Ian & Stuart's Australian Mac: Not for Sale/Another.not.for.sale (Australia).iso/no need to argue/New Police Weaponry _AP

Text File | 1994-03-26 | 58KB | 1,245 lines

Melbourne
   Victoria
      Australia


Capsicum Gas has been approved for use by the Victorian Police.  This is
after little (actually, NO) public consultation.  The government has been
clandestinely testing Capsicum on inmates in the city watchhouse

Funnily enough, this has a lot of people very concerned.  I imagine that
number will (_might_, public apathy being what it is) grow as our
glorious boys and girls in blue (most of them around the 18 y.o. mark)
start carrying those little shiny cylinders

Anyway, for those who missed it, here is a detailed report on Capsicum
Gas, along with some details tracking the evolution of the Victorian
police force since 1992

In Australia, aus.politics tends to be dominated by messages from a vocal
minority, whereas published details would suggest its actual readership
(silent readership) is well up in the thousands

I would welcome _followup_ posts from more people here in australia, as
well as comments from the alt. groups


Jon Holdsworth
---------------------------  Repost Begins ---------------------------

The following is the verbatim text of a document published and available
from the:
Coalition Against Repressive Police Equipment and Training,
based in Melbourne, Australia

Be warned, it is long!

It primarily concerns the intention by the State government in Victoria to
introduce Capsicum "Gas" as a police weapon, a prospect that frightens
many people.

It also contains factual reports on the widespread nature of police violence
in Australia

For details and for more information on these issues contact: Coalition
Against Repressive Police Equipment and Training, P.O. Box 222 Fitzroy,
VIC 3065, Australia

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capsicum Gas - Should the Police have another Weapon?
=====================================================

Prepared by Damien Lawson & Felicity Ruby for the
Coalition Against Repressive Police Equipment and Training

Acknowledgments:
This paper was prepared through the work of many people. The authors
wish to thank all of you, named and un-named. In particular thanks to:
Dimity Hawkins, Cath Keaney, Simon Corrigon, Chris Raab, Lou
Schetzer, Greg Smith, Steve Wright and J. P. Perry Robinson.

Published by Coalition Against Repressive Police Equipment and Training.
January 1994.



Contents

Introduction
1. Tear Gas
2. Capsicum Gas
  2.1 Damage to skin and nerves
  2.2 Damage to Respiratory System
  2.3 Damage to Eyes and Nose
  2.4 Injuries due to Ingestion
  2.5 A possible carcinogen
  2.6 Dangers for Women
  2.7 Potential Fatalities

3. Victoria Police testing of Capsicum Gas - Adequate?
4. Dangers to Police
5. Accountability of police in the use of their weapons.
6. Contravention of Biological Weapons Convention
7. Other Legal Issues
8. Do Police need weapons?
9. Recommendations

References

Appendix A.     Distributors and Manufacturers of Capsicum based
weapons.

Appendix B.     Selected Medical References on the affects of  Capsaicin

About C.A.R.P.E.T




Introduction

A police command conference was planned for January 20, 1994 to discuss
the introduction of extendable batons, capsicum gas and possibly other
weapons for use by the Victoria Police in routine operations.[ Begin
Footnote ] --- Sunday Age, January 9, 1994:6--- [ End Footnote ] These
decisions will be made away from the public eye, with an increase in police
armament not requiring a  change in law.

This means no Parliamentary or serious public discussion is required
before the police are armed with these weapons.

In the wake of the fatal shooting of two people by the Victoria Police, the
force is taking the opportunity to implement a program for increased
armament at a time when community concern regarding the responsible
use of weapons is high.

Of particular concern is the introduction of chemical weapons (tear gas,
capsicum gas, mace etc.) for routine use by the Victoria Police. Currently,
under the Control of Weapons Act (1990), tear gas can be used by the
police assault group, called the Special Operations Group (S.O.G.) and
specialist units in the Department of Corrective Services.  Overseas
experience shows that such agents despite their restricted use are extremely
dangerous and in some instances fatal.

As we discuss below, the type of gas the Police are currently considering,
OleoResin capsicum gas[ Begin Footnote ] --- The correct term for
capsicum gas should be capsicum aerosol. A gas is a chemical in gaseous
form and aerosol is made up of dispersed droplets of a chemical in liquid
form. As the police and media use this incorrect term we have have used it
to some extent in the interests of understanding by the reader.--- [ End
Footnote ], is particularly harmful and if used, would pose grave dangers to
both the police and the community.

There is extensive medical evidence that describes the horrific effects such
a gas would have on those it would be used against. People suffering
asthma,  other respiratory disorders and heart problems are particularly at
risk of serious injury or death. There is ample proof that capsaicin, the
active chemical in the gas, causes long term to permanent damage to the
nervous system. People with skin and/or eye disorders would also be at risk
of sustaining permanent injuries (see Appendix B).

Given the widespread problems of accountability within the Victoria
Police, particularly in their use of force, the introduction of another weapon
will lead to increased, harassment, injury, and possible death of citizens at
the hands of the police.



The use of chemical weapons by the police poses a number of legal
questions for the police force and the Victorian and Federal Government.
The use of such a toxin is banned under the Biological Weapons
Convention, to which Australia is a signatory. The introduction of
capsicum gas would require an exemption for the police from the Control
of Weapons Act (1990).

 Current trends in policing around the world and in Victoria are towards
an increasingly militarised form of organisation and practice and away
from a community policing model.

