Police Stun Guns: Advantages & Non-Lethal Self-Defense

Police stun guns provide a nonlethal alternative to firearms and give police officers a way to defend themselves without inflicting permanent damage or pain. Stun guns operate by sending a high-voltage charge through two probes that extend from the top of the weapon. The probes must be in contact with the attacker's body to operate correctly. The charge then goes through the attacker's neuromuscular system, essentially temporarily disabling him. There are clear advantages to using a stun gun.

Painless

• Perhaps the best argument for using a stun gun is that they are painless for the recipient. As opposed to Taser guns and pepper spray, which inflict a great deal of pain, stun guns merely disable voluntary muscular control for a brief period without causing permanent or even temporary pain. According to "The New York Times," while the shock does no permanent damage, it may leave tiny, temporary red marks on the skin.

Small

• Stun guns are designed to be hand-held and relatively lightweight, thereby enabling police to carry one as part of their utility belt without being weighed down. Stun guns' small size also allows police officers to reach for them quickly rather than fumbling with larger, more clumsy weapons.

Inexpensive

• Stun guns are mass-produced and relatively affordable. Because they were originally designed for self-defense, they have become prevalent in urban neighborhoods, leading to a reduction in cost. A police force can outfit its officers without blowing the departmental budget.