Mikes Shooters

Muggings and assaults are up about 33% nationally this year. Unlike celebrities, most of us cannot afford to hire a bodyguard. When you are out and about in an unstable neighborhood or in a city that you are not familiar with, here are a few pointers to make sure you stay safe. - Always lock your car. This sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people do not follow this simple rule. Even if you're just sitting in your car waiting on somebody, you need to make sure you keep it locked at all times. - Carry mugger's money. Keep a wallet with $20 to $50 in small bills that's easily accessible, away from your other valuables. If you are approached by a mugger, you can[..]

Here's a state-by-state look at burglary crime rate numbers. Some states were surprisingly low, and other states were shockingly high. The national average in the United States for burglaries is 723 per 100,000 people. So, how are the crime rates stack up where you live? Alabama (980)Alaska (539) Arizona (912) Arkansas (1,131) California (648) Colorado (591) Connecticut (423) Delaware (733) Dist. of Columbia (667) Florida (996) Georgia (950) Hawaii (709) Idaho (465) Illinois (588) Indiana (739) Iowa (567) Kansas (730) Kentucky (653) Louisiana (1,039) Maine (507) Maryland (660) Massachusetts (553) Michigan (749) Minnesota (571) Mississippi (958) Missouri (739) Montana (316) Nebraska (510)[..]

According to the FBI, burglaries increased 1.3 percent in 2006 compared with 2005. Victims of property crimes lost more than $4 billion in cash and belongings as a result of a burglary. Unfortunately, many of those burglaries happened at someone's home. The FBI estimates that every 15 seconds, a home in the United States is burglarized. Along with burglaries, home invasion robberies are also increasing. These terrifying crimes occur when someone forces their way into a home while someone is there. Victims of home invasion robberies have been raped, stabbed, beaten and shot and many people have been killed. In July 2007, a Connecticut doctor was severely beaten and his wife and two[..]

If you're worried about theft, remember that there are quite a few steps that you can take to minimize the possibility that you will become the target of thieves or burglars, whether in your home, when walking outdoors, or in your car. To keep your home safe from theft, make the exterior as uninviting for burglars as possible. Install adequate exterior lighting, such as motion-activated spotlights. Don't plant large bushes or leave other hiding places near doors or windows. Always keep doors and windows locked, and protect them with burglar alarms. These can be installed around your whole home, or just in the windows that seem vulnerable to burglars. Keep curtains closed on windows,[..]

How often do you use the ATM? When using the ATM, it's important to keep your safety in mind. Some people have become so accustomed to using the ATM, they do so without really thinking about it and they might be putting themselves and their accounts at risk. Here are some basic safety precautions to keep in mind at the ATM: · Always keep your ATM card in a safe place and treat it like you would cash · Never carry your PIN with your card · Don't lend your ATM card to anyone · Never tell anyone your PIN · Prepare any paperwork you may have before you go to the ATM · Use ATMs during the daytime (try to avoid nighttime use) · Don't count your[..]

It is very sad to even have to be thinking about this subject-the safety of our children in school. The unfortunate events of the last few weeks have parents worrying more and more about their children's safety in school. The very fact that there is so much publicity on the subject belies the gravity of the topic in today's society. It seems everyone from President Bush on down to the local school board is talking and worried about the subject. Is it time to start thinking of another way (other than guards armed with firearms) to protect our children? Are tasers a possible answer? Could tasers make a difference? The advanced taser is a powerful conducted energy weapon that is non lethal[..]

The Taser M18L Advanced Taser is a popular consumer model produced by Taser International. This model sports a laser sight to help with aim. (You can buy this model without the laser sight in the M18 Advanced Taser.) The M18L package includes four cartridges, a battery pack (4 x 1.5 volt AA), an operating manual, a practice target poster and Citizen Training CD. It comes housed in a hard black poly case with integrated handle. It is made in the US. There is a 30 day money back guarantee, 90 day product warranty, and a lifetime replacement warranty if it is left activated next to an assailant. First, let's clear some misconceptions. A stun gun is a "contact" device meaning the contacts[..]