[ Begin Footnote ] --- The recent  baton attack on people demonstrating
about the closure of Richmond Secondary College is one such example.
Senior police described the operation as "para-military" (Herald Sun Dec.
14, 1993), and the operation is the subject of inquiry by the Deputy
Ombudsman (Police Complaints);
Police use of riot gear in Western Australia to close down a party, shows
such trends are not restricted to Victoria (The West Aust. Dec 27, 1993).
For a discussion of these and other issues see: 1989. The Case Against
Para-military Policing, University of Indiana Press, Bloomington; BSSRS,
1985. TechnoCop: New Police Technologies, Free Association Books,
London; Cunneen, C. 1985. 'A Garrison State: The Police in Arms', Arena
71:67-89. Mike Davis 1990. City of Quartz; Hocking, J. 1993. Beyond
Terrorism: The Development of the Australian Security State, Allen &
Unwin, Sydney.--- [ End Footnote ]

The use of chemical weapons by the Victoria Police is one aspect of this
general trend.

The decision to introduce the use of chemical weapons for operational
duties will be made at a Ministerial level. The lack of parliamentary and
public discussion on this issue, combined with senior police statements to
the media, make the arming of police with such chemical weapons almost
inevitable, unless people are prepared to ask questions and raise their
voices in opposition to increasing police armament. This report is designed
to inform and empower people to do just that.



1. Tear Gas

Tear Gas is the generic term for chemical irritants designed to incapacitate
people, generally by attacking their eyes, mucous membranes (nose etc)
and respiratory system. The common forms of tear gas, sometimes referred
to as "mace" include CN, CS and CR.[ Begin Footnote ] --- CN stands for
1-chloroacetephenone; CS stands for 2-chlorobenzylidene; CR stands for
dibenz(b:f)-1:4 oxazepine.--- [ End Footnote ] These agents were first
developed in the British military laboratory Porton Down,  for use by
soldiers in Northern Ireland.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Wright, S. 1991. 'The
New Technologies of Political Repression: A New case for arms control',
Philosopy and Social Action 17(3-4):31-62.--- [ End Footnote ] There is
currently discussion on including chemical incapacitants in the
international Chemical Weapons Convention. Many governments are
reluctant to include such weapons in the Convention because of pressure
from the increasing number of police forces wishing to use them.  Given,
the effects of these chemical irritants it is clear that such agents should be
considered as chemical weapons.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Dr Matthew
Meselson, Banning non-lethal chemical incapicitants in the Chemical
Weapons Convention, Committee for National Security, Washington.--- [
End Footnote ]

In Victoria current use of such gas is restricted to the Special Operations
Group (S.O.G) and prison cell clearance teams from the Department of
Corrective Services.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Peter Baker. 1991. 'Chemical
weapons in Victoria's prisons', Hearsay (28) Feb-March: 6-7.--- [ End
Footnote ] Both these units use CS80 gas, either dispensed in grenade form
or from hand-held aerosols.[ Begin Footnote ] --- The Special Operations
Group and the Office of Corrections obtain their CS80 chemical weapons
from the Australian distributor, Modern Law Enforcement Equipment, 666
Nepean Hwy, Frankston. Tel. No: 787 9877.--- [ End Footnote ] Apart,
from use in prisons and hostage situations, the gas has  been used on
occasion in industrial disputes and demonstrations.[ Begin Footnote ] ---
Known cases of 'Mace' use by the police, in these contexts, include:
spraying BLF workers while they occupied a high crane at a building site
and in the dispersal of  peace activists at the U.S military base, Nurrungar
in 1989 by the South Australian police.  see Wilson, I., Netty, A. &
Tempany, K. 1990. 'Protestors and police - can they be friends' Chain
Reaction, 61:38-40.--- [ End Footnote ]

Despite armaments companies' and security forces' description of such
weapons as "non-lethal", in "extreme concentrations or in closed spaces,
these chemical agents can prove lethal. Some courts, therefore, consider
their use as constituting 'deadly force'".[ Begin Footnote ] --- American
Correctional Association, Riots and Disturbances in Correctional
Institutions: a discussion of causes, preventive measures and methods of
control, College Park, Maryland: 29--- [ End Footnote ] Much of the use by
the police and nearly all of the use by the Department of Corrective
Services is "in closed spaces" making such weapons all the more
dangerous. As the American Correctional Association points out in its
guidelines for prisons, these compounds are "highly irritating, and in
closed environments [have] the potential to cause serious medical damage
to inmates".[ Begin Footnote ] --- American Correctional Association,
Guidelines for the Development of Policies and Procedures: Adult
Correctional Institutions, 1991 August.--- [ End Footnote ]



Exposure to tear Gas (CS, CN, CR) produces:

* extreme burning of the eyes;
* sneezing;
* copious flow of tears;
* uncontrollable coughing;
* difficulty breathing;
* tightening of the diaphragm;
* involuntary closing of the eyes;
* painful burning of mucus membranes and moist areas of skin;
* running nose;
* nausea and vomiting;
* an intense need for fresh air.

While some of these reactions can be treated after removal from the
contaminated area and the administering of medical treatment, many of the
injuries can have long lasting to permanent effects. Victims of a chemical
weapons attack, especially if exposed to the agents for a long period of
time, can sustain fatal injuries.

