NSW police to get capsicum gas

SYDNEY — The Capsicum Gas Monitoring Committee, which has done extensive international research into the use of this chemical weapon, has condemned the announcement by state police minister, Paul Whelan, that capsicum gas would be introduced into the arsenal of NSW police.

The committee's research has revealed that the description of the gas as a defensive non-lethal weapon is inaccurate, and that there is no evidence to suggest that police shootings have been reduced as a result of the introduction of the gas. Studies in the US and Canada have found that 24% of victims became more aggressive after exposure to the gas, and that in 53% of cases the gas was found to be ineffective.

Peter O'Brien from the committee said, "police claim the weapon is non-lethal, however overseas experience shows that the weapon in many cases causes injury, even death. Over 60 deaths have been attributed to the gas over the last five years."

Cassandra Bennett, also from the committee, said: "Experience in the US and more recently in Victoria suggests the gas won't replace firearms; rather it will become a means of unaccountable mistreatment by police. Unlike other police weapons, the gas can be used to cause pain and injury without leaving obvious evidence. Police in the US regularly use the gas against unarmed student protesters, picketers, prisoners and the homeless."

Although justifying use of the gas as an alternative to firearms, NSW police will be issued with both.

For more information about the campaign to stop the use of the gas, telephone Peter O'Brien on 9517 9380.

From GLW issue 299