Abstract: A portable, personal alarm system (A) which incorporates a loud audio alert (19, 9/10) that, when engaged, is unable to be removed from the user, or terminated without the cooperation thereof. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a small, hand-held alarm system having a strap (5) with a locking mechanism for securely affixing the system to the user, compressed gas containment or electrical power for providing a loud audio horn alert, a locator light (4) for signalling the location of the user in dark areas, and a mechanism for selectively locking the horn alert in the "on" operating position which cannot be reactivated without unlocking the strap, which uses a precoded combination type lock. In use the push button (3) end (24) is placed within the palm so that the push button lies right under the fingers, with the main body (1) extending up along side of the inner side of the wrist.