People with respiratory problems such as asthma - in Australia over 10%
of the population - are particularly in danger.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Asthma
Foundation, personal communication.--- [ End Footnote ] People with
heart conditions would also face a grave threat.[ Begin Footnote ] --- The
likelihood of someone with a serious heart condition being exposed to tear
gas is illustrated by the recent Richmond Secondary College dispute.
Following a police baton attack one woman had a heart attack.  The
Richmond dispute is a situation in which police might consider using tear
gas.--- [ End Footnote ] There is some evidence that exposure to such gases
can create respiratory illnesses, similar to asthma, even where a victim has
not previously suffered such illnesses.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Hu, H. & D.
Christiani. Reactive airways dysfunction after exposure to teargas, Lancet
V. 339, 1992 (June): 1535. --- [ End Footnote ]

The use of such weapons creates a further threat to bystanders of incidents
in which police use these weapons. Chemical agents cannot choose their
targets and the accuracy of the police who target such weapons will depend
on weather conditions and the context in which it is used. If tear gas is
introduced for routine use, will children and adults walking along the
street, and even the police themselves become victims of a chemical
weapons attack?

As discussed above, currently chemical weapons are frequently used in
prisons. Prisoners are particularly in danger of serious injury because of the
enclosed environments in which such weapons are used and because of the
lack of scrutiny of prison officers' actions. Plans for privatisation of
Victoria's prisons will exacerbate such problems. In New South Wales,
within three months of Junee Private Prison's opening last year, chemical
weapons were used against the inmates.

Police are now considering the use of capsicum gas which has the capacity
to cause similar and even worse injuries.

1.1 Recommendation:

1.1.1 That regular judicial reviews of the activities of specialist squads,
such as the S.O.G, should occur. These reviews should call for public
comment and the findings be made public. The first review should include
within its objectives an examination of the use of chemical weapons by the
Special Operations Group, the Department of Corrective Services, and any
other government organisation.



2. Capsicum Gas

Capsicum based chemical weapons have been around for a long time
(since the 1920's[ Begin Footnote ] --- Personnal communication from
Julian Perry Robinson, Science Policy Research Unit, Sussex university.---
[ End Footnote ]), but have only in recent years been promoted by weapons
manufacturers and distributors as an alternative to other chemical agents.
The majority of manufacturers and distributers are based in the United
States (see appendix A).

Currently capsicum based chemical weapons are banned in Victoria under
the Control of Weapons Act. Last year a Melbourne business man, Peter
Haydon, attempted to market a capsicum-based spray as an anti-rape
weapon. He was unsuccessful in obtaining an exemption from the Control
of Weapons Resolutions (1990), as the police saw the substance as a
dangerous weapon.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Herald Sun, January 5, 1993: 2.---
[ End Footnote ] Larger security companies, however, seem to be on the
brink of finding a new market for the product; the Victoria Police.

Over the last year Grycol International[ Begin Footnote ] --- Grycol
International, Australian office, 344 Botany Rd, Beaconsfield, NSW 2015.
Tel. No: [phone].--- [ End Footnote ] has been aggressively
marketing OleoResin Capsicum gas to Australia's police forces, prisons
and the security industry. At a recent "seminar" in Sydney, attended by
police and security personnel, the use of the new weapon was demonstrated
on volunteer "victims". Bert DuVernay, training coordinator with the
Smith & Wesson Training Academy was flown out from the United States
to talk about the "benefits" of such agents.[ Begin Footnote ] --- 'Increasing
Options with non-lethal force', Security Today V.2(5) 1993. see appendix
B for other capsicum gas manufacturers and marketers.--- [ End Footnote ]
It is this particular weapon which senior Victoria Police are planning to
introduce into operational duties.

Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is the active chemical
ingredient in red peppers, or capsicums. It is this chemical which is
responsible for the burning taste in chillies and the pain if it gets into eyes
or a cut finger while cooking. It is extremely toxic. When shipped to
Australia by Sigma Pharmaceutical, a large medical company, it is not
moved in a powder form like other drugs, but must be moved in wax coated
blocks.  Workers in the pharmaceutical factory wear gas masks, body suits
and gloves.  When used as a chemical weapon in gas form, the capsaicin is
dissolved in an oleo resin, or an oil based solvent, which is propelled
through an aerosol.

Poisons experts believe that, despite the claims of senior police, chemical
weapons containing capsaicin are as dangerous as, if not more lethal than
other chemical irritants. There has been extensive medical research into
this toxin (see Appendix B.) which illustrate the dangerous injuries its use
would cause, in addition to those produced by other tear gas agents. Its full
effects are not known, and because of the adverse side affects, much of the
testing has been limited to animals.

The Assistant Commissioner for Training of the Victoria Police, Bill
Robertson, when  making public the plans for the introduction of capsicum
gas,  acknowledged some of the effects it would have on its victims, he said
"it has an effect on the eyes and the respiratory system". Indeed these are
seen as the benefits of the gas, making it "extremely effective" in retarding
movement.[ Begin Footnote ] --- The Age, January 5 1994:4--- [ End
Footnote ] However his brief description hardly touches on the short and
long term injuries such a gas would inflict on its victims.

When considering the extensive injuries capsicum gas would cause it is
important to think about how such a weapon will be used. There could be
several modes of delivery with canisters prepelling a fog of spray for short
range and another propelling a stream not unlike a water pistol for longer
range targets.  Even if the percentage of capsiacin in each cainster is as low
as 10%, the effects described below will result.  If there are extreme
dangers in its lawful use by police for legitimate ends, careful
consideration needs to be given to the dangers created by unlawful use by
the police.

