Chemical Agents in Law Enforcement
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Questions and Answers

Which area of the body is OC most effective on?

  • Forehead
  • Back of the neck
  • Dry skin
  • Moist areas like lips and tongue (correct)

What is a required action if a contaminated person displays unusual behavior?

  • Calmly discuss their feelings
  • Leave them unattended
  • Seek medical attention immediately (correct)
  • Ignore the behavior and monitor recovery

What should be done to stabilize a subject experiencing acute symptoms from OC?

  • Put them in a cold shower
  • Ensure proper breathing and circulation (correct)
  • Restrict their movement
  • Call for backup and wait

How are OC canisters designed to reduce the risk of leakage?

<p>They are intentionally designed to be soft and pliable (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do decontamination procedures play when a subject is contaminated by OC?

<p>They can decrease the period of discomfort (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you reassure a contaminated person about the effects of OC?

<p>It will not cause lasting effects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate response required once a subject is under control after being contaminated?

<p>Initiate the decontamination procedures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What psychological effects may arise from contamination by a chemical agent?

<p>Anxiety and panic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the propellant in the OC spray formula?

<p>To keep the capsicum suspended for even discharge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard is associated with alcohol-based OC sprays?

<p>They can create a fire hazard if used near flames (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor may NOT influence the effectiveness of OC on a subject?

<p>The weather conditions during deployment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What immediate physical effect does OC have when it enters the eyes?

<p>It forces the eyes to close (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with inhaling OC?

<p>Coughing and gasping (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended safety practice when using OC spray?

<p>Always approach contaminated subjects from a distance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if OC is discharged directly into the eyes?

<p>It could lead to slight tearing of the eye membranes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of alcohol-based OC sprays?

<p>They adhere better to skin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemical agent is oleoresin capsicum (OC)?

<p>An inflammatory agent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary active ingredient in OC spray?

<p>Capsaicin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long do the effects of OC typically last?

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

What does the Scoville heat unit (SHU) measure?

<p>The burning sensation of peppers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

CS, an alternative to OC, is classified as what type of agent?

<p>Irritant agent (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following effects is NOT caused by OC?

<p>Nausea and vomiting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes OC from CS when used as a chemical agent?

<p>OC is an inflammatory agent whereas CS is an irritant (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the sensation caused by CS upon contact with skin?

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

What should a person do instead of rubbing their eyes after contamination?

<p>Blink forcefully to clear their vision (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of rhythmic breathing during decontamination?

<p>To alleviate panic and discomfort (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to remove contaminants from the skin after strobing the eyes?

<p>Air exposure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended for irrigating the eyes after contamination?

<p>A large amount of running water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be used to decontaminate the skin to avoid worsening the situation?

<p>Oil-based soaps (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is documentation important after using a chemical agent?

<p>To provide evidence for legal proceedings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect can using a fan or standing in a breeze have on chemical agents?

<p>It helps to dissipate the effects of the agents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of solutions may help decrease contamination effects?

<p>Decontaminant solutions like baby shampoo (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chemical Agents in CJ

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

OC (Oleoresin Capsicum)

An inflammatory agent causing eye irritation, respiratory issues, and skin redness, typically from pepper spray.

CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile)

An irritant chemical agent causing eye, respiratory, and skin irritation, a burning sensation.

Capsaicin

The active ingredient in OC, causing the burning sensation when contacting human tissue, a natural derivative of cayenne pepper.

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Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

A scale measuring the heat (burning sensation) of peppers and, by extension, OC.

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OC Deployment

OC, or pepper spray, is usually deployed from handheld canisters or chemical projectiles; specialized units may use other systems.

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Chemical Agent Effects

Chemical agents, including inflammatory and irritant agents, produce effects such as eye tearing, breathing difficulties, nasal discharge and skin redness.

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Chemical Agent Decontamination

Process to remove and neutralize remaining chemical agent after exposure.

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OC effectiveness

OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) is very effective on moist areas like lips, tongue, and sweaty skin.

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Subject Reactions to OC

Exposure to OC can cause loss of balance, coordination issues, and emotional responses like anger, anxiety, fear, or panic.

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Officer's responsibilities (OC)

Officers must closely monitor individuals exposed to OC, seeking medical attention for unusual behavior, and prioritizing stabilization of acute symptoms.

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OC canister maintenance

Follow manufacturer guidelines to keep the OC canister in proper working order; while dents/bends are acceptable, leaks are not.

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OC Spray Composition

OC spray is a mixture of capsicum, propellant (CO2, N2, or isobutane), and a suspending agent (water, oil, or alcohol).

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Decontamination Importance

Decontamination procedures lessen the discomfort of chemical agent exposure.

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Decontamination Process

Follow agency policies for decontamination procedures on any subject exposed to a chemical agent.

