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U.S. Department of Justice Oleoresin Capsicum Training and Use Firearms Training Unit FOREWORD Over the years law enforcement officers have experienced an increase in the number of incidents wherein officers are attacked by dogs and/or are confronted by individuals who display violent and aggressive behavior. Oftentimes these situations can be adequately controlled by the officer using some form of chemical agent product. Because these types of incidents have escalated over the years, the Firearms Training Unit (FTU) located at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, began conducting research and testing on the various types of available chemical agent products. The ultimate goal of the FTU's research was to obtain the most effective chemical agent product that could be carried by Special Agents (SA). As a result of the research and tests conducted, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has approved for use by its SAs the chemical agent Oleoresin Capsicum (OC). This publication sets forth the information compiled by the FTU with regard to the results of the research conducted as well as, outlines the reasons as to the importance of proper training in the use of chemical agent products. The FTU has incorporated in its New Agent training curriculum an instruction block which familiarizes trainees with the proper dissemination of chemical agent products. The course curriculum used by the FTU consists of classroom lecture and hands-on experience with chemical agents. Law enforcement agencies may not find all aspects of the information set forth in this document applicable to their specific department. BACKGROUND INFORMATION The FTU contacted various chemical agent manufacturers and, after reviewing the available literature on the various products, (OC) appeared to be a product which warranted research as to the feasibility of its use as a supplemental chemical agent. The U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Center (CRDEC), Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, was contacted regarding research and experiments they had conducted using OC. The CRDEC tested the effects of OC on laboratory animals. The tests consisted of subjecting the animals to OC by such means as gastrointestinal doses, subcutaneous injections, liquid droplets to the eyes, and skin patch tests. CRDEC did not have available any documentation which revealed any short, or long-term mutagenic or carcinogenic effects on laboratory animals that were exposed to OC. No data was available regarding Median Incapacitating Dosage (ICtS0) or Median Lethal Dosage (ICt50) on OC. Two research chemists assigned to the FBI Forensic Science Research and Training Center and an analytical chemist who is a member of the Human Investigations Committee were consulted regarding possible long-term health risks which might be associated with the use of OC. These individuals advised that OC is derived from the cayenne pepper plant which is used in foodstuffs and pharmaceutical products. They could not foresee any long-term health risks associated with the use of OC as a chemical agent. The use of OC would fall outside of many governmental regulatory guidelines that would be applicable to man-made chemicals (Chloroacetaphenone (CN) and orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS), for example). Two of the largest manufacturers of OC aerosol units in the United States have advised that since 1977, they have sold over half a million aerosol grenades and Individual Protective Devices (IPDs) that contain OC. These manufacturers have not received any reports of long-term health risks based on its use. It should be noted that, to date, the FTU is unaware of any law suits filed against law enforcement officers and/or agencies as a result of the use of OC TESTING PROCEDURES AND RESULTS During the period July, 1987 to May, 1989, the FTU conducted numerous tests using OC. During the above period, 828 individuals were sprayed with IPDs containing from 1% to 5% solution of OC. The FTU varied the manner in which the OC was disseminated. Some of the individuals were sprayed directly in the face, while others were sprayed in an open environment, and others in an enclosed area. The duration of the exposure ranged from 10 to 45 seconds. The FTU observed the physical effects of individuals who were sprayed with the 1% solution and with the 5% solution. A variety of spray bursts were used over the duration of the tests. The physical effects upon those individuals sprayed with the higher content of OC were more severe. Also, those individuals who were sprayed with a continuous, three-second burst or three, one-second bursts experienced more severe physical reactions to the OC. The physical effects observed of the individuals tested ranged from severe twitching of the eyes to involuntary closing of the eyes; respiratory inflammation consisting of coughing and shortness of breath to gasping for breath with a gagging sensation; exposed skin inflammation ranging from slight to acute burning sensation and redness of the skin. Some of the individuals tested experienced minor cases of nausea and Catatonia. None of the individuals tested experienced any long-term effects from the OC. Personal decontamination of the individuals tested consisted of flushing the eyes and face with cool water. The facial burning in some of the individuals persisted; therefore, it was necessary for them to wash the exposed area with soap and water for further decontamination. In some cases, ice was used to relieve the persistent burning. The range of skin discoloration ranged from slight discoloration to a bright red. This range depended on the complexion of the individual and the dose of aerosol sprayed. Usually the skin discoloration would disappear from 2 minutes to a maximum of 40 