What follows is a summary of some of the major medical conditions caused
by capsaicin:

2.1 Damage to skin and nerves

On application, capsaicin causes changes in the nerve responses, creating
intense pain, and/or numbness. It is this capacity to change the nerve
sensations which has led to its use in a mild form in some pharmaceutical
products, for treatment of quite specific disorders. However  there is
evidence that it causes  neurone (nerve cell) damage leading to continuing
and/or  nerve damage and consequent loss of normal sense (touch, heat,
pain etc.) perception by the skin.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- see for instance: Carpenter, S & B. Lynn. 1981.
'Vascular and sensory responses of human skin to mild injury after topical
treatment with capsaicin', British Journal of Pharmacology, Vol 73(1):754-
758; Berstein, J.E., Swift, R.M., Soltani, K. et al. 1981. 'Inhibition of axon
reflex vasodilation by topically applied capsaicin.',Journal of Investigative
Dermatology,76:394-395.--- [ End Footnote ]

Capsicum gas is designed to be sprayed on people's faces and because of
the oily resin, sticks to skin or clothes, and is difficult to remove. Apart
from the pain, burning, blistering and dermatitis of the skin,
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Burnett, J.W., 1989 'Capsicum pepper dermatitis',
Cutis,43:534.--- [ End Footnote ] the use of capsicum gas could create
conditions which would be dangerous for people with skin disorders. The
use of capsicum gas could lead to extensive damage to the sensory nervous
system.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- see Ganse, K., Lackner, B., Ganse, G. et al. 1981.
'Effect of capsaicin pretreatment on capsaicin-evoked release of substance
P from primary sensory neurons.' Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives
Pharmacology, 316: 38-41.--- [ End Footnote ]

People in prisons and police custody are regularly subject to strip searches.
If chemical weapons were used to subdue people while naked, which would
be lawful, they would receive extensive injuries.


2.2 Damage to Respiratory System

Inhalation of the agent leads to coughing, pulmonary irritation (lung
swelling), increased airway resistance and other severe respiratory
problems
[ Begin Footnote ] --- see Collier, J.G. & Fuller, R.W. 1984. 'Capsaicin
inhalation in man and the effects of sodium cronoglycate.' British Journal
of Pharmacology, 81:113-117; Winograd, N.L., 1977. 'Acute croup in an
older child: an unusual toxic origin.', Clinical Pediatry, 16:884-887.--- [
End Footnote ]
Blistering in the throat and mouth may also occur. It will either induce
severe asthma like symptoms or exacerbate present respiratory problems.

There is evidence that capsaicin will cause cell exfoliation in the lungs
(damage to cells in walls of lungs). Australia has one of the highest rate of
respiratory disorders, in the world. The use of capsicum gas on an
asthmatic may lead to serious or fatal consequences.

The mechanisms which cause such symptoms have not been established,
but treatment of the symptoms following inhalation would requires large
doses of opiates or local anathsetics such as 60mg of codeine
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Many people would be unable to be treated by this
drug due to allergies, and automatic treatment with coedine could prove
fatal, especially as the person may not be capable of supplying medical
information at the time.--- [ End Footnote ]
to address the pain caused by the spray. A dose of this size would need to
be prescribed and administered by a medical practitioner, and the patient
monitored in a heath care facility. A bronchodilator of some kind such as
pure oxygon or ventalin spray would address the respiratory symptoms,
which non-asthmatics do not carry and may not be readily available.
Police are not renowned for responding to requests for medical treatment
by people in their custody.

Capsaicin's attack on the respiratory system is what makes capsicum gas so
attractive as a chemical weapon. The spray  under consideration by the
police is designed to be sprayed in peoples faces, forcing them to inhale the
toxic chemical.


2.3 Damage to Eyes and Nose

Mucous membranes such as the nose, eyes and vulva are extremely affected
by capsaicin. When capsaicin comes into contact with the eyes, nose or
other mucous membranes it causes intense pain, and if administered for a
longer period of time will cause rashes or blistering and possible mucosal
bleeding.

Of particular concern is the effect on people with eye disorders.
Applications of capsaicin to the cornea (eye) produced changes in the fine
structures of the sensory neurones. Capsaicin has been shown to have
caused serious eye lesions when tested on animals.[ Begin Footnote ] ---
Shimizu, T. et al. 1987. 'Capsaicin-induced corneal lesions in mice and the
effects of chemical sympathectomy' Journal of Pharmacological Exp.
Theory, 243: 690-695.--- [ End Footnote ] Once again it is these dangerous
features of the chemical which make it so attractive to the police. Once
sprayed in the eyes the victim will find it impossible to see.


2.4 Injuries due to Ingestion

When swallowed capsaicin can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Taminack, R.L., & Spyker, D.A. 1987. 'Capsicum
and capsaicin-a review: case report of the use of hot peppers in child
abuse.' Clinical Toxicology, 25:591-601.--- [ End Footnote ]
 and gastric mucosal injury and bleeding inside the stomach.[ Begin
Footnote ] ---  Myers, B.M., Lacey Smith, J. & Graham D.Y. 1987. 'Effect
of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach', American Journal of
Gastroenterology, 82: 211-214.--- [ End Footnote ] There is also evidence
that chronic ingestion of capsaicin can lead to changes in blood
coagulation, leading to "thinning of the blood". This can reduce the ability
of wounds to heal.


