DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) – A new state law makes it easier for Iowans to carry stun guns. With just 25,000 volts, a stun gun can immobilize an attacker.
“Once it gets to five seconds, it’s going to stop,” Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said. “Then that’s when you need to re-evaluate the situation. It’s designed to incapacitate you.”
The bill passed this year clarifies the state’s regulation that an adult can have a non-projectile stun gun without a permit, making it easier for people to carry it.
State Sen. Charles Schneider, a Republican from West Des Moines, said the confusion arose when a constituent wanted to arm their children going off to college with one.
“I think for a lot of people out there, it’s very important, especially in light of news we’ve seen in recent days with people getting attacked and assaulted or even killed while they’re just out and about,” Schneider said. “It’s a good tool to have. It’s good for personal protection.”
Safety experts recommend training before using one and say that having a stun gun is better than having nothing at all.
“Tell them first, ‘Get away from me,'” said Royal Nahno-Kerchee, general manager of Rangemasters in Clive. “(If) they’re still coming toward you, then it’s coming out.”
Under state law, a stun gun is still considered a dangerous weapon, and a person can be prosecuted if it’s used for a crime.
Source: Caslon Hatch, KCCI News
