Assessing the incapacitative effects of pepper spray during resistive encounters with the police

Robert J. Kaminski; Steven M. Edwards; James W. Johnson

doi:10.1108/13639519910257801

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Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management

ISSN: 1363-951X
Previously published as: Police Studies: Intnl Review of Police Development
Incorporates: American Journal of Police

Online from: 1997

Subject Area: Industry and Public Sector Management

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Assessing the incapacitative effects of pepper spray during resistive encounters with the police

Document Information:
Title:	Assessing the incapacitative effects of pepper spray during resistive encounters with the police
Author(s):	Robert J. Kaminski, (National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC, USA), Steven M. Edwards, (National Institute of Justice, Washington, DC, USA), James W. Johnson, (Baltimore County Police Department, Towson, Maryland, USA)
Citation:	Robert J. Kaminski, Steven M. Edwards, James W. Johnson, (1999) "Assessing the incapacitative effects of pepper spray during resistive encounters with the police", Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Vol. 22 Iss: 1, pp.7 - 30
Keywords:	Effectiveness, Police, Violence
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/13639519910257801 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	This article investigates the effectiveness of pepper spray as a means of aiding arrest. The authors aim to provide a more rigorous study than has previously been achieved. Data from the Baltimore County Police Department have been used in this analysis. The evaluation undertaken has taken into account the “effective-ineffective” dichotomy of the incapacitating effects of pepper spray as well as whether those being arrested were drunk, under the influence of drugs or mentally disturbed. Five variables of age, weight, height, race and sex were also recorded, the latter three having little or no effect. The overall conclusion which is drawn is that using pepper spray eases arrest in the majority of instances. The conclusions drawn leave the way open for further detailed analysis of the use of the spray to ease arrest.