2.5 A possible carcinogen

The possible carcinogenicity of capsaicin is currently the subject of
discussion within the scientific literature. A pre-cancerous condition has
been associated with the ingestion of capsaicin.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Burnett, J.W., 1989 'Capsicum pepper dermatitis',
Cutis,43:534.--- [ End Footnote ]  Testing into the possibilities of capsiacin
appications causing vulnerability to skin cancer would certainly be relevant
if it were to be used in an Australian context.


2.6 Dangers for Women

Testing of capsaicin on animals during pregnancy has lead to foetal growth
retardation, fewer matings and fewer pregnancies when tested in the first
few weeks of pregnancy.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Traurig, M., Saria, A., Leabeck F. 1984. 'The effects
of neonatal capsaicin treatment on growth and subsquent reproductive
function in the rat.'Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archival Pharmacology, 227:
254-259.--- [ End Footnote ]
This would suggest the use of capsaicin could pose particular dangers for
women. These dangers may not be restricted to problems associated with
pregnancy, but may affect women's health in general. It is not known what
effects this would have on children born by women, who have been
attacked with capsicum based weapons.


2.7 Potential Fatalities

Patients who have had topical treatment with capsaicin creams have had to
be hospitalised because of extreme pain. People have also experienced
severe hypotension or severe low blood pressure and shock as a result of
contact with this agent. When the body goes into shock, the heart must
work harder to pump blood through vessels that collapse.  Capsicum based
weapons could kill people by inducing similar problems. People with heart
conditions would be at even greater risk considering the stress placed upon
a heart undergoing hypertension, or high blood pressure.  When the body
goes into hypertension, the heart again, has to work harder, to push blood
through vessels that clamp up due to stress.  As we have already pointed
out, its effects on the respiratory system could also lead to fatalities.

As the above discussion indicates, the full effects of capsaicin are unknown
and are unlikely to be established in the near future. Based on the facts we
know now,  any decision to use capsicum gas weapons by the Victoria
Police would be consciously negligent and dangerous. The citizens of
Victoria should not be used as a "guinea pigs" in the testing of this
chemical weapon.



3. Victoria Police testing of Capsicum Gas - Adequate?

According to Mr Bill Robertson, Assistant Commissioner for Training, the
Victoria Police have been testing capsicum gas on police over the last year.
If the Victoria Police had adequately tested this agent and examined the
extensive medical literature on its effects, it would be reasonable to expect
that they would not consider its introduction. The public will certainly not
be satisfied by Mr Robertson's assurances  that 'We have used it at the
(police) academy on our own people and it is extremely effective at close
range and up to about 20 paces.  That is why I think it makes a very useful
intermediate step between baton and firearm.'
[ Begin Footnote ] --- The Age, January 5 1994: 4; Herald Sun, January 5,
1994:2.--- [ End Footnote ]

The Victoria police have not made public any documentation regarding
their testing of the weapon. Any adequate testing would require extensive
scientific tests by independent researchers, including hospitalisation and
close examination of the test subject (victim) prior to and following
exposure to the chemical agent. In addition the conditions and context in
which such weapons would be used, the training given to police and the
ability to provide immediate and long-term medical treatment, would all
have to be considered in any "testing" of the gas. As capsaicin has been
shown to have long term affects, even the above testing would not identify
all the problems the use of capsaicin weapons would create. Most of the
current medical analysis has looked at capsaicin's application to the skin.
Little is known about the way peoples bodies would absorb, process and
excrete such a chemical.

It is unclear to what extent police have carried out such tests, beyond
spraying a few unsuspecting police cadets at the academy. Danny Walsh,
Victoria Police Association Secretary, seemed to express doubts over the
adequacy of testing, when saying he would only support its introduction if
it had been "properly tested".[ Begin Footnote ] --- Herald Sun, January 5,
1993:2.--- [ End Footnote ]



4. Dangers to Police

Of course, all of the above dangers also apply to police.  The wearing of
gloves and gas masks by police officers would limit, but not completely
avoid contact with the gas. The limited information available relating to
how the gas would be used seems to indicate the police would not wear
protective clothing. The deployment of such a weapon in operational duties
make the chances of police injury quite high. The accidental discharge in a
station, car or while on foot patrol; the exposure of another officer or the
weapon carrying officer to the gas; the use of the gas by the offender police
are attempting to subdue are all hazardous situations likely to occur.


5. Accountability of police in the use of their weapons.

Apart from the serious injuries that victims of capsicum gas would sustain,
it seems certain that the introduction of such a weapon would give those
police who abuse their powers, another dangerous weapon. Any increase in
police armament should also see an increase in police accountability in the
use of such armaments. While the Victoria Police have vigorously
demanded new weapons, they have shown little recognition that such an
increase requires them to be more responsible to the community.

