Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent used for self-defense and crowd control. Other names for this compound are oleoresin capsicum spray or OC spray. The main constituent of pepper spray is capsaicin, which comes from hot peppers and causes a burning feeling when it contacts the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. But when was this ubiquitous instrument of self-defense first created? Let’s delve into the intriguing chronology behind the emergence of pepper spray.
The Origins of Chemical Irritants for Law Enforcement
Law enforcement’s use of chemical irritants dates back to the 1960s. The International Association of Chiefs of Police conference held in Miami Beach in 1965 saw the unveiling of a product called Mace. At the time, there were high tensions between police and civilians, who viewed Mace as a more humane option to batons or guns for controlling crowds and subduing individuals.
Though it was the first significant chemical irritant used by police, Mace had been developed a few years earlier as a self-defense weapon for women. In 1962, Doris Heil, who was a high school teacher, felt bad about her friend’s assault and decided to make something that could be used by women in defense against such incidences one day. She teamed up with Alan Litman, an inventor who created a tear gas aerosol device with a safety lock.
The Introduction and Controversy of Mace
Mace was seen as a positive addition to the arsenal of police departments when it was introduced in 1965. However, by 1968, there were questions about its safety. A Surgeon General’s report suggested that Mace could have long-term health consequences, especially for those with weak heart conditions. In this regard, civil rights organizations also began condemning Mace as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Essentially, safety concerns revolved around a lack of independent verification whereby tests for Mace had only been funded by the manufacturer. Moreover, due to competitive reasons, the ingredients used to make this substance remained undisclosed, raising suspicions about dangerous chemicals being used. Eventually, pressured by Congress, the FDA developed its testing methods during the early 1970s.
The Transition to Pepper Spray
As Mace came under scrutiny, law enforcement began exploring alternative chemical irritants. In the 1980s, capsaicin, the active component in hot peppers, emerged as a potent and safe inflammatory agent. Initially used as an animal deterrent, pepper spray was adopted by the FBI in 1986 as a superior replacement for Mace.
One of the first significant pepper spray products was Cap-Stun, introduced in 1987. Cap-Stun was derived from cayenne peppers and delivered as an aerosol spray. It quickly became popular among police departments as a safer and more effective option than Mace.
The Widespread Adoption of Pepper Spray
By the 1990s, pepper spray had largely supplanted Mace as the irritant agent of choice for law enforcement and civilian self-defense. Its advantages were clear – derived from a food product, pepper spray was proven safe for use on humans. It also caused no permanent injuries or side effects. With fewer safety concerns, governments were quicker to authorize pepper spray for civilian use.
Today, pepper spray is legal in all 50 states for self-defense purposes. It is estimated that over 2 million civilians carry pepper spray. For police, pepper spray has become a standard issue tool carried by officers on patrol. The development of pepper spray gave law enforcement a flexible option for controlling dangerous situations without resorting to lethal force.
Conclusion
The chemical irritants of the 1960s paved the way for our present-day pepper spray. Doubts about the safety of Mace led to the identification of capsaicin as a more efficient substitute obtained from food products.
Pepper sprays were eventually authorized for self-defense purposes in many parts of the United States after being tested widely and adopted by several police departments during those years. This innovation gave civilians and law enforcement agencies an effective instrument for self-protection and crowd management, as opposed to earlier chemical irritants that had posed a risk.
MACE is now a brand offering several OC pepper spray product options, from gel and traditional pepper sprays safe for dogs to bear spray and human OC spray at different heat ranges, sizes, and canister styles. The new designs include pepper spray guns for self-defense.
