ABSTRACT
In this chapter we’ll discuss the history, purpose, characteristics, effects, first aid, and tactical use of pepper spray, or oleoresin capsicum (OC).
Even though pepper spray use is fairly recent in law enforcement (since about 1973), its use in battle has been documented as early as 2300 B.C. The Chinese created “stink pots” by burning pepper in hot oil to produce an irritating, suffocating smoke. At the time, warfare typically involved massive frontal assaults. If the wind direction and velocity were favorable, the Chinese armies would use the stink pots to affect opposing forces prior to an attack. Samurai and Ninja were known to hide finely ground pepper wrapped in paper in their clothing. At an opportune time, they would fling the pepper into the eyes of an adversary as a distraction.
