TASER International today announced the first shipment of the TASER C2, a palm-sized device designed for consumer self protection. The TASER C2 debuts as the first device to incorporate a new public safety background check technology called CheckLok.

The TASER C2 retails for a base price of $299.99. It is shipping now and will be available at several retailers in the next few weeks.

"We designed the TASER C2 with the consumer in mind from the ground up by listening to our customers," said Kathy Hanrahan, president and chief operating officer of TASER International. "Although we have sold over 136,000 TASER systems to consumers since 1994, our focus since 1998 has primarily been in the law enforcement arena. However, over the past year our engineers were able to make tremendous technological advances to reduce the size, modernize the look, and provide our TASER cutting edge technology for consumer self defense at an affordable price."

"With CheckLok, TASER C2 units are shipped in an inactive state," said Kathy Hanrahan, president and chief operating officer of TASER International. "They cannot be used until the purchaser successfully completes a background check from the privacy of their own home or office using a secure Website or a toll-free number. After passing the background check, the purchaser is issued an activation code unique to their serial number. The TASER C2 will work only after entering the activation code," Hanrahan continued.

For more information visit www.iTASER.com.