In response to a recent media report on OC spray, I would like to set out the facts on the use of OC (Capsicum spray) by Tasmania Police officers.

The safety of the public and our officers is a priority and I can assure the community that the OC product issued to officers is both reliable and effective.

In 2011 Tasmania Police gradually replaced its stocks of OC spray with a new product, which is currently in general operation.

Since then a new generation of OC spray has become available.  It contains the same consistent quantity of OC mixture as the existing product and has the capability to be deployed from any angle.

The existing product cannot be deployed if the can is upside down or sideways.  Officers are trained to deploy the spray from the upright position and this will continue with the new product.

The new spray will be issued to the Districts to supplement and gradually replace existing stocks.  There is no issue with the reliability of the existing product.

Phil Wilkinson
Assistant Commissioner