and aggravated assault. Never leave home without it.
Edited by Steve Tinetti on Aug 24, 2008 at 04:39 PM GMT
I will tell you, having been both trained to use and subjected to the effects of both a Taser and Mil-Grade pepper spray, that while the Taser may be more useful for subduing an assailant (IE taking them into custody), the short duration of the Taser requires repeated 4 second bursts to maintain control of the target. High-powered pepper spray will maintain its incapacitating effects for a REALLY long time with or without your presence. Further, a Taser is additionally limited to one target at a time. In the case of the above user, only one assailant would have been incapacitated, only serving to enrage his cohorts.
For personal civilian defense, I do not consider a Taser to be an an ideal weapon. Pepper spray is much better suited as a less-lethal personal defense tool.
Thanks everyone and thanks Evan and stromm - Pepper spray makes a lot more sense to me. I actually do can some - but it is year old - so I will see about ordering some to keep on my belt - thanks aq bunch!!! I have been in a few neighborhoods that made me a little nervous.
I have a large male at home (husband) - once the kids are older he just may have to become my assistant!
~Val
Evan Baines wrote:
I will tell you, having been both trained to use and subjected to the effects of both a Taser and Mil-Grade pepper spray, that while the Taser may be more useful for subduing an assailant (IE taking them into custody), the short duration of the Taser requires repeated 4 second bursts to maintain control of the target. High-powered pepper spray will maintain its incapacitating effects for a REALLY long time with or without your presence. Further, a Taser is additionally limited to one target at a time. In the case of the above user, only one assailant would have been incapacitated, only serving to enrage his cohorts.
For personal civilian defense, I do not consider a Taser to be an an ideal weapon. Pepper spray is much better suited as a less-lethal personal defense tool. ...Show more →
paranoia to say the least! Geeeze I live in one of the murder capitals in the US (Detroit) and I don't get THIS paranoid!
The "talk" about these issues is a matter of what you decide to read. This isn't new stuff that is taking place. This kind of stuff has ALWAYS been the case. The mere fact that it peaks your interest is because it is photography related is getting you all scary.
I'm not saying don't be smart about what you do to keep yourself safe, but be real.
Evan Baines wrote...the short duration of the Taser requires repeated 4 second bursts to maintain control of the target.
While I completely agree with your pepper spray recommendation, the civilian taser gives the subject a 30 second ride. I'll add to your disapproval of the taser for personal defense:
I've see the taser work plenty of times and I've also felt the effects. I've also seen many newspaper articles improperly report that the taser "didn't work" when a police officer used it on a suspect. The truth is that the taser worked...the cop didn't. The taser always works when the two prongs make contact with the body. Those "taser didn't work" reports are because both prongs didn't make contact with the subject. If some guy is charging at you for your gear and you miss, you're going to be in a world of hurt.
Also, Taser International just lost their first lawsuit. I disagree with the ruling but if you carry a taser you are opening yourself up to the possibility of a lawsuit.
A sturdy monopod with a good ballhead would be a great backup to the pepper spray.
One spray to the face would bring an assailant down followed by a dozen well placed smack with the monopod just to be sure.
a uzi or a mac10 on a strap over the shoulder is very quick, and oh so efective, a short burst in the air should deter most people, if not then ............... !
Humor people, go with the pepper spray, if it stops bears it will stop your local gang banger.
and it is always easily accessable!!!
