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OLEORESIN CAPSICUM Operational Safety & Skills Command 1

DEFENSIVE SPRAY

– MANUAL Weapons & Tactics, Policy & Review

Sensitive: Law Enforcement

THIS INFORMATION IS INTENDED FOR THE USE OF ACCREDITED OPERATIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTORS FOR THE

INSTRUCTION OF NSW POLICE FORCE PERSONNEL. IT IS NOT TO BE RELEASED TO ANY PERSON NOT AUTHORISED TO

RECEIVE IT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE COMMANDER, OPERATIONAL SAFETY & SKILLS COMMAND / THE MANAGER,

WEAPONS & TACTICS, POLICY & REVIEW

OLEORESIN CAPSICUM DEFENSIVE

SPRAY

Manual

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Versions

DATE

COMMENTS

9.0

September 2019

Supersedes version 8.3

Protective marking, format and content review

9.1

March 2020

Manual Review

9.2

August 2020

Remove content from “Introduction” due to error

Acknowledgments

Produced by:

NSW Police Force, Education and Training Command in collaboration with our colleagues and

stakeholders who have generously provided their time and expertise to assist in the development of this

manual.

Education and Training Command have developed this resource to support the operations of the NSW

Police Force to reflect the needs of the learner and deliver on the strategic intent of the organisation.

NSWPF Learning Innovation, Level 4, 20 Charles Street, Parramatta

www.police.nsw.gov.au

1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission.

This program is covered by the NSW Police Force Disclaimer Policy.

RMS DOC19/XXXX

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DEFENSIVE SPRAY

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 3

BACKGROUND 5

OVERVIEW 5

INTRODUCTION 6

KEY FEATURES AND EFFECTS OF OC 6

KEY FEATURES OF OC 6

EFFECTS OF OC: 7

NSWPF OC DEFENSIVE SPRAY 8

ISSUE PROCEDURES 9

CARRIAGE OF SPRAYS 9

TRAINING 9

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DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES 19

CONTROL 19

PROVIDE INSTRUCTIONS 19

REMOVE 19

REASSURE 19

DECONTAMINATE 19

SEEK MEDICAL 19

OBSERVE 19

Duty of Care 20

Subject, officers and bystanders 20

DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES - CLOTHING 21

DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES - BUILDINGS AND FURNITURE 21

MEDICAL WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS 21

PRISONER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS 21

POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA 22

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY 23

REPORTING USE OF OC DEFENSIVE SPRAY 23

STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND DISPOSAL OF OC DEFENSIVE SPRAYS 23

RECORDS OF STOCK 23

Audits 23

Transport of OC defensive sprays 23

Used or damaged canisters 23

Disposal of OC canisters 24

DESTRUCTION GUIDELINES 24

APPENDIX A: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO USE OF OC IN THE NSWPF 25

APPENDIX B: DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OC DEFENSIVE SPRAY 26

APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR OC SPRAY 28

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BACKGROUND

The Education and Training Command (ETC) supports the education and training for personnel

across the NSW Police Force. The aim of the Education and Training Command is to ensure that

best practice, quality training is delivered to over 20,000 employees (sworn officers and unsworn

staff) across the NSWPF.

The vision of the NSWPF is for a ‘Safe and Secure NSW’. This is achieved by police working with

the community to reduce violence, crime and fear. This vision addresses:

· The basic community right to live, work and play in safety; and

· Confidence in our ability to deliver quality policing, professionally and ethically.

Through best practice, operations support and management, the NSWPF provides policing

services, appropriate to local needs and available resourcing. A core component of this capability

is built through the ongoing education and professional development of personnel.

The Education and Training Command ensures that world-class education and training resources

are available to support the diverse and dynamic range of roles across the NSWPF. The

Education and Training Command’s educational philosophy is to maximise the capabilities of the

policing workforce by developing and delivering education and training programs based on best

available evidence from research and practice. The foundations of this approach include:

· Practical application of theory

· Learner centred teaching

· Commitment to ongoing development and learning

OVERVIEW

After reading this manual, individuals will be aware of:

· the purpose and basic characteristics of OC spray

· the tactical and operational context for use of OC spray

· how and when to use OC spray in different environments

· how to assess the effects of OC spray from an operational perspective

· how to respond to any adverse reaction to OC spray

· OC spray decontamination procedures

· administration and accountability procedures.