Before the advent of the C2, civilians were limited to acquiring the 34000 Series Air Taser which is bigger in size and less ergonomic in shape. Then, the M18 Taser became available in the market for civilians as well as the M26 Taser for law enforcement. Both models are bigger and resemble the shape of a Glock 17 semiautomatic 9mm pistol. These are too bulky to be carried concealed; although, they possess higher power ratings of 18 and 26 watts, respectively, compared to the Air Taser which only produces 7 watts. The C2, however, is small enough to be carried concealed with the shape of a hand phaser from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It shoots 2 probes up to 15 feet; although, the[..]

An abusive husband or boyfriend may attempt to stalk his victim once the couple has separated. A battered woman may depend on law enforcement, court orders, and social service agencies for a period of time as she is coping with a breakup. Agencies and law enforcement have their place in domestic abuse matters, but ultimately the individual who desires freedom and privacy must rely on lifestyle changes for personal privacy and security. A stalker may use his victim's place of employment as a primary source for locating his ex-wife or girlfriend. Many public and private data bases contain the personal and confidential information of current and past employees. Records of employers and[..]

The Stun Master Telescopic Stun Baton SM-FLEX is designed to repel attackers by the touch of the device on any part of the body. It's in a class of self-defense products known as non-lethal deterrents. The manufacturer claims it will transmit it's shock effect through 1/2 inch of clothing. It is rated at 800,000 volts which puts it at the upper echelon of power. These and all other stun devices rely upon high voltage to overcome the resistance of the human body and low amperage to keep the administration safe and the effects temporary. The Stun Master Telescopic Stun Baton is a rechargeable unit that comes with a plug-in re-charger. It also comes with an integrated flashlight and alarm[..]

"> There are four variables involved in calculating a federal prison sentence. 1.Good Time Credit- This is the time that the BOP gives back to inmates who follow the rules and stay out of trouble. Under the Sentencing Guidelines it is equal to 15% of time served. Anyone sentenced to 12 months or less will not qualify for any Good Time Credit. This is why sentences of 12 months and 1 day are often handed down. It is the judge's way of showing some leniency. Rather than just subtracting 15% from the sentence, the BOP has chosen to employ some interesting logic in interpreting the meaning of 15%. This is explored in further detail below. This common misunderstanding means that subtracting[..]

Many people see two main divisions when they think of crime: ordinary criminals, such as burglars and thieves, and organized crime. Although organized crime may not impact your day-to-day life, it is still important to be aware of its existence and its impact on the world. The Mafia is perhaps the most well-known organized crime group in the world today. The American Mafia, which is also known as Cosa Nostra, is an offshoot of the Sicilian Mafia, an Italian criminal society. The origins of the Mafia in Italy are believed to date back as far as the Middle Ages, when groups of wealthy families controlled Sicily through their social standing. The organized crime group known as the American[..]

One of the biggest concerns people have is if they can end up in jail for the use of self defense. The last thing that you want to happen is to appear as the aggressor when you are just defending yourself. There are many factors considered by the courts when you defend yourself and there are two bills being considered by the courts also. Self defense is in place to protect people who may be harmed from protecting themselves. This allows someone to defend themselves physically if they have to and not be responsible for any legal charges that may be brought against them in court. The factors that the courts consider include the person who you are defending yourself against, the extent of[..]

Crime is everywhere and all around us. Not all crime is requires the use of stun guns or pepper spray to thwart a potential assault or robbery. Some crimes are perpetrated by white collar or blue collar people who take advantage of others when they least expect it. Did you get a circular in the mail stating that you won Ed McMahon's sweepstakes? If so, do not get too excited yet or you might lose your money to a con artist. Every day, many Americans receive sweepstakes offers, but not all of them are legitimate. How can you discern the difference between a real sweepstakes offer and a scheme designed to part you from your hard earned money? As a general rule, you should never have[..]

The Taser gun was originally designed in order to allow police officers to subdue a violent individual without actually killing them. They are particularly good as they allow a police office to arrest or take down a suspect without having to worry if a stray bullet may injure or kill an innocent civilian. In fact many police officers will attest to the fact that a taser gun such as the ones that the Taser C2 has been developed from and which will be available for civilian use is a safer way of dealing with a violent criminal or suspect. However there has been some controversy regarding the use of this particular form of non-lethal device and since their issue in the late 1990's to[..]

Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs are groups of people who keep an eye out and report any suspicious people or activities in their local area to police. Depending on the group's interests, the group can conduct regular educational programs, public service training, or property identification programs. Each of the group's members collaborates and determines the goal and direction of its activities. Just about every law enforcement agency in the U.S. encourages and supports such programs. Such community oriented policing helps cut back on criminal activity and also assists neighbors to resolve issues that need to be addressed not necessarily from law enforcement officials. Here is a[..]

Though the idea of defending oneself physically has been around since nearly the dawn of time, organized law enforcement is a relatively new idea. As self defense evolved, it became defined by several disciplined forms, such as martial arts. Though it is an excellent idea for everyone to be trained in some form of physical self defense, and to carry self defense products like stun guns or pepper spray to defend themselves against any violent or dangerous situation, of course today there are also organized law enforcement agencies which exist to make self defense less necessary. Though it is still imperative to do what you can to protect yourself, various organizations, from a[..]

Car theft is actually going down in the U.S., but almost 1.2 million cars get stolen every year. There is no reason you have to be a victim. Avoiding car theft is not difficult. You just have to use your head. Here are 10 easy tips to avoid auto theft. 1. Lock your car. About half of stolen vehicles are not locked. It's such a simple step. If you find yourself coming back to an unlocked car quite often, consider posting yourself a reminder in a visible place in your car. 2. Take your keys. Yes, Roughly 20% of stolen cars get driven away with their own keys in them. And since many cars these days won't let you lock the doors without using your key or a button on your key fob, that means[..]

It is a great idea to have some sort of device to protect us at all times. Imagine someone coming up to you on the street ready to harm you, but you surprise them by pulling out your mace pepper gun out of your purse or backpack to send a stream of Dragon Fire OC pepper spray right in their face. Imagine making use of your good aim and nailing that criminal from 25 feet away. Sure, that is going to make a victim feel on top of the world, which it should. The idea is that you are prepared at all times, especially if you are alone. Even some who are not alone can still become the victim of a crime, so you want to always think ahead. Sure, we feel safe, but the question is whether or not we[..]

"body"> Fingerprints are something most people don't spend too much time thinking about on a daily basis. In fact, unless someone is trying to remove pesky fingerprints from furniture or mirrors, it's unlikely an average person thinks about fingerprints at all. However, for some, fingerprints are a vital part of their work life. Law enforcement officers and forensic specialists spend hours thinking about how fingerprints solve crimes, and trying to find, collect, record and compare these unique identifiers that can connect a specific person to a specific crime. These individuals understand that a basic human feature that most people take for granted, can be one of the most[..]

Newspaper headlines cried, "Protesters demand forgiveness for killer." Article after article proclaimed that citizens believe that criminals should be forgiven. One person quoted said, "As a society, we must forgive those who are sorry for their crimes. We are taught to forgive." For years the above attitude concerned me, but I wasn't able to give concrete reasons as to why I disagreed. However, I finally have the answer: Only people who are wronged can forgive the criminal, and forgiveness and legal consequences are two different things. If a reckless speeder hits me in front of my house, I can forgive the driver since I was the one hurt. However, if the speeding car strikes my[..]

First developed in the late 1960s, TASER technology was developed by a research scientist at NASA. His goal was to provide non-lethal protection options. Taser International was born when the inventor and the Smith brothers, Rick and Tom, joined forces. The catalyst for the Smiths was the shooting death of two high school friends who were felled by someone carrying a licensed firearm. First, let's look at TASERs. They provide long-distance protection. Using a replaceable TASER cartridge which holds a compressed type of inert gas (nitrogen), a TASER fires a pair of barbed projectiles toward the attacker. The projectiles are attached to highly conductive, insulated wires coming from the[..]

A lot of people I have met and talked to say that buying pepper spray is a daunting task. For some reason people think that obtaining such a spray requires you to go out and get some sort of license. They couldn't be farther from the truth. Pepper spray can be bought almost anywhere such as department stores, hardware stores and local gun shops. Believe me when I tell you its not hard to by the hot stuff. Besides buying pepper spray at a store, you can buy it from several places online. Why go out and waste gas when you can easily get what you want online. Pepper spray's main ingredient is oleoresin capsicum, which is a chemical that is derived from cayenne peppers. The main thing to[..]

