Module 2 - Law Enforcement Equipment and Police Canines
Lesson 2 - Pepper Spray and Tear Gas
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To appreciate the effects of pepper spray, police officers are sprayed with it.
- Image Source: Wikipedia.com "The act of policing is, in order to punish less often, to punish more severely." Napoleon Bonaparte |
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray (also known as Oleoresin Capsicum spray, OC spray, or capsicum spray) is a chemical compound known as a lacrymatory agent that irritates the eyes and nose causing tears, pain, and temporary blindness. Pepper spray is a “less-than-lethal” force weapon used by police officers to subdue combative or aggressive suspects.
In Canada, pepper spray is classified as a prohibited weapon. Numerous dog and bear pepper sprays are legal. However, if any such spray were used against humans, the user most likely will be prosecuted.
Capsaicin in Pepper Spray
Chilli Peppers
- Image Source: Wikipedia.com
Bell peppers and chilli peppers are members of the Capsicum genus. Capsaicin is not found in bell peppers. Chilli peppers contain various amounts of capsaicin. Jalapenos, cayennes, and habaneros are all types of chilli peppers.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is Capsaicin, a tasteless and odourless powdered extract from chilli peppers. The liquid concentrate made from this powder and used in pepper sprays is Oleoresin Capsaicin (OC).
Capsaicin is used in modern Western medicine—mainly in topical creams that help stimulate circulation and relieve pain.
Lacrymatory Agent
- (also lachrymatory) a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause pain; may cause temporary blindness