SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 27, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), a market leader in advanced electronic control devices, today demonstrated the latest model of their TASER technology specifically designed for use by private citizens for personal safety. The X26C Citizen Defense System can be purchased and carried in Missouri and 42 other states and is an ideal personal safety system for citizens looking to protect themselves. A preview demonstration of the yet-to-be-released TASER Cam(tm) was also given today in St. Louis.
A Zogby International poll conducted in February 2005 reported that 77 percent of Americans support the law enforcement use of TASER devices and that 61 percent of Americans support the right of private citizens to own and use TASER systems for their personal protection.
TASER systems are now used by more than 9,100 law enforcement agencies nationwide. Throughout the state of Missouri there are 256 agencies using TASER systems and even more, 371 agencies, are using them in Illinois. Studies into the benefits of TASER availability for law enforcement have seen a decline in citizen complaints, excessive use-of-force complaints and both officer and prisoner injuries.
TASER International has produced civilian units of their devices since the company was founded in 1993, and currently there are 115,000 citizen owners of TASER systems. The X26C has been available for purchase since September 2004. Weighing only 7 ounces and just slightly larger than a cell phone, the X26C allows users to incapacitate a threatening person from up to 15 feet away for 10 to 30 seconds. The retail sale price of the unit is $999.
"With the introduction of the TASER(r) X26C, TASER International is redefining how individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones," said Tom Smith, president of TASER International, Inc. "TASER technology is the future of personal protection and security, offering effective personal safety without requiring the user to make life and death decisions."
Potential purchasers must complete a background check similar to the National Instant Check (NICS) completed by potential firearm purchasers. Additionally, TASER International incorporated an Anti-Felon Identification (AFID) system, which disperses coded tags every time a device is used, into each device more than 12 years ago. These coded tags can be used to trace the unit to its owner.
"These safeguards were developed and implemented by TASER International at our own expense. They are not required by law, but we feel it is necessary to ensure responsible distribution. We encourage thoughtful legislation that promotes this registration while encouraging stiffer laws that ensure that anyone who commits crimes with our technology is apprehended and punished to fullest extent of the law," Smith said.
Each TASER X26C Citizen Defense System comes with:
-- Free one-on-one, in-home training with a law enforcement
officer who is a TASER certified instructor (subject to
geographic availability);
-- Six additional 15-foot range TASER Cartridge probe reloads;
-- Digital Power Magazine battery system with a 200-use/10-year
shelf life;
-- Discrete carrying case for your belt or purse;
-- A 38-minute training video;
-- Practice target;
-- Traditional black or new "clear" polymer frame; and
-- Lifetime replacement guarantee if used in self-defense.
TASER International's electronic control devices have been tested on more than 100,000 law enforcement volunteers and have been used by officers in the field more than 100,000 times. Medical studies and field results both indicate that the TASER technology is one of the most effective use-of-force options yet and that it has among the lowest potential for causing injury, thereby making it one of the safer personal safety alternatives available.
At this time, the TASER X26C cannot be purchased or used in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. In states that do allow the X26C, including Connecticut and Illinois, some counties or cities may also have restrictions against its use.
About TASER International, Inc.
TASER International provides advanced electronic control devices for use in the law enforcement, military, private security and personal defense markets. TASER(R) devices use proprietary technology in a manner that is generally recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force to incapacitate dangerous, combative or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement officers, innocent citizens or themselves. TASER technology saves lives every day, and the use of TASER devices dramatically reduces injury rates for police officers and suspects. For more information on TASER lifesaving technology, please call TASER International at (800) 978-2737 or visit our Web site at www.TASER.com.
Note to Investors
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of the 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. The forward-looking information is based upon current information and expectations regarding TASER International. These estimates and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.
TASER International assumes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release. TASER International's forward-looking statements in this press release and future results may be impacted by the completion of the restatement of the Company's financial results for the first quarter of 2005 and the second quarter of 2005, risks associated with rapid technological change, new product introductions, new technological developments and implementations, execution issues associated with new technology, ramping manufacturing production to meet demand, litigation results from Company-filed lawsuits and other litigation including lawsuits resulting from alleged product-related injuries, media publicity concerning allegations of deaths occurring after use of the TASER device and the negative impact this could have on sales, product quality, implementation of manufacturing automation, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results, adjustments to these amounts which may be reflected in our 10Q filing, competition, financial and budgetary constraints of prospects and customers, international order delays, dependence upon sole and limited source suppliers, negative reports concerning TASER device uses, governmental inquiries and investigations, medical and safety studies, fluctuations in component pricing, government regulations, variation among law enforcement agencies with their TASER product experience, TASER device tests and reports, dependence upon key employees, and our ability to retain employees. TASER International's future results may also be impacted by other risk factors listed from time to time in its SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the Company's Form 10-Qs and its Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The statements made herein are independent statements of TASER International. The inclusion of any third parties does not represent an endorsement of any TASER International products or services by any such third parties.
For further information contact Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications and visit the company's Web site at www.TASER.com for facts and video.