How should multiple suspects be handled when OC is deployed?

• A. Flee the scene.
• B. Deploy OC to all suspects at once.
• C. Contain and de-escalate; minimize exposure to non-targets; use back-up and sequencing to manage threats safely.
• D. Ignore safety protocols.

Answer: (C)

When OC is deployed in a scene with multiple suspects, the priority is containment and de-escalation while protecting bystanders. The best approach is to contain the area, de-escalate where possible, minimize exposure to non-targets, and use backup and a sequencing plan to manage threats safely—addressing suspects one at a time and at controlled distances until compliance is achieved. This reduces collateral exposure and injuries and allows for safer arrests. Fleeing the scene doesn’t resolve the threat or protect others; deploying OC to all suspects at once increases risk to bystanders and non-targets; ignoring safety protocols is dangerous.