OC Pepper Spray —What Every Security Officer Should Know
Security officers could be exposed to OC spray during their careers. Officers need to learn
techniques that will make the spray most effective against assailants. They also need to know
about their responsibilities concerning the use of OC spray and how to reduce the pain and
speed up the recovery of an exposed person. Officers may even experience being sprayed as a
part of their training.
OC, oleoresin capsicum, refers to chili peppers, including the very hot cayenne and jalapeno
peppers. All contain a very powerful substance called capsaicin. OC spray contains a small
amount of the super hot pepper extract capsaicin suspended in an oily vegetable resin. Alcohol
or another gas is used as a propellant.
OC pepper spray has a high percentage of effectiveness in subduing a non-compliant person,
but it is important to understand what OC spray can and cannot do. Security officers can learn
techniques that make the spray the most effective.
OC spray is not infallible; it does not stop all people. Also, some subjects take longer to feel
the effects. An attacker can still grab, strike, or cause other physical damage to you after being
sprayed.
It is important to use OC spray responsibly. As in all other use-of-force instruments, the liability
factor can never be eliminated, only minimized. Training policies and documentation are
critical to keep that to a minimum.