### Proposed Restrictions on Pepper Spray Usage in NYC Jails
A recent legislative initiative presented to the [New York City Council](https://www.foxnews.com/category/us/new-york-city) seeks to tighten control over the use of pepper spray by correction officers in the city’s correctional facilities.
### Details of the New Legislation
This bill, brought forward on Thursday by Democrat Councilwoman Sandy Nurse, chair of the criminal justice committee, stipulates that correction officers must first secure approval from their tour commander before deploying high-pressure oleoresin capsicum sprays—commonly referred to as pepper spray—on inmates unless an emergency arises.
Councilwoman Tiffany Cabán also co-sponsored this proposal but it was reportedly not discussed during Thursday’s council meeting, as noted by [the New York Post](https://nypost.com/2024/08/17/us-news/nyc-council-bill-would-severely-limit-pepper-spray-use-in-jails/) .
Under these new regulations, pepper spray can only be employed in “emergency situations where a delay poses an immediate risk of death or serious injury or significantly undermines the safety and security of the facility.”
### Concerns from Correction Officers’ Union
The city’s union representing correction officers has voiced strong opposition to this bill, arguing that it endangers both staff and inmates alike. Benny Boscio, president of the union, emphasized that properly utilized chemical agents tend to create a safer environment than relying solely on physical confrontations.
Inviting Councilmember Nurse and supporters of this legislation for a hands-on experience with gang-affiliated inmates in a housing unit could provide them perspective on why corrections personnel feel they need access to chemical agents under duress.
In his comments, Boscio highlighted previous hearings where female officers shared harrowing accounts of sexual assaults endured while on duty. He stated that those advocating for limitations should recognize that chemical agents are integral tools used exclusively during emergencies requiring urgent intervention for all parties involved.
### Legislative Context and Statistics
Despite opposing views expressed by some officials—with Republican Minority Leader Joe Borelli humorously asserting confidence that such legislation is more likely to exacerbate officer vulnerabilities—the introduction stemmed from criticism directed at an excessive reliance on chemical enforcement measures within detention facilities.
In February’s report released by a board overseeing city jails operations criticized these practices extensively. The findings revealed an alarming trend: there were approximately 2,972 recorded incidents involving pepper spray within just ten months into 2023—a nearly 50% surge compared with similar data from 2018’s corresponding timeframe.
Moreover, reports indicated glaring challenges regarding improper deployment protocols: in October alone there were instances wherein officers used pepper spray against mentally ill individuals without consulting mental health professionals as mandated—and cases involving mistakes such as spraying individuals attempting self-harm without taking immediate corrective actions first.
This proposed regulation follows another significant piece of legislation passed last December aimed at minimizing solitary confinement methods utilized within jails; however plans faced obstruction when Mayor Eric Adams issued an emergency executive order blocking key aspects just prior its implementation phase commenced.
