The New York City Council is considering a new proposal that would restrict the use of pepper spray by correction officers in city jails. The bill, introduced by Democrat Councilwoman Sandy Nurse, would require officers to obtain authorization before using pepper spray on inmates, except in emergency situations.
The proposal has sparked controversy, with the city’s correction officers union warning that limiting the use of pepper spray could put both officers and inmates at risk. The union’s president, Benny Boscio, argued that deploying chemical agents is often safer than using physical force in volatile situations.
The bill comes in response to a report criticizing the Department of Correction’s “overreliance on chemical agents.” The report found a significant increase in pepper spray incidents in city jails, including cases where pepper spray was used on mentally ill inmates without consulting mental health staff.
This proposal follows a previous bill to restrict the use of solitary confinement in jails, which was blocked by Mayor Eric Adams. The debate over the use of pepper spray in city jails continues to be a contentious issue, with both sides advocating for the safety and well-being of both officers and inmates.