The Federation of Community Legal Centres Report into  Mistreatment by
Police 1991-92 summarised the problem, when discussing the
accountability of the police in the use of their weapons and equipment:

<Begin Quote>
There are no adequate accountability procedures in relation to the use by
the Victoria Police of various items of equipment carried by them as a
matter of course. Police must be held accountable for the use of handcuffs,
truncheons and other items used for detention or forceful arrest and entry.
These items have been provided to our police force as part of the
responsibility and privilege accorded to police officers because of their
unique role in society. The failure of successive governments to address
accountability of the police use of these items has allowed an attitude to
develop in the police force that police will not be held accountable for the
use of these items no matter how inappropriately they might be used. To be
unreasonably or properly detained in handcuffs or beaten by police batons
is a criminal offence regardless of whether the person carrying out the
action is or is not a police officer.[ Begin Footnote ] --- Biondo, S & D.
Palmer. 1993. Federation of Community Legal Centres: Report into
Mistreatment by Police 1991-92, Police Issues Group, FCLCV:56--- [ End
Footnote ]
<End Quote>

The above discussion of police equipment highlights problems that would
only be exacerbated if capsicum gas was introduced as an operational
weapon. In addition, given the short lifespan of the immediate capsicum
gas induced injuries it would be difficult to ascertain, without extensive
forensic examination, whether a person had been exposed to the gas or not.
The long term effects of the agent may also not be immediately apparent
without close medical analysis. In short, batons and other current police
equipment cause apparent injuries such as bruising, wounds or broken
bones; but injuries caused by capsicum gas and other chemical agents may
be undetectable after one to two hours.

As Greg Smith, from the Victorian Legal Aid Commission argues, this
would allow such gases to be unlawfully used to extract or induce
confessions, and/or to harass and assault people, with virtual impunity.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Sunday Age, January 9,1994:6.--- [ End Footnote ]



The mistreatment of people by many members of the police force is
widespread and there are numerous studies of maltreatment and the lack of
accountability by the police in their use of force.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- some reports on Police mistreatment include: Fiztroy
Legal Service. 1980. Police Mistreatment in Northcote; P. Lynch. 1988.
Complaints Against Police in Victoria the Need for Reform; D. Sandor &
C. Adler. 1989. Homeless Youth as Victims of Violence; Hirsch, C. 1989.
Forced Exit: A Profile of the Young and Homeless in Inner Melbourne.;
Settle, R. 1990. Police Power, Use and Abuse; FCLCV. 1991. Report into
Mistreatment of Young People by the Police.; Fitzroy Legal Service 1992.
Research Report into Complaints Made Against Police; Palmer, D. 1992.
The Rise and Rise of Complaints Against the Police.; Palmer, D. 1992.
Police, Prisons and Privacy Phone-in. Part I: The Police; Cunnen, C. 1990.
The Study of Aboriginal Juveniles and Police Violence. Moss, I. 1990.
Rascist Violence; the Report of the National Inquiry into Racist Violence
in Australia.; Kissane, K. 1990 (1991) A Culture of Race Hatred and Shoot
Now Apoligise Later.--- [ End Footnote ]

The Federation of Community Legal Centres study on police mistreatment
has shown that the major proportion of mistreatment by police takes place
in police stations (34%) and/or in peoples homes (23%), making scrutiny
of incidents of mistreatment by police, using chemical irritants, all the
more unlikely.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- see Table 3.2.3 Place of Incident in Biondo, S & D.
Palmer. 1993. Federation of Community Legal Centres: Report into
Mistreatment by Police 1991-92, Police Issues Group, FCLCV: 71.--- [ End
Footnote ]

Three case studies of mistreatment by police, in police stations, using
current police equipment, illustrate the potential dangers:


Case Study 1:

The complainant was severely bashed with a torch over the head whilst
handcuffed and was then subjected to six hours of systematic beatings at [a
suburban police station] until such time as he signed a statement. This
beating was so severe that the complainant suffered severe bruising,
internal injuries, concussion and a fractured skull, which have resulted in
ongoing mental, psychological and nervous disorders that have forced the
complainant onto sickness benefits.


Case Study 2:

The complainant was taken to [an inner city police station[ where he was
stripped searched, hit about the face with heavy belt and buckle, and then
handcuffed and laid on his back where he was kicked more than 20 times
in the testicles and upper body. As a result of this "interrogation" the
complainant suffered severe bruising to head and chest, and the bruising to
his groin was so severe that it was described as "blackened".


Case Study 3:

Another incident involved two officers from [an outer suburban station[.
The woman involved complained of being bashed over the head with a
baton whilst another male officer held her and bent her thumb back almost
to breaking point. One of the officers then taunted her with threats of
sexual assault.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Complainants obtained in Community legal centres
surveys of mistreatment by the police reported in Biondo, S & D. Palmer.
1993. Federation of Community Legal Centres: Report into Mistreatment
by Police 1991-92, Police Issues Group, FCLCV:37-38.--- [ End Footnote ]




The introduction of a new weapon readily available to the police and one
which can cause serious injury with little obvious evidence is certain to
increase the number of incidents of violence by police against people in
their custody.

Given the reluctance of victims of police mistreatment to report such
unlawful actions by the police, one must assume accounts such as those
described above are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Young people, Aboriginal people, people from non-English speaking
backgrounds, unemployed people and women are currently at great risk of
police violence. The introduction of capsicum gas or other chemical agents
will only increase the chances of them being the victims  of  assaults or
harassment at the hands of police.

