Training for O.C. reality

If you’ve ever watched officers being exposed to O.C. during training you’ve likely seen some of them respond pretty quickly — and often dramatically — to the effects by sputtering, coughing, choking, grabbing their throats, slamming their eyes shut…you get the picture. One problem with witnessing these scenes is the possible development of the mistaken belief that suspects will respond in the same fashion. On top of that, there’s also the possibility that officers will begin to believe that they’ll become basically incapacitated should they accidentally be exposed during an encounter.

Avoid falling into the trap of believing that just because you sprayed a combative or otherwise resistant suspect he’ll be too overwhelmed by the gas to continue his resistance. This may not be true. Also, remember that just as a motivated suspect can fight through the effects of O.C. long enough to continue his “mission” of resistance or attack, at least for a while, you too can fight through exposure to defend yourself or others if you need to.