NCJ Number
176927
Journal
Policing Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: 1999 Pages: 7-29
Date Published
1999
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray as a means of aiding arrest was investigated using data from the Baltimore (Maryland) County Police Department.
Abstract
The analysis considered the effective-ineffective dichotomy of the incapacitating effects of OC spray and whether those being arrested were drunk, under the influence of drugs, or mentally disturbed. The five variables of age, weight, height, race, and sex were also recorded. Findings of the analysis were less optimistic than those obtained in previous studies of OC spray. Although results suggested OC spray was generally effective, police officers reported fewer successes with OC spray during encounters with suspects thought to be mentally disturbed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. OC spray was somewhat less effective in incapacitating suspects when sprayed from longer distances relative to moderate distances. Statistically significant effects for suspect height, race, and sex were not found regardless of how the effectiveness of OC spray was evaluated. Additional research is recommended to clearly define criteria measuring the incapacitative effects of OC spray. 54 references, 20 notes, and 5 tables