Pepper Spray Information you should know before you purchase or carry pepper spray

Is Pepper Spray legal to carry in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law allows for a person to defend themselves against another person for the purpose of preventing or terminating what a person reasonably believes to be an attack against them. The person being attacked may ONLY use such force or threat of force to prevent or terminate the attack. Pepper spray can be legally carried concealed on a person over the age of 18 or in a vehicle operated by a person over the age of 18.

How does it work?

Pepper sprays affect people in various ways. Some of the symptoms include:
› Pain and tearing of the eyes, causing an involuntary closing or rapid blinking.
› Redness of affected skin combined with a feeling of intense heat.
› Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, mouth, and throat.
› If inhaled, coughing, gagging, and gasping of breath.

What is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray or “OC Spray” is an inflammatory agent that is a mixture of an oily resin and a naturally occurring essential oil derived from varieties of the red pepper plant.
“OC” is short for Oleoresin Capsicum. Pepper sprays are generally prepared in aerosol form, in various concentrations.

How is Pepper Spray Used?

Pepper spray should ONLY be used for its intended purpose; to STOP an assault against you or another person. Anyone that intends to carry pepper spray should take a self defense course that addresses the carrying and use of pepper spray.

The following guidelines should be followed when using pepper spray:

• Read the manufacturers directions regarding the care and use of the product.
• Stay back from the subject at least 4 feet or more depending on the product that you are using.
• Direct the pepper spray at the subjects facial area in a short burst.
• IMMEDIATELY get away and seek help after you spray the subject.

Proper Care and Storage

• Purchase pepper spray through a professional distributor to ensure quality.
• Store at room temperature.
• Keep away from sun light or heat over 120 degrees.
• Shake the container regularly.
• Replace after the product expires.

Do you have questions regarding the carrying and use of pepper spray?

Contact:

Kim Bogadi
Oak Creek Police Department
Community Resource Office
301 West Ryan Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154
414-766-7623 :: 414-766-6688 (FAX)
kbogadi@oakcreekwi.org

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