What is the minimum warning protocol before deploying OC spray in most policies?

• A. A countdown on your fingers
• B. A whispered warning
• C. A clear verbal warning that you will deploy OC spray if the subject does not comply
• D. No warning required

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is to give a chance to comply before using OC spray. Policies expect de-escalation in principle, and a clear verbal warning that you will deploy OC spray if the subject does not comply communicates intent, provides an opportunity to stop noncompliant behavior, and supports a legitimate use-of-force decision. The warning should be audible, unambiguous, and delivered before spraying, so that both the subject and bystanders understand what will happen if commands aren’t followed. This approach helps reduce unnecessary harm and strengthens the justification for use if it becomes unavoidable.

A countdown on your fingers isn’t a reliable or standardized warning, a whispered warning can easily go unheard, and deploying without any warning bypasses de-escalation steps that most policies require.