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INTRODUCTION

OC spray is a defensive spray used for self-defence to assist in the restraint of a subject, or to limit

a subject’s actions. It is a hand-held aerosol canister delivered to the target in the form of a

directed stream or in a mist or fog.

· OC sprays have been used by law enforcement agencies since the early 1970’s and have

been issued to trained general duties officers in the NSWPF since 1998.

· Since 2010, officers in the NSWPF use This is water-

based and non-flammable.

For more information about the historical use of OC in the NSWPF please see Appendix A.

OC - General Information

OC is an oily resin which comes from processing and distilling certain ‘hot’ peppers such as

cayenne. The actual ingredients causing the heat in OC are called capsaiciniods. OC is not a gas

or a chemical agent.

For more detailed information about the properties and origins of OC, please see Appendix B.

Comparison between CN, CS and OC

In the past, the two most commonly used chemical agents have been CN and CS gas:

· CN (Phenacyl chloride) gas is classed as a lachrymator, hence the common term ‘tear

gas’. It causes tearing, irritation of the upper respiratory tract, mucous secretions and

burning and itching of the skin.

· CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) is classed as a lachrymator and irritant. It causes

profuse tearing (lacrimation), a severe sense of burning to the skin, a restricted sense of

breathing and secretions from mucous membranes (rhinorrhoea).

Both CN and CS are most commonly delivered in a gaseous medium such as grenades or

foggers but can also be used in aerosol devices. They are chemical agents and

Both agents are commonly referred to as Mace, which is a registered

brand name.

OC induces more severe and more immediate reactions than either CN or CS in most people.

The involuntary inflammatory effects of OC tend to neutralise those posing a threat more reliably

and immediately than the irritant effects of CN or CS. This includes:

· violent subjects

· emotionally disturbed or enraged subjects

· subjects having a high pain threshold

· subjects under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

KEY FEATURES AND EFFECTS OF OC

KEY FEATURES OF OC

· OC is classed as an inflammatory agent.

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Both CN and CS are most commonly delivered in a gaseous medium such as grenades or

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brand name.

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· OC spray is biodegradable and leaves no long-lasting residue.

· OC spray causes pain (burning sensation) to exposed skin, tissue and membranes. On

contact with the eyes it causes the eyelids to spasm and shut.

· OC spray also causes exposed blood vessels to dilate, bronchial tubes to constrict, mucous

membranes to secrete profusely.

· Because of these reactions, the human body then rushes blood to the upper body, which in

turn weakens the extremities making coordinated motor functions more difficult to achieve.

EFFECTS OF OC:

· Generally, occur within two to three seconds after contact with OC spray.

· generally last between 45 minutes to 2 hours, but in rare cases may be 24 hours or longer

· can vary depending on the amount of OC spray that meets the subject’s eyes, nose and

mouth

· can also be experienced by indirect exposure, such as walking through a cloud of OC, having

the wind blow the spray back in your face or from handling a person or clothing which has

received a lesser exposure - this is commonly referred to as secondary contamination

· will vary from person to person depending on the level of exposure and decontamination

being conducted. Decontamination can include washing the affected area with water and

facing into the wind or any breeze.

DO NOT EXPECT EVERYONE TO REACT IN THE SAME WAY

BE AWARE – Always use OC spray in conjunction with other tactical options currently used by

the NSWPF. Do not consider as an isolated tactical option, e.g. as the only option against

subjects armed with knives. OC spray is not an alternative to lethal force, merely a further option

in the use of force Tactical Options Model

Is OC safe?

Independent evaluations have concluded that OC spray has no long lasting or hazardous effects

on the human body.

Is OC toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic?

Dr J Bowden of the Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, writes:

“I have reviewed the reports prepared for the British Home Office regarding the health effects of

Capsaicin. Taken together, these studies suggest it is extremely unlikely Capsaicin has any

significant mutagenic or carcinogenic effect.”

