Scottsdale-based Guardian 8 has released its first nonlethal personal defense device, initially meant for security guards to use.

The Pro V2 was released in July for $279 per unit. It includes features that give warnings, record the situation and, if need be, subdue an individual briefly until help arrives.

“We wanted something with aggressive styling, but not as much force as a Taser,” said Paul Hughes, Guardian 8’s chief of operations, who previously was director of new markets at Taser. “We saw that the security industry was vastly underserved.”

The Pro V2 includes:
A laser spotter for a visual warning.
A high-definition video camera and microphone.
Bluetooth capability to call a preprogrammed phone number for help — either 911 or a supervisor.
An 88-decibel siren.
A strobe light to blow out an individual’s night vision.
Pepper spray with a range of 10 feet.

Exact sales figures were not available, but Hughes said the company is on track to sell 10,000 units in its first 12 months on the market.

While Scottsdale-based Taser International Inc. sells its stun guns mainly to law enforcement agencies, Guardian 8 is targeting different users with its nonlethal device. Plans include marketing to school administrators, hospital personnel and, eventually, consumers, Hughes said.

“More force requires more risk,” Hughes said of Taser’s weapons. “We provide a lesser level of force.”

Tasers use an electrical charge to lock up a person’s muscles and cause temporarily paralysis.

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