7-13. The use of chemical irritants can be a valuable NL tool for control force leadership to consider during the planning phase. These chemical irritants can drive a threat from an established, enclosed position or deny the rioters access to a certain area without long-lasting effects to those involved. The proper use of chemical irritants may prevent the control force from having to enter a dangerous area; however, improper use can cause injury, death, or property damage.
USE-OF-FORCE GUIDELINES
7-14. The installation commander authorizes the use of chemical irritants after the control force leader determines the type and dosage. The SOP outlines the procedures for securing authorization and provides guidance to help the control force leader make his decisions. The confinement facility commandant should inform the installation commander of the situation, since the installation commander is ultimately responsible. Team members must be aware of how chemical irritants affect personnel and plan accordingly. Inmates not involved must be removed from the area and the chemical cloud’s path. The fire department and emergency medical services (EMS) should be on standby during operations involving chemicals.
PEPPER IRRITANT
7-15. The pepper irritant receives its name from varieties of the capsicum plant that is it made from. The active ingredient, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), is extracted from the plant and micropulverized to make the irritant. It is neither a chemical nor a gas, but an all-natural organic substance. It is effective against individuals who are emotionally disturbed or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is effective against domestic and wild animals. OC is often used to divert the threat from making or continuing an assault. OC does not cause permanent damage. Its effects last 30 to 40 minutes after individuals are placed in fresh air.
7-16. OC can have various effects on people. Some effects are—
z Swelling of mucous membranes and the upper respiratory system;
however, it does not shut down the system.
z Burning (intense) and discoloration (bright red) of exposed skin. z Dilating the capillaries.
z Swelling of the eyelids.
z Burning and involuntary closing of the eyes. z Coughing uncontrollably.
z Gagging. z Gasping for air.
z Losing strength and coordination (temporarily).
OC has some disadvantages. They are that—
z The canister depressurizes over time if not checked regularly. z Inmates may gain access to OC and use it against SRT members. z The canister must be shaken on a regular basis.
DISSEMINATION OF CHEMICAL IRRITANTS
7-17. There are six methods for disseminating chemical irritants.
Pyrotechnic Method
7-18. In the pyrotechnic method of dissemination, the chemical irritant is placed in a canister with an inert material that is ignited when the device is activated. The agent is then carried into the air on the smoke particles of the inert material.
7-19. There are some disadvantages when using a pyrotechnic device indoors. These disadvantages are that the device—
z May cause a fire.
z Has a very slow saturation time (40 to 45 seconds to burn completely). z Can be thrown back by the threat, even while burning.
Bursting Method
7-20. In the bursting method of dissemination, the irritant and an inert powder are placed in a saw-toothed canister. After a small detonation, the canister splits and expels the irritant in a cloud.
7-21. The bursting method has its advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages are that—
z There is no risk of fire.
z There is no risk of the canister being thrown back. z The contents disseminate quickly.
z The canister is effective, easy to carry, and easy to control.
Some disadvantages are that—
z There is a slight possibility of fragmentation when detonated. z The fuse head may separate from the canister.
z Only 50 to 90 percent of the irritant may be disseminated.
z The direction of the cloud formation depends on where the device is
detonated.
Aerosol Method
7-22. In the aerosol method of dissemination, the irritant is suspended in an inert liquid that is located in the rear portion of the device. When the projectile penetrates the structure, the rear portion splits open and the irritant is disseminated in a mist. The aerosol method is most appropriate for tactical operations when chemical irritants are used before entry.
7-23. The aerosol method has its advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages are that it—
z Is easily carried.
z Is an excellent deployment system (uses 40-millimeter, 37-millimeter,
or 12-gauge ammunition).
z Disperses the contents quickly.
z Is easily controlled and accurate (fin-stabilized).
NOTE: Practice firing is always necessary.
Some disadvantages are the possibility of—
z Injury to individuals if it is fired from close range. z Damage to the structure if it strikes a weak portion.
Projectiles Method
7-24. Chemical-containing projectiles can be very effective when used correctly. A soldier must know which projectile to use in each unique situation.
7-25. Thirty-Seven-Millimeter Projectile. A 37-millimeter projectile can incapacitate anyone in an enclosed area of 4,500 cubic feet. It can penetrate the following:
z A sheet of ¾-inch-thick plywood at 25 yards. z An automobile windshield at 33 yards. z A hollow-core door at 58 yards.
7-26. Forty-Millimeter Projectile. A 40-millimeter projectile is more effective at greater ranges than a 37-millimeter projectile because of its rifled bore. It can incapacitate anyone in an enclosed area of 4,500 cubic feet. It can penetrate the following:
z A 1-inch-thick plywood at 10 yards. z An automobile windshield at 55 yards. z A hollow-core door at 109 yards.
7-27. Twelve-Gauge Projectile. A 12-gauge projectile can be loaded into a shotgun with no modifications to the weapon. It can be fired as a single round, or it can be magazine-fed. The 12-gauge projectile can incapacitate anyone in an enclosed area of 1,000 cubic feet. The angle at which the projectile strikes the barrier can affect its penetration capability. It can penetrate the following:
z A sheet of ¾-inch plywood at 33 yards. z An automobile windshield at 33 yards. z A hollow-core door at 100 yards.
Fogging Method
7-28. The irritant is suspended in a fogging solution and dispersed with a fogging machine. It is not recommended for tactical operations.
7-29. The fogging method has its advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages are that it—
z Produces enough chemical irritant to cover an enclosed area of
100,000 cubic feet in 26 seconds.
z Disseminates quickly.
z Provides high-volume capabilities.
z Is effective for riot control or other crowd dispersal situations.
Some disadvantages are that it is—
z Noisy.
Multipurpose Grenade Method
7-30. A multipurpose grenade can be hand-thrown or launched from a shotgun with an adapter. It has an extended shelf life of 6 years and an adjustable fuse delay of 2 to 5 seconds. The irritant is located in the cylinder portion of the device and is forced out the bottom of the grenade upon detonation.