OC spray training, also known as pepper spray training, is important for law enforcement, security officers, and other professionals to learn how to properly use oleoresin capsicum (OC) aerosol projectors.
Training can help reduce the risk of injury or death to suspects and ensure officers are knowledgeable about the spray’s contents, effects, and proper use. Some training programs also focus on survival skills and a survival mindset.
This one day, eight (8) hour course focuses solely on the delivery of compensatory knowledge required to teach and instruct others in the effective use of hand-held pepper sprays.
Upon successful completion of this course you will earn a Certificate of Instructor Competency enabling you to return to your agency, department or company to teach others.
- Course Length: One Day | 8 Hours
- Class Enrollment Capacity: Twenty-Four
- Target Audience: *This course is not open to the general public. Candidates for OC Spray Instructor certification must be actively employed in sworn law enforcement, commercial security services, or active duty/reserve or veteran status in military service.
- Dates: Held every 2nd Wednesday of each month in Denver, Colorado.
Tuition: $280.00 per person
COURSE SYLLABUS CONTENT
This course integrates reality-based scenario role play, tactical skill assessment and evaluation for grading purposes.
- Participants receive a complete instructor manual, PowerPoint presentation on CD for teaching others, and Instructor Certification which is valid for two (2) years.
- Materials cover recent scientific research on those pepper sprays that are flammable when used with stun guns.
- The pharmacological and medical effects of pepper sprays
- Carcinogenic concerns about OC
- Hotness: Capsaicin Content vs. Scoville and value vs. capsaicinoids
- Use-of-Force concerns
- Product safety issues
- Court rulings on the use of pepper sprays;
- Post-spray protocols
- Sudden and in-custody death concerns
- Carrying methods
- Effective and safe discharge distances
- Spray patterns; formulations; propellants
- OSHA and the EPA
- Tactical applications; training methods, including inert spray safety issues
Requirements for Instructor Certification
*Candidates for instructor certification must demonstrate to HCT senior instructors and your peers, the ability to effectively communicate the course curriculum to others, evaluate a student’s level of tactical proficiency, sound judgment, and establish criteria to determine when retrain those who may need more in-depth coaching or refresher training.
Topics Covered
- Adult Learning Theory
- Effective Methods of Teaching Adult Audiences
- History of OC Weapons
- Selecting an OC aerosol
- Decontamination
- Delivery Methods
- Disposal of Aerosol Devices
- First Aid Protocols
- Gas Mask Application
- Maintenance of Aerosol Devices
- Adult Learning Concepts
- Civil Liability and Legal Considerations Associated with the Proper Use of Pepper Spray
- Performance Evaluation Techniques
- Safety Protocols During Training and Field Use of Pepper Spray
- Restraint Integration of Handcuffing During Pepper Spray Training
- Integrated Force Option (firearm, counter-assault, and baton) Exposure Simulation
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- After completing this activity, the participant should be able to:
- Explain the differences between CS, CN, and OC sprays.
- Describe the symptoms of a spray recipient.
- List and explain the steps in OC spray application.
- Demonstrate the proper care of a spray recipient.
- List the steps needed to decontaminate himself or herself if sprayed.
- Discuss the reasons for an OC Spray Instructor to be voluntarily sprayed.
Sample policy handouts will be provided for operational guidance to assist administrators and government officials.
TRAINING LOCATIONS
Denver, Colorado | Savannah Georgia | Los Angeles, California | Washington DC (District of Columbia)