Troy

Does anyone know if it is legal for a foreigner to carry pepper spray in Paris? If so, is it widely available in the city?

x

Why would you want to carry it, and do you think you're going to run out of your stash and need to buy more? Don't worry about getting mugged, by the time it happens, you will have enough time to reach for it to be any good.<BR><BR>Besides, do you really expect to get it on a plane?

xxxxx

I've never heard of such a thing, but what a great idea. I often find the food underseasoned in Paris. Can you get a salt spray too?

xyz

Stay home! I don't want you in my favorite city!

Al Godon

Better take your own spray bottle of catsup (ketchup), too. The French don't usually serve it with the potatoes. I am not sure the red stuff is even in MacDonalds. <BR>

Nancy

If it's your first trip and you'r concerned. Don't be. Just use good common sense. I have been there 6 times and I have taken my teenage granddaughters, and friends who have never traveled much. It's quite safe.<BR>Just keep your money and cards under your clothing and enjoy. It's a wonderful city.

go

You can not bring pepper spray on an airplane, if they see it in your luggage you will have a lot of problems explaining it . Why don't you just stay out of the really bad neighborhoods and don't try to buy drugs while on holiday.Then you won't need it.

Troy

Here are a few elaborations on the question. <BR><BR>#1: I’m a police officer, which (for good or bad) means my lifestyle includes carrying a weapon at all times. Going to Paris is my wife’s idea, and while I’m looking forward to it, I’m concerned about my ability to protect my family should we fall victim to a criminal act. <BR><BR>#2: Exposure to criminal activity is a daily (workday, anyway) occurrence for me, so I’m not so na&iuml;ve to think crime won’t occur just because I’m in a nice, touristy area. I know about crime prevention and not “looking like a victim.” I live and work in a very popular coastal tourist town, and give tourists that advice every day – especially after they have just been the victims of crime. We’re not going to be out for any midnight strolls in bad Paris neighborhoods…but just because we’re out only during daylight hours doesn’t guarantee that we’re not going to be robbed.<BR><BR>#3: Obviously, pepper spray is not allowed on an aircraft, hence my question regarding the availability of purchase IN Paris. <BR><BR>#4: For all the responses that questioned the motive for carrying pepper spray – I’m interested in doing so for the potential to preserve the life of a potential mugger by deploying a less-lethal use of force, such as pepper spray. To this extent, I feel sorry for the person that responded that they wouldn’t want me in their “favorite city.” What’s the alternative if being mugged: use lethal force or simply submit to being a victim? I choose to avoid being a victim through the use of less-lethal force (there really isn’t such thing as “non-lethal” force with the exception of physical presence and voice commands).<BR><BR>#5: I’m curious why more than one response mentioned the purchase of drugs. Is that because Paris is a high drug trafficking area…or is it just ignorant sarcasm? I hope the latter, since wherever there are drugs there are likely to be weapons and criminals who will prey on tourists. <BR><BR>So…given the above…once again I ask, does anyone know if it is legal for a foreigner to carry pepper spray in Paris, and if so, is it as easy to purchase (IN PARIS) as in California and Arizona? I’m simply interested in purchasing it there, and throwing it away when I leave.<BR>

what?

Well who would have thought it, Troy?<BR><BR>"wherever there are drugs there are likely to be weapons and criminals"<BR><BR>If you can name me one city where there aren't "drugs" I'd like to hear it. This does not make Paris some sort of no-go area.

Troy

What??:<BR><BR>What’s the point of your response? Of course the “potential” presence of crime doesn’t make an area a "no-go" area. That had nothing to do with my question.

x

Troy, relax. Do what the rest of us do while we go on vacation. Your pepper spray is going to be useless if the mugger has a knife or gun. Wear a money belt, don't carry a back pack, don't wear a lot of jewelry or a Rolex. Be observant on the metro.

Andrea

Before taking any advice of anyone that contributes to this forum regarding this specific subject, would you not be better contacting the French Consulate, American Embassy in France, or the police in France and specifically Paris. I have no idea what the answer is, however, you may need to obtain a license or permit in order to carry pepper spray. I know that you do in the town that I live in.

BS

BS-a cop would know this without asking on here.<BR>Why would a policeman need pepper spray?<BR>They are trained in self defense.<BR>If this were true, Troy must live in a teeny tiny town in the middle of nowhere,to not have any idea of what it is like in other cities,even those in other countries...Troy-maybe you should try going to NY or LA first then venture out into the world.

Lucy

Troy you are MUCH more likely to be the victim of a stealthy pickpocket than a mugger in Paris & may not even realise they've struck till the next time you go to pull your wallet out of your pocket...the good side to this is that it is a non violent crime so no pepper spray needed. As someone else said - use a money belt!

More

Troy --if you ar for real--you sound like someone who will a real drag to be with on a trip. I guess you have been around crime so much in your profession (alleged) that you have a skewed view of life. What coastal town do you live in-the Bronx?? It is really sad. Yes, crime is a reality, but you will not even go out strolling in the evening? Maybe you should not even bother going. You better move to some shack in Montana, grow you own food, home school, and hide out with your guns! Just kidding pal. <BR><BR>By the way, violent crime rates are WAY lower in Paris than in the US. Woman actually walk around at night without fearing rape. The homicide rate is much much lower than in the US. Study the figures--check on net maybe you can find them. Maybe you will feel better, but I doubt it. There are picpockets, but do you need pepper spray for them? I do not think so. Just follow what other poster said. I have never had a problem.<BR><BR>If you insist on spray--you must check with authorities or see if you can get it there. (inquire beforehand)<BR><BR>

xxxxx

I pictured Troy being some poor defenseless woman scared to travel alone. Now to find out Troy is a policeman is more than I can take. Where are you a policeman, Troy? If within 100 miles of me, I won't sleep well thinking you are the one protecting me. Pepper spray in Paris??

Diana

Troy, I wish you were taking me to Paris. I applaud you for your thoughtfulness and concern. You have a lucky wife!

nomore

Oh Boy, Diana, you are needy!<BR>If Troy can buy pepper spray in France,so could you! Then you wouldnt need some numbskull worried that everyone he sees is a "criminal".<BR>Do you know how many women go to Paris all the time, alone, and don't need their own personal cops or pepper spray? twit.

oh no

Troy, are you "policeman" on the handgun thread on the US board who thinks the world would be a safer place if everyone kept a gun at home? Properly locked up, OF COURSE. Well, I disagree. And about the pepper spray.<BR><BR>Also, you say that drugs lead to increased numbers of weapons and criminals. Absolutely, can't agree more. Can I assume you are against the ridiculous prohibition-type laws concerning mind-altering substances?

chef

For Troy: In France, pepper spray is part of "6th category" of arms, like stun guns: sale is free, but you're not allowed to carry them on you without a permit. At home, or in your car is O.K. And of course, like any rule or law, that applies to foreigners as well.<BR>You can choose: green, black, or Cayenne (just kidding)<BR>