NCJ Number
146576
Journal
Police Chief Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 22-24
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), a nonlethal, soft, chemical weapon that a police officer can spray onto a suspect is emerging as an alternative weapon that may reduce or eliminate many injuries to police officers, suspects, and innocent bystanders.
Abstract
OC is a powerful inflammatory agent that occurs naturally in cayenne peppers and that complies with Federal and State laws. Variations of it have been used in pharmacology and for food spicing for years. Unlike tear gas and mace, which are irritants, OC is an inflammatory agent that causes swelling of the eyes and airways and makes vision and breathing difficult. Both flammable and nonflammable delivery systems are available, but the nonflammable agents are either ozone-depleting, toxic, or carcinogenic. Many packagers and training programs conducted by vendors and private training companies are available. As for any other weapons, restraints in the form of police guidelines must be in place. These must explain when to use OC, verbal warnings necessary prior to spraying, the number of squirts deemed sufficient, necessary documentation following use, and possible sanctions when used indiscriminately. Several police agencies that have evaluated OC using pretests and posttests have reported significant reductions in injuries to police officers and arrestees. The police department in Goldsboro, N.C. learned that carrying OC provides a strong psychological advantage for patrol officers, although it sometimes gives a false sense of security. The author is the police chief in Goldsboro.