There and Back Again

Transportation is vital to an RLSH. Many of us cover a large area while on patrol and for handouts. As a result the most vital piece of gear that we use is the car. Of course some of us don’t use a car at all, patrolling on foot, or using a bike or skateboard. There’s nothing wrong with that. Which ever transportation is best suited to your locale is the way you should travel.
But I am going to tell you about cars first. Anyone who owns any type of car should have it on a regular maintenance schedule. All too often I see people who have a limited budget, purchase a vehicle that is right at the edge of what they can afford. They don’t include maintenance as part of the operating costs of the car. As a result the car degrades and you wind up with a really large paperweight that you are making payments on. Not an effective use of funding. Also you will look real silly in your gimmick trying to fix a leaky radiator by the side of the road.
Get a car that is well under your budget levels. A running used Camry is going to be a lot more super than mustang that is up on blocks in your back yard.
My team-mate Superhero has The Supermobile. A tricked out custom built Corvette Stingray. It’s mean, fast, scary fun to ride in, and spends a lot of time (and money) in the shop. Is it worth it? If you can afford it, yes. But take a realistic look at what you are doing as an RLSH, before purchasing something like this. As with everything else about the community, try to not be all starry eyed when investing in transport.

 Now that I have said the preachy part, I will tell you about some cool little transportation gadgets that are available.
 
A new arrival on the scene is a sort of cross between a skate board and a motorcycle. Called The Shocker.
 

Motocross Board

 
It’s available for pre-order now. The price is between $1700 and $3000 Depending on which model you want.
 
The Roamboard is an electric powered motorized skateboard.
 

Roam Board

 
The Roamboard starts at $2500 for a basic model and run to $3000 for a custom.
 
And since we are checking out cool skateboard evolutions and crossovers, what if you crossed a skateboard with a tank? The DTV Shredder
 

 The Shredder

 
This little monster will cost you about $4000.  It is still in the pre-order phase but should be available by spring of 2012.
 
 

* * * *

What’s in your utility belt?

Weapons. Everybody wants weapons. Stun guns, real guns, batons, staffs, knives, swords. Flame Throwers?
Holy Nazi Frog Men! There must be a war going on in every back alley in the world? Is there? Have you asked yourself that question? Are you being realistic about what you will encounter on the streets? Or are you still pretending just a little bit?
If you are carrying a sword around on the streets you are pretending. “It’s just decorative.” Then why do you need it? “To make the costume look authentic” Ahh, you’re a cosplayer.. “I’m an RLSH!” No you’re not. You are lying to yourself and those around you.
I saw a video of the great Phoenix Jones. There is no denying that he is the most visible of us. The one most recognized by the public. And the one who is “setting the bar” by which we will all be judged. Unfortunately.
Anyway here he was on camera attending to an injured civilian. The man was lying prone on the ground. Bleeding from an injury to his temple. Phoenix Jones was dancing around in concern, seemingly confused. Then he calls to someone off camera for towels.  PJ is not carrying a first aid kit.
Bullet resistant vest? Check.
Stun Gun Baton? Check?
Thousands of dollars worth of custom made costume? Check.
Public Relations camera guy? Check.
First aid kit? Who needs it!…
I have no beef with PJ personally. I don’t even know him. This is not a PJ blog. This is a “What you need to have with you on patrol” blog. We should all be setting a good example. We should all be setting a much better example than that video of Phoenix Jones is setting.
Your number 1 priority, the number 1 reason to be an RLSH is to help people. Regardless of your ultimate mission you are there to help. The best way to help people is to be prepared. Training comes first. Then the gear.
Can’t afford the training? Volunteer some time to the Red Cross. They offer first aid training, CPR classes, and other life saving procedure classes. And they will teach you about the Good Samaritan Laws in your area. Free to volunteers. Free! No excuses not to do it. Go there now!

>>American Red Cross<<

If you are an RLSH to help people, then put in some of that time at the Red Cross. Look at it as patrol time. If you are not willing to volunteer your time doing that, you should be questioning your reasons for being an RLSH. We are not here to fight, we are here to help.
After you have a bit of training, and hopefully some real world understanding, then you can get these items for your utility belt. These are essential.
The Gadgets you should have with you always:

  1. Get a first aid kit. Know how to use it.
  2. Carry a cell phone to call for help. Always call for help first.
  3. Carry a camera to make a visual record of events
  4. Carry a flashlight to see in the dark areas.

Notice there are no weapons on that list. All weapons are optional. All of them. You don’t “need” any of them.
Are weapons helpful? In certain circumstances, yes. But those circumstances are a lot more rare, than someone needing first aid. Saving a life is going to make you a lot more of a hero, than fighting off a team of Nazi Frog Men.

Old enough to Bleed

I get requests for gadgetry all the time. 90% of those requests are for some kind of weaponry. I understand this. The heroes in the comics are loaded to the gills with advanced artillery. Villains are as well. They even have whole armies of henchmen packing all sorts of lethal armament.
As a result, our young impressionable members feel that they need a flame thrower or micro grenade launcher or some sort of anti personnel tactical nuclear device. Of course you need that. The heroes in the comics have them.
“Why not me?” you ask.
As I said before, many of our members are young and impressionable. In fact, a vast majority of people asking for top rated fire power are teenagers. Yes that’s right. Children not old enough to buy beer or vote are asking me to build a flame thrower.
I am all for the right to bear arms. My father taught me to shoot a revolver when I was 11 years old. I can bulls-eye a dime with a 22 rifle at 20yards. And I can knock a squirrel out of oak tree with nothing more than a sling shot and a small pebble.
I can use these weapons because I understand them. I respect them. I, however, do not advocate carrying any of them in the field.
I know that some RLSH carry lethal weapons on patrol. I am not telling them not to. One of my team mates carries a lethal weapon in the field. He has training in how to use it. He has years of experience with fire arms. And he has a licensed permit to carry it.  Also, he is old enough to vote.
Anyone wishing to carry a weapon of any kind in the field should have a healthy respect and understanding for what it can do. They should be trained, licensed if necessary, and permitted to carry and use it by the local laws and regulations. If you are asking me to build something that cannot be bought at a specialty weapons shop or a traveling weapons show, then I must assume that it is probably not legal and you have little understanding of that weapon and its proper use.
My new policy for any type of lethal weapons will be “You’ll shoot you eye out kid.”
*Addendum* I wrote this blog on Saturday night just before patrol. Sunday morning I had an email from a person asking for me to build a flame thrower. Yep.
I won’t say who it was that asked so if he wants to keep his reputation he can just pretend it never happened and no one will know.

