Experts weigh benefits, dangers of pepper spray

Pepper spray could cause more danger if used improperly.

By Gabrielle Lipton

Published Nov. 17, 2009

Women between the ages of 18 and 24 have the greatest risk of any demographic of being sexually assaulted. One in six women will be raped in her lifetime, and college-age women are four times more likely than others to be sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.

Whether out running, shopping or even walking through a parking lot, knowing how to protect yourself can help reduce the risk of being attacked.

One such method of protection is pepper spray. Pepper spray contains capsaicin — the chemical found in fruits of the Capsicum genus, such as chili peppers — and commonly comes in small spray canisters that are easy to clip onto a keychain or slip into a purse. Its extreme potency can cause temporary blindness, coughing, runny nose and difficulty breathing. Although these factors have given it a solid self-defense reputation, the question arises of whether it’s the best option.

First and foremost, pepper spray is a weapon. Although it does not cause any permanent damage, it is temporarily debilitating, especially for someone who has never experienced it before.

"The part about it being a weapon that we want people to know is that, with any potential weapon, there are certain tenants you need to understand," Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Jessie Haden said. "Do you know where it is? Is it going to work? Do you know how to use it? Some pepper spray canisters have a push on the top. Some have a trigger. We don't want someone macing herself or himself by mistake."

If the wind is blowing against the spray, or if it is aimed and sprayed at a very close target, the person dispensing the pepper spray might get the worst effects of it. Taking time to find it in a purse or trying to use an outdated, clogged bottle also pose potential threats to the user.

Student Health Center Health Educator Kim Webb said pepper spray users could put themselves in harm's way.

"It would disable you, which is what it's intended to do," Webb said.

MUPD Crime Prevention Officer Adam Duncan said he would not recommend anyone to carry pepper spray if he or she had not had any training.

With the right training, these possible disadvantages can be avoided, making pepper spray a good option to have. MUPD offers a free Rape Aggression Defense class to all students, for which Duncan is an instructor.

"The basic RAD class is the pre-requisite for the Aerosol and Keychain class," Duncan said.

Students learn how to properly deploy pepper spray in the latter class.

"We talk about ways to deliver it, we talk about retention and employing things like a hammer fist or a strike or a kick," Duncan said. "If they choose not to carry anything, they have some physical options. If they choose to carry pepper spray, they know how to use it."

Duncan said it's absolutely vital to leave the scene after spraying someone and not return to any place your attacker might have seen you.

He also said just reading up on proper use of pepper spray could be helpful. Formal classes are not the only way to prepare.

Webb said though the RAD class provides excellent training, self-training can aid those looking for self-defense as well.

"(Spray it,) then walk through it, make yourself cough," Haden said. "Then you can think, 'That would be a circumstance where I could use my pepper spray, and I even know what it would feel like if I got some on me, so I'm really prepared.' "

Pepper spray comes in forms ranging from sprays to fogs to paintball guns that shoot pepper spray balls rather than paint.

Duncan recommends spray bottles with a stream delivery system. Not only are these easier to aim than other options, but also the wind has much less of an effect on this type as well, reducing the chance of backfire. Bottles should contain no less than two ounces. Lesser amounts, which are generally the keychain sizes, only allow for one or two sprays and leave no room for error.

Duncan said MUPD officers carry a four-ounce bottle with a stream delivery system.

"The pepper spray that we carry you can buy," Duncan said.

Another factor to be aware of is the legal implications for improper use. If pepper spray is used offensively rather than defensively, consequences could ensue.

"It would be classified as a third-degree assault, and there are criminal charges that go along with that," Duncan said. "It's also a violation of the student code of conduct. If someone is using it offensively, at the very least, there will be a suspension from school, possibly removal from the university, as well as the criminal charges."

Duncan said the MUPD classes teach people how defending themselves can border on their legal requirements.

"The rule of thumb is if at any point I can get out of that situation and I choose not to, I've crossed the line," Duncan said.

Despite its classification as a weapon, pepper spray does not cause any permanent damage, which is why it is carried and used by police officers. It gives them the opportunity to temporarily incapacitate and distract their subjects without injuring them.

Haden said people's limitations might prevent them from using more physical methods of self-defense, so pepper spray is a more comfortable defense mechanism.

"Darn it, I'm going to use it if I need to," Haden said. "Why shouldn't I carry it?"