The Pros and Cons of Pepper Spray

Like anything else, pepper spray is just one self-defense “tool” in your toolbox. It is not a magical solution that will solve every self-defense scenario, and should not be relied upon as such. Listed below are some pros & cons based on my 23 plus years in law enforcement.

Pros:

• Pepper spray is portable and can easily be carried on your person or in a woman’s handbag. It is also easy to conceal,
• Pepper spray is generally non-lethal and does not have any long lasting effects. It can end an attack without the use of physical force or violent action.
• Pepper spray is relatively easy to use and does not take years of training to effectively deploy it.
• Pepper spray is easily available for purchase.

Cons:

• Pepper spray does not work on everyone. I have personally fought with people who it did not effect whatsoever. This can be due to mental illness or altered states of mind from narcotics. Many people can also just fight through its effects (we are trained to do so).
• Pepper spray can be difficult to deploy under stressful violent conditions. The target area is small (mainly the eyes) and they may be wearing glasses or a mask that will interfere and/or negate it effects.
• Pepper spray runs a huge risk for over contamination. Under stress, people who are not trained tend to empty the canister when they deploy it. They generally do not use it in the directed fashion of a small controlled targeted burst. This means that everyone in the area suffers the effects. It may even incapacitate the person who deploys it.
• Deploying pepper spray has legal ramifications. You may be called up on to justify your actions. Many people's "logic trains" don’t go this far. They just believe that if they are attacked or threatened they will “spray them” and everything will be right with the world.

As I stated above, pepper spray has its place in the world. But like anything else, you should approach self-defense reasonably and not count on pepper spray as the magic solution.

 Another self-defense tool that I highly recommend for your toolbox is the MUNIO.  It is small, unobtrusive and has a non-threatening appearance. It passes through security checkpoints without any issues. It fits in a woman’s handbag or your pocket, so it can always be with you. The MUNIO also gives you an advantage over empty hand techniques in that it can be used as a flail or a force multiplier. The cost is very reasonable for the benefit it provides. All in all, a very versatile and effective tool that you should not be without.