In a review prepared at the request of the Canadian Police Research Centre, the author, Joseph

A Ruddock writes:

“The characteristically described burning of topically applied capsaicin is not toxicologically

detrimental to tissue…Furthermore, it can be noted Sodium Chloride, ordinary table salt, has the

same toxicity rating.”

Effects on the eye

Joseph A. Ruddock writes:

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OC spray is biodegradable and leaves no long

lasting residue.

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“Unlike burns caused by acids or bases, the passing discomfort apparently does not permanently

scar the cornea or sclera of the eye.”

Be aware that the spray might not be 100 percent effective against all subjects. Some people will

be affected to different degrees than others.

NSWPF OC DEFENSIVE SPRAY

Types of sprays issued:

· Height approx. 11cm, 3.8 cm diameter, Formulation weight 42

grams (1.47oz NET)

· Water based

· Oleoresin Capsicum spray in a solution

· Does not contain an ultraviolet dye

· Streamer type unit capable of

· Maximum effective range

· Shelf life – 5 years.

· Height approx. 11.7cm, 3.7cm diameter, formulation weight 19 grams (.68oz

NET)

· Water based

· Streamer type unit capable of

· Maximum effective range of

· Shelf life – 5 years.

For technical specifications, please see Appendix C.

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Oleoresin Capsicum spray in a solution

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Do not carry or use any type of defensive spray other than that issued by the NSW Police

Force. This includes defensive sprays manufactured for self-defence purposes or for protection

against attacking animals. Only operational personnel are authorised to carry and use the issue

OC defensive spray (this does not include members of the Tactical Operations Unit).

ISSUE PROCEDURES

· OC is issued to officers as part of their arms and appointments.

· OC issue is recorded on the officer’s appointment card.

Visually and physically check the canister to ensure that it:

· is

· is not damaged

· has not expired.

If the canister does not satisfy any of the above checks, return it to the Police Armoury for

destruction. Transport it in a sealed POLYPROPYLENE bag.

Shake the canister for 10-15 seconds on issue and at the start of each shift, to ensure the carrier

and the OC particles are fully mixed.

CARRIAGE OF SPRAYS

Only operational police trained in the use of OC spray are issued with OC spray, i.e. officers who

have attained the required standard of proficiency through the approved training course

conducted by suitably qualified Operational Safety Instructors or a specialist course conducted by

the Tactical Operations Unit.

Carry OC spray in an approved carrier and wear on the appointment belt for the duration of the

rostered shift.

Safe Work Practices

Use defensive sprays only as per instruction prescribed in the approved training course.

TRAINING

· You will receive initial OC spray training at the NSW Police Academy.

· Ongoing training is conducted as required as part of Defensive Tactics Mandatory training.

WHEN AND HOW TO USE OC DEFENSIVE SPRAYS

Defensive sprays may be used for:

· protection of human life

· a less than lethal option for controlling people, where violent resistance or confrontation

occurs (or is likely to occur),

· protection against animals.

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DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES

The decontamination process:

INSTRUCT the subject to remain calm and not to rub the eyes; tell them they must obey all

instructions.

REMOVE affected person from the spray area to an area of fresh air, reducing the possibility of

secondary contamination.

REASSURE subject that the effects will wear off shortly and that you have the knowledge and

ability to help them.

DECONTAMINATE using procedures such as applying cool water to affected areas. More

extensive decontamination, such as showering, can take place when operationally safe.

MEDICAL assistance from ambulance or hospital casualty staff.

OBSERVE the person until effects have worn off.

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Duty of Care

Police have a Duty of care for any individual that is affected by OC spray. Start decontamination

procedures as soon as possible after the subject has been sprayed but only after:

· taking precautions to reduce the possibility of secondary contamination to the arresting

officer/s, such as wearing of disposable gloves and allowing enough time for airborne OC

to sufficiently disperse

· the subject has stopped resisting and is under enough control, and

· the possibility of injury from other people in the vicinity is minimised.

Continuously verbally reassure the subject throughout the decontamination process.

Subject, officers and bystanders

Use the following decontamination procedures when possible:

· Rinse affected areas with cool water (consider sources such as garden taps, drinking

fountains, sinks or basins).

· Spray affected area with water from a garden type water bottle with a mist spray (stored

ready in patrol vehicle).

