If OC spray is used on a suspect who then flees or hides, which steps should you take?

• A. Continue pursuit regardless of risk to others.
• B. Notify dispatch only after contact is re-established.
• C. Decontaminate immediately without pursuing.
• D. Maintain pursuit if safe and authorized by policy; avoid further exposure; notify dispatch; provide decontamination and medical evaluation if captured.

Answer: (D)

When OC spray has been used, the priority is to control the threat while keeping everyone safe and following policy. The best approach is to continue pursuit only if it can be done safely and within department guidelines, avoid exposing bystanders or officers to additional spray, immediately notify dispatch about the deployment and the pursuit, and, if the suspect is eventually captured, ensure prompt decontamination and medical evaluation. This sequence keeps the scene under control, reduces ongoing exposure, and ensures the suspect receives appropriate care as soon as contact is re-established. It also emphasizes that pursuit isn’t automatic at any cost, and that coordination with dispatch and timely decontamination are essential parts of handling OC spray use.