Chemical Agents in Criminal Justice
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Questions and Answers

Which chemical agent is commonly known as pepper spray?

  • CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile)
  • Capsicum extract
  • OC (oleoresin capsicum) (correct)
  • Synthetic irritant solution

What is the primary effect of OC (oleoresin capsicum) on the human body?

  • It leads to tearing and respiratory distress. (correct)
  • It produces temporary blindness.
  • It results in immediate unconsciousness.
  • It causes intense burns on the skin.

What active ingredient in OC is responsible for the burning sensation?

  • Capsaicin (correct)
  • Epinephrine
  • Benzene
  • Chlorine

Which of the following is used to measure the heat value of capsicum?

<p>Scoville heat units (SHU) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sensation does CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile) primarily induce?

<p>Pain and irritation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the general effects of OC exposure?

<p>Tearing and nasal discharge with a slight puffiness of the skin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary uses of chemical agents by criminal justice officers?

<p>To control resistant subjects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of deployment systems may special operations units use for chemical agents?

<p>Pepper foggers or gas guns (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the propellant in the OC formula?

<p>To expel the active ingredient from the canister (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can affect the expected results of OC?

<p>The subject’s mindset or past experiences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible effects when OC is sprayed directly into the eyes?

<p>An intense burning sensation and bloodshot appearance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component in OC helps to suspend the capsicum in the solution?

<p>Water or vegetable oil (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should caution be exercised when discharging OC directly into the eyes?

<p>It discharges at a potentially dangerous speed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when using alcohol-based OC sprays?

<p>They create a fire hazard with flames (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical reaction may occur if OC is inhaled?

<p>Coughing, gasping, and potentially vomiting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary desired effect of OC when sprayed?

<p>To target the subject’s face directly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are common reactions a subject may exhibit after being sprayed with OC?

<p>Loss of balance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately if a person shows unusual behavior after contamination by OC?

<p>Seek medical attention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action to take when a subject is contaminated?

<p>Proceed with decontamination procedures (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are OC canisters designed in relation to safety?

<p>They are pliable and resistant to cracking (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential part of managing a person contaminated with a chemical agent?

<p>Ensure proper air circulation and breathing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What psychological strategy should be employed during contamination of a subject with a chemical agent?

<p>Reassure them the contaminant will dissipate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one recommended decontamination procedure after chemical agent exposure?

<p>To use warm water and soap (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration for the effects of OC to dissipate?

<p>20–30 minutes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of strobing during physical decontamination?

<p>To enhance vision and activate tear ducts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should a person respond to the burning sensation caused by a contaminant?

<p>Concentrate on rhythmic breathing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for irrigating the eyes after exposure to a chemical agent?

<p>Using a large amount of running water (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when removing contaminants from the skin?

<p>Scrubbing the skin vigorously (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a safe way to allow the chemical agent's effects to wear off?

<p>Standing in a breeze or in front of a fan (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What documentation is essential after the use of a chemical agent?

<p>Document the type of chemical agent and contamination procedures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which solution is suggested to decrease the effects of contamination?

<p>Baby shampoo as a decontaminant (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake when rinsing the eyes after exposure?

<p>Wiping the eyes before rinsing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chemical agents types

Criminal justice officers use OC (oleoresin capsicum) or CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile) chemical agents to control resistant subjects.

OC (Oleoresin capsicum)

An inflammatory agent causing eye tearing, nasal discharge, sneezing, disorientation, and respiratory distress; skin reddening and mild puffiness.

CS (orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile)

An irritant agent that causes burning and tearing eyes, nasal discharge, skin, and upper respiratory irritation; painful sensation but no actual burning.

Capsaicin

The active ingredient in OC, producing the burning sensation on contact with skin.

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Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

A measurement scale for the heat (burning sensation) of chemical agents, like OC.

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OC active ingredient

Oleoresin capsicum, which is naturally derived from cayenne pepper.

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Chemical agent deployment

Chemical agents, like OC and CS, are often deployed in handheld canisters or projectiles. Special units might use pepper foggers or gas guns.

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Chemical agent effects

Chemical agents cause a range of effects, including inflammation, eye tearing, respiratory distress and irritation; generally lasting from 20-30 minutes.

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OC spray composition

OC spray consists of capsicum, a propellant (CO2, N2, or isobutane), and a suspension agent (water, oil, or alcohol).

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OC spray deployment

OC spray does not need to be shaken before use; the suspension agent ensures even distribution.

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OC spray effects

OC spray causes strong discomfort, including eye irritation, nasal discharge, and respiratory issues; the reaction depends on factors like spray placement and individual tolerance.

