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1240/5(1856)
QUESTION TO BE ASKED OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY 13th MAY 2003, BY SENATOR C.G.P. LAKEMAN
Question
In the 2002 report of the Jersey Police Complaints Authority, which was presented to the States on 29th April 2003, there are three instances of complaints relating to the use of CS spray.
Will the President inform the Assembly –
( a ) of the injuries sustained?
( b ) if the persons involved were subsequently charged with a criminal offence? and,
( c ) w hether a claim for compensation has been made in relation to any of these incidents? Answer
Firstly, it is necessary to correct any mistaken impression that the States of Jersey Police use CS Gas.
None of the three instances of complaints to which the Senator refers, relate to the use of CS Gas. The personal protective equipment used by the States of Jersey Police is in fact a CS Spray. To clarify further, the liquid stream, propelled by nitrogen in the canister, contains the CS crystals in a solvent solution. There is no gas effect when the equipment is used, it is highly directional and the effects of the CS generally wear off within 15-20 minutes when correct de-contamination procedures are followed. All officers authorised to carry CS are trained in these procedures.
However, in response to the Senator's specific questions in relation to the use of CS spray:
( a ) In two of the three cases no injuries were sustained. In the third, an initial Doctor's report at the hospital
identified a reddening of both eyes', however following treatment, it was identified in a subsequent specialist eye report that there had been no permanent effect to either the patient's eyes or their sight.
( b ) One of the three was charged, one was warned to attend a Parish Hall enquiry and no action was taken
with respect to the third following a decision by the Law Officers.
H owever, it is important to point out that on 6 of the 12 occasions in 2002 in which the spray was used,
people were actually wielding knives at officers.
( c ) No claims for compensation have been received with regard to any of these incidents.