NCJ Number
189270
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: Autumn 2000 Pages: 55-67
Date Published
2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article explores different dimensions of the use of pepper spray by police officers.
Abstract
In response to concerns about use of force, increased civil liability and court-imposed limitations, many police agencies across the United States have adopted a “less than lethal” alternative -– oleoresin capsicum or pepper spray. These departments believe that oleoresin capsicum reduces officer and citizen injury as well as use of force complaints. This study examined the use of pepper spray by the Buffalo Police Department in New York. The sample consisted of 359 use of force complaints filed from 1994 to 1997 for both physical and chemical force; and 4,082 chemical agent incident reports filed from 1994 to 1997 by police officers. Results showed that since its introduction in 1994, pepper spray ranked highest among types of force used by officers. The number of crimes reported dropped steadily over the four-year period, and the number of arrests increased. The data of the use of pepper spray did not, however, show any proportionate trend. Compared to other types of force, such as saps, blackjacks, flashlights, and batons, pepper spray was very effective, especially with alcohol or drug-induced subjects. A subject was less likely to be injured after a pepper spray incident than before; and the majority of sprayed subjects did not require medical attention. The number of complaints filed against officers alleging use of force by a chemical agent had remained relatively consistent, but in the past four years, only one complaint had been sustained. It was concluded that oleoresin capsicum provided an effective, “ less than lethal” alternative to more traditional, potentially harmful types of force. 6 tables, 1 note, and 11 references.