Police Academy

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.