IUPD cadets feel the burn of pepper spray

Recruits in the Indiana University Police Department Academy got more than an eyeful of pepper spray last Tuesday after being subjected to a training session involving the chemical.

The recruits, working toward the culmination of a 14-week cadet-officer training program, gathered on the grass outside of 801 N. Jordan Ave. in order to be sprayed with a dose of highly concentrated Oleoresin Capsicum Spray, more commonly known as pepper spray. The cadets learned everything there is to know about the spray through an instructional class, including what it feels like to be sprayed firsthand.

In order to be able to carry pepper spray for protection, all IUPD officers and recruits are required to be sprayed with it. This involves not only experiencing the effects of the powerful chemical, but also being able to function in a situation in which the officer might have been exposed to the spray.

Before the cadets were sprayed, IUPD Lt. Greg Butler of the IUPD offered advice to them.

“When the pain comes, remember not to lose it,” he said. “Suck it up! You need to be able to function in this kind of situation.”

While standing about six feet away, each cadet took a dose of spray to the forehead then had to strike a kick-bag five times, draw their weapon while making a verbal command, and then handcuff a person – all while suffering the incapacitating effects of the chemical. Once they completed the task, the blinded cadets were swiftly escorted to a bucket of water and a hose in order to wash the chemical from their eyes and skin.

“It feels like someone is putting out a fire on my face with gasoline,” Cadet Chris Campbell said, describing his experience.

The main ingredient in Oleoresin Capsicum Spray is an extract from chili peppers that acts as a lachrymatory agent – chemically irritating both the eyes and the skin for up to 45 minutes. The spray is an effective, non-lethal option for self-defense.

However, the concentration legally available to the public is not as strong as what IUPD officers carry. Most cadets completed the task with little problem. Afterward, most cadets described the pain as becoming much more severe once they attempted to wash the chemical off and dry out their eyes in front of several fans set up nearby.

“It’s not immediate,” explained Cadet Kyle Moulden, “and that lets you know that it might not have an instant effect on whoever you use it on.”

The police academy gives full-time students an opportunity to work in law enforcement while still working toward a degree, and helps to open up future job opportunities – law-related or otherwise, Butler said. After the cadets graduate, they can become IUPD officers until they graduate from IU.

IUPD Sgt. David Rhodes explained the importance of the experience for cadets.

“This allows cadets to feel what it’s like, in order to use discretion in the field and to be able to function in a hostile situation,” he said. “The effects are different on different people. (OC Spray) is not the magic bullet, but officers should be confident in knowing that it will work the majority of the time.”