Taser Unveils Smallest-Ever Stun Gun For Consumers

(CBS SF) – Taser International has released their smallest stun gun ever, marketing the devices for private citizens even as San Francisco as officials debate whether or not police officers should carry their own stun guns.

Measuring 5 ¼ inches long, 4 ½ inches tall and 1 1/8 inches wide, the Taser Pulse is expected to begin shipping sometime in the first quarter of 2016.

"This high-tech, easy-to-use weapon is built for concealed carry but packs the same knock-down punch that has become the standard for law enforcement around the world," Rick Smith, the company's CEO and founder said in a statement.

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The company said the device has a 15 foot range and has a high voltage output of 30 seconds, allowing the user time to make an escape. Unlike versions sold to police, the Taser Pulse doesn't include data logs.

The announcement of Taser's latest device comes amid calls from San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr and the Police Officer's Association to equip officers with stun guns after officers fatally shot Mario Woods in December.

The department has requested Tasers multiple times in recent years, but has been met with resistance from advocates who say the devices are too dangerous and used often unnecessarily.