Tasers and stun guns

[ExCopInPhilly]

Alright, this may sound like a stupid question, conidering my former profession, but I was looking at Tasers for my gurlfriend, and read that they are legal in PA, but not legal in Philadelphia? I was wondering if I was reading that right. So they would rather that she pump 9MM into the person, rather than Tase them?? Alot of thought must have went into that one. Oh well, another LTCF will be issued soon,and they just put another person on the street with a 9MM. That is absolutely crazy.

I didn't know this because I never worked as a road LEO.

[XD45]

I'd assume its because a taser is considered less lethal, kind of like a pepperspray type thing, you'd better show some cause to have used it, but i dont think they are like a gun where your life needs to be in imminent danger, just escalating to that point

[Steve in PA]

Um.....where did you read that they were illegal in PA??

§ 908.1. Use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device.

(a) Offense defined.--Except as set forth in subsection (b), a person commits an offense if the person does any of the following:
(1) Uses an electric or electronic incapacitation device on another person for an unlawful purpose.
(2) Possesses, with intent to violate paragraph (1), an electric or electronic incapacitation device.

(b) Self defense.--A person may possess and use an electric or electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person's property pursuant to Chapter 5 (relating to general principles of justification) if the electric or electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the damages involved in its use.

(c) Prohibited possession.--No person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to section 6105 (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms) may possess or use an electric or electronic incapacitation device.

(d) Grading.--An offense under subsection (a) shall constitute a felony of the second degree if the actor acted with the intent to commit a felony. Otherwise any offense under this section is graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(e) Exceptions.--Nothing in this section shall prohibit the possession or use by, or the sale or furnishing of any electric or electronic incapacitation device to, a law enforcement agency, peace officer, employee of a correctional institution, county jail or prison or detention center, the National Guard or reserves or a member of the National Guard or reserves for use in their official duties.

(f) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "electricor electronic incapacitation device" means a portable device which is designed or intended by the manufacturer to be used, offensively or defensively, to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current, including devices operating by means of carbon dioxide propellant. The term does not include cattle prods, electric fences or other electric devices when used in agricultural, animal husbandry or food production activities. (Nov. 6, 2002, P.L.1096, No.132, eff. 60 days)

2002 Amendment. Act 132 added section 908.1.

[MarcS]

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.)

[mauser]

I'm too slow, MarkS beat me to it.

[00gt1]

thats stupid... thats all i have to say about it

[Azzy]

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.

Doesnt that describe any gun?

[ExCopInPhilly]

I guess in someone's mind they figured that JHP was less risky than some electricity. Hmmmm, let me think, JHP or elcetricity. Lot fo thought went into this one......

[JonEMTP]

I guess in someone's mind they figured that JHP was less risky than some electricity. Hmmmm, let me think, JHP or elcetricity. Lot fo thought went into this one......

Nope... The Peoples Republic of Philadelphia would ban guns... IF THEY COULD! But they can't... so they will take away the TASER as a self defense tool.

Funny thing though - although the description seems to describe a Taser, the Taser folks don't sell "Stun Guns" they sell NMI devices - so I wonder if Taser could argue this.
Also, I guess this would apply to bean-bag rounds for a shotgun.

How about one of the Kimber OC "Lifeact" things? is that covered?

[nlcrsn]

It's Philly, they dont think they react with their soft, love and peace mindsets that everyone just loves one another, hence the "title" "city of brotherly love" See webster for definition of Oxymoron The politicos dont care because they get armed escorts every where.