When studying trace evidence found at the crime scene, forensic scientists use in their arsenal tools other than microscopes at their disposal. Using the following methods, which are the most commonly used ones, forensic scientists can ascertain the chemical characteristics of trace evidence. This helps them find out if the tested samples are the same and thus share the same origin. - Infrared (IR) Spectrophotometry: This laboratory method requires exposing samples of trace evidence to infrared radiation. Different samples absorb infrared light at different wavelengths. It is these differences that discern the one sample from another. - Neutron Activation Analysis: This method is[..]

On Wednesday morning, September 23, a Tyler Texas high school teacher was stabbed to death by one of his sixteen year old students. As far as we know, this was a random and entirely unprovoked attack. Todd Henry, age 52, was a special education teacher at John Henry High School. He was in his classroom around 9:00 in the morning with one paraprofessional assistant and just three students. By all accounts It was a typically quite atmosphere with nothing out of the ordinary. It's reported that one of the students approached the teacher and stabbed him with an edged weapon. Recently reduced security measures in the school district had authorized the removal of metal scanners. Thus the[..]

Television tuners allow a user to watch television on their computer monitor. There are several different types of television tuners which we will discuss in this article. The most common type of television tuner for a computer is the USB television tuner. USB ports are common on all computer so this type of connectivity make it possible to connect the tuner to pretty much any computer. The television tuner acts just like a normal television would but with the need for a bulky antenna. USB television tuners can receive standard definition, or high definition signals depending of the type of tuner you have. Most television tuners are bundled with some sort of software. This software[..]

There are certain classes that one may attend to further develop their self defense techniques and learn more self defense moves. In particular to these classes is one that is called Model Mugging. Now what is model mugging? It is a class designed to empower women both physically and mentally, to prepare them for what scenarios may occur outside the safety of their homes, and to give them an idea on how to react to those violent situations. Now, model mugging will consist of a single, normally female, defender and either a lone assailant or more. The defenders will be trained on self defense techniques which will consist of either unarmed or armed techniques. Unarmed techniques will[..]

Living alone is an exciting adventure, and many people, both women and men, find it liberating to live by their own rules. Living by yourself, however, does require some critical safety precautions. This is especially true if you are a woman; in order to stay safe, you must take safety precautions when living alone, including: Avoiding telling people you live alone. Be wary of the information you give out to acquaintances, no matter where you've met them. Avoid unnecessarily commenting about your living situation. On your mailbox, list only your first initial and last name; avoid recording personal information on your answering machine message. Make a practice of calling in for safety[..]

Using pepper spray is very easy, even for the untrained individual. Simply aim it at your attacker, and press the button. Many have compared pepper spray canisters to ordinary cans of spray paint, and in fact, the principle is the same. However, actually using the pepper spray in a self defense situation can require a bit more care. Many people panic in this situation. They may fail to aim before pressing the button, or even close their eyes tightly as they aim. Because defense sprays could save your life, it is vital that you learn and use the proper techniques. Canisters of pepper spray should be held upright. Ideally, you should be balanced on both of your feet, although the designers[..]

Just how likely are you to become a victim of crime? It is believed that crime is increasing in many cities across the United States. Most of the country's large cities, from New Orleans to Los Angeles and everywhere in between, have disturbingly high numbers of violent crime (which include murder, rape, and assault) as well as property crimes such a thefts, burglaries, and break-ins. Living in today's world, it's no wonder why so many people have chosen to protect their homes, themselves, and their families with security systems, stun guns, pepper spray, personal alarms, and a whole host of other devices designed to give you peace of mind and help you thwart an attack. What do the[..]

It seems we've talked about some of the positive things on this show, that is to say many of the positive aspects of human behavior. So much so, that sometimes we don't talk about the negative things, the unfortunate challenges we have with human behavior on the negative side of things. We've reviewed how people can cause positive events to occur in their lives, and we talked about love, philanthropy, volunteerism, community, mentoring, and a host of other great things. Now I don't want to get anybody into a negative mood, but let's go ahead and turn the tables on this conversation for this particular show. Let's go ahead and hear some questions people have of the not so great things[..]