Starting next year, the National Police Agency will require police officers to carry pepper spray devices made with pepper liquid. The goal is to provide officers with a more moderate yet effective option while on duty, in addition to using firearms. Some have questioned whether such sprays are actually effective, so the National Police Agency conducted a direct and intense test, allowing officers to experience being sprayed and filming the process. The results showed that pepper spray does have a temporary deterrent effect against attacks.
When police officers encounter close-range threats or attacks while on duty, they will have a new option in the future. Pepper spray made with pepper liquid can be sprayed toward a suspect’s eyes, causing severe pain and tearing, distracting the suspect and giving police an opportunity to make an arrest. Starting next year, pepper spray will be carried by police officers on duty, providing more options when facing close-range threats where it is uncertain whether firing a gun is appropriate. The temporary inability to open the eyes or see ahead slows the suspect’s movements. Some have questioned whether this equipment is useful, so the National Police Agency conducted an actual test and filmed the process to directly show its effect. Since the use of firearms in law enforcement can easily cause controversy, the National Police Agency introduced this new method in hopes of giving officers more options while better protecting their rights and safety.