At a time when Victoria Police are receiving increased police powers, such
as those contained in the recent Crimes (Amendment) Bill, in particular
the right to use force to take finger prints and extract body samples
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Crimes (Ammendment) Bill (No. 2); some of the
increased powers the bill gives police include: the use of force to obtain
fingerprints from people 15 years or over; the power to obtain blood and
other forensic samples without consent; and the power to require people to
give their name and address.--- [ End Footnote ],
and a burgeoning inventory of weapons, there is little capacity for the
independent scrutiny of their actions. Whilst the Victorian Government has
seen fit to increase police powers, they have done nothing to increase
police accountability. There are a number of mechanisms which need to be
put in place to insure increased accountability of the police. One measure,
which is crucial particularly if police are to receive new weapons such as
capsicum gas, is the development of an Independent Community Visitors
Scheme.


5.1 Recommendations:

5.1.1 That the Victoria Police cease all consideration of the use of
capsicum based weapons.

5.1.2 That the Deputy Ombudsman (Police Complaints) investigate the
process and decisions which lead the police to consider the use of such
weapons, and make her or his findings public.

5.1.3 That a community visitors scheme with powers to randomly visit
police stations be implemented throughout Victoria. The scheme shall give
community visitors the right to unimpeded freedom of movement
throughout the police station and have the legislative capacity to formally
report activities, circumstances and recommendations to the responsible
authorities for further investigation and action. To ensure unimpeded
access it should be a criminal offence for police to obstruct a community
visitor in the course of their duties.

5.1.4 That Police Standing Orders and Police Circular Memos be made
public documents.



6. Contravention of Biological Weapons Convention

Article I of the Biological Weapons Convention, of which Australia is a
signatory, states that parties undertake "never in any circumstances to
develop, produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain:

(1) Microbial or other biological agents, or toxins whatever their origin or
method of production, of types and in quantities that have no justification
for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes;

(2) Weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use such agents
or toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict."
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Biological Weapons Convention (1972)--- [ End
Footnote ]

While there is no definition of toxin in the agreement, the generally
accepted definition is chemicals or other dangerous derivatives of a plant
or animal origin. Indeed during the negotiation of the convention, the
United States delegation submitted a working paper to the conference. The
paper states, "Toxins are poisonous substances produced by biological
organisms including microbes, animals and plants"
[ Begin Footnote ] --- CCD/286, April 21, 1970 in letter from J.P Perry
Robinson, Senior Fellow, Science Policy Research Unit, University of
Sussex, England.--- [ End Footnote ]
No other party objected to this definition, and this is generally accepted as
the definition of a toxin, for the purposes of the convention, by the
international community.

The use, sale and/or production of capsicum gas in Australia would clearly
contravene the convention. Not only does this have international legal
implications in terms of its use by police, but it would seriously jeopardise
Australia's international standing as a "good international citizen".


6.1 Recommendation:

6.1.1 That the Federal Attorney General and Minster for Foreign Affairs
and Trade consider the implications of Australia's contravention of the
international Biological Weapons Convention (1970) and act to persuade
or prevent the Victorian Government and Police from contravening the
Convention by the use of biological weapons.



7. Other Legal Issues

Currently the use of chemical weapons is restricted under the Control of
Weapons Act(1990). The Control of Weapons Regulations (1990) define as
proscribed:

"(m) Any weapon from which any noxious liquid, noxious gas or other
noxious substance can be discharged and any ammunition which contains
any noxious liquid, noxious gas or other noxious substance."
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Control of Weapons Regulations (1990) Section 4.---
[ End Footnote ]

Currently specialist squads in the Department of Corrective Services and
the Victoria Police, namely Cell Clearance Teams and the Special
Operations Group, are exempt under order of the Governor in Council.
This is a decision made by a Minister or Cabinet and published in the
Government Gazette.

ANY DECISIONS, THEREFORE, ON A MAJOR INCREASE IN
POLICE ARMAMENT DO NOT REQUIRE ANY DISCUSSION IN
PARLIAMENT.
The implications for public scrutiny and involvement in decisions about
how the police are armed are obvious.

 Given the injuries that victims of the capsicum gas spray are likely to
receive it seems certain police will face civil litigation and/or criminal
charges if the weapon is introduced. The Assistant Commissioner
expressed the problem succinctly: 'We have to be certain...that we are not
being sued or in some way entertained by a litigation process for the use of
a spray which in some way has harmful side-effects which we didn't know
about at the time."
[ Begin Footnote ] --- The Age, January 5 1994:4.--- [ End Footnote ]


7.1 Recommendation:

7.1.1 That the Victorian Government not provide an exemption for any
person including the Victoria Police from Section 4(m) of the Victorian
Control of Weapons Regulations (1990).




8. Do Police need weapons?

This report has examined the dangers of a Victoria Police armed with
chemical weapons.  The severe health dangers, threats to human rights and
legal problems the use of capsicum gas would create, have been discussed.
The real issue, however, should not be whether the police need another
weapon, but rather whether they should have the ones they currently use.

Senior police responded to community outrage at two fatal shootings by
police, by arguing for the introduction of chemical weapons, rather than
examining the use of firearms by the police or other methods of resolving
conflict.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- With the help of the Police Media Liason Unit. The
Unit has a budget of over $1 million.--- [ End Footnote ]
Yet, it is the use of firearms and the manner in which the police interact
with the community which should be the issues police are addressing.
Crucial to the resolution of this police problem, are fundamental changes
in police training programs, with an emphasis on consensual policing
models rather than para-military action.

