OLEORESIN
CAPSICUM
CERTIFICATION
MARION COUNTY SUPERIOR
COURT PROBATION
DEPARTMENT
Joseph Hodson-Field Services Coordinator
Objectives
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Understand what OC spray is.
Understand strengths and limitations for
OC spray.
Have a basic working knowledge of the
legal, tactical and medical issues regarding
OC spray.
Have the experience of exposure to OC
spray
What is OC?
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Oleoresin Capsicum comes from the latin
term for “Oily resin” of a “pepper”.
It is a NATURAL EXTRACT of Cayenne and
other edible peppers.
All ingredients are certified food grade by
the FDA
OC Is All Natural
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It is important to note that OC is a natural
food derivative.
CN (teargas) is a synthetic chemical
lacrimator.
CS (mace) is a synthetic chemical irritant.
Why Is This Important?
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OC is far less likely to cause an allergic
reaction. Very few people are allergic to
peppers.
Higher probability of asthmatic reactions
to teargas (CN) and mace (CS)
Other Differences between OC, CN
and CS
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OC is an “Oily Resin”-Can be washed off
with soap and water.
CN and CS are both microparticulate
solids.-will “blow off” with fresh air.
Other Differences between OC, CN
and CS
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OC works almost immediately once it gets
in the eyes.
CN works in 2-5 seconds (usually towards
5 seconds)
CS working in 20-60 seconds (this is a
long time in a life or death situation!)
What is an SHU?
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OC strength is measured in SHU’sScofield Heat Unit’s.
A Jalapeno pepper measures about 5000
SHU’s.
Habanero and Scotch Bonnet measure
about 200,000 SHU’s.
Naga Jolokia measures 855,000 to 1
Million SHU’s!
SHU’s Continued….
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First Defense MK-3 Spray=500,000 SHU’s.
This is as strong as 100 Jalapeno peppers!
Some OC’s that use strong solvent carriers
measure over 5,000,000 SHU’s!
Other Factors in Heat
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The “hottness” of the spray is not just a
result of the peppers.
It is also a function of the carrier fluid.
Water, alcohol, other solvents.
Types of
Carriers
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Water-relies totally on the concentration
of pepper in the spray and the speed and
volume of delivery to achieve “hotness”.
Alcohol-breaks up the oil on the skin and
carries the OC deep into the pores,
resulting in a “hotter” spray.
Carriers
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Other, more powerful chemical solvents
are sometimes used.
The advantage is that they penetrate the
skin very quickly and may carry the OC
through the epidermis, so they are
considered “very hot”.
There are concerns about toxicity and
chemical irritation (chemical burns).
Carriers-What do we use?
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First Defense MK-3 is a mixture of water
and alcohol.
SHU’s and Recovery Time
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Generally speaking, below 2 Million SHU’s,
the effect is about the same, except for
recovery time.
At around 5 millions SHU’s, both effect
and recover time are greatly increased.
Delivery
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Cone Sprays (also foggers)
Stream Sprays
Foam
Gel
Delivery
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Each system has advantages and
disadvantages
With cone and stream sprays, you are
likely to deal with splashback and
overspray.
With foam and gel, you are more likely to
deal with deliberate contamination.
Cone Sprays
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Great for respiratory effect and getting
behind eyewear.
Limited range
Problematic when you are downwind of
subject.
Tend to contaminate large areas.
Foggers
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Essentially high volume cone sprays for
use in corrections.
They are not applicable in civilian crowd
because unlike tear gas, the incapacitate
rather than disperse. You will just create
a whole bunch of people that need
medical attention.
Stream Sprays
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This is what the Probation Department
uses.
Works much like a squirt gun.
Wind does not effect it as much.
6-8 foot range
Not great for immediate respiratory effect.
Foam
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Much lower risk for spashback, overspray
and area contamination.
Good for hospitals, malls, etc..
Easier to aim.
Longer onset time.
Can be thrown back at you!
Gel
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Most recent development.
Has the benefits of the foam spray but it
is harder to throw back at officer.
It still has a longer onset time.
If subject has eyes closed, gel will not
“roll” down forehead into eyes.
Storage/Shelf Life
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Store below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and
out of direct sunlight.
The active chemical does not decompose
with time.
The loss of the propellant is the concern,
it should be checked every 6 month.
OC Effects
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Immediate inflammation of the blood vessels,
mucous membrane.
Involuntary coughing, gasping for breath,
occasionally gagging
An intense burning sensation, like the skin and
eyes are on fire.
The eyes slam shut involuntarily, eyes become
red.
Mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, lip may
swell.
OC Effects
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Some OC Sprays using solvent carriers
may cause the skin to peel, resembling a
sunburn the next day. This is a result of
the extreme drying of the skin.
OC Reactions
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Grabbing at the face.
Bending at the waist with hands on knee.
Shouting, panicking, reports inability to
breath.
Shakes violently.
Usually will not fall down to the ground.
Dog Reactions
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Similar effect to humans
Often extremely effective.
Although not as reliable, especially with
trained attack dogs or if a dog has already
engaged in a bite.