Project EON – Mach 1

Some of you may know of my long running Project EON. Some of you may not. This week I reached a major milestone in the project by completing the Mach 1 Phase.  It seems a good time to brag about this humble endeavor.
EON will be wearing the suit at a major RLSH event called HOPE 2011 at the San Diego Comic Con the weekend of the 23rd.
Project EON is an attempt to build a super suit somewhat akin to a real life version of Iron Man. Now if there are any comic book nerds (or even comic movie nerds) in the audience, you already know who Iron Man is. Tony Stark is a normal guy in a metal suit that gives him all sorts of super powers. It does this by ignoring those laws of physics that I harp about all the time.
Of course the Real Life version must work within those laws. So we will have to scrap some of the Iron Man super weapons in favor of more realistic available gadgets. And unlike Tony Stark, who is a billionaire, we have to do it on a modest budget.
The first six months of the project were completely eaten up by trying to decide what to build into the suit, make it super, and still meet those physics requirements. There are several hundred pages of archived brain-storming from some of the finest, most creative minds in the RLSH community. Some people joined the community JUST to work on this project. Probably 80% of the gadgetry that I build has come about as a direct result of this project. To say the least it is an incredible undertaking.
Now the Mach 1 is complete and on its way to EON.
Well, you might ask what does that consist of? And why is it the Mach 1?
The Mach 1 is the lite patrol version of the suit. It consists of The Blast Boots, a utility belt, a UHMW level III bullet resistant vest, an MK6 Kevlar helmet, flash Kevlar gloves, the Shock Collar, armored forearms, a stinger flash light, various bits of first aid gear, and goggles. Because modern heroes wear goggles, not because I forgot to make the mask. The whole ensemble weighs in at about 25lbs. That is right where we wanted to be for the Mach 1.
See the Mach 1 suit here.
We looked at a lot of the stuff that Iron Man does, and asked: What would be a real world counterpart?
Iron Man is invulnerable thanks to his super alloy skin of Titanium and Vibranium. Vibranium is comic book metal and doesn’t really exist. Our answer was to add in some bullet resistant materials such as Kevlar and UHMW in the vest. UHMW, or UHMWPE, is a type of polyethylene plastic. It stands for Ultra High Molecular Weight. That just means that the molecular structure of it is very dense. Dense enough to stop a bullet.
Iron Man has repulsor rays in his hands and feet. That really isn’t going to happen in the real world. We replaced these weapons with the shocking voltage of stun gun technology. The Blast Boots came from needing a weapon on the foot. Also because we were watching Ultra Man, and thought it would be cool to kick a bad guy and shock him at the same time. The hand repulsors were replaced by flash Kevlar gloves with carbon fiber knuckles. EON can put out a small fire with the fire resistant gloves, or bap a bad guy in the face with the reinforced knuckles. Hopefully it will never come to that.
The other things that Iron Man can do such as fly, communicate via integrated wireless, computational systems, and super strength,… Those things will be addressed on the more advanced Mach 2 and Mach 3 components. Wait till you see some of this stuff.
EON will wear the Mach 1 equipment most of the time for his patrols. Technically the helmet is for the Mach 2. There will be a mask made for the Mach 1 in the next few weeks and the helmet will be kept for the Mach 2. The Mach 2 will be a bigger, badder, more super, suit that can be worn on special missions. When it is ready, I will update you again, here on Get You Gadget On!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot (padding for armor)

