Week 13

The 21st Session Deputy Training Academy’s burning desire to undergo OC spray training is officially quenched. I think it’s safe to say the trainees are relieved to say goodbye to week 13.

You may remember when we asked the trainees which course they least looked forward to during week one. Most of the class said OC. However, some said they were looking forward to it so that they could get it out of the way. Well, finally, their time had come.

OC spray is an important less-than-lethal tool to help law enforcement gain control of a combative subject. Weapons are not allowed in the Chesapeake Correctional Center, so deputies are trained to gain control of any situation with their hands and words. However, intermediate use of force tools (such as OC spray, tasers, ASP batons, etc.) can be deployed for safety when situations turn dangerous. These tools are not used lightly. Being sprayed with OC can be very painful. Law enforcement officers must spray themselves to earn their certification partly, so every deputy knows firsthand the importance of rendering first aid once deploying the spray on a subject, but also so they know how to defend themselves.

“The importance of exposure to OC during the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Academy is to show the recruits they can fight through it should they come into contact with OC during the course of their duties,” said Academy Director Lt. Tommy Mercer. “So, they know what to expect physically and psychologically due to the exposure.”

First, instructors taught the class about the chemical makeup of OC, types of OC spray, the potential side-effects of exposure, and how to help a person who has been sprayed. Next, the lessons took a more hands-on approach. Instructors showed the class the correct drawing procedure before letting the trainees practice drawing and deploying their OC spray at a target safely, accurately, and effectively. The course ends with a scenario designed to mimic real-life conditions of exposure to OC in the line of duty. Each deputy MUST pass this scenario to gain their certification.

After being sprayed with OC, the trainees must search for the can in the grass, pick it up, and then spray the target. Next, the trainees had to use their DT (defensive tactics) training to execute ten palm and knee strikes before restraining a dummy with handcuffs. Only then were the trainees able to wash the chemicals from their eyes. As a class, the trainees struggled, but one trainee showed virtually no reaction. As a former OC instructor with the military, he had been sprayed countless times and is almost immune to the burn. (The rest of the class was jealous. 😆)

With the OC scenarios behind them, trainees were relieved to move on from chemical agents. The rest of the week focused on ASP baton scenarios and civil process. After learning about the various functions of our civil enforcement section, trainees had to pass a civil process scenario replicating real-life situations civil enforcement deputies could find themselves in.

Next week, the academy will focus on everyday threats/ dangers inside the jail. The class will learn about gang intelligence, contraband control, cell searches, high-profile arrests, and the use of force.

Only five weeks to go, 21st Session!