Policy Text
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Policies and Procedures
TITLE: USE OF FORCE-OLEORESIN CAPSICUM NO: F-400
APPROVED: Donny Youngblood, Sheriff-Coroner
EFFECTIVE: REVIEWED: REVISED: UPDATED:
August 1, 1990 12/19/2020 12/19/2020 12/19/2020
APPLICABLITY
When used in this policy the terms, “peace officers”, “peace officer”, or “officer” shall include
both sheriff’s deputies and detentions deputies.
POLICY
Oleoresin Capsicum spray (also known as OC spray) is an organically based, less lethal aerosol
weapon designed to temporarily incapacitate, with no lasting after-effects. In most instances, OC
spray will immobilize an attacking human or animal for up to 45 minutes. Oleoresin Capsicum,
unlike CN or CS agents, is a highly concentrated form of peppers that affects the mucous
membranes. OC spray typically causes a short period of pain, gagging, and involuntary closing
of the eyes when directed to the eyes, nose, or mouth.