· Move to another area if atmosphere still contaminated to any degree. Advise subject not

to rub eyes or face.

· Face subject into any available wind or breeze (e.g. outdoor breeze, fan or air conditioner,

or seated in a moving car next to an open window).

· Have the subject remove contact lenses after washing hands and face.

· Do not use salves, creams or oils.

· When suitable, allow the subject to fully shower to wash remaining OC residue from skin

and hair, using a non-oil-based soap.

· Avoid secondary effects from exposure to OC contaminated clothing.

· If irrigation of the eyes is considered, ensure the stream is directed from the inner eye

towards the outer eye.

· You may also provide access to “No tears” type baby shampoo to cleanse the face and

eyes by placing a quantity into the subject’s hand and allowing them to wash their face

and eyes.

The use of one or more of these procedures may reduce the length of the effects of OC spray

exposure. However, due to operational circumstances you may not have the necessary

equipment to carry out the decontamination process as listed above.

If you have been involved with the arrest or handling of a subject who has been sprayed with OC

spray:

· Wash hands as soon as possible unless disposable gloves were worn.

· Consider decontamination of clothing if direct contact was made with the subject’s

contaminated clothing.

If you did not have direct contact with the subject but were in the vicinity when OC spray was

deployed, remember that airborne particles of OC may have settled on hair, exposed skin or

clothing, later causing some secondary exposure and symptoms.

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DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES - CLOTHING

Wash clothing contaminated by OC spray in a normal washing machine on a normal cycle.

Grossly contaminated clothing might need to be washed several times. Take preventative

measures, such as wearing gloves, to avoid secondary contamination.

DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES - BUILDINGS AND FURNITURE

Open doors and windows as soon as possible and wash grossly contaminated areas with soap

and water. Take preventative measures, such as wearing gloves, to avoid secondary

contamination. The building and area should be clear of the airborne OC within approximately 30

minutes.

MEDICAL WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Medical attention must be arranged and provided as a matter of course. If you have any

concern about a subject’s condition, you must call an ambulance immediately.

Be alert for signs that may indicate an extraordinary reaction to OC spray:

· rapid breathing rate (more than 20 breaths per minute)

· shallow, restrained or difficult breathing lasting more than two to three minutes

· audible wheezing or noisy breathing

· blue discolouration of lips and tongue (cyanosis)

· deteriorating consciousness

· chest or neck pain

· profuse sweating

· vomiting or severe dry retching.

PRISONER MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

When you take a prisoner, who has been exposed to OC spray to a charging station, provide the

custody manager or person in charge with the following information:

· confirmation that prisoner has been exposed to OC spray

· time of the exposure to the spray

· approximate amount of OC spray used, e.g. how many sprays and of what duration.

· normal effects observed following exposure to the spray

· abnormal effects observed following exposure to the spray

· whether the prisoner is or is not an asthmatic

· what restraint techniques were used following the spray and the duration of use

· what decontamination procedures have been used

· any other relevant information which will help the person/s taking custody of the prisoner.

This information is to be recorded in the custody record on COPS, for easy reference by officers

who are, or might, become responsible for the custody and management of the prisoner.

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POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA

Positional Asphyxia is described as a condition where a person is prevented from breathing

properly because of their body position. Positional Asphyxia is linked to sudden and

unexplainable death.

During arrest and restraint procedures and while conveying a subject, ensure they are not

restrained or conveyed in any manner that may induce positional asphyxia. You must adhere to

the following guidelines:

· If you subdue and restrain a subject who is violent, free the subject when operationally safe

allowing them to breathe freely.

· If when restraining a violent subject, your body weight is used with control techniques you

must closely monitor and assess the suspect's breathing. Immediately abandon or alter

control and restraint techniques at any sign of breathing difficulties or lack of pulse.

· Where practicable, roll the subject onto their side as soon as possible. Alternatively place

the subject in an upright sitting position.

· Do not leave a restrained subject lying on their stomach or in any position where pressure is

exerted onto the stomach or diaphragm.

· Always monitor the subject closely until restraint devices are removed.

