CS Spray Probe

Police were justified in using CS spray on a man at the Victoria hospital - but officers need detailed guidance, according to watchdogs.

A 26 year old man attacked police at the hosptial in October last year after he'd passed out in a police van - an officer then used the spray to control him.

The Police Commissioner says it was right the spray was used, given the threat the man posed to the public and NHS staff.

But that Fife Division did not have detailed guidance on how to manage exposure of the spray at hopitals, and better guidelines around the use and storage of CS spray.

The Commissioner commented: “Although the use of CS spray in this situation was appropriate in order to alleviate the risk presented to the public, careful consideration should be given as to how exposure to CS spray is managed when it proves necessary to use it within a hospital environment.  Police Scotland should take steps to consolidate procedure across the country and work with the NHS to ensure its staff are clear on what actions require to be taken following the discharge of CS spray”. 
 
A second investigation report published today involved the use of CS spray to subdue a 44 year old man at a petrol station in Aberdeenshire on 12 November 2014.  As officers tried to arrest the man, who was wanted in relation to outstanding warrants, he got into his vehicle and an ensuing struggle resulted in an officer’s hand being trapped in the door.  The officer managed to open the door, release his hand and discharge his CS spray at the man.  The man then drove out of the garage at speed, was pursued by police and later arrested at a residential address.  
 
In her investigation findings the Commissioner concluded that the use of CS spray was justified given the danger the officer found himself in, but noted that more careful management of the situation could have alleviated the risk to the officers in attendance.