Sadly, we must consider The Know It Guy arming or equipping ourselves to feel safe. The truth of the matter is, however, that violence can happen to anyone. A Personal Safety Device can help you avoid or escape a sudden attack. Should you carry one, and if so, what should you have? Only you can decide.

The market is flooded with all kinds of gizmos and gadgets, guaranteed to ensure your safety and promise to neutralize a violent assailant instantly. Some are legit, and the majority, unfortunately, are junk! If you don’t understand their proper use and limitations, even good ones can be a liability. How do you tell the difference?

Gadgets

Suppose there is one thing I want to emphasize in this article. In that case, it’s this: if you are developing a realistic personal safety strategy, focus primarily on YOURSELF… not on a tool, toy, or gadget. Your brain and body are your most powerful personal safety “devices.” Your development in each of the “Seven Components of Self-Defense” will have the greatest impact on your legitimate safety and sense of security.

Carrying free Self-defence gadgets, is it wrong or not?

If you are considering a Personal Safety Device, do your homework. Research what’s available and evaluate your options rigorously. Find one that you are comfortable with and suits your ability and personality. Easier said than done, right? When assessing the merits of a PSD, ask and answer the following questions…

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to use it?

Let’s take a look at each question in greater detail:

1. IS IT LEGAL?

Are you willing to run the risk of being arrested and criminally charged for having an illegal weapon on the off chance that someday you may need it to protect yourself? Before investing in a PSD, determine if it’s legal to possess and carry where you live. A phone call to the community services branch of your local police department should be able to provide you with this information.

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

I guess that people seldom leave their homes thinking, “Gee, I think I’ll go out and fend off a robber, rapist, or mugger today!” What happens to most PSDs is that they are quickly forgotten about and find their way to the bottom of a purse, the glove box of your car, or the back of a kitchen drawer. They won’t do you much good there! Is the device you are considering something practical enough to carry with you all the time, discretely, without looking or feeling paranoid? If not, don’t waste your money.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Even if you do carry it all of the time, will you be able to draw and ready it in time to use in the event of a sudden attack? Again, if it’s in your pocket or purse when needed, it won’t do you much good. Is the PSD something you will have ready, preferably in hand, if and when you need it?

4. DO I HAVE LEGITIMATE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

Military and law enforcement research confirms that people who lack confidence in a technique or device will not resort to it in a stressful situation. Many people have been seriously hurt in violent encounters with a potential PSD in their hands. In the moment’s stress, they didn’t think to use it or doubted its’ ability to impact the situation. Perhaps they were afraid that it would only make matters worse. If you are thinking of carrying a PSD, are you prepared to learn how to use it and practice to become proficient with it?

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

Over-inflated claims and quick-fix promises are the “cancer” of the self-defense business. Often, unscrupulous self-defense instructors and gadget salespeople exaggerate the benefits and capabilities of their systems and products. Whenever you hear words like “guaranteed, quick, and easy” or claims that the product will subdue any assailants regardless of their size, strength, or sobriety, it’s time to call “bullshit!” Walk away; someone’s trying to rip you off! Understand the psychological and physiological control principles associated with the PSD. In other words, how is it supposed to impact the assailant’s intent or behavior? What is the science behind the claims being made? NOTHING works all of the time. Always acknowledge the limitations and potential failure of a PSD and have a backup plan.

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