· If a subject is restrained with restraint devices or weaponless control techniques on both

hands and feet, so that the hands and feet are joined or positioned closely together in some

manner behind the back, as soon as practicable, place the subject on their side. Do not

transport a subject in this type of position or restraint.

· If the subject is conveyed in a sedan vehicle, do not place them on the back floor behind

the front seats, as lying face down over the top of the transmission well will cause breathing

difficulties.

· If the subject is placed on the rear seat of a sedan, place them on the side and so that the

face is not obstructed by the back of the rear seat.

· Optimally place the subject on his / her side on the rear seat facing forward and further

restrain in that position with the rear seatbelts, ensuring no portion of the seatbelt crosses

the subject's throat or face.

· Continuously observe and monitor the subject until removed from the vehicle.

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ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

REPORTING USE OF OC DEFENSIVE SPRAY

· Complete a ‘use of force’ entry on COPS.

· Report any type of operational or tactical problems with the deployment of OC spray in

any situation and contact Weapons & Tactics Policy & Review Unit direct as soon as

possible.

STORAGE, TRANSPORT AND DISPOSAL OF OC DEFENSIVE SPRAYS

· Store OC spray canisters in a secure area at normal room temperature.

· Do not expose to direct sunlight.

· Do not store in vehicles.

· When on duty, secure the OC in the issued carrier worn on your appointment belt for the

duration of the rostered shift.

If you are an Officer in Charge of a smaller country station, or a person authorised for personal

issue of departmental OC spray, you must ensure the canister/s are stored away from unauthorised

people or children.

RECORDS OF STOCK

OC spray canisters are subject to audit and require appropriate records of all instances of issue

and movement like that required for portable radios, alcometers etc. All canisters details must be

recorded in the OC spray register and the officers Electronic P395 system.

Audits

Include inspection and audit of all OC spray canisters as part of regular inspection and audit

procedures.

Transport of OC defensive sprays

· Transport OC spray canisters by hand, in police service vehicles.

· Do not send in internal mail, public mail, parcel express system, or courier as it is

prohibited by law.

· Put canisters in some type of airtight container i.e. a sealed POLYPROPYLENE bag, or

securely wrapped in several plastic bags or several layers of plastic to contain any

leakage.

· Do not carry canisters on commercial aircraft under any circumstances. If you wish to

take OC defensive spray canisters on police aircraft or aircraft chartered by the service,

liaise with either the Police Air Wing or the charter company before travel.

Used or damaged canisters

Send used, damaged or expired canisters to the Police Armory following the transport

precautions.

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Disposal of OC canisters

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APPENDIX A: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND TO USE OF OC IN

THE NSWPF

In 1998, the NSWPF first issued OC spray to trained general duties officers. This was the

is an oil-based spray.

A change to a water-based OC spray was identified as a result of the NSWPF adopting and

issuing Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEW) to First Response Officers. This change arose from

concerns about the potential flammability of solvents used in the manufacturing process and

chemicals found in the carrier solution.

Although the was labelled as non-flammable, the testing of OC spray

flammability in other Australian States recorded instances where the OC spray ignited after

discharge of a CEW.

her Au

EW.

Police were alerted to the fact that the use of OC spray with extended

exposure to the electrical current associated with Conducted Electrical Weapons may result in the

ignition of solvents used in the manufacture of oil-based OC.

contains small trace amounts of

flammable solvents resulting from the distillation process. These solvents are associated with the

initial distillation and subsequent dilution of the oleoresin capsicum in the oil-based carrier.

These solvents require controlled conditions and extended exposure to electrical discharge to

ignite. The likelihood of OC spray on issue to NSWPF officers igniting is minimal. Oil based OC

can be used in conjunction with any type of Conducted Electrical Weapon on issue to NSW police

officers.

As a result of the above incidents and studies conducted, the NSWPF ceased issuing

During 2010 there was a changeover to

(water-based non-flammable). This is a water-based OC spray and has a concentration

of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

increase in concentration level is due to the manufacturing process requirements for water-based

OC.

