The College Voice

Recruit Hulse forces his eyes open as he recovers from the OC spray.

Recruit Brown (kneeling) forces his eyes open as recruit Hopkins (standing) washes out his eyes.

Recruit M. Paglione receives his dose of OC spray.

Pepper spray, or as it is known in law enforcement OC spray (for "Oleoresin Capsicum") is composed of oils from the hottest peppers from around the world, and is often used in riot control and self defense. When it comes in contact with the eyes, OC spray causes a burning sensation, tears and even temporary blindness. All police academy recruits are required to endure the effects of pepper spray first hand so they know its power and potential. Some recruits were quick to recover and assist others in washing out their eyes, while other recruits found themselves completely disabled for an extended period of time.

On a rainy morning recruits of the 04-09 class were paired up and instructed to form a line. One partner held a water bottle, while the other was to be sprayed. Following the spray, recruits were instructed to drop down and complete 20 pushups before they could receive relief from their fellow recruit holding the water bottle. Most recruits fell to their knees in agony, while a few walked around and pried their eyes open trying to direct their face toward the cooling wind and falling rain.

As each recruit managed to complete the push-ups and received relief from the water bottle and rain, many were overheard describing their experience as,"just terrible."

Now as almost a year has passed, the recruits can laugh about the experience but they still describe it as one they hope to never experience again. Many of them may, however, undergo the process a number of times throughout their law enforcement career as they attend various types of training. All the instructors at the academy have been sprayed multiple times during their careers. The spraying reminds officers that nonlethal weapons can be extremely powerful when used in the right situations.

Article Tools