http://www.dca.state.ga.us/planning/law/Chap16-9.html

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

ISSUED __________ EFFECTIVE _____________

S.O.P. 16-9 USE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS OLEORESIN CAPSICUM (OC SPRAY)

1. PURPOSE

   It is the policy of the Agency to provide training, certification, use, decontamination, maintenance, and storage of Oleoresin Capsicum aerosol spray by employees of the Agency.

   The Agency provides officers with OC spray (pepper spray) so that officers may successfully defend themselves from combative, resisting, and/or violent individuals while reducing the risk of inflicting or receiving injury. OC is not necessarily a replacement or substitute for other authorized devices and techniques. Therefore, OC should only be used when the officer believes it is the best choice for the circumstances. As with any use of force, officers are accountable for the use of OC. The use of OC is classified as a use of force. Consequently, officers will complete a use of force report any time OC is used. (See S.O.P. 11-1 Use of Non-Deadly Force/Internal Procedures.)

   ATTENTION CEO: For assistance with training in the proper use of OC spray, contact your regional police/law enforcement academy. The training should provide employees with an understanding of the force options available to them in a confrontational situation contingent upon the resistance encountered, i.e., force continuum concept.

2. AGENCY APPROVED OLEORESIN CAPSICUM AEROSOL SPRAY:

   (Specify name brand) is the only personal size pepper spray authorized by the Agency for officers to carry.

   ATTENTION CEO: In order to reduce liability and the risk of further harm to person(s) sprayed, agencies should select a brand of OC that has a non-combustible base.

3. TRAINING

   Officers must successfully complete the Agency approved OC training prior to being issued OC spray.

   ATTENTION CEO: In order for officers to fully understand the effects of OC spray, many agencies require officers to be sprayed with OC during training. Due care and caution should be exercised during training to avoid any permanent injuries.

4. PROCEDURES
   
   
   1. Utilization Procedures:

      Trained officers may utilize OC when physical force is necessary under the prevailing circumstances. The following are examples of situations when OC may be used:

      1. Where verbal direction is ineffective or inappropriate;
         
         
      2. Where passive resistance techniques have failed and officers may have to use physical force to maintain control;
         
         
      3. Where the officer could reasonably use an impact weapon as a striking tool and not merely as a restraint device; and/or
         
         
      4. Where the officer could reasonably use deadly force.

         NOTE: OC may be used to effect the removal of a person(s) from a vehicle who refuse to exit when lawfully commanded to do so by an officer and physical resistance is used by the person(s).

      Officers should avoid the use of OC areas where the use could reasonably and foreseeably cause panic. OC spray will only be used as a control and compliance measure and shall never be used for any illicit or unlawful purpose.

   2. Decontamination Procedures:

      After control has been established and/or resistance ceased, the officer will make reasonable efforts to allow the OC affected subject relief from the discomfort associated with the application.

      1. After the suspect has been brought under control, restraints applied, and the suspect no longer presents a threat to the officer or others; the officer will then render appropriate first aid to the suspect;
         
         
      2. Arrange for professional medical attention (EMS) as soon as practical;

         NOTE: The EMS personnel should determine if the suspect needs to be transported to a hospital or other medical facility for further medical evaluation.

      3. If reasonable, the person will be transported immediately to the police department, sheriff's department, city jail or county jail. If it is not reasonable to transport the person to ______, the person should moved to an area with fresh air;
         
         
      4. Keep the person calm by explaining the anticipated effects;
         
         
      5. Instruct the person to blow his/her nose;
         
         
      6. Allow affected person to flush eyes and affected area with water; and
         
         
      7. Open doors and windows as soon as practical after usage inside a building or vehicle.
         
         
   3. Documentation Procedures:

      On each occasion of OC use, a written Use of Force Report will be completed. See S.O.P. 11-1 Use of Non Deadly Force/Internal Procedures.

      ATTENTION CEO: The Agency should develop procedures for the proper storage, distribution and inventory of OC Spray.