LEC staff gets ‘pepper spray’ training
By Kathy Thomson
A “pepper spray” training at the Shackelford County Law Enforcement Center last week gave local LEC employees an “in your face” experience.
County sheriff Ed Miller taught the four-hour OC session.
“This was for all of our new employees who haven’t been through the training,” said Miller. “Three hours were in the classroom, followed by a one-hour practical.”
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is a noncarcinogenic food product derived from jalapeño peppers that is the active ingredient in “pepper spray.”
“Employees have to go through training on how to use it, when to use it, and what to expect before they can carry pepper spray,” said Miller. “Although we seldom have to use it, pepper spray is one of our tools and can save a life.”
The sheriff said that OC spray may be used to break up a fight or to stop a prisoner who is actively assaulting someone, vandalizing the facility, or trying to escape.
Pepper spray works by releasing Oleoresin Capsicum, which causes an attacker’s eye veins and mucous membranes to swell, resulting in intense discomfort and often immobility. The effects can last for up to an hour.
The trainees last week were each sprayed in the face with pepper spray, and then they had to drag a dummy “to safety,” find a handcuff key in a box of assorted keys, unlock a pair of handcuffs, and then decontaminate themselves.
LEC telecommunicator Melynda Flourney was one of the participants.
“It’s my understanding that it’s a one-time thing,” Flourney said. “I hope it’s a one-time thing!”
Miller explained that the OC training is only required once, but it is essential.
“When employees have to use pepper spray inside the jail, they will be exposed to it also,” the sheriff said. “They need to know that they can force their eyes open enough to see, and they can muscle through the pain enough to do what has to be done. You have to be able to function, and you may have to pull someone who has been assaulted to safety.”
Decontamination requires fresh water and air, said Miller.
Pepper spray can cause a worse reaction to those with asthma or wearing contact lenses.
“Prisoners are supposed to let the LEC know of any health problems when they are booked in,” Miller said. “We ask them several specific questions about their medical history.”
Miller has been trained and certified as an OC instructor for a number of years.
“I’ve been teaching this since back when we used the old tear gas,” he said. “Normally the class is covered as part of the face-to-face jail licensing school, but several of our employees did their training online, so they still needed this class.”
