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| Rash of home invasions leave residents frightened |
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| Written by Maryanne Euthalia |
| Thursday, 12 August 2010 20:28 |
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Caution advised in selecting defensive measures Following a series of break-ins at the M West Condominiums in Atlanta, residents feel the need to do something to protect themselves. Sadly, homeowners and renters across the country are feeling the same fear, and many are taking proactive measures to defend their lives, loved ones, and property. They have come to realize that with police response times increasing, even a 911 call may serve little purpose beyond getting someone to take a report long after the criminal has gotten away. Many are buying or considering buying guns for self protection, even some who had previously rejected the idea. While this might seem reasonable at first glance, having a firearm - and especially using it against another human being - places a great burden of responsibility on the homeowner (And this is independent of any Second Amendment issues). First of all, the armed citizen must choose the appropriate weapon and caliber; one that will effectively stop an intruder, but not pass through a wall or door and injure or kill a neighbor. Secondly, arming one's self without making the effort to become proficient in the weapon's use, safe storage, and the ensuing legal issues is a recipe for disaster. And finally, there is the inevitable and frequently devastating emotional impact of using potentially deadly force against another human being. Even if the perpetrator was clearly threatening you, when the ambulance is wheeling the wounded or dead individual away, it is common for the shooter to feel deep remorse, even guilt. Law enforcement officials typically advise homeowners that a dog is the best deterrent, followed by a security system with a loud alarm. Most advise against arming one's self with pepper spray, citing the potential for getting it in your own eyes as well as the attacker's. Furthermore, it has been observed that criminals who are high on drugs such as crack or meth aren't effectively deterred by the spray, and may actually become more enraged after being blasted. Val Glinka, who teaches self-defense to students at a Toledo, Ohio high school, even suggests keeping a can of wasp and hornet spray handy, claiming that the spray burns the intruder's eyes and blinds him until the antidote is applied. Add to that the fact that the spray can be used from 20 or 30 feet, and that the can contains much more chemical than do most pepper spray devices, and the recommendation makes a lot of sense. At the worst, you won't wonder whether you could have averted your own victimhood without taking action that would haunt you for the rest of your life. Of course, the label on the can usually states that it is a violation of federal law to use the product for any but its intended purposes. Whether any judge or jury would convict homeowners protecting themselves with the stuff is another matter entirely. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites |
