NCJ Number
185741
Journal
Policing Volume: 23 Issue: 3 Dated: 2000 Pages: 390-400
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The introduction of police use of CS gas within the United Kingdom has prompted widespread criticism of its effectiveness and appropriateness in the context of police assault deterrence and police accountability.
Abstract
Police in England began CS spray training in 1995, and street trials in England and Wales started a year later. In 1996, most police forces in England and Wales began using the spray, while two police forces in Scotland began street trials in October 1997. Two incidents in England sparked off concern about CS spray, a police officer was severely injured during CS training and a London man died after having been restrained by police use of CS spray shortly after trials began. CS spray is controversial for several reasons. It may be more dangerous to health than the public has been led to believe, police officers may be using the spray to subdue people whether or not they are violent, evidence suggests CS is not a deterrent to assaults on police, and police-community relations are likely to be eroded. The authors conclude CS spray gives real grounds for serious concern since the spray used by police officers in the United Kingdom is a concentrated solution sprayed directly into the face. 29 references