minutes after decontamination. No further skin irritation developed on the skin once the discoloration disappeared. All individuals experienced upper respiratory inflammation. The individuals experienced coughing, shortness of breath to a gagging sensation in the throat. The respiratory functions usually returned to normal within 2 minutes after each test. No further discomfort was experienced by any of the individuals tested. Visual acuity returned within 2 to 5 minutes after decontamination. The eyes of most individuals appeared bloodshot from 10 to 15 minutes after contact with the OC. No further visual problems were noted once visual acuity was regained. Unlike CS or CN, OC particles will dissipate from an individual's clothing in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, if a subject has been exposed to OC or his/her clothing has been sprayed with OC, it will not persist in the clothing and the arresting officer should not be physically affected while transporting the prisoner. However, it should be noted that some OC products are mixed with CS, and the CS will persist in clothing. Area decontamination can be accomplished within a half hour from contamination and consists of ventilating the enclosed area by opening the doors and/or windows. LAW ENFORCEMENT USE OF OLEORESIN CAPSICUM In an effort to gain some insight as to the frequency in which law enforcement agencies are using OC, as well as its success rate, the FTU furnished a questionnaire to 42 departments that have used or are currently using OC. The questionnaire requested such information as frequency of use, reported medical problems among the officers/subjects, success rate, and any other experiences which might be of interest. REPORTED USE OF OC TIMES USED
None of the agencies reported any medical problems encountered by subjects and/or law enforcement officers through the use of OC. The majority of the agencies that responded to the questionnaire stated that OC was used in instances where the subject was highly aggravated or agitated; under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol; mentally unbalanced; and in instances where an officer was attacked by a dog. Of all the agencies, only one cited an example of where the OC did not produce any physical effects after the subject was sprayed with OC. In this instance, there were no unusual circumstances to prevent the OC from working. A number of agencies that responded to the questionnaire set forth specific incidents in which officers used OC and had positive results. Four of the agencies reported that they have had a high success rate when using OC in incidents where the subject is under the influence of narcotics. Several agencies reported successful use of OC when attempting to subdue individuals who were under the influence of alcohol. One agency reported using OC to break up fights on the street. Two agencies advised they have successfully used OC to subdue mentally unbalanced individuals. Another agency advised that one of their officers successfully used an aerosol grenade containing OC to break up a fight in a union hall. Nine agencies reported successfully using OC against individuals who were extremely excited or agitated. Two of these agencies reported using OC to subdue violent and uncontrollable inmates. OC was used on one occasion to disable a large biker who was being arrested. One agency reported that an aggressive poacher who was approximately 6' 6" tall and weighed 250 pounds was successfully subdued, arrested, and transported by one officer. Ten agencies advised that on numerous occasions OC has been successfully used against aggressive and attacking dogs. One agency reported using OC against a pack of wild dogs. One agency stated that OC has been used five times to subdue guard dogs while the dog's owner was being placed under arrest. TRAINING WITH OLEORESIN CAPSICUM The FBI might find it necessary to use chemical agents in incidents such as barricade situations, SAs who are attacked by dogs, individual protection against uncontrollable and/or violent subjects during an arrest situation, etc. Some situations may be adequately controlled by using chemical agents. However, it is certain that proper training in using the various chemical agent products plays a vital role in its success rate. For this reason, each New Agent trainee class is presented with a four-hour block of instruction regarding chemical agents. This block of instruction includes a classroom presentation and hands-on use of chemical agents. A portion of the instruction block is used to describe the various situations in which the introduction of chemical agents might be warranted, and the selection criteria as to what type of device would be appropriate for different situations. Trainees are given information relating to the chemical makeup of various tear gases and OC, and the physiological effects of such chemicals. Devices such as hand grenades, launching projectiles, liquid and powder containers, shotgun ferret rounds, etc., are displayed to assist them in identifying the various products. Trainees are given a brief overview in rendering first aid as well as the proper decontamination procedures. Since many of the SA trainees have never been exposed to the effects of chemical agent products, it is important to expose them to a contaminated environment to test their reactions. Trainees are exposed to an enclosed contaminated area. They are first required to use their gas masks, and then they are required to remove their masks. In this regard, it aids in stressing to them that they can survive and function in a contaminated environment, even if their only alternative is to extricate themselves from the area of danger. From a tactical standpoint, trainees are made aware that the use of chemical agents should always be given consideration as a less than lethal force option. |
