In what scenarios should you avoid deploying OC spray on a moving suspect?

• A. In open outdoor spaces with no bystanders.
• B. In crowded indoor areas with limited ventilation.
• C. When decontamination may be compromised, or if the suspect is at risk of losing balance or injuring others, or in tight spaces.
• D. When the suspect is cooperating.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is safety and control when using OC spray in dynamic situations. Deploying OC spray on a moving suspect is risky because spray drift and poor aim become big problems as the person moves, increasing the chance of unintended exposure to bystanders, others nearby, or you. If the environment makes decontamination difficult, the effects linger longer and people have a harder time cleaning up, which compounds exposure risks. In tight spaces, there’s little room for dispersion, so concentrations can be higher and exposure more problematic for everyone nearby. If the suspect could lose balance or injure themselves or others during or after a spray, the situation can quickly spiral out of control. That combination of exposure risk, decontamination challenges, and potential for injury is why this scenario is avoided.

The other options describe conditions that are less problematic or not specific to the risks of a moving suspect. Open outdoor spaces with no bystanders reduce exposure risk, and a cooperative suspect doesn’t typically necessitate OC spray. Crowded indoor areas with limited ventilation present challenges, but the key safety concerns are already captured by the scenario focusing on movement, balance, and tight spaces.