Chapter 09 Use of Force Pepper Spray Policy PDF

APPENDIX C – OLEORESIN CAPSICUM (OC) PEPPER SPRAY (CHEMICAL AGENTS) A. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to define and establish guidelines for the training, carrying and the safe, effective, and humane use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) aerosol/foam agents by deputies of this agency to achie...

APPENDIX C – OLEORESIN CAPSICUM (OC) PEPPER SPRAY (CHEMICAL AGENTS) A. PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to define and establish guidelines for the training, carrying and the safe, effective, and humane use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) aerosol/foam agents by deputies of this agency to achieve lawful objectives. The guidelines established shall apply to all Deputies certified to carry/utilize this agent. 1. Authorized Training and Certification Requirements 2. All Deputies authorized by their respective administrators to carry OC when performing their official duties or while acting within the scope of these duties must be trained and certified to carry and deploy OC. 2. Personnel authorized to carry OC must attend an eight- (8) hour block of certification training covering the following subjects: History, considerations, SICDS, decontamination procedures. Each authorized individual will receive a full facial exposure to OC. Full facial exposure is only required once during initial certification. Annual re-certification is required to maintain authority and certification to carry OC. The carrying of OC is optional; however, any officer choosing to carry OC as a force option is required to comply with this paragraph in its entirety. B. Approved Equipment/Authorized Manufactures/Approved Unit Sizes. B. PROCEDURES 1. The following are the only approved OC deployment devices for Deputies of this agency: a. Personal defense units not to exceed 2.0 oz. with a flip-top safety device, and a single piece canister. b. Spray pattern shall be a Ballistic stream or Jet-foam. c. Scoville heat units will not exceed one million SHU'S. d. OC percentages: Ballistic stream: 1) Will not exceed 5.5% Jet-Foam: Will not exceed 10% 2) Approved chemical agents: a) 5.5% PEPPERMACE b) 10% PEPPERFOAM c) 5.5% OC Spray d) First Defense 10% OC Foam 3) Approved Unit Size a) Deputies assigned to Patrol, CID and similar units are authorized to carry 5.5% PEPPERMACE in the MK III or MK IVB size unit. Effective date April 30, 2014 118  b) Deputies assigned to duties in the Court Security Division are authorized to carry 10% PEPPERFOAM in the MK III or MK IVB size unit. c) Deputies assigned to the Detention S.E.R.T. unit are authorized to utilize 10% PEPPERFOAM in the MK IX size units. d) Deputies assigned to S.W.A.T. units are authorized to utilize 10% PEPPERFOAM AND OR 5.5% PEPPERFOAM and/or 5.5% PEPPERMACE in the MK IX size units. NOTE: No other manufactures or formulations will be authorized without written authorization of the Sheriff. C. Approved Carry Techniques/Required Carry Equipment 1. Strong side, nozzle to centerline, forward of duty weapon, drawn with weak hand, strong hand used for reaction/weapon hand. 2. Offside, nozzle to centerline, directly behind magazine pouches, drawn with off- hand, strong hand used for reaction/weapon as needed. 3. Individual preference, carry in manner most comfortable to deputy, nozzle to centerline, use either hand to draw and spray. 4. Deputies authorized and certified to carry OC shall carry the OC canister in a belt holster pouch designed to fit the size canister being used or issued. Materials and closures will be in accordance with the standards listed in chapter 7 of the Sheriff's Manual of Policy and Procedure. D. Deployment Techniques 1. DRAW. 2. Use thumb or index finger to activate, 3. Spray quickly into face area, a. eyes, nose, throat is the target area b. spray a 1 to 3 second burst 4. Distance yourself from subject, 5. Protect your OC canister as you would a firearm, 6. Keep moving around subject, 7. When the OC has taken effect, move in and control subject. Effective date April 30, 2014 119  8. After gaining control, start decontamination procedures, 9. Assess subject for possibility of SICDS, 10. Read subject the OC Administrative Warning, (Appendix 1) 11. Transport subject. Continue evaluation for SICDS, 12. Inform booking personnel of subject's exposure to OC. 13. Document use of OC on required report forms. E. Decontamination methods and approved supplies NOTE: All deputies of this agency who utilize OC and deploy the agent shall follow the below listed procedures for subject and personal decontamination: 1. FRESH AIR: Deputies/subjects that have come in contact with OC should immediately be removed from the contaminated area. Once in fresh air, remain upright and breathe deeply to clear out the effects of the OC. Normal breathing should return in a matter of minutes. If the deputy/subject has any difficulty breathing, afford them immediate medical attention (Hospital or EMS unit). 2. FREE FLOWING COOL WATER: This will allow exposed individual the ability to open their eyes. Normal eye functions with the use of water will return in about 10 to 15 minutes. If water is not available, roll down the windows in the car when transporting the subject and the wind will help eye functions return. This procedure will take longer than free flowing cool water. Water may be obtained from citizens in the field. Deputies should carry 1 to 2 gallons of distilled water and a spray bottle. 3. SOAP AND WATER: Once the subject arrives at the holding facility, afford them the use of soap and water to remove the OC resins from the skin. If possible, do not use oil-based soaps. The oil will coat the skin, sealing the OC to the exposed area. At no time should any salves/creams be used for the burning sensation on the skin. The burning sensation on the skin should subside in about an hour. Fair-skinned people may take a longer period of time. The burning sensation is uncomfortable but is not life threatening. Always remember to use cool free flowing water. 4. CONTACT WITH SUBJECT: Do not leave the exposed subject unattended at any time. Remain in constant contact with the subject to ensure their safe recovery from the effects of OC. Check the subject's upper chest area for residue from the OC spray. If the residue is present, remove and replace the contaminated clothing. The residue in the clothing could cause the subject to have difficulty in breathing. As mentioned previously if the subject has any unusual effects, afford them immediate medical attention. F. Decontamination Supplies 1. "Cool-It" Effective date April 30, 2014 120  2. "Bioshield" 3. "Rescue" 4. "Sudecon" 5. "Baby Shampoo", any commercial "no-tears" baby shampoo; and, 6. Paper towels: each unit should be equipped with 1 or 2 rolls of paper towels. G. Required Reports In addition to the standard report forms required by each division, a Less than Lethal Deployment Form (BCSO FORM 351-409) will be directed to the Chief of Training when any less lethal weaponry is utilized. The completed report must be submitted to the Training Academy no later than two (2) days after the incident. Effective date April 30, 2014 121