Reconsidering pepper spray

[mckenney99]

I am reconsidering adding pepper spray to my carry equipment when I leave the house.
Having retired from LE but still living in the same town where I was stationed, I have always considered the possibility of a confrontation with an old suspect/defendant as a possibility.
However with today's current climate, some other folks seem to have become emboldened to challenge everyone for some perceived wrong.
Now being retired, I recognize that I no longer have a need to interact with these people and I will go out of my way to avoid them but some of the confrontations we are seeing, these idiots just will not take no, go away, for an answer.
No, I do not frequent bars or spots normally associated with less than civilized behavior, but that doesn't seem to matter any more. You are just as likely to be accosted in the grocery parking lot or at the gas pumps.
I am rapidly approaching my 62nd birthday and never was much of a boxer/fighter, (in the academy, during boxing week, an instructor noted that I could take a punch . . . lots of them). I can now envision a greater need to have a non-lethal option at my disposal.
I am always armed when it is permissible, so that is covered but it feels like having a non-lethal option might be prudent until things calm down.
Yes, I do carry a cell phone and will call proper authorities but I do not want to be looking at a phone when the threat is already closing the distance.
Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

[ContinentalOp]

I think it's a good option to have. I've often thought about carrying pepper spray, but I have respiratory issues and I'm concerned that if I end up getting exposed it could end up worse for me than my attacker.

From what I've read, Fox Labs is often recommended as a good pepper spray.

 

[Moo Moo]

First Defense Mk6 are great for Plain Clothes work when I was still in the job. (Classified as a Prohibited Weapon for this State in live in).

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Pepper spray is not a bad interim weapon if you have the time and distance to use it. As a former LEO, you know that the concept of "Necessary Force" carries a lot of weight when the DA decides on charges or not.

While pepper spray may not be viable in a threat to life and limb, it is a nice option if the situation allows it.

Oh, and by the way for those who have not suffered it's effects, keep the wind to your back if you can before spraying.

 

[murphydog]

A small container of pepper gel is about the size of and lighter than a pistol magazine. A really good idea to have as a defensive option.

 

[VictorLouis]

I much prefer the Taser C2. The perp gets a 30second ride, giving you ...hopefully...enough time to get away and call in your attack from a safer spot.

Whatever you do , don't go for one of those pistol-style OC launcher guns....

Beaumont woman blinded by police pepper spray plans to file claim | 89.3 KPCC

 

[caduceus]

I carry and ride with Ruger pepper spray/gel mix . Living in Texas they have changed knife and brass knuckles regulations. I'm considering adding the brass knuckles. I'm older than you
And have no desire to be in a street fight. Much rather evade and escape but if I couldn't have means to defend. Firearm last resort unless you are chasing me with a knife!!

 

[Screwball]

When I went through the academy, our class was the second to get a higher rating OC exposure. We carry 10%, old exposure was under 1%... we got like 5%.

That being said, I will not count on OC after that. I managed fine, until we had to decontaminate... which adding water sucked. I lost all respect for it as a less lethal option. It may work well for some, but I don't want to consider it working, and have someone like myself... who isn't as affected by it. Add in I work in a windy environment, and would likely get other officers exposed, I don't carry it. At least the taser has red dots to intimidate the person into giving up.

I actually just pulled the OC and pouch out of the safe, since another officer wants it. Need to bring it in this week.

 

[Rudi]

I have been looking at pepper gel, less chance to get it on you.

 

[lrrifleman]

If I may give a non-LEO opinion. I live in a state where self-defense is not a protected right, and the tools of that denied right can get you a felony conviction with prison time.

Fortunately, I possess a non-resident CWP for when I travel in FREE America. Being disabled, I can't carry a full compliment of non-lethal defensive options. Yes, a taser can be effective, but what if you are acosted by multiple threats? I also fear that some kind of spray would require the threats to get too close for comfort.

I don't think that I project myself as a threat, but perhaps more an aire of confidence. Being disabled with a noticeable limp and cane, I (unintentionally) project myself more as an easy target/victim.

I don't go out looking for trouble, but I also don't want any of my defensive tools to fall out of my possession or control. As a result, anyone that presents themselves from the start as a threat needs to be viewed as a dangerous threat from the start. It really does "oscillate air inwardly between the lips" when you are disabled and have to defend yourself and your family.

 

[Goldstar225]

Like you I'm a retired LEO still living in the general area that I worked in. I have bumped into a few of my prior "customers" but no problems ensued. While I'm always armed, I keep a can of Fox 5.3 in my vehicles. I see it as an option for that big gray area that falls between polite conversation and shooting.

 

[Echo40]

As long as you're using it as an addition to your existing EDC which already includes a firearm, it sounds like a good idea.

Another alternative to consider is a Stun Gun which is potentially more incapacitating than Pepper Spray and perhaps might be viewed as a less violent alternative as as well -- A quick electric shock that knocks someone on their butt, but causes no lasting effects unlike Pepper Spray which leaves burning liquid in someone's eyes which must be promptly rinsed out and causes pain/irritation for hours afterwards.

 

[ladder13]

I carry some every day on my walks on the greenway trails in my hood.

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

I nearly always carry pepper spray. Wouldnt want to be on the receiving end of it

 

[blues7]

I carry a small POM pepper spray canister clipped to a pocket, or a sap...sometimes both. It's good to have less lethal options if the situation allows.

 

[KSDeputy]

I carry a Pepper Blaster. It costs me $ 10 a year to carry, but could be the difference between prison and freedom in a confrontation. I think it prudent to carry a non-lethal alternative to lethal force. I also use a hardwood cane. I urge all retired officers to have both.

 

[Donn]

I've always been an advocate/fan of a less than lethal option. Being old school, (and old), I'd be happy carrying my old blackjack. It was useful helping undesirables see reason back in the day. Sadly, it's not legal. Till it is, if it ever is, it stays in the safe.

 

[Mike 139]

OP... There's no substitute for situational awareness and having having a plan....When the Youngest went to College, I researched self defense sprays and got her a Kimber Pepper Blaster...Two shots effective to 13 feet..... I would get two...One to fire at a target and see how it functions, and if it's going to work for you and the second to actually carry.

I'm over 65, so any assault/ battery on Me is a Felony. I do have my Kel- lite between the Seat and Drivers door.

When I first started in 1971, If You saw someone wearing a heavy coat in 95 degree weather having a conversation with a Telephone Pole, You put them in the Unit and transported them to a Hospital and that was it.... now they self medicate and apparently they're all out there running loose, green/orange, blue hair and wearing costumes. Stay Safe.

 

[haywood]

I always carry Pepper Spray. I was walking and a big dog came at me and started circling and growling. I tried yelling go home, with no effect. I like dogs and didn't want to shoot someone's pet. I tried to walk away slowly but he kept circling and growling. I had never used Pepper Spray before. It was a hot breezy day and I pointed it at the dog about 15 feet at the most away. It came out in a strong straight stream. It went right over his head. I thought darn I missed. Before I had a chance to shoot again he started sneezing. His eyes started to get big and wide then he started blinking and sneezing. No more nasty dog. He just sat down and I got out of there. If it works that well with a miss it should work good with a direct hit.

 

[CH4]

For the same reasons LE carry non-lethal options, it's a good idea for those who carry heat to do the same - because nothing ever goes according to how you imagined it will. There are just too many variables.

As an instructor of both chemical weapons and Taser, I carry OC, especially in areas where folks are more heavily dressed or there may be more than one perp. Both Taser and spray have their strengths and weaknesses, but pepper spray allows multiple shots during the same assault, it can be had in a smaller package and is a little more flexible when it comes to shot placement.