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OC Spray Function

The propellant expels the capsicum, and the suspending agent keeps it evenly distributed for spray.

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Unattended contamination

Do not leave any person exposed to a chemical agent unattended while the effects are evident.

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OC Spray Deployment

Doesn't need shaking before use; alcohol-based sprays can be a fire hazard if used improperly.

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OC Spray Effectiveness

Generally effective, but factors like spray placement, subject's state (mental, tolerance, drug use), and other conditions (pain tolerance) can cause varied effectiveness.

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Psychological decontamination

Reassure the exposed person and tell them the effects will lessen (typically 20-30 minutes) to prevent anxiety and panic.

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OC Eye Contact Effects

Causes immediate eye closure, intense burning, and potential bloodshot eyes, with membrane tears possible in case of direct discharge.

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OC Inhalation Effects

Inhalation causes coughing, gasping, gagging, and potential vomiting due to throat irritation and swelling.

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OC Cross-Contamination

Officers should be cautious when approaching contaminated subjects to prevent cross-contamination.

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Optimal OC Spray Application

Spraying directly to the face is most effective, while using caution when discharging chemicals directly into the eyes.

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Strobing Eyes

Forcefully blinking the eyes to clear vision and activate tear ducts, washing away contaminants.

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Decontaminate Skin

Removing contaminants from the skin to reduce chemical agent effects.

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Rhythmic Breathing

Concentrating on breathing to divert attention from discomfort, promoting mucus flow.

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Physical Decontamination

Removing contaminants from the body, including eyes, skin, and nasal passages.

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Eye Irrigation

Using a large amount of running water to wash contaminants from the eyes and face.

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Decontaminant Solutions

Solutions (e.g., baby shampoo) that may reduce the effects of chemical agent contamination.

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Air Exposure

Allowing the chemical effects to diminish through exposure to air (e.g., breeze).

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Documentation (Contamination)

Recording contamination incidents and decontamination procedures according to agency policies.

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Study Notes

Chemical Agents

  • Criminal justice officers use OC (oleoresin capsicum) or CS (orthochlorobenzal-malononitrile) to control resistant subjects
  • OC (pepper spray) is an inflammatory agent
  • Symptoms: tearing, involuntary eye closing, nasal discharge, sneezing, disorientation, respiratory distress, skin redness and puffiness
  • Effects typically last 20-30 minutes, but may be longer in some cases
  • CS is an irritant agent
  • Symptoms: burning/tearing eyes, nasal discharge, skin/upper respiratory irritation, sensation of intense burning (no actual burning)

OC Spray Active Ingredient

  • Oleoresin capsicum is a natural derivative of cayenne pepper (with some synthetic forms)
  • Active ingredient: capsaicin
  • Capsaicin causes the burning sensation when it contacts human tissue

Measuring Burning Effects

  • Scoville Heat Units (SHU) are used to measure the heat/burning effects of capsicum
  • SHU scale was originally designed for peppers (restaurant industry)
  • OC is a vegetable product and not directly comparable to thermal degrees of fire

Chemical Agent Effects on Subjects

  • OC in eyes: causes eyes to close, intense burning, bloodshot eyes
  • OC inhaled: coughing, gasping, gagging, vomiting
  • Affects skin, throat: swelling, sneezing, mucous discharge
  • Officers should use caution when approaching subjects, for cross-contamination

Prolonged/Severe Reactions to Chemical Agent Contamination

  • Officers should watch contaminated subject until they recover
  • Seek medical attention if the person has acute symptoms, maintain open airway, and ensure continuous breathing and circulation.
  • Use the manufacturer's safety data sheet (SDS)
  • Observe for unusual behaviors

Canister Maintenance

  • Canisters are designed to be soft, pliable, and resistant to cracking/splitting
  • Don't typically need concern about leaking

Decontamination Procedures

  • Essential for chemical agent use
  • Decontamination procedures vary by agency
  • Start decontamination as soon as the subject is under control
  • Avoid leaving an unattended contaminated person

Psychological Decontamination

  • Reassure the exposed person that the contaminant is temporary and causes no lasting effects
  • Guide the person through physical decontamination:
  • Strobing (forceful blinking) the eyes
  • Breathing exercises
  • Removing contaminants from skin
  • Using water to rinse eyes and skin
  • Using decontamination solutions (e.g., baby shampoo)
  • Avoid using oil-based soaps for decontamination

Documentation

  • Document the use of chemical agents as a use of force, following agency policies

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Related Documents

Unit 3 Lesson 14 Chemical Agents PDF

Description

This quiz explores the use of chemical agents such as OC and CS in law enforcement, focusing on their effects and applications. Learn about the symptoms caused by these agents and how the burning effects are measured using Scoville Heat Units. Ideal for those interested in criminal justice and public safety.

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