This seminar on the use of pepper spray (Oleoresin Capsicum or OC spray) provides training on the legal and practical aspects of carrying and deploying this non-lethal self-defense tool. The focus is on safety, effectiveness, and preventing legal liability.
Key Seminar Topics
Understanding Pepper Spray:
Chemical makeup and effects: Explanation of what OC is, how it works as an inflammatory agent, and its physiological effects (burning, temporary incapacitation, involuntary eye closure).
Types and delivery systems: Overview of various formulations (stream, fog, gel, foam) and canister types (size, safety features) to understand their different ranges and uses.
Legal and Moral Aspects:
Use of force laws: Detailed review of the legal requirements and restrictions for using pepper spray in self-defense, including where it can be legally carried and the justifiable circumstances for its deployment.
Liability issues: Discussion on potential civil and criminal liabilities that can arise from improper use and the importance of adhering to the law and proper procedure.
Tactical and Practical Skills:
Situational awareness and de-escalation: Emphasis on avoiding conflict and using verbal commands and body language to deter a threat before resorting to force.
Proper handling and deployment: Hands-on practice using inert (water-filled) training canisters to learn proper stance, drawing, aiming for the face/eyes, and spraying techniques (e.g., a one-to-two-second burst).
Defensive maneuvers: Training includes techniques for escape, ground defense, and transitioning to other self-defense tools if the spray is ineffective or the situation escalates.
Post-Incident Procedures:
Decontamination and first aid: Instruction on immediate aftercare for exposed individuals, including self-decontamination using cool water and soap to reduce the burning sensation.
Documentation and reporting: Guidance on proper documentation and reporting procedures for law enforcement and potential insurance/legal purposes.
Training Drills: Participants will engage in scenario-based training with inert training sprays.
There will be no live pepper spray used.