Taser International today unveils a new model of its controversial stun gun designed for widespread use by regular folks. It's more affordable and small enough to be stashed in a purse or backpack.
Critics and supporters have a lot to say about the sleek device unveiled at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The size of a TV remote control, the Taser C2 goes on sale in April for about $300 and comes in the metallic pink, electric blue and titanium silver of popular cellphones.
Opponents say Tasers can be used for torture; supporters say the devices are safe when used appropriately.
Taser has sold about 120,000 civilian versions since 1994, a model that is larger than the latest incarnation and shaped like a gun. Since 1991, Taser has sold more than 200,000 devices to law enforcement. Both shoot barbs that pierce the skin and deliver an incapacitating jolt of electricity. Current civilian models cost about $1,000.
Taser says the C2, less powerful than the police version, is designed to stun for 30 seconds, providing enough time for the shooter to flee from danger.
"It's a terrible idea. It's a dangerous idea," says Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International USA, which says there have been 200 Taser-related deaths. "I can't think of any reason you would want these out in public."
Daniel Garza, 42, was glad he bought the civilian Taser when a man climbed in the back seat of his truck Dec. 17 at a Yuba City, Calif., Wal-Mart. Garza zapped the intruder, who was arrested. "The Taser did the job," Garza says.
Private citizens are not allowed to own Tasers in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin.
Taser C2 "is a device (owners) can keep in their nightstand," says Taser president Tom Smith. Safeguards include:
*It's sold "inert" and can be activated by the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company only after a background check by SureCheck, which costs $10.
*When the device is fired, it sprays about 30 tiny pieces of confetti encoded with the serial number of the cartridge. The tags allow police to trace the device back to the registered owner.
The Taser C2 has some police worried. "There are concerns in law enforcement about the public having access to these types of weapons," says Wendy Balazik, spokeswoman for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. "Those concerns include: Who is buying them? How are they going to be used? What are they going to be used for?"
