self-defense

[buzzy]

I was thinking of taking a small pepper-spray aerosol with me on my next trip abroad for self-defense in the streets.   Anyone know what the legal restrictions would be for doing that?  My destinations would be Colombia, Mexico, Peru, or Honduras.  If someone can tell me that I'll land in one of those permanent foreign jails, then I'll discard the idea.  Thanks.

[Pete Eiguren]

... in response to self-defense, posted by buzzy on Apr 27, 2001

The fiancee of a friend of mine caries pepper spray in Cali.I think its legal.A guy exposed himself to her on a bus.She told him to put it away and when he didn't she let him have it with the pepper spray.The problem was they had to stop and evacuate the bus.She didn't get in any trouble.
The illegal part may be flying with it.

Pete

[Houndog]

... in response to self-defense, posted by buzzy on Apr 27, 2001

Buzzy,

First don't worry about it. If you must...they make very small ones that hang on a keychain. Then if you just 'have to' carry something...take a steak knife from a resturant while you are there. However, once you are there, where ever there is, you will probably decide 1) you feel safe in the area you are in 2) decide you don't want to go to dangerous areas 3) Both.

Houndog

[Michael B]

... in response to self-defense, posted by buzzy on Apr 27, 2001

My lady Y. wanted me to sent her some (pepper spray), because after coming home from English classes late at night on the bus she has to 'walk the gaunltet' of some low lifes between the bus stop and home. But she checked it out with Colombian customs and the answer was "NO! If he sends it to you we will confiscate it if we find it, if he brings it in person and we find it we will confiscate it and he will have 'problems' ".

[NW Jim]

... in response to self-defense, posted by buzzy on Apr 27, 2001

Buzzy,
The following is from the FAA:  

(4) The following hazardous materials when carried by a passenger or crew member for personal use in conformance with the following conditions:      
(i) Non-radioactive medicinal and toilet articles (including aerosols) may be carried in checked or carry-on baggage;      
(ii)  One self-defense spray (see § 171.8 of this subchapter), not exceeding 118 ml (4 fluid ounces) by volume, that incorporates a positive means to prevent accidental discharge may be carried in checked baggage only;      
http://63.141.231.97/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll infobase=netdot&softpage=Doc_Frame_Pg42

Course this doesn't answer your question about how other governments feel about this. Also there are a few states in the US where you're not supposed to have tear gas or pepper spray.

NW Jim

[Traveler]

... in response to self-defense, posted by buzzy on Apr 27, 2001

take out your wallet, not your pepper spray.  

self-preservation is your best defense.

here are a few tips to avoid losing a lot of cash:

1.  where shorts or a bathing suit with button or velcro pockets underneath your pants.  place money and a credit card in here.

2.  keep some money in the wallet that you can afford to lose in order to pacify the thief.

3.  distribute your money in various places around the body.

4.  leaving your money at the hotel is still probably safer, but I never leave all my eggs in one basket.  I always kept at least a credit card with me.

5.  in a foreign country, passports or easier to replace than credit cards.  leave your passport in the hotel.  keep your tourist card and a copy of the pp with you.

6.  don't be paranoid.  nothing is likely to happen to you.

[JunFanTX]

... in response to self-defense, posted by buzzy on Apr 27, 2001

I was gonna do the same thing.  I am not sure what the rules are.  I guess the easiest way would be to call the respective consulates of the countries you are condidering.  

But it is a good idea...I have trained in martial arts for several years, including Filipino knife and stick fighting (Kali/Eskrima).  In all my training, sparring, or whatever, I was never able to defend against pepper spray...lol.  I keep one in my car in case someone wants to carjack me.

Later,
Mike

www.sparhard.com/colombia.htm

[Hamlet]

... in response to Re: self-defense, posted by JunFanTX on Apr 27, 2001

When traveling or living in questionable areas, I always carry a decoy wallet with some cash and at least one (expired) credit card, which makes the wallet appear more legitimate and bountiful at a quick glance.

This came in handy in Prospect Park (Brooklyn's equivalent to Manhattan's Central Park)when four Black males robbed me at gunpoint in broad daylight.  I gave them the wallet with maybe $20 and they took off with it without shooting me.