How Public Can Buy Tasers

[houstonsemipro]

Sorry, I'd don't know where to post this information so I posted here.

Tasers now marketed to general public

05:37 PM CST on Sunday, December 5, 2004

By Jeff McShan / 11 News

Click to watch video

Many HPD officers just got their tasers on Friday. Now you can too at gun shops, gun shows, or even online.

KHOU-TV

The billboard in Arizona advertises tasers for the public.

And for many, it's just in time for the holidays.

Tasers are banned in many states, but not in Texas.

Perhaps coming to a freeway near you, gigantic billboards advertising tasers for citizens.

The company that has sold thousands of them to law enforcement, correctional facilities and even the U.S. Army is now marketing to the general public.

Jose Mendez owns Advanced Protection Plus.

"I feel that providing alternatives to firearms is really, or even to addition to a firearm actually, it's a good way to go," said Mendez.

Mendez could be found selling his goods, which included a variety of stun guns, at the gun show this weekend.

He had tasers too, but sold out at this years show.

On his Web site, AdvancedProtection.com, he sells various tasers starting at $219 going up to $600.

And while there are more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies now using tasers, they're not without controversy.

While legal in Texas, several states have decided to ban the weapons, including New York. And several cities have opted to do the same thing, like in Chicago and Philadelphia.

Why? Tasers have contributed to deaths.

According to Amnesty International, more than 70 people in the last three years have died after being struck with tasers, and they say the numbers are rising.

Jose Mendez said he is unaware of any deaths. In fact, he adds, in Texas and many other states, tasers are not classified as lethal weapons.

"So anyone over the age of 18 can purchase the device," said Mendez.

The billboard in Arizona reads, "Safer homes