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was

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of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

T1(f), T2(b)

of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

T1(f), T2(b)

of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

T1(f), T2(b)

of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

T1(f), T2(b)

of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

T1(f), T2(b)

of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The of compared to the of the previous OC spray issued to officers within the NSWPF. The

OLEORESIN CAPSICUM Operational Safety & Skills Command 26

DEFENSIVE SPRAY

– MANUAL Weapons & Tactics, Policy & Review

APPENDIX B: DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OC

DEFENSIVE SPRAY

OC Defensive Spray

Is a device which uses an airborne delivery system to convey an inflammatory agent to a subject’s

location to assist in the restraint or limit a subject’s actions.

Concentration

The term concentration in relation to OC spray relates to the amount of active ingredient

(oleoresin capsicum) within the canister. In general terms, the greater the concentration the

greater the time period the individual will be affected by the OC spray.

In 1998 the NSWPF adopted and issued OC spray for all Police. The OC spray used was

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

with a capsaicinoid Strength of

· This OC was first issued under the label of but has since dropped the

· There is no change to the formula from to the current

· Although this OC has capsaicinoid strength of only it is still the equivalent active OC

concentration of using the oil-based measurements of strength.

· This increase in concentration is due to the adoption of water-based OC.

Water based OC sprays have a higher capsaicinoid concentration than that of oil-based OC

solutions as the micelle (OC at its purest and pungent state) from which it is produced is

processed further than oil-based OC solutions to remove natural oils, waxes and fats. This is

required to allow for a quicker decontamination process to occur and removes the need for

solvents. This removal of oils, waxes and fats however initially results in a lower concentration of

capsaiciniods. To ensure the effectiveness of water-based solutions, a greater dispersal of

capsaiciniods in the solution is required. This is achieved by having a lower dilution ratio than in

oil-based solutions.

GIPAA - 2021-0036658 26

Government Information Public Access (2009)

Document has been released by Infolink, Policelink

Command, NSW Police Force

T1(f), T2(b)

t issued under the label of but

has since dropped the

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the currentThere is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the currentThere is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the currentThere is no change to the formula from to the current

There is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the currentThere is no change to the formula from to the current

Although this OC has capsaicinoid

T1(f), T2(b)

strength of only it is still the equivalent active OC

There is no change to the formula from to the current

strength of only it is still the equivalent active OC

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the current

T1(f), T2(b)

There is no change to the formula from to the currentThere is no change to the formula from to the current

strength of only it is still the equivalent active OC

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

T1(f), T2(b)

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

T1(f), T2(b)

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

T1(f), T2(b)

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issueswhich used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

T1(f), T2(b)

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issueswhich used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

T1(f), T2(b)

which used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issueswhich used a concentration level of The NSWPF now issues

OLEORESIN CAPSICUM Operational Safety & Skills Command 27

DEFENSIVE SPRAY

– MANUAL Weapons & Tactics, Policy & Review

Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)

· OC is classed as an inflammatory agent.

· It is a naturally occurring oily resin derived from capsicum plants.

· The genus encompasses some 20 species and 300 different varieties of plants. The particular

plants of interest here are the common chilli peppers.

· The property which separates the capsicum family from other plant groups is an alkaloid

called capsaicin. (cap-sa-i-sin), an unusually powerful, crystalline substance found in no other

plant. Capsaicin is the source of pungency and heat in capsicums. OC affects the eyes,

skin/mucous membranes and respiration. It produces an intense burning like sensation

coupled with involuntary closure of the eyes and difficulty in breathing due to inflammation to

the nasal passages and respiratory system.

Propellant/Carrier

There are three substances in most OC aerosol canisters: the OC itself, the propellant (nitrogen)

and the carrier. The propellant forces the OC and the carrier out of the nozzle of the canister,

while the carrier suspends the OC in a liquid medium in the canister and transports it to the target.

SHU (Scoville Heat Units)

“Scoville heat units” were invented in 1912 by a pharmacist named Wilbur Scoville. These units

measure the amount of capsaicin (the chemical that provides the heat) in a pepper and were

originally devised in order to rate peppers for culinary purposes. Modern measuring uses high-

performance liquid chromatography to accurately measure capsaicinoid content.

Reference

NSW Police Force Handbook, Chapter A, Arms & Appointments – Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)

Sprays. Material Safety Data Sheet,

dated 11/01/2004.

GIPAA - 2021-0036658 27

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Command, NSW Police Force

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