TACTICAL USE OF PEPPER SPRAY

What is it?

          Pepper sprays (or if you prefer the scientific name - Oleoresin Capsicum) are really just a highly refined organic compound made from hot peppers.  It will be referred to as OC for the remainder of this article.  Please note that this discussion does not include tear gas (CS) or Mace (CN) types of self defense sprays.

How does it work?

If you have ever cut up a hot pepper and then touched your eyes or face, then you have gotten just a hint of how this spray works.  OC is classified as an inflammatory agent.  When you are sprayed, several things happen instantly.  First, your eyes will slam shut and it will be just about impossible to open them.  Even if you did manage to pry them open, you would not be able to see because the OC dilates the capillaries in the eyes and causes temporary blindness.  Second, your skin is going to feel like it is on fire.  The sensation is one of intense burning.  Other responses include a sense of disorientation (with most people crumpling to the ground), difficulty breathing (all of the mucous membranes become inflamed), and fits of coughing and gagging.

A person who has just been sprayed with OC generally stops what they are doing immediately.  One of the reasons that CS and CN are not recommended is that they can take up to 30 seconds to take affect.  This sudden “stunning” of your assailant should give you enough time to escape the area and seek assistance.  Although pepper sprays are effective on most people, there are some who seem immune.  It is important to think of OC spray as a distraction rather than a disabling device.

Are pepper sprays legal to use?

          Pepper sprays are legal just about everywhere in the U.S.  Some states do have restrictions as to age and/or concentrations.  Please check with your local law enforcement as to specific laws in your area.  In Michigan for example, the only restriction is that it is illegal to have a pepper spray with a concentration of more than 2%.  It is also not legal to take into the secure areas of an airport, and it is not recommended to take across the border into Canada or Mexico.  Also, you may encounter difficulties in going into certain secure buildings such as courthouses or Federal buildings.

Why is it recommended for self-defense?

          Pepper sprays are small, light, easy to carry and easy to use.  They require no special training and can be used by anyone who can push a button.

Pepper spray is now used by most law enforcement agencies in the country because it is more effective than mace or tear gas and because pepper spray does not cause any long term harmful effects.   Pepper spray works on animals as well as humans and its effects fully wear off in about one to two hours.  They are effective on drunks, druggies, psychotics and mentally ill persons.   Pepper spray is the best non-lethal personal protection product available and it has been proven over the last 20 years.

What kind of pepper spray should I buy?

          There are hundreds of types of pepper spray on the market today.  The three most important elements to consider are:

1.)  Type and strength of the mixture.  The “heat” or hotness of the pepper spray is measured in SHU’s or Scoville Heat Units.  For reference, a bell pepper has a rating of 0, a jalapeno has a rating of about 4,000, and Tobasco sauce is about 40,000.  Pure OC has a rating of 16 million SHU’s.  Pepper sprays range from 300,000 to over 5 million SHU’s.

The other component in assessing the potency of the spray is the percentage of pepper.  Typically this ranges from 2% to as high as 20%.  Most people have the mistaken belief that the higher the percentage, the better the spray.  Simply put, the higher the SHU level, the more potent the spray is.  The higher the pepper concentration, the longer the effects last.  From a liability standpoint, we are better off using a very potent spray that will wear off relatively quickly.

2.)  Type of spray pattern.  Pepper sprays have four basic patterns:

a.     Cone Type – this is probably the most popular and best for most attacks, especially with multiple attackers.  It is a fine mist that starts from a pinpoint at the nozzle and fans out to about a 2 foot diameter at the maximum effective range (about 8 to 12 feet).

b.     Stream – this starts from a pinpoint at the nozzle and continues in a solid stream all the way to maximum range.  This allows more accurate aiming at longer distances and in more confined areas.  It also provides the heaviest blast of pepper reaching the assailant (and therefore the quickest way to empty your canister).

c.      Fogger – this type of spray pattern consists of a heavy mist.  The advantage is you can get very good coverage at close range, the disadvantage is that there is a good chance of some blowback coming back and hitting you.

d.     Foam – this is the best way to saturate your attacker with pepper.  Since the effect is instant, there is no way the attacker can wipe it off in time.  It also just about eliminates any blowback problem.

