I SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT-
and think it is a good idea to let the various law enforcement officers handle the less desirable citizens of a community. But the police cannot be everywhere at once, and personal safety is ultimately up to the individual (even though there are many in the political arena that disagree with this, and are actually trying to get your right to protect yourself legislated away). That being said-
SELF DEFENSE is a topic that should be discussed in families before the need to discuss the topic arises. The Scout motto of "Be prepared" is a good rule. Having a self defense plan is like buying safety insurance. Everyone buys life insurance with the hope they will never have to use it. Self defense is the same way: one should prepare for trouble, but expect the best, and certainly don't go looking for it. I never go out looking for someone, hoping that I am going to get to pull out a Taser, or baton, or pepper spray. And if that is your mentality, go see a pastor and talk to him about anger issues.
I have heard people say to get a gun, or pepper spray or a Taser, and I don't disagree (we'll cover each self defense product on its respective page). But if you neglect to get the proper training to go along with the equipment, you have placed yourself in more trouble than you were in the first place. Also, if you buy something you are reluctant to use, don't get it. You have to be committed to your training should the need arise. If you don't care for guns, don't buy a gun and then not use it. If you don't know if you care for guns, there are a number of shooting ranges around that will rent guns. Call one and tell them you are trying to sort out your self defense options, and you have no idea what shooting a gun is like.
There are a number of states that have outlawed gun carry for law-abiding citizens, which I must say makes absolutely no sense, seeing that gun rights are guaranteed by the Second Amendment. If you live in one of those states, or just don't want to go near guns, there are effective and non-lethal options available to you. BUT REMEMBER- the product is only going to be as good as your training.
Any state with a large metropolitan area will have security companies in the yellow pages. Call them and ask them where they received their Taser, expandable baton, or pepper spray training. Some of them may even be the ones doing it. A good training course will cost you $50-$100. I think it would be foolish to even consider NOT getting trained.
Click on each link below to get the full rundown of your primary self defense options. The options listed are the ones that are easiest to get a handle on.
PEPPER - ASP BATON - TASER - FIREARMS