NCJ Number
146581
Journal
Law and Order Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 57-59
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Oleoresin capsicum (OC) is of interest to police as a chemical irritant for spraying on assaultive individuals, because it can divert the brain's attention from making or continuing an assault.
Abstract
OC comes in many concentrations, but the 1-percent solution appears to be as effective as the 5-percent solution. In addition, a quarter-second burst appears to atomize more effectively than does a 1-second spurt. Users must check the expiration date and test the can to ensure that it still has pressure. Police officers should also be at least 3 feet away from the suspect when they use OC to allow it to make a mist. They should also try the spray on themselves to become familiar with its effects. Training is crucial to the effective use of OC. OC should be placed on the force continuum at about the level of open- hand control techniques. List of manufacturers and distributors