Which ethical principles guide OC spray use?

• A. Use the most force available to end encounters quickly.
• B. De-escalation is optional and can be skipped.
• C. Apply de-escalation as the first option, use minimum necessary force, protect life and safety, and thoroughly document decisions.
• D. Documentation is unnecessary if the suspect complies.

Answer: (C)

Ethical OC spray use centers on de-escalation as the first option, applying only the minimum force necessary, protecting life and safety, and thoroughly documenting decisions. De-escalation first helps reduce harm and often prevents the need for any force, allowing for safer outcomes. Using only the minimum necessary force ensures actions are proportional to the threat and minimizes injury to everyone involved. The duty to protect life and safety guides every choice, prioritizing preservation of life and the safety of the public, the person involved, and responders. Thorough documentation creates a clear record of why decisions were made, what actions were taken, and the outcomes, which supports accountability, legal review, and training improvements. Choosing maximum force to end encounters quickly contradicts proportionality and safety; treating de-escalation as optional undermines safety and trust; and skipping documentation leaves an accountability gap, making it hard to review and learn from the incident.