A lot of the RLSH wear armor of one type or another. From simple sports armor to full on ballistic protection and everything in between. Some even make there own armor to get that total custom look to it. One thing that almost everyone does to their armor, be it home made or store bought, is add a little extra padding. Possibly because you want it more comfortable, or able to take a harder hit or just because it doesn’t quite fit right.
So the question becomes, “What do I stuff under my armor and still feel manly?” Can’t very well use toilet paper like some teenage girl, can we. We need something macho and strong. And gadgety.
Enter D3o. That’s ‘dee three oh’ not dee thirty. D3o is a molecular super material that changes from gel to solid when impacted. It is sort of a Non-Newtonian fluid in jello form. It is gooey and pliable at rest, and very solid when impacted at high velocity. It has been available in Europe for a few years and is now making it’s way to the U.S. in high end sports gear. There has been a lot of talk about it in the RLSH community for a while.
I got a chance to test some of the new USA version D3o for Project EON some time ago. I tested the expensive D3o against a lesser known, much cheaper, type of polyurethane called Sorbothane.  Some of you may already be familiar with my findings but for those who are not, I am re-posting them here so they can be archived for the future.
I got a sample pack for testing of each product. The USA D30 called Deflexcion and the Sorbathane. I figured the best way to test the abilities of the materials was to place it over something fragile and then smack it with something hard. Like my big ass framing hammer for instance.
IM000452.JPG
I built a small frame to hold the edges of the d3o net like part in place.
ST1
It had a recessed part in the center so the d3o sample will be held above a voided area.
ST2
Then I placed the d3o sample in place above the void and screwed down a holding frame to keep the sides held tight.
ST3
Theoretically the force of the hammer should now be transferred through the entire structure making it all rigid and preventing damage to the wood below.
ST4
It actually became rigid enough to break. The force of the blow stiffened the whole sample. But with no way to dissipate it, it shattered.
ST5
The power of the hammer could now be transferred through the material into the wood.
Now lets take a look at the Sorbothane.
SO1
SO2
Its stretchy. It comes in 5 durometer levels. Which is a measure of how tough it is. 30, 40, 50, 60, 70. 70 is the toughest and the least stretchy. That’s the 30 I am stretching.
SO3
SO4
Laying each piece on its own wood sample, I proceeded to strike each with the hammer. You can see where I hit it.
SO6
No noticeable damage to the wood. I repeated this test with each of the samples. There was no noticeable damage to the wood in any of them.
Conclusion: D3o out smarts itself. It is too unforgiving if it is fixed on the edges. I feel if it is sewn into a suit and then struck it will probably not break like my sample but will instead transfer the force to the stitches causing the suit to become damaged. It would have to be loose in a pocket structure of the suit in order to be effective.
It dosen’t have any give under a forceful blow. so if you have it over your knee and are hit with a sledge, it will become solid and transfer all the force of the sledge to your knee. I can see making a helmet from it or padding over a soft area of tissue. But I wouldn’t use it over a boney area like the knees ankles and elbows. Also it is NOT available in raw form. You have to buy equipment with it already installed. The price of such equipment can be unforgiving as well.
Sorbothane on the other hand seems to maintain a gooey consistency and is probably rippling under the force of the hammer like a stone hitting the surface of a pool. I would like to get this on high speed film. You can buy it raw and add it to your existing equipment. The primary supplier being McMaster-Carr. Supplier of all sorts of industrial gadgetry and parts.

Grappling Guns Safety Lesson

Welcome to the first issues of Get You Gadget On. As you can tell by the title, this is a blog about Gadgets. I want to make this a running article addressing various aspects of RLSH gadgetry, software, tech, and toys. Hopefully this blog will serve as a repository of information where heroes can find answers to questions that vex them throughout their service as an active member of the community.
 
I also want to have other distinguished guests bring subjects to the blog. I don’t know everything about the gadget world (since so much of it is in flux) so I will defer to those who are more informed and experienced when the need arises. Indeed there are a great number of accomplished gadget builders in the community. I hope they will join me in passing along some knowledge.
 
Let’s get to it!
 

Separating Physics from Fiction

We all love comic book superheroes. Duh! They got all these cool toys! Spiderman has his web shooters. Cyclops has his eye blaster. Batman has the bat-a-rang, grappling gun, bat-mobile, bat plane, tons of stuff. Ironman IS a gadget. Man these guys got it all. But it’s what they don’t have that makes their gadgets the best. Laws of physics. Without these laws, a simple basement built chemical web shooter will allow you to swing between skyscrapers and stop run away locomotives. Sweet!

 
Of course we do have those laws. Take that comic heroes, we have all your laws of physics. Nah Nah Nyah! We get to deal with things like mass and gravity, heat and chemical reactions, velocity and stresses and.. And so many things it becomes very hard to build a good gadget. But that doesn’t stop us from trying. It doesn’t stop us from succeeding either. But it does make some things very, very impractical.
 

Grappling Gun

This is by far the most requested item that comes across my inbox. I have had at least 10 requests for a grappling gun in the past year. Every interview I have ever done included at least one question about grappling guns. What is it about this little beauty that makes people salivate like an over fed dog? Is it the fact that it gives you lateral movement? Is it the fact that it allows you to swoop out of the skyline and pummel the bad guy? Is it the fact that it allows you to make a quick get away when needed? Is it the fact that it will allow you to get above your city in order to get a better view of your patrol area? Is it the fact that they are damned sexy cool?
Answer: All of the above…
 
Accept that none of those are facts. They are all fiction. Comic lore that doesn’t actually function because of those laws of physics and stuff, I mentioned earlier.
So it can’t be built? Not precisely. It can be built. It has been built. This is the latest version.
batelle-grappling-hook-gun4-K-271028-13
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/batelle-grappling-hook-gun,news-9060.html
How’s that for sexy cool? Looks like pregnant airsoft rifle. Actually it kinda is a pregnant airsoft rifle. That is as close as we can get to a real grappling gun.
 
See that big barrel shaped thing on the front? That is where the 100ft of rope is stored. Guess what that does? It makes it front heavy. So it is hard to aim. It weighs close to 30 lbs. Carry that around on patrol for 3 hours. You won’t want to do it again, I’ll bet. Also it is air powered. So it takes a long time to reload. And it WON’T pull your weight up the side of a building automatically. You actually have to climb the rope! Holy rope burn Batman! This is turning into work!
 
Also there are liability issues. The hook and rope will almost definitely damage whatever you hook it to. That’s a lawsuit, maybe even jail time. If you do decide to climb the rope, you have to leave the gun on the ground, and then pull it up after you are on the roof. You know what will happen then? Some super-villain will take your gun while you are climbing the rope! Yep. As soon as you get 2 stories up that gun will belong to Malvado!
 