The fog and cone sprays have a much more distinct effect on the respiratory system than the streams or foams.

3.)  Size and capacity.  The size of the unit is an indicator of capacity.  Sizes range from little ½ ounce units that will fit on a keychain to 6 ounce units that are primarily used for crowd control.  The size of the container only controls the number of shots, usually not range or effectiveness.  Generally, a one to two second burst is enough to subdue an attacker.  The ½ to 2 ounce units are fine for most self defense purposes.  Find a size that is easy and convenient to carry – it will not do you any good at home on your dresser.

It is recommended that the pepper spray also contain a UV dye.  This will allow the police to easier identify your attacker.  The dye can not be washed out for at least 48 hours and can last up to a week.  Also make sure that the formulation you choose is non-flammable and contains no isopropyl alcohol (which can burn the cornea of the eyes).

When am I justified in using pepper spray? 

          The standard for using lethal force is that you must be in immediate danger of grave bodily harm or death.  Since pepper sprays are non-lethal, a somewhat lower standard can be used.  A good rule of thumb is to only use it if you are physically assaulted, or in immediate danger of being physically assaulted.  This can be grabbing, shoving, hitting or any manner of sexual advance.  Remember, using pepper spray for any reason other than self defense is a crime!  Also, never “threaten” the attacker with the spray – only bring it out if you intending on using it.

How should I carry my pepper spray?

          There are many methods available, but the primary rule is that it must be easily accessible.  Carrying it in the bottom of your purse or in your glove compartment is not generally advisable.  Keychain units and belt clips are two of the best carry options.  If you are in a high risk area it is recommended that you carry your unit in your hand ready for instant action.

What is the most effective way to use my pepper spray during an attack?

1.)  Try to maintain a distance somewhere between arms length and the maximum range of your spray (typically 8 – 12 feet).  A minimum distance of 4 to 6 feet is recommended so that the “carrier” has a chance to dissipate in the air and only pepper reaches the attacker.  Always carry and spray with the can in the upright position.

2.)  Aim your spray for the nose which will cover the all of the target areas of nose, mouth, eyes and face.  Release a one to two second burst of spray.  If you have a model that shoots a stream of spray, you may want to utilize a technique called “fanning” where you rapidly move the can back and forth while spraying.  Spray even if the attacker covers his face and is holding his breath.

3.)  Move as soon as you spray!  Do not stand in the same spot – your attacker wants to continue the attack after being hit, you do not want to be in the same position he last saw you.

4.)  Maintain visual contact with the threat and move away.  Because the individual hit with the spray has a tendency to fall forward to his knees, your movements should be to the side or rear.  If the first burst has not neutralized the threat, hit the assailant with another burst (you may not have hit his face, or with enough spray to be effective).  If the second burst does not work, disengage and seek another use of force option.

5.)  Once the attack has been stopped, leave the scene immediately and seek help.  Immediately report the attack to the police.

Should I practice these techniques?

Definitely!  Most of the larger makers of pepper spray also carry “inert” units that are intended to be used for training.  Since the real pepper sprays tend to be a heavy, oily liquid, using a water substitute will not give you the correct “feel”.  You may also practice with your actual pepper spray by going outside and making sure you spray it in the direction the wind is blowing.  If you use the very small canisters you should replace it after testing.

Be sure to practice “drawing” the canister from your typical carry position, deactivating the safety, and spraying.

What should I do if I get some of the pepper spray in my eyes?

1.)  Do not rub your eyes, this will only make it worse.

2.)  Rinse out your eyes with generous amounts of cold water.  Baby shampoo also works well and avoid any kind of scented soaps.  If you wear contact lenses you will need to remove them.

3.)  Keep your eyes open and point them into the wind.

4.)  Blow your nose to remove any OC particles.

5.)  DO NOT apply any creams, salves, or lotions – this will only “trap” the OC on the skin and increase the burning.

6.)  You may use paper towels or moist wipes (baby wipes work very well) to clean your affected areas, discarding after each wipe.

7.)  Ice may be applied to ease the burning sensation.