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Eye exposure effects

Direct eye exposure to OC can cause intense burning, tears, and potential membrane damage; avoid direct eye contact.

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OC spray effectiveness

OC spray is generally effective, but factors like spray placement, individual tolerance, drug use, and psychological state can influence outcome.

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Spray target

OC spray's effectiveness is generally maximized when targeted directly at the face.

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Cross Contamination

Contamination of the officer can occur when approaching and/or making contact with a subject who has experienced OC spray.

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Alcohol-based spray dangers

Can create fire hazard by spraying on flame or using the spray with electronic control devices. Still, provides better skin adhesion.

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Physical Decontamination

Method of removing foreign substances from the body after exposure to a chemical agent.

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Strobing Eyes

Forcefully blinking the eyes to clear contaminants, activating tear ducts.

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Breathing Technique

Using rhythmic breathing to clear nasal passages and sinuses.

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Removing Contaminants from Skin

Using water and other methods to remove chemical agents from skin.

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Air Decontamination

Chemical agent effects reduced by exposure to air.

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Water Irrigation

Using large amounts of running water to wash away chemical agents.

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Decontaminant Solutions

Solutions (like baby shampoo) that can lessen effects of chemical contamination.

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Documentation of Use of Force

Record keeping concerning contamination and decontamination procedures.

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OC Spray Effectiveness

OC spray is most effective on moist body areas like lips, tongue, and sweaty skin.

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Subject Reactions to OC

Reactions may include balance/coordination loss, anger, anxiety, fear, or panic.

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Officer Responsibility (Contamination)

Monitor contaminated individuals until they recover, note unusual behavior, seek medical attention for acute symptoms, and stabilize the subject.

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Chemical Agent Canister Care

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to maintain canister condition; dents/bends are typically not cause for concern.

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Decontamination Importance

While effects fade, decontamination speeds recovery and reduces discomfort.

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Immediate Decontamination

Act quickly to decontaminate a person, following agency protocol, as soon as they're safe.

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Psychological Decontamination

Reassure the person, and explain that the chemical agent's effects are temporary (20-30 minutes).

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Unattended Subjects

Never leave a subject contaminated by a chemical agent unattended while the effects are present.

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Study Notes

Chemical Agents

  • Criminal justice officers use OC (oleoresin capsicum) or CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile) to control resistant subjects.
  • These agents are typically in handheld canisters or projectiles.
  • OC (pepper spray): Causes tearing, involuntary eye closure, nasal discharge, sneezing, disorientation, and respiratory distress. Skin reddens and may swell. Effects generally last 20-30 minutes, possibly longer in some cases.
  • CS (an irritant): Causes burning, tearing eyes, nasal discharge, and upper respiratory irritation. Produces a sensation of intense burning, though there isn't actual burning.
  • OC active ingredient: Capsaicin (natural derivative of cayenne pepper).
  • Chemical contamination effects are measured by Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). While heat units are used to measure pepper heat, they are not equivalent to thermal degrees.

OC Spray Contents

  • OC spray formula often includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or isobutane propellant to expel the active ingredient.
  • Other components include water, vegetable oil or alcohol-based solutions to keep the capsicum suspended in the formula.

OC Effects

  • OC is generally effective on most people, though effectiveness can be affected by factors like:
    • Spray location (must be sprayed in the face for best results)
    • Subject's mental state/past experience with chemical agents
    • Drug use
    • Existing psychological state (e.g., psychosis)
    • High pain tolerance
  • Immediate effects include eye closure, intense burning sensation, bloodshot eyes, and possible coughing, gasping, gagging, and vomiting.
  • Other effects can include swelling, nasal discharge, and mucus.

Decontamination Procedures

  • Follow agency policies for decontamination procedures.
  • Decontamination should be performed immediately once the subject is under control.
  • Officers should not leave contaminated individuals unattended.
  • Decontamination methods include using running water (to irrigate eyes and facial skin).
  • Using a chemical agent is a use of force and must be documented.

Psychological Decontamination

  • Reassure the person that the effects are temporary.
  • Guide the person through the process of physical decontamination.
  • Instruct the person to avoid rubbing their eyes.
  • Use strobing (forceful blinking) to clear the eyes.
  • Breathing exercises may help with mucus.
  • Breathing issues may be addressed by using rhythmic inhaling and exhaling.
  • Contaminants can be removed from the skin by gently removing them.
  • The chemical effects can be reduced by more exposure to air (fan).
  • Water exposure (irrigation) for eyes and facial skin helps.

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Description

This quiz explores the use of chemical agents like OC and CS sprays in criminal justice. Learn about their effects, usage, and the science behind these irritants. Perfect for students and professionals in law enforcement and criminal justice studies.

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