NCJ Number
205593
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 100-103
Date Published
April 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray and underscores the importance of police training for the use of OC spray.
Abstract
The use of pepper spray has become the standard non-lethal weapon of law enforcement officers. However, to ensure its proper use, officer training and up-to-date departmental policies are a must. Training is important because if officers do not understand the limitations of the weapon or how to properly use it in the field, the chances of officer injury are greater. Introductory pepper spray courses usually involve two components, a lecture and a practical application in which students practice using pepper spray or are intentionally exposed to the chemical in order to understand its effect on suspects. Refresher training courses should also incorporate a lecture portion and a practical exercise portion. It is important for department heads to ensure that their policies on the use of pepper spray are in line with current court rulings concerning its justifiable use by officers. Officers must also understand the limitations of pepper spray; for example, a police study in Baltimore County, MD, found that 20 percent of individuals exposed to pepper spray are either not affected or still continue to struggle with officers. Individuals under the influence of drugs or with mental illness may not be as affected by the spray as other individuals. Common mistakes made by officers deploying pepper spray include standing too close to a suspect when spraying or spraying into the wind. Not applying a sufficient amount of spray is another mistake made by officers who are not properly trained. Once a suspect has been sprayed and securely restrained, officers should immediately begin decontamination procedures according to department policy. It is important that police officers be educated about positional asphyxia and how to prevent it. Positional asphyxia occurs when a suspect is restrained in a position that interferes with their ability to breathe; this accounts for the majority of in-custody deaths where pepper spray was used on the suspect. However, when used properly by trained police officers, pepper spray can be an effective non-lethal alternative.