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NCJRS Abstract

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NCJ Number:	184836

Title:	Peppered: One Type of Ball Inmates Don't Want To Play Catch With

Journal:	Corrections Technology and Management Volume:4 Issue:4 Dated:July/August 2000 Pages:52-54

Author(s):	Jim Topham

Date Published:	2000

Page Count:	3

Type:	Instructional Material

Format:	Article

Language:	English

Country:	United States of America

Annotation:	This article presents the specifications for the PepperBall System, which consists of a pepperball launcher loaded with an OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) round to deliver kinetic impact with OC irritant; its application in a corrections setting is described.

Abstract:	The launcher fires a .68 caliber pepper ball round filled with OC powder. Operation of the SA200 launcher is by means of compressed air release from a 3,000-psi high-pressure air bottle. The launcher is semi-automatic with a 200 round capacity. It is 33 inches long and weighs 3.5 pounds. The factory-set velocity is 300 feet to 350 feet per second and has a firing rate of 6 rounds per second. The company (Jaycor Tactical Systems) has a pistol model and other rifle models that have semi-automatic and fully automatic capabilities. The pepper ball, a powder projectile, is a filled, frangible sphere that contains a 5-percent concentration of OC. The system provides corrections officers with another alternative to compliance systems. It enables fewer officers to control a larger number of inmates, and it could be used to deny access or egress to specific areas. One limitation is the failure of the pepper ball to break when it hits a heavily clothed or padded subject; further, OC does not affect certain subjects, and there could be a greater opportunity for misuse due to the high rate of fire and round capacities. Before including this system in a corrections department's use-of-force options, policy and procedures for its use must be reviewed.

Main Term(s):	Science and Technology

Index Term(s):	Correctional Officers; Equipment evaluation; Less lethal technologies; Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)/Pepper Spray



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