So that is pretty much it for Grappling Guns. It can be done but it is really a very, very impractical device to have along in the field

Urban Avenger's Utility Belt

I am making this so new people can see what an “average utility belt” looks like. I carry what is the general consensus of utility belt RLSH. That is, what is typical gear carried on a utility belt. And some not so much. This is to give you a rough idea of what you may want, or not want, to carry with you on crime fighting patrols. Links to my gear and a short review of them are included:
This is my utility belt. it occasionally changes, and evolves, usually for the better.
[url=http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=60&u=15595275][img]http://i29.servimg.com/u/f29/15/59/52/75/utilit13.jpg[/img][/url]
Starting from left to right we have:
4″ S&W Tactical Rescue Knife:
<img src="http://cache-images.pronto.com/thumb2.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.pronto.com%2Fimages%2Fproduction%2Fproducts%2Fb8%2Fb5%2Fimag56458f0d21f9b076e105c53873e6-1291754975_160x160.jpg&wmax=180&hmax=180&quality=80&bgcol=FFFFFF"
Very big knife. Heavy and sharp. Intended for getting people out of auto accidents, plus makes a good general utility knife. Don't bother putting the belt clip to any use, as mine fell off after a few weeks. Comes with a seat belt cutter, and glass breaker on the end.
http://www.pronto.com/product/smith-and-wesson-swbg1-border-guard-p_1555204972
NEBO CSI Self Defense Flashlight

NEBO CSI Tactical self defense flashlight. This thing is extremely bright, not sure of the lumen rating. It has three modes, the standard light, a laser pointer, and SOS strobe function. The teeth on the front make for a good self defense tool if someone comes at you while you are holding it. One strike across the temple and they are down. Runs on 3 AAA batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002R2Q0GM?tag=leddiscounts-20
Gerb Suspension Multitool

Good multitool. Comes with accessory bits which also fit on the pouch, which you can find here. This pouch also carried the NEBO flashlight, thumb cuffs and (not pictured, but goes in the back) a small notepad and pen.
http://www.gerber-tools.com/Gerber-Suspension-Multi-Plier-1471.htm
Double Locking Thumb Cuffs

Nasty little buggers. way worse than typical handcuffs as you cannot get out of them by being more flexible unless you want to cut your thumb off. Excellent compliance device. May be a little harder to get around big thumbs.
http://www.defensedevices.com/thumbcuffs.html
Caltrops

Typical ninja tool. Theoretically you drop them on the ground and are supposed to stick in the feet of whoever is chasing you. Won’t puncture tires (well maybe bike tires) but should definitely slow down anyone unfortunate to hit them. Yes they pose potential liability issues if not picked up after dispatching them. I’ve yet to have to use them in the field.
http://www.wildbillwholesale.com/ninjacaltrops.html
First Aid Kit
Various small first aid supplies including bandages, bandaids, neosporin and some OTC medications/aspirin alternatives. Could be more but I’m no medic.
Marbles
Nothin fancy, got these at toys r us.
Smart Phone

My smart phone of choice is the T-Mobile G2. Excellent power, full keyboard. 5MP camera with flash. HD video recording capability.
Doubtle Trouble Stun Gun

Between all the XJL member’s stun devices I have to say this is my favorite one. 1.2 Million volts. This stun gun claims to have a quicker disabling ability because the prongs are farther apart. Something to do with the arcing of the charge or some such business. This sucker packs a punch. I’ve tested on myself and will instantly paralyze anyone. Targeting specific muscles like the arms or legs in a scuffle makes that limb completely useless while it’s being stunned. The crackle of the stun gun alone is more than enough to deter anyone. It’s my weapon of choice.
http://www.wildbillwholesale.com/dtrstgun.html
UZI 2,000,000 SHU 2 oz Pepper Spray

You know pepper spray. It burns, a lot. I’ve tested this stuff out on me too. Although not to the extent of the stun gun. I’d rather be stunned than sprayed any day. Flip top lid beats the twist top kind any day of the week. I speak from personal experience. Flip top won’t accidentally discharge into your crotch 🙁
http://www.hand-tools.com/product-detail.php?prodnum=BRK-UZI1300
Handcuffs

Peerless Nickel finish handcuffs. Made in the USA, simple, strong and double locking so they don’t keep getting tighter. I carry two sets.
http://www.peerless.net/model-700-nickel-finish.html
900 Lumen CREE 5 Function Flashlight

This thing is an absolute monster given its size and price. I’ve hit the top story of a 20 story building from four blocks away. Run tike is pretty low considering the sheer power of this awesome light. Took me almost a month to finally figure out how to use the multiple functions. High power, low power, strobe, and two different beacon flashes. Half pressing the tail button switches between the different modes. I intend on buying a couple more of these to create my own North Star light, which I would eventually like to incorporate into my armor. The batteries are a bit expensive though. Half the price of the light itself.
http://www.bestofferbuy.com/UniqueFire-C8-Q5-5-Mode-900-Lumen-LED-Flashlight-(1*18650)-p-67649.html?currency=USD&utm_source=gbase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=gbase
Total weight: Approximately 8lbs

Evidence Collection Kit

By Thanatos
I’ve been putting a proper evidence kit together for some time now.  it’s taken some time to assemble everything together.  I’ve used online catalogs and additional references to put together a professional style kit.  this is what I have so far.
DSC00701
28-10-09_1555
DSC01011-2
got things a little bit at a time.  the case for Christmas