OC Recovery Time
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Water/Alcohol based OC-major symptoms
wear off in 20 minutes or so.
Full recovery in 60-90 minutes.
Solvent based-major symptoms wear off
in 60-90 minutes.
Full recovery in 2-4 hours.
Possibility of Failure
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It is important to keep in mind that,
before the taser, OC was the most
effective non-injuring control technology
that actually works most of the time.
However……
OC Failures
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Nothing always works every time on every
person.
There are several different variables to
consider.
Variables
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State of mind---- Combat experience,
mindset, sanity, rage, suicide, intellectual
impairment, fear…
Chemical Condition----Drugs, alcohol,
mixes.
Any combination of the above.
Variables
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It may take longer to work on some
subjects than others.
What would you do if you needed to use it
and it didn’t work? Have a plan B!
OC Exposure Treatment
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Cool water---applied to the face and the
eyes.
Soap or shampoo to remove the oil from
the skin. Baby shampoo works great!
Fresh air.
Have EMS remove contacts of necessary
and possible.
OC Exposure Treatment
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Do not use oils, salves or creams.
Do not rub the face or the eyes.
It just takes time…..
Preparation to use OC
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First of all, make sure your OC is readily
accessible.
Where is it on you? In your vest, jacket pocket,
holder on your belt? Is your shirt tucked in?
Are you wearing a bulky sweater?
You should be able to have it out and ready to
use in no more than 3 seconds at all times!
This is something you can practice but it is
always something you should think about.
Contact and Cover
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Your partner can be great cover while you
are conducting an interview in the field.
Communicate with each other.
There is nothing wrong with having the
OC spray readily accessible if you wish.
When to use OC Spray
Per Department policyIt is the departments position that the Probation Officer
always attempt to remove him/herself from situations that
exhibit signs of possible escalation. The Department will
provide each Officer with a chemical agent as a defense
tool if the officer is confronted with a threatening situation.
The Probation Officer must carry the chemical agent with
them at all times when in the field. If the Probation Officer
is forced to use the chemical agent, the following
procedures must be met.
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Departments Procedures for OC
Use
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1. Immediately upon leaving the scene to ensure
their safety, the probation officer must return to
the scene when the police arrive to answer any
questions and to assist local law enforcement in
rendering first aid to the probationer if needed.
2. The Probation Officer must submit a “Use of
Chemical Agent Report” to the Chief Probation
Officer within 24 hours of the incident.
Signs of Impending Aggression
Balls fists, drops center, blades off, rocks on feet.
 Face goes from white to red.
 Breaks of eye contact—1000 yard stare or target glance.
 Bares teeth, breathing shallow.
 Verbal challenge.
 Verbalization stops.
 Even if you just have an “uneasy feeling”.
THESE ARE ALL SIGNS THAT YOU SHOULD LEAVE THE
SCENE ASAP!
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How to Use OC
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Shake the canister
Shout clear verbal commands
Spray from the interview stance, canister
back towards your body and a reactionary
hand in front of you to deflect any
aggressive action. Do not hold OC out in
front of you like you would a gun!
Short bursts-one second or less!
How to Use OC
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Try to be 3 feet or more away.
If you are 3 or more feet away, aim
directly at the eyes.
Is there any situation where we would not
want to aim at the eyes? When?
How to Use OC
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The purpose we are using the OC for is
NOT TO MAKE AN ARREST, We are buying
time to GET OUT OF DANGER.
Do not wait to see if it works. Get out of
harms ways as quickly as possible.
How to use OC
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There is always the chance of over spray.
Try to have an idea of where your partner
is.
Yell “spray” so your partner knows to get
out of the way if necessary.
Overspray
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If you do get sprayed by your partner, it
will hurt like crazy.
Do not let this deter you from leaving the
scene quickly.
You can pry your eyes open to see where
you are going if necessary.
After OC Use
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Get to a safe place and call Law
Enforcement immediately.
Call your supervisor immediately.
Return to scene when law enforcement
arrives to assist with investigation.
OC injuries
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OC injuries are so rare it is almost
impossible to document.
There have been very few lawsuits
regarding OC use.
Most injuries are mechanical: Running,
falling, etc…
OC related deaths
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There have been very few deaths related
to OC.
These appear to be “In Custody Death
Syndrome”.
In Custody Death Syndrome
Excited delirium
 Violent struggle
 Drug Use
 Medical issues
Respiratory: Asthma, Emphysema
Cardiopulmonary problems
Obesity
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Who is at risk?
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99% are male.
35-44 year olds are generally involved.
Usually involves a struggle.
Death usually follows bizarre behavior
episode and/or the use of illegal drugs.
Geography is not a factor.
Positional Asphyxia
Term used to describe the placement of a
body in a position that interferes with the
ability to breath.
 Can occur:
When the subject’s chest is restricted from
expanding properly
When the position of the subject’s head
obstructs the airway.
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Contributing Factors
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Alcohol Intoxication
Drugs (Especially Cocaine)
Physical Ailments (Obesity)
Delirium: Bizarre or Frenzied Behavior
Respiratory Diseases (asthma,
emphysema)
Cardiac Diseases (enlarged heart, etc.)
Questions?