Section 2501.60  General Use of Chemical Agents

a)         Chemical agents may be justified under the following circumstances:

1)         When use of force is otherwise justified (Section 2501.40).

2)         When lesser means are unavailable or inadequate.

b)         Prior to the use of any chemical agent when time and circumstances reasonably permit, the committed youth against whom it is to be directed shall be warned that chemical agents may be used.

c)         The use of chemical agents shall be authorized by the Chief Administrative Officer.

d)         When time and circumstances permit, committed youth other than those against whom the chemical agents are directed shall be removed from the area before the chemical agents are used.

e)         The amount of chemical used and means of dispersal shall be limited to that necessary to achieve the purpose for which the chemical is being used.

f)         Prior to and following the use of chemical agents, precautionary measures which are reasonable under the circumstances shall be taken to limit the noxious side effects of the chemical agents.

g)         Notwithstanding anything else in this Section to the contrary, oleocapsicum (commonly known as pepper mace or OC) may be used without warning.

h)         Nothing contained in this Section shall allow chemical agents to be used contrary to the provisions of Section 2501.70 when a committed youth refuses to leave his room.