DSC01732

DSC01735

open

DSC01737

contents of left section

DSC01741

contents of center section

DSC01738

right section
DSC01739

DSC01740

instruments
and a complete list of things so far
inside pocket-lid-
2x 2GB cards       ruler/scale (x2)
toothbrush         touch light
marker pen         plastic locking forceps
flex lite          steel spring forceps
bic lighter        plastic spring forceps
scalpel blades     6 ft tape measure
left compartment-
2x DVD/CD blanks
tags
envelopes-6×8
plastic bags 8 1/2 x 11
plastic bags 4 x 6
plastic bags 2 x 4
sponge head swabs
tongue depressors
sterile syringe
latex and nitril gloves
q-tip swabs
center comartment-
digital camera
paper bags 4 x 8
safety glasses
pure water in single use dispenser
aron-alpha glue
tape recorder
60 min cassette
basket-
2 inch tape
1 inch tape
1/2 inch tape
3 x 6 index cards-blank
plastic bags 2×2
right compartment-
handwash
sheet magnifier
assorted size magnifiers (x3)
lighted magnifier
super scissors
plastic locking forceps (x2)
eye lupe- 6x
pen light
pressure scissors
utility knife
chemical hazard gloves
instrument pack-
steel spring forceps
spatula
large tissue scissors
scalpal handle
fine tip scissors
fine side cutters
locking forcep
locking forcep
ultimate scissors
small locking forceps
I still have test kits for drugs ans a few other things to come along yet.  it’s a work in progress.

TASER® & Stun Gun Laws

Originally posted: http://www.defenseproducts101.com/statestatutesummary_page2.html
TASER® Guns are not considered firearms. They can be legally carried in most states. Below you’ll find a summery of the state laws concerning the possession and use of TASER® Guns.

