Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Criminal Justice and Criminology

Date of Award

8-2003

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Larry S. Miller

Committee Members

John T. Whitehead, Michael C. Braswell

Abstract

This study focused on the use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) as a means of force and also tested the effectiveness of OC.

A medium-size police agency was studied from 1991-2001. The following reports were collected for analysis: excessive force reports, reports of officers injured during arrests, use of hands-on restraint, and use of police baton.

This study revealed an increase in reported incidents of excessive force and a reduction in the number of officers injuired making arrests while using various defensive techniques.

Implementing OC into the force continuum remains a solid decision in review of this research. This study has shown oleoresin capsicum to be a safe, effective level in the law enforcement force continuum.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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