OLEORESIN CAPSICUM

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Directive is to familiarise officers with the use, and operation procedures of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC).

PROTOCOL

Whenever practicable, officers shall exercise de-escalation techniques to resolve potential use of force incidents and seek voluntary compliance from subjects/suspects. Less-Lethal force options are only permissible when:

An officer reasonably believes the suspect or subject is violently resisting arrest or poses an immediate threat of violence or physical harm.

Less-Lethal force options shall not be used for a suspect or subject who is passively resisting or merely failing to comply with commands. Verbal threats of violence or mere non-compliance by a suspect do not alone justify the use of Less-Lethal force.

An officer may use OC Spray as a reasonable force option to control a suspect when the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of the officer or others.

PROCEDURES

The OC canister should be held at arm's length. Prior to spraying OC, officers should consider the location of officers who might be impacted by the OC as officers within 6 feet of you, even if you're spraying in a different direction, will be affected by the OC.

When the OC is sprayed, it should be aimed at the suspect's face and sprayed in a single burst. The ideal range of OC is 2-12 feet.

After the initial burst, officers should, if feasible, wait momentarily for the OC to take effect. Once the OC takes effect, officers should carefully approach and control the suspect. The suspect should be handcuffed and monitored for signs of medical distress.

Generally, there will be a burning sensation. The mucous membranes may swell, and cause uncontrollable coughing, gagging or gasping. Exposed areas of the skin may become inflamed causing an intense burning sensation.

If officers encounter a self-mutilating or suicidal individual, the use of OC spray may be a reasonable force option. This will allow the individual to receive the needed emergency medical treatment.

Use of Force Warning

An officer shall, when feasible, give a verbal warning prior to using OC spray to control an individual. The warning is not required when an officer is attacked and must respond to the suspect's actions. Additionally, if a tactical plan requires the element of surprise to stabilise the situation, a warning is not required.

The verbal warning should include a command and a warning of potential consequences of the use of force.

Medical Treatment

Generally, medical treatment is not required for suspects who have been sprayed with OC. If a suspect who has been sprayed with OC experiences continued difficulty in breathing and/or vision impairment for an extended period, officers shall immediately request medical treatment.