State Police Use Consumer Use State Statute Restriction(s)
Alabama Legal Legal 13A-1-2 Dangerous instrument or deadly weapon definition
Alaska Legal Legal 11.81.900 Defensive weapon = electric stun gun not designed to cause death or serious physical injury •Under 18 and On school grounds if under 21 without permission from school prohibited (11.61.210)•Class C felony if carried when violating a protective order (11.61.200)
Arizona Legal Legal 13-105 Dangerous instrument or deadly weapon definition
Arkansas Legal Legal 5-1-102 Deadly weapon definition
California Legal Legal 244.5 Assault with a stun gun or TASER® device [stun gun and TASER® devices are different] Cannot possess TASER® device in state or local public building or public open meeting (171b (a) (5)) or in sterile area of airport (171.5)
Colorado Legal Legal 18-12-101 Stun gun = device capable of temporarily immobilizing a person by the infliction of an electrical charge; 18-12-106.5 Use of stun guns during crime Use of stun gun in commission of criminal offense is a Class 5 felony (18-12-106.5) 
Connecticut Legal Legal in home 53a-3 Electronic defense weapon = a weapon which by electric impulse or current is capable of immobilizing a person temporarily, but is not capable of inflicting death or serious physical injury. •Carrying of electronic defense weapon unless peace officer is punishable by fine of less than $500 or less than 3 years in prison or both (53-206);•Cannot have in vehicle (29-38);
•Criminal use of electronic defense weapon is Class D felony (53a-216);
•Criminal possession of electronic defense weapon is Class D felony (53a-217)
Delaware Legal Legal 222 Dangerous instrument or deadly weapon or firearm definition
District of Columbia Legal Prohibited unless can get firearm registration 7-2501.01 Destructive device = any device intended to stun or disable a person by means of electric shock •No person/organization may possess unless they hold a valid registration (7-2502.01)•No manufacturing of destructive device within District and dealer must have license (7-2504.01)
•LE and military permitted use
Florida Legal Legal with restrictions as to type 790.001 Electric weapon or device = through use of electrical current; intended for offensive or defensive purposes, destruction of life, or infliction of injury
Remote stun gun = nonlethal device with tethered range less than 16 feet
•Cannot carry electric weapon or device in concealed manner but can carry for self-defense purposes a nonlethal remote stun gun (790.01)•License to carry concealed electric weapon or device (790.06)
•Open carrying of weapons allowed for nonlethal electric weapons that do not fire a dart or projectile (790.053)
•Must be authorized to have on school ground or at school functions (790.115)
•Use by under 16 only with adult supervision; adult subject to penalty (790.22)
Georgia Legal Legal 16-11-106 For this section, the term “firearm” includes stun guns and tasers which are powered by electrical charging units such as batteries and emit an electrical charge in excess of 20,000 volts; capable of incapacitating a person by an electrical charge •Not expressly mentioned in concealed weapons statute (16-11-126)•Expressly mentioned to be prohibited from being carried in school safety zones, at school functions, or on school property (16-11-127.1)
Hawaii Legal Prohibited 134.1 Electric gun = any porTABLE device electrically operated to project a missile or electromotive force •Electric guns are not to be possessed, sold, given, or delivered except to law enforcement (134.16)•Unlawful possession of electric gun is a misdemeanor (134.17)
Idaho Legal Legal Use 18 USC 930 Dangerous weapon definition
Illinois Legal Legal in home 720 ILCS 5/24-1 Stun gun or TASER® device = any device powered by electrical charging units which fires barbs and upon hitting a human sends out a current disrupting normal functioning •Cannot carry/possess with unlawful intent or concealed unless at home or principal place of business – handgun license required. (Apply for a FOID card) (5/24-1)•More unlawful use limitations listed punishable at various levels (5/24-1)
•More aggravated unlawful use limitations listed punishable as Class 4 felony (5/24-1.6)
Indiana Legal Legal 35-41-1-8 Deadly weapon = TASER® device or electric stun weapon readily capable of causing serious bodily injury;  35-47-8-3 TASER® device = designed to emit electronic charge or shock through use of projectile and used to temporarily incapacitate a person •Electric stun weapons and tasers are subject to different laws than stun guns; tasers subject to requirement of handgun license (35-47-8-4)
Iowa Legal Legal 702.7 Dangerous weapon definition
Kansas Legal Legal 21-4201 Criminal use of weapons defined •Weapons as to schools includes electronic devices designed to discharge immobilizing levels of electricity aka stun gun (72-89a01)
Kentucky Legal Legal 500.080 Dangerous instrument and deadly weapon definition
Louisiana Legal Legal Title 14 §2 Dangerous weapon definition
Maine Legal Legal 17 AMRS §2 Dangerous weapon definition
Maryland Legal Legal 4-101 Dangerous weapon definition
Massachusetts ? Prohibited Ch. 140 § 131J Electrical weapons •No person shall sell or possess electrical weapons; punishable by fine between $500-1000 or 6mos-2yrs in prison or both
Michigan Legal Prohibited 750.224a PorTABLE device/weapon directing electrical current •Device capable of electro-muscular disruption must contain identification and tracking system that is traceable to the purchaser through the manufacturer•Permitted possession and use by a peace officer, employee of department of corrections authorized by director, local corrections officer authorized by county sheriff, probation officer, court officer, bail agent, license private investigator, or properly trained aircraft pilot or crew.
Minnesota Legal Legal 624.731 Electronic incapacitation devices = porTABLE device designed to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current •A person may use with reasonable force in defense of person or property•Device must be labeled with or accompanied by instructions as to its use and dangers
•Devices must be according to local licensing requirement
Mississippi Legal Legal 97-37-1 Deadly weapons definition
Missouri Legal Legal 556.061 Dangerous instrument and deadly weapon definitions
Montana Legal Legal 45-2-101 Weapon definition
Nebraska Legal Legal 28-109 Deadly weapon definition
Nevada Legal Legal 202.253 Firearm definition
New Hampshire Legal Legal 159:20 Electronic defense weapon = an electronically activated non-lethal device producing an electrical charge sufficient to immobilize or incapacitate a person temporarily •Felon possessing shall be guilty of Class B felony (159:21)•Sales are restricted to persons 18 and over (159:22)
•Use against a LE officer or another person with intent to commit a crime is punishable as a misdemeanor or felony (159:23)
New Jersey Prohibited Prohibited 2C:39-1 Weapon = Stun gun, emits an electrical charge or current intended to temporarily or permanently disable a person •Any person who knowingly has in his possession any stun gun is guilty of a crime of the 4th degree (2C:39-3
New Mexico Legal Legal 30-1-12 Deadly weapon definition
New York Legal Prohibited 265.00 Electronic dart gun = designed to momentarily stun, knock out or paralyze a person by passing an electrical shock by means of a dart or projectile;
Electric stun gun = designed to stun, cause mental disorientation, knock out or paralyze a person by passing a high voltage electrical shock
•Possession is a Class A misdemeanor (265.01)•Possession by person with any previous conviction is a Class D felony (265.02)
•Exemption for LE (265.20)
North Carolina Legal Legal No definition statute •Unlawful to carry stun gun in a concealed manner punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor (14-269)•Stun guns allowed openly on educational property (14-269.2)
•Stun guns allowed to be carried openly by felons (14-415.1)
North Dakota Legal Legal 62.1-01-01 Dangerous weapon includes stun gun •Possession in liquor establishment or gaming site prohibited (62.1-02-04)•Other than LE, cannot carry in concealed manner (62.1-04-02)
•License to carry concealed dangerous weapon (62.1-04-03)
Ohio Legal Legal 2923.11 Deadly weapon definition
Oklahoma Legal Legal No definition statute •Use of electronic dart gun while committing felony shall be guilty of separate offense (1287)•Electric dart gun not listed in Unlawful Carry statute (1272)
Oregon Legal Legal 161.015 Physical force includes the use of an electrical stun gun •Reckless discharge of electrical stun gun against another person is a Class A misdemeanor•Knowing discharge of electrical stun gun against a LE officer, EMT… is a Class C felony
Pennsylvania Legal Legal 908 Offensive weapon = any stun gun, TASER® device or other electronic or electric weapon
908.1 Electronic incapacitation device
•Possession or use of electronic incapacitation device for unlawful purpose constitutes a 2nd degree felony with intent or 1st degree misdemeanor otherwise (908.1)•A person may use with reasonable force in defense of person or property (908.1)
•No person prohibited from possessing firearm may possess electronic incapacitation device (908.1)
Rhode Island ? Prohibited 11-47-42 Stun gun •No person shall carry or possess or attempt to use against another•No person shall carry concealed upon his person
•Punishable by fine less than $1,000 or imprisonment for less than 1 year or both and weapon shall be confiscated
South Carolina Legal Legal 16-23-10 Definitions of pistol and crime of violence
South Dakota Legal Legal 22-1-2 Stun gun = battery-powered, pulsed electrical device of high voltage or low/no amperage that can disrupt the central nervous system and cause temporary loss of person’s voluntary muscle control •Commission of felony while armed with stun gun is Class 5 felony (22-14-13.1)
Tennessee Legal Legal 39-11-106 Deadly weapon definition •Applicants for private security officer/guard registration who will carry stun gun must obtain certified training (62-35-118)
Texas Legal Legal 46.01 No applicable definition
Utah Legal Legal 76-10-501 Dangerous weapon definition
Vermont Legal Legal 4003/4016 Dangerous weapon definition
Virginia Legal Legal 18.2-308.1 Stun weapon = emits an electronic charge exceeding 5 milliamp 60 hertz shock and used for temporarily incapacitating a person
TASER® device = emits electronic charge or shock through use of projectile and used to temporarily incapacitate a person
•Possession or transportation of TASER® device by convicted felon is Class 6 felony (18.2-308.2)
Washington Legal Legal 9.41.250 Dangerous weapon definition
West Virginia Legal Legal 61-7-2 Deadly weapon definition
Wisconsin Legal Prohibited 941-295 Electric weapon = intended to be used and reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury •Selling, transporting, manufacturing or going armed with electric weapon is a Class H felony•Not applicable to peace officers, military, and corrections personnel
Wyoming Legal Legal 6-1-104 Deadly weapon definition

