OC was introduced to law enforcement in which year?

• A. 1972
• B. 1976
• C. 1986
• D. 1996

Answer: (B)

This question tests the historical point at which oleoresin capsicum spray, commonly called OC spray or pepper spray, was first introduced to law enforcement as a less-lethal option. OC spray was developed and tested in the mid- to late-20th century, and agencies began adopting it in the 1970s to provide a non-violent means to control suspects while reducing injuries from more violent force. The widely cited introduction year is 1976, when OC spray started to be deployed in law enforcement and incorporated into training and equipment inventories. The other years don’t align with the established introduction timeline: 1972 is earlier than the typical initial adoption, while 1986 and 1996 come after the initial roll-out and reflect later spread or refinement rather than the first introduction.