Police use of less‐than‐lethal force: Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray

Abstract

Analyzes “use of force” reports from one municipal law enforcement agency to assess officer reliance upon Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. When the agency first authorized OC, it classified OC as an impact weapon along with batons, flashlights, and stun guns. A year later, the department revised its policy and downgraded OC to the level of soft hand techniques (punches, kicks, and pain compliance). Before this policy change, social characteristics of officers and suspects had no influence on whether OC was used. New predictors emerged after the restrictions on OC were relaxed. Officers who were male, college educated, and veterans were more likely to rely upon OC than hand‐to‐hand maneuvers. In addition, officers tend to resort to pepper spray when they are at a physical disadvantage compared to the relative size of the offender. OC use does decline as suspects become more violent. Finally, the use of pepper spray significantly curtails officer and offender injuries. Discusses the implications of these findings for police organizations and further research.

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