DETAILED CITY, STATE AND COUNTRY RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY
STATES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED: HAWAII
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
RHODE ISLAND
WISCONSIN

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CITIES WHERE STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:
ANNAPOLIS, MD
BALTIMORE, MD
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
CHICAGO, IL
DENSION / CRAWFORD COUNTY, IA (*According to Sheriff Tom Hogan*)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PHILADELPHIA
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COUNTRIES THAT STUN GUNS ARE RESTRICTED:
AUSTRALIA
BELGIUM
CANADA
DENMARK
HONG KONG
INDIA (POLICE USE ONLY)
ITALY
JAPAN
NEW ZEALAND
NORWAY
SWEDEN
SWITERLAND
UNITED KINGDOM
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PENAL CODES AFFECTING TASER® DEVICES, STUN GUNS & STUN BATONS.
STATE RESTRICTIONS:
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Illegal
District of Columbia Law. DC Code Ann. Title 6, Chapter 23. Firearms Control. Subchapter I. General Provisions 6-2302.
(7) “Destructive device” means:
(B) “Any device by whatever name known which will, or is designed, or may be readily converted or restored, to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant through a smooth bore barrel, except a shotgun.”
(D) Any device designed or redesigned, made or remade, or readily converted or restored, and intended to stun or disable a person by means of electric shock.
Subchapter II. Firearms and Destructive Devices. General Provision 6-2311. Registration requirements:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person or organization in the District of Columbia (“District”) shall receive, possess, control, transfer, offer for sale, sell, give, or deliver any destructive device, and no person or organization in the District shall possess or control any firearm, unless that person or organization holds a valid registration certificate for the firearm.
Subchapter V. Sales and Transfer of Firearms, Destructive Devices, and Ammunition. General Provision 6-2351. Sales and transfers prohibited. No person or organization shall sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any firearm, destructive device or ammunition in the District except as provided in *** 6-2352, or 6-2375.
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned in Washington, DC.
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HAWAII: Illegal
Hawaii State Law. Rev. Stats. Title 10, Chapter 134. Firearms, Ammunition and Dangerous Weapons. Part 1. General Regulations. Chapter 134-1 Definitions.
“Electric gun” means any porTABLE device that is electrically operated to project a missile or electromotive force.
Chapter 134-16 Restriction on possession, sale, gift or delivery of electric guns.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person, including a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer or licensed dealer, to possess, offer for sale, hold for sale, sell, give, lend or deliver any electric gun.
(b) Any electric gun in violation of subsection (a) shall be confiscated and disposed of by the chief of police.
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned in Hawaii.
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MASSACHUSETTS: Illegal
Massachusetts State Law. Ann. Laws of Massachusetts. Chapter 140. Sale of Firearms. Section 131J: Sale or possession of electrical weapons; penalties. Section 131J. No person shall sell, offer for sale or possess a porTABLE device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure or kill. Whoever violates this provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than two years in a jail or house of correction, or both.
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned in Massachusetts.
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MICHIGAN: Illegal
The Michigan Penal Code Act 328 of 1931. Chapter 750.224a PorTABLE device or weapon directing electrical current, impulse, wave, or beam; sale or possession prohibited; testing.
(1) A person shall not sell, offer for sale, or possess in this state a porTABLE device or weapon from which an electric current, impulse, wave or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure, or kill.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony.
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned in Michigan.
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NEW JERSEY: Illegal
New Jersey State Law. New Jersey Stat. Ann. Title 2C. New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice. Chapter 39-1. Prohibited weapons and devices.
(Section “r” summarized from Chapter 2C:39-1) “Weapon” means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term includes, but is not limited to all (4) stun guns; and any weapon or (this section refers to tear gas and has been updated in 1995) other device which projects, releases, or emits tear gas or any other substance intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air.
(t) “Stun gun” means any weapon or other device which emits an electrical charge or current intended to temporarily or permanently disable a person.
Senate, No. 2871 — L.1985, c. 360
Senate Bill No. 2781, as amended by the Senate Law, Public Safety and Defense Committee, prohibits as a crime of the fourth degree the possession of a stun gun by any person, including a law enforcement officer. A crime of the fourth degree carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $7,500, or both. Prior to being amended the bill classified possession of a crime in the third degree. {Editor’s Note: According to Len Lawson of NJ Legislative Council, (609) 292-4625) NJ does not classify crimes in felonies versus misdemeanors. The highest crimes are in first degree on down to fourth degree. A fourth degree penalty is a serious charge and is generally considered a misdemeanor in common terms. It is however an indicTABLE offense. A fourth degree crime does contain “a presumption of non-custodial sentencing,” meaning that there is not imprisonment if there are no prior convictions. In some cases the sentencing is obviated from one’s record if there is a period of good behavior following the charge.}
The committee amended the bill to include a provision authorizing the Attorney General, at his discretion, to exempt law enforcement officers from the prohibition against possession stun guns.
The bill also was amended by the committee to include stun guns in the definition of “weapon” in paragraph r. N.J.S. 2C:39-1.
(Chapter 2C:39-1)
(h) Stun guns. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any stun gun is guilty of a crime in the fourth degree.
SUMMARY: Possession is banned of Stunning Devices in New Jersey.
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NEW YORK: Illegal
New York Consolidated Law (McKinney’s) Book 39. Penal Law.
Article 265. Firearms and Other Dangerous Weapons 265.00
15-a. “Electronic dart gun” means any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to momentarily stun, knock out or paralyze a person by passing an electrical shock to such person by means of a dart or projectile.
15-c. “Electronic stun gun” means any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to momentarily stun, cause mental disorientation, knock out or paralyze a person by passing a high voltage electrical shock to such person.
Article 265.01 Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when: (1) He possesses any firearm, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun ***; or ***
SUMMARY: Possession is banned of Stunning Devices in New York.
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RHODE ISLAND: Illegal
General Laws of Rhode Island. Title 11, Chapter 47. Statute Subsection 11-47-42. Weapons other than firearms prohibited. – (A) No person shall carry or possess or attempt to use against another, any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a *** stun gun ***. Any person violating the provisions of this subsection, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, and the weapon so found shall be confiscated.
SUMMARY: Possession and use of Stunning Devices are banned.
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WISCONSIN: Illegal
Wisconsin Sta. Ann. Chapter 939. Crimes – General Provisions. Chapter 939.22 Words and phrases defined. (10) Dangerous weapon” means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded ***; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing great harm ***; any electric weapon, as defined in s. 941.295(4); or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
Chapter 941.295 Possession of electric weapon. Subsection (1) On or after July 1, 1982, whoever sells, transports, manufactures, possesses or goes armed with any electric weapon is guilty of a Class E felony. Subsection (4) In this section, “electric weapon” means any device which is designed, redesigned, used or intended to be used, offensively or defensively, to immobilize or incapacitate persons by the use electric current.
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned.
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CITY/COUNTY RESTRICTIONS:
CHICAGO: Illegal
Publisher’s Note: The following jurisdictions require waiting periods or notifications to law enforcement officials before weapons may be delivered to purchasers:
Chicago – application approval/denial for:
(1) Registration : 120 days
(2) Re-registration: e.g., by an heir, 365 days)
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned in Chicago. (More information required on City of Chicago Ordinance)
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ANNAPOLIS: Illegal
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BALTIMORE: Illegal (Including Baltimore County)
Baltimore City Code 115. Stun guns and similar devices. (e) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, give away, lend, rent or transfer to any individual, firm or corporation a stun gun or other electronic device by whatever name or description which discharges a non-projectile electric current within the limits of the City of Baltimore. It further shall be unlawful for any person to possess, fire or discharge any such stun gun or electronic device within the City. Nothing in this subsection shall be held to apply to any member of the Baltimore City Police Department or any other law enforcement officer while in the performance of his or her official duty (Ord. 385. 1985).
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HOWARD COUNTY, MD: Illegal
Sec. 8.404. Sale or possession of electronic weapons prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, give away, lend, rent or transfer to any individual, firm or corporation an electronic weapon within the limits of Howard County. It further shall be unlawful for any person to possess, fire, discharge or activate any electronic weapon within the limits of Howard County. (C.B. 38 1985).
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PHILADELPHIA: Illegal
Philadelphia City Ordinance. Statute 10-825 Stun Guns. (1) Definitions. (a) Stun Gun. Any device which expels or projects a projectile which, upon coming in contact with a person, is capable of inflicting injury or an electric shock to such person. (2) Prohibited conduct. Nor person shall own, use, possess, sell or otherwise transfer any “stun gun.” (3) Penalty. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be subject to a fine or not more than three hundred (300) dollars and /or imprisonment for not more than ninety (90 days.)
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NEW YORK CITY: Illegal
Administrative Code of the City of New York 10-135 Prohibition on sale and possession of electronic stun guns.
a. As used in this section, “electronic stun gun” shall mean any device designed primarily as a weapon, the purpose of which is to stun, render unconscious or paralyze a person by passing an electronic shock to such person, but shall not include an “electronic dart gun” as such term is defined in section 265.00 of the penal law.
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale or to have in his or her possession within the jurisdiction of the city any electronic gun.
c. Violation of this section shall be a class A misdemeanor. [Exemptions under this section are provided for police officers operating under regular department procedures or guidelines and for manufacturers of electronic stun guns scheduled for bulk shipment. NOTE: The electronic stun gun is not a “firearm” under the Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 because it does not “…expel a projectile by the action of an explosive…”]
SUMMARY: Possession and sales of Stunning Devices are banned in New York City

