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The Police training manual contains guidelines on the use of OC Foam (pepper spray), a Police spokesman said today (August 17).

He added that guidelines are not rigid rules. Police officers using OC Foam must exercise their skill and professional judgement in the prevailing circumstances bearing in mind the basic principles on the use of force.

The remarks were made in response to an article that appeared in a local Chinese newspaper today (August 17) in which it was reported that the Police had failed to follow the four-step guidelines in relation to the use of OC Foam when dealing with a group of protesters outside Central Government Offices on June 26.

Commenting on the use of force in general, the spokesman said all Police officers were fully aware that they should display self discipline and exercise a high degree of restraint when dealing with the public, force should not be resorted to unless such action is absolutely necessary to effect a lawful purpose.

"When circumstances permit, a verbal warning will be given of the intention to use force and the force used must be the minimum necessary to achieve the purpose and must be reasonable in the circumstances," he said, adding that OC Foam is one degree of force within the force continuum.

"Generally speaking OC Foam would be most effective if it is used within the range of two to eight feet as specified in the training guidelines," he said.

"However, it does not mean that Police officers cannot use OC Foam outside of this range."

The spokesman indicated that Police were aware of press reports from overseas which stated some people have been seriously affected after being sprayed with similar products to OC Foam.

The spokesman stressed that OC Foam had been widely used by law enforcement agencies overseas since 1989 and that studies had so far revealed that its effects caused short term discomfort and would not cause permanent harm.

As far as Hong Kong Police are concerned, guidelines on the use of force are under constant review. Cases involving the use of OC Foam are closely scrutinized.

Police Report No. 5

Issued by PPRB

End/1945 hours, Thursday, August 17, 2000

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