Self-defense technology

By Catherine Zende
zendec@mytjnow.com

After learning of the attack of a student in University Place’s parking lot, some students may be tempted to purchase self-defense weapons to protect themselves on campus.

But before going out and buying the latest protective weaponry, it is important to know what you can carry and how you should use it.

“The university’s stance on weapons—what weapons are allowed and disallowed—iSophomore Jenni Buker demonstrates how she might defend herself using pepper spray. There are many types of pepper spray and mace with various strengths. Photo illustration by Catherine Zende • zendec@mytjnow.coms very vague,” said Sgt. Wiles of campus police.

Despite the vagueness, some weapons are clearly not allowed. “Certain things are obviously disallowed. Obviously guns are not allowed, [like] any type of gun at all that could be used for injuring or maiming anyone,” Wiles said.

This means that all types of guns (including pellet and bebe) are banned, but knives are a little more complicated. 

“If you have a pocket knife, you’re going to be okay,” Wiles said. “But if you use that pocket knife for something outside of the realm of what it should be used for, then you’re going to have to answer to the university.”

While pocket knives are acceptable for self-defense, Wiles believes switch blades are not because they are intended to be used as weapons. 

Another popular self-defense tool is the taser, a weapon which delivers an electric shock to intended targets. If pocket knives are acceptable on campus, are tasers? 

“It’s not against the law, it’s not against the policy for someone to have a taser,” Wiles said. 

However, Wiles says the intention of the taser is what becomes questionable. Tasers used for self-defense are acceptable, but using them for fun is definitely not, according to Wiles.  

More common self-defense tools are pepper spray, mace and pepper foam, all of which can be easily purchased. But before purchasing this defensive technology, Wiles warns students to learn how to use and store them properly.

According to Wiles, students should learn how to use the devices properly and understand the effect they can have. “If you don’t know all that stuff, you’re wasting your time getting it,” Wiles said.

The main issue with tools like pepper spray, according to Wiles, is the fact that people rarely practice with them. 

“I can’t tell you how many people have used pepper spray —not considered wind, not considered natural elements —and end up harming themselves more than the target they intended to harm,” Wiles said.

Before resorting to defensive technology, Wiles recommends first using services already offered on campus. 

“We offer a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year escort service,” Wiles said. “All you have to do is call us and we will pick you up and take you where you need to go.” 

Despite the 24 hour service, Wiles says that students rarely call campus police for help. According to Wiles, people often take shortcuts during risky situations and ingore their gut instincts.

“That’s a mindset and, unfortunately, we can’t change mindsets all the time. But we can encourage to utilize our services,” Wiles said. “Before going to the steps of getting pepper spray, mace, pepper foam, tasers or other stuff, utilize the services that are there and use risk awareness.”

For those individuals still interested in carrying personal protection, Wiles recommends getting training on how to use the equipment. 

“There are negative effects to everything. If you don’t know how to use it or if you don’t know all the possible downfalls, you’re really setting yourself up,” Wiles said.

The risks of improperly handling pepper spray can be serioius, according to Wiles. “You could be driving around in a car and that stuff can leak out and cause all kinds of problems,” Wiles said.

To avoid improper use, Wiles recommends getting training. He advises students to ask for training from someone in the store when buying the pepper spray or mace.

Wiles warns that even correctly using these devices is not a guarantee because some people are immune to pepper spray and people on drugs can resist tasers.

In addition to seeking training from businesses selling the devices, students can also request help from campus police and enroll in the RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) classes. The RAD classes are held every month and include lessons on avoiding risky situations and defensive options.

Winthrop police also have instructors who can assist in learning to use the technology like the pepper spray. For more information about RAD classes and defensive technology on campus, contact campus police.