I'm sure that the answer to my question may depend on state laws, but I would like to know your opinion. I am looking at this issue from the standpoint of an employee that reads his/her employee handbook which states that weapons are not allowed in the premises.
Do you think that the employee would be safe carrying OC spray without compromising his/her job? I personally would consider some knives and all firearms weapons, but I don't think that OC spray/Mace is.
I'm going to say "maybe/maybe not". At my wife's work,a hospital, staff is expected to come and go at all hours of the day and night. They have a strict no weapons policy. But just about every female and many males carry some form of pepper spray.
As you sorta mentioned, it depends on the laws, work rules and local ordinances. Some say it’s a non-lethal weapon whereas others’ say it’s a non-lethal device. When I venture into weapon restricted areas, I carry my OC and I don’t worry about the hair-splitting.
I've had this talk with my partner before. I consider it more of a tool rather than a weapon, but I'm sure our employer would have a different opinion.
The word weapon, really only applys to user intent of an object, or in this case, substance. So yes, if you carry it for defense against other people, it's a weapon. But then again so are your car keys that you put in your pocket every day, or t tightly rolled newspaper or magazine. If you wear a necktie or shoes with hard soles, or a hot cup of coffee, or have an ink pen, get the idea? But to answer your question, if you carried a key chain version, I doubt you will have any problems, but company policies usually are not written by warrior class people, and as such may have loopholes.
In SOME locations, YES. In Europe it is considered a DEADLY WEAPON. A few years ago a F1 driver got busted ( France?) and was facing hard time. Don't remember the outcome.
I agree but at the same time if you had martial arts training then you and your whole body could be a weapon...so....with that being said, you yourself wouldn't be allowed to work at said location per you being a weapon and NOT allowed on the premises. Do you see how absurd/ridiculous it all gets??
Technically speaking, OC spray should be carried for defensive purposes only,therefore it should not be considered a weapon. In the hands of a criminal however, it could be used as a weapon. Lots of differences in technicalities and legalities. Where things come together on the terms and definitions of a "weapon" pretty much rely solely on the person's intent whom carries the device and the laws regarding such activities in your area. OC spray doesn't seem to fit the criteria of being a weapon at all, but realize that it is illegal to carry or employ in some places. Weapons in general are considered to be lethal instruments. OC spray could be lethal if used on persons with certain respiratory problems or diseases. Then there are the rules and regulations involved as to where you are at the time. Every person in this world has the unmistakable right to self defense, and should be able to defend themselves at any time. There are those however that would place your life and your ability to defend yourself from attack at the bottom of the list after all of their corporate or legislative trivialities. Stick close to your principles, and weigh each situation according to risk involved. It should never come to risking your job in order to be ready to save your life. But sometimes it's the twisted way of the world to be dominated by others in our thoughts and everyday lives that causes us to focus less on what's most important sometimes. Living until we die of natural causes. The answer to your question is within you and nobody else has the answer. I'd never suggest bending any rules, or making a conscious decision to circumvent the law and do what you please.......but rely on your own foundation of what you know to be truth and right and wrong. Stay alive.
It's a tool, which a person can use either defensively or offensively. Much like a butter knife, a firearm, a baseball bat, a screwdriver, a rock, a lamp, or one's own hand/foot/knee/elbow. IMO, it's only the fearful states that delude themselves with feel-good legislation demonizing sprays that end up brainwashing its people that such a tool IS a weapon. It's just a tool. But it is the criminal nature of acts that make it a given tool an offensive weapon. My $0.02.
While many thing may be "tools", once deployed in defense or attack, they by definition become a weapon.
To my knowledge, oc has no other recognized use but defense or attack.
Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary
weap'on
3. any means of attack or defense
I know that using spray in a situation that is unwarranted will see charges of "aggravated assault" brought against whoever uses it illegally, which usually implies that a weapon of some sort was used.
If I take a plastic cup and jam the rim of it into your face and knock your teeth out in a fight, it becomes a weapon.
If I take a broom and pop knots all over your head with it the broom becomes a weapon.
Of course neither one is a weapon. When it is used as a weapon, it becomes a weapon but almost anything can be used as a weapon. A pillow can be used as a weapon if you try to smother someone with it.
What exactly is a weapon? Whatever the Judge in your area thinks it is.
I'd say a woman can get away with having pepper spray / mace in her purse regardless of company policy.
Mace has the same practical problems as tasers ... you lose your ability to manage multiple perps, and taking mace in the face isn't much of a deterrent IMHO.
A purse is sort of a sanctuary. A little Kel Tec would make a nice addition to the ol' handbag, and who's going to know at work?
well, it isnt lethal. But one of the worst/ painful experiences in my life. We all had to take it in a Z pattern across the eyes and nose. I highly recomend Sabre Red w/ CS. the CS is instant and overpowering. I try to aviod the "cone" pattern and go for the "stream" the cone comes out as a mist and usually blows back in your face. plus the stream give you alittle more range. "foam" can be wiped off easier, but it all burns like hell.
I would never rely on or let my spouse rely on OC spray/pepper spray/mace. It might deter you average loser. But what if you run into someone like me? I used to mace myself at parties. I was 54-B NBC in the Army. I saw the inside of the CS chamber more than once....with little to mo effect.
Yes, OC spray is considered to be a LTL weapon.
OK to use defensively in most places and a felony to use offensively.
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