Using Sound

Sound can be a weapon, deterrent, and a defense. There are different items that utilize sound that can be very useful to real life superheroes.
Sound can help scare away criminals and attackers by bringing attention to them. The last thing a criminal or attacker wants is people to start paying attention to what they are doing. A loud enough sound can slightly stun and disorient a person.
A cheap and effective tool to have is a whistle. There is a reason police officers have them.
You can buy a run of the mill whistle anywhere, but for a RLSH I would advise buying the loudest whistle in the world the Storm Whistle. This is the loudest whistle in the world going up to 120 decibels.

You can buy and read about them here
http://www.wind-storm-whistles.com/index.htm
Personal Alarms are a good choice. They can go up to 130 decibels and many are activated by a pull pin. Some even come with flashing and strobing light to get extra attention.
Here’s a few to check out
http://www.naselfdefense.com/alarm.htm
http://www.womenonguard.com/-strse-205/personal-alarm/Detail.bok
http://www.internationalspyshop.com/secuirtypluspersonalledalarm.aspx http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?
productnumber=869126&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=20946
Another item that can be used on different occasions is a bullhorn/megaphone . It can be used if you are doing events, demonstrations, or protests. It is a great way to get attention and have the public hear you.
I don’t suggest doing this, but I have used it to help drive dealers out of their spots by bringing unwanted attention to them.
A simple online search will help you find one. Just make sure to see what wattage it has.
http://www.google.com/products?q=megaphone&hl=en&aq=f
http://www.google.com/products?q=bullhorn&hl=en&aq=f
Keep sound on your side and stay safe.
-Dark Guardian-