NCJ Number
184137
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 46-51
Date Published
July 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Police officers need to understand the use-of-force continuum and the potential effects of exposure to the five types of chemical agents used by police.
Abstract
These agents include chloroacetophenone (CN), orthochlorbenzalmalononitrile (CS), phenylchloromethylketone (Mace), Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), and hybrids of the other four agents. CN causes skin rashes, burns, and possibly skin disease. It also has been implicated as a potential carcinogen. It irritates the eyes and nose. The reaction time and effects of Mace mimic those of CN. CS is an irritant that effects the eyes and skins. It causes more powerful effects than CN, but takes a bit longer to cause a reaction. Controversy exists over which chemical is the most effective and the safest to use. OC or pepper spray is a naturally occurring substance available in different concentrations. Police should choose an OC spray that is effective without causing physiological damage. The officer should aim OC at the person’s face, eyes, nose, and forehead. Traditional chemical agents such as CN and CS cause painful tearing and respiratory discomfort, but they do not cause the same inflammation and swelling effects produced by OC. Law enforcement personnel considering a hybrid solution should consider its increased effectiveness, collateral contamination concerns, decontamination methods, toxicity, carcinogenic properties, and the possibility of injuries to both the officer and the perpetrator. Officers should receive specialized training before using these products. Photographs