OC Certification

1. OC Certification Weber State Police

2. Navigation Please click your mouse or use your spacebar to navigate through the course. Use your backspace button to navigate backwards. Press F5 to start the presentation in full screen mode (recommended)

3. Our Purpose: By participating in this class, you will become certified to use an OC Aerosol Projection weapon in the course of your duties as a Police Officer. There will be an online test at the end for certification. An active connection to the internet is required.

4. Class Objective: Officers will have a working knowledge of OC and what OC is When to apply (department policy) How to decontaminate Documentation and reporting

5. Glossary Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) : A mixture of the oil and resin within the red peppers. OC is the active ingredient within the red peppers. Capsaicinoids: A component found within the OC responsible for making pepper sprays pungent or hot. They are the heat bearing and pain producing components within the OC. The higher the major Capsaicinoids, the stronger the spray. Capsaicinoids are the most accurate measure of OC pungency and level of incapacitation.

6. Glossary Scoville Heat Units (SHU�s): A measurement used to determine the pungency of OC. The drawback of SHU�s is that it indicates the strength of the OC before it is diluted by the propellant and carrier. SHU�s are not an accurate measure as to the strength of the entire spray. Propellant: A liquid or gas used to push the active ingredient out of the canister towards the bad guy. Carrier: The inactive ingredient within the spray responsible for creating an even disbursement of OC throughout the formulation. The carrier affects the flammability and reaction time of the aerosol projector.

7. Active Ingredients: OC- Oleoresin Capsicum- Red Pepper OC sprays use an inflammatory agent instead of an irritant. OC produces rapid physiological effects, a complete recovery, and restricts immunity buildup because it is an inflammatory agent.

8. Physiological Effects: Eyes tear and blink repeatedly Eyes close (threat factor?) Respiration of OC causes inflammation of respiratory tract Inflammation causes coughing, gagging and a loss of breath sensation Facial areas may also become inflamed and will burn Swelling may occur around the eyes, mouth and nose The nose will run and produce excess mucous

9. Psychological Effects The restriction normal breathing causes many of the victims to panic, which results many times in hyperventilation and anxiety attacks. Allergic reactions are highly unlikely.

10. Spray Patterns/Delivery System Stream Cone/Fog Foam

11. Stream Advantages: Reduces cross contamination Reduces wind blow back Range of up to 12 feet Disadvantages Limited effect on respiratory system Contact with eyes is imperative for an immediate effect Spray from ear to ear and across the eyes.

12. Cone/Fog Advantages: Requires less accuracy Effects occur instantly through penetration of microscopic droplets that inflame the respiratory tract. Disadvantages: Down wind exposure is increased, as is people surrounding target Doesn�t spray as far as stream pattern Aim for the center of the eyes and spray while moving canister up and down.

13. Foam Advantages: Gel substance trap the heat of the OC to the skin Wiping foam pushes OC into skin Reduces contamination of unwanted areas and individuals Ideal for indoor usage Disadvantages: Effects may be delayed Subject can throw foam back at the officer Aim for the center of the face and move the canister in a circular motion

14. Spray Distances Spray manufacturers recommend firing an OC product NO LESS THAN 3 FEET from soft body tissues such as the eyes. Injury to tissue could result.

15. Use of Force Continuum Officer Presence Verbal Communication- Control holds and restraints Chemical agents

16. Use of Force Continuum IMPORTANT: The officer is OBLIGATED to apply the least amount of force necessary to control the individual

17. Use of Force Continuum (10 items) 1) Number of Subjects- the greater the number of subjects, the greater the safety risk to the officer, which may cause the officer to escalate to a higher level of force. 2) Weapons- If a subject has a weapon, escalation is imperative. 3) Size & Strength- the size and strength of both the officer and subject are important factors in determining the appropriate level of force.

18. Use of Force Continuum 4) Subjects Mental State-Goal oriented subjects, mentally ill subjects, and subjects under the influence may be more combative and difficult to control with would require an escalation in force by the officer. 5) Skill Level- The subject may be trained in self defense, martial arts or may have significant fighting experience. All may require the officer to escalate to a higher level of force.

19. Use of Force Continuum 6) Injury & Fatigue- should either become an issue, additional force may be necessary 7) Officer�s Position- If the officer falls or should end up on the ground while an attacker is standing, the officer is at a disadvantage and may need to opt for a higher level of force 8) History with Subject- Prior dealings with a subject may indicate to an officer that the subject is carrying a firearm or has superior fighting skills. Either case may cause the officer to use additional force.

20. Use of Force Continuum 9) Disability- Officer with a disability may need to opt to an additional level of force 10) Duty-Belt Protection- Officers should always protect their weapons from the subject. If the subject attempts or is able to obtain an officers weapon, then escalation to a higher level of force is imperative

21. Proper Use of Aerosol Projectors Instruct- Verbal commands should be short and loud, such as Do It Now; Stop; No; Get Down. Verbal commands may cause submission, confusion, or disorientation making it easier for the officer to take control of the situation Draw- Officers should practice the canister draw and be comfortable in drawing it from many different positions, and have a firm grip on the canister (remember to keep finger off trigger until ready to deploy)

22. Proper Use of Aerosol Projectors Short Bursts- OC should be depressed in � to 1 second bursts. If an officer is unable to control the subject after 3 bursts, then a higher level of force of necessary. Never spray a subject more than (3) -1/2 to 1 second bursts. Move- Upon spraying a subject, the officer should move to the side. Subjects will most likely be unable to open their eyes and will attack the area where the spray came from. Never stay in one place. Also try to create distance between officer and subject to allow time to deploy

23. Proper Use of Aerosol Projectors Secure- Once subject has been sprayed and incapacacitation begins, the subject should be commanded to cooperate. Carefully approach with safety in mind. After the subject has been properly restrained, decontamination should begin as soon as possible. Transport- While transporting, monitor subject for signs of distress, respiration or other physical ailments. Remind then they will be okay, and the effects will diminish. Incarceration- Offenders need to be monitored for at least two hours after exposure. If behavior changes, this could be a medical issue. Contact EMS.

