NCJ Number
175454
Journal
Policing Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: 1997 Pages: 680-697
Date Published
1997
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, also known as pepper spray, against noncooperative suspects by the Tallahassee, Florida, Police Department (TPD).
Abstract
All nondeadly use of force reports filed in the TPD Internal Affairs Division between May 1, 1993 and December 31, 1995 were eligible for inclusion in the study. Police responses in these reports were based on five levels: (1) police officer presence at the scene; (2) verbal communication between police officer and suspect; (3) physical control techniques; (4) use of impact weapons such as batons, flashlights, or stun guns; and (5) deliberate strikes to a major nerve area to incapacitate combative suspects. OC spray was originally placed in level four but was later downgraded to level three. A total of 366 violent encounters took place while OC spray was categorized as level four. Of these encounters, 163 involved the use of impact weapons, OC spray, or both. A total of 633 police officer- civilian encounters took place while OC spray was categorized as level three. Of these encounters, 563 were included in the study. Findings revealed police officer personal traits and offender social characteristics had no systematic impact on police choice of less-than-lethal weapons when OC spray was first authorized by the TPD. After the TPD relaxed its policy on OC spray, however, several significant predictors emerged. Male, college-educated, and veteran police officers were more likely to choose OC spray over other permissible hand-to-hand techniques. In addition, police officer height and weight relative to suspect size was related to the use of OC spray. As the threat of an impending attack or weapon introduction rose, the use of OC spray declined in favor of a lateral movement to personal weapons. OC spray resulted in fewer and less severe police officer and offender injuries relative to other impact and personal weapons. OC spray minimized the risk of injury by allowing police officers to exert control from a greater distance. The authors conclude OC spray is a valuable addition to the law enforcement arsenal of less-than- lethal weapons. 61 references, 5 notes, and 4 tables