24. Decontamination After restraining, remove subject from the contaminated area, and immediately examine if the subject is breathing properly. Ask the subject if they have any pre-existing medical problems, which include: Heart problems Respiratory Problems Lung Problems Diabetes High Blood Pressure If a serious medical condition exists, call EMS immediately.

25. Decontamination In addition, call EMS immediately for any of the following reasons: Subject is under the influence of alcohol or drugs Subject is experiencing significant breathing difficulty (in many cases, normal breathing patterns can be restored by asking the subject simple questions and insisting on answers. This will distract and calm the subject Subject requests medical attention Subject loses consciousness. Use CPR if necessary Shallow breathing combined with sweating

26. Decontamination If available, use cold running water to flush the subjects facial area and eyes. A garden hose, drinking fountain or decontaminate solution are recommended. Do not remove subjects contacts. Only medical personnel should remove them. Ice can be applied, but don�t let the subject rub it in their face.

27. Decontamination Throughout the decontamination, the officer needs to continually reassure the subject to remain calm and remind them the effects are only temporary. Verbal reassurance is one of the most important steps of the decontamination process.

28. Decontamination The loss of breath sensation coupled with the burning of the eyes and facial area ma cause the subject to panic. If the subject panics, they may begin to hyperventilate which could cause the subject to lose consciousness. Constant reassurance that they will fully recover in a few minutes will prevent or end a panic attack. If a panic begins, inform the subject they are hyperventilating and they need to calm down and slow their breathing. Tell them to take slow, deep breaths.

29. Transporting Extra attention should be given to the subject during transport to ensure they are positioned to allow them to breath freely. The subject should be continuously monitored for up to two hours after the decontamination is completed.

30. Reporting Force The following points are strongly recommended to be included in any use of force incident. Officers at scene. Verbal correspondence between officers and subject prior to the physical encounter Subjects reaction to verbal commands Subjects response to physical control techniques Why the encounter began

31. Reporting Force Why it could not be avoided Control used How long did resistance last? E-escalation techniques used after subject submitted Concerns you had causing you to escalate to the chosen use of force Decontamination process if OC was used Details of the transport

32. Reporting Force Second to decontamination, properly reporting force is one of the most important topics of this certification.

33. Weber State Police OC Policy: Policy The use of certain less-lethal weapons is authorized for use by WSUPD officers to successfully deal with situations requiring justifiable use of reasonable force and/or to bring civil disorder situations under control; and to minimize risk to the public and the Police Officer(s) involved. Less-lethal, weapons are: Aerosol Defensive Tools. Less-lethal weapons currently include: MK-3,4 Aerosol (First Defense)Pepper Spray Any other munitions proven to be adequate for less-lethal use through approved testing and evaluation. All personnel who carry or use less-lethal, weapons must first successfully complete an approved certification course and/or training class as appropriate on the proper use and deployment of the device they will be using. All personnel who carry or use a less-lethal weapon and have been previously certified must successfully complete an approved annual re-certification course within 365 days of any prior course.

34. Weber State Police OC Policy: Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) based aerosol products, as approved by the Chief, are authorized for use by WSUPD officers in accordance with this policy. This substance is intended for use in situations which do not require the use of deadly force. Using this substance may greatly reduce the need for other types of physical force by the Police Officer which could result in serious or potentially deadly injury to the offender, Police Officer or others present. The governing factor in the use of aerosol is whether its use is REASONABLE AND NECESSARY. Use of an OC based product may prevent the use of more severe physical force, and may be used when: 1. A Police Officer is threatened with physical force and other means of controlling the offender are unreasonable or could cause more serious injury to the offender, the Police Officer, or others present. 2. A Police Officer is threatened by a dangerous animal. 3. In cases where the size or demeanor of an offender indicates that the Police Officer or offender would be endangered by the use of other physical force.

35. Weber State Police OC Policy: If a suspect/detainee becomes unconscious or appears to be seriously injured due to the use of force, the person in charge will immediately summon emergency medical help and/or ensure that the subject is transported to a medical facility for examination and determination of necessary treatment. A police report will be completed on any uses of force, without regards of the results. Medical Aid after Use of Lethal and Less-Lethal Weapons The Weber State Police Department will obtain expedient medical aid for any person who has had any type of force used against him/her if: The person appears or claims to be injured. The Police Officer feels that medical attention would be to the benefit of the person. NO person will be forcibly decontaminated. If a person has been controlled by the use of an OC based product, the Police Officer will, if necessary and/or if the person is cooperative: Expose the person to fresh air. Have medical personnel respond and offer first aid. If necessary, transport to medical facility for treatment. Book the person into jail or take other appropriate action.

36. OC Sprays and Taser Not all OC sprays are Taser compatible. Look for your OC canister to say �EID (Electronic Incapacitation Device) Compatible� , meaning it is a water based spray that has been tested for use with Taser. Oil based sprays can be flammable, and can not be used in conjunction with Taser or any EID. Agencies are encouraged to do their own independent testing to ensure that what they carry is compatible. Please download and watch the video from the main page.

37. Exam Location Please visit http://www.weber.edu/police/OC_Exam.html to now take the exam. Once completed, the results will be e-mailed and graded. Click on the link above to be taken there now. You need 80% to certify. Good Luck!