Victoria Police are notorious for their use of lethal force, with more
citizens killed by the police than in any other state in Australia.
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Fourteen people have been killed by the Victoria
Police since 1988. The number of  people killed in each other state by the
police is under four. Herald Sun, Jan. 5, 1994. --- [ End Footnote ]
"In the two years between 1987 and 1989 Victoria Police shot and killed
eleven citizens. In ten out of eleven shootings the deceased either did not
have a gun or did not have a gun capable of firing. Four of those shot and
killed were shot in the back, three dying of bullet wounds to the back of the
head."
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Biondo, S & D. Palmer. 1993. Federation of
Community Legal Centres: Report into Mistreatment by Police 1991-92,
Police Issues Group, FCLCV:57--- [ End Footnote ]

"The accidental firing of guns by police or deliberate discharge of guns in
circumstances that endanger the public are events which occur with
alarming regularity. Beyond the total removal of guns from all police and
the total banning of their use in the community it is imperative that the use
and abuse of firearms by the police be more closely scrutinised and that
improved training and procedures for handling and intervention be
implemented."
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Biondo, S & D. Palmer. 1993. Federation of
Community Legal Centres: Report into Mistreatment by Police 1991-92,
Police Issues Group, FCLCV:57--- [ End Footnote ]



The two recent shootings by the police illustrate the lack of training and an
ever increasing "cowboy" culture within the police, a situation which the
introduction of a new weapon can only exacerbate, not address. Social and
community workers, mental health professionals, legal and refuge workers
are constantly confronted with potentially violent situations, which
frequently involve weapons. Unlike the police, such professionals are not
armed, but are required and trained to resolve the situation through the use
of effective communication skills such as conflict resolution, listening,
engagement, persuasion, as well as common sense. It is these skills that
police need to develop, rather than the ability to use chemical weapons.
"The community should not accept anything less than a least restrictive
force approach from its "guardians".
[ Begin Footnote ] --- Biondo, S & D. Palmer. 1993. Federation of
Community Legal Centres: Report into Mistreatment by Police 1991-92,
Police Issues Group, FCLCV:57--- [ End Footnote ]


8.1 Recommendation:

8.1.1 That the Government in consultation with the police and community
undertake a major review of police firearms policy. Further that the
Victoria Police adopt a "least restrictive force" policy and that part of that
policy look at measures to eliminate the use of firearms and other weapons.

8.1.2 That police training have a major upgrade to include a significant
emphasis on conflict resolution and other non-violent means for resolving
potentially violent situations.9.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
                                                  Recommendations (Summary)

1.1.1 That regular judicial reviews of the activities of specialist squads,
such as the S.O.G, should occur. These reviews should call for public
comment and the findings be made public. The first review should include
within its objectives a examination of the use of chemical weapons by the
Special Operations Group, the Department of Corrective Services, and any
other government organisation.

5.1.1 That the Victoria Police cease all consideration of the use of
capsicum based weapons.

5.1.2 That the Deputy Ombudsman (Police Complaints) investigate the
process and decisions which led the police to consider the use of such
weapons, and make her or his findings public.

5.1.3 That a community visitors scheme with powers to randomly visit
police stations be implemented throughout Victoria. The scheme shall give
community visitors the right to unimpeded freedom of movement
throughout the police station and have the legislative capacity to formally
report activities, circumstances and recommendations to the responsible
authorities for further investigation and action. To ensure unimpeded
access it should be a criminal offence for police to obstruct a community
visitor in the course of their duties.

5.1.4 That Police Standing Orders and Police Circular Memos be made
public documents.

6.1.1 That the Federal Attorney General and Minster for Foreign Affairs
and Trade consider the implications of Australia's contravention of the
international Biological Weapons Convention (1970) and act to persuade
or prevent the Victorian Government and Police from contravening the
Convention by the use of biological weapons.

7.1.1 That the Victorian Government not provide an exemption for any
person including the Victoria Police from Section 4(m) of the Victorian
Control of Weapons Regulations (1990).

8.1.1 That the Government in consultation with the police and community
undertake a major review of police firearms policy. Further that the
Victoria Police adopt a "least restrictive force" policy and that part of that
policy look at measures to eliminate the use of firearms and other weapons.

8.1.2 That police training have a major upgrade to include a significant
emphasis on conflict resolution and other non-violent means for resolving
potentially violent situations.




Appendix A.

Distributors and Manufacturers of Capsicum based weapons.


Grycol International
344 Botany Rd,
Beaconsfield,
NSW 2015
Australia
Tel.No: 02 698 8725

Tar Ideal Concepts
54B, Lamed-Heh St,
Givataim 53407
Israel
Tel No: 972 3 315861
Fax No: 972 3 5719085

Advanced Defence Technologies Inc.
Suite 112, 144 Parish LaneCentreville,
Utah UT 84014
USA
Tel No: 1-801 292 5549

Aero Tech Labs
728 Northwest,
7th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale,
Florida FL 33311
USA
Tel No: 800 228 7629

B-Safe Industries Inc.
Box 153-HScarsdale,
New York NY 10583
USA
Tel No: 914 723 2553
Fax No: 407 471 7051

CSP International, Inc.
4349 Okeechobee Blvd,
Bldg E-6
West Palm Beach,
Florida FL 33409
USA Tel No: 407 697 88332
Fax No: 407 471 7051

Customs Armouring Corp.
20 Keeler St
Pittsfield,
MA 01201
USA
Tel No: 413 499 9907
Fax No: 413 499 9915

MSI
Dept. PS193,
160 Benmont Avenue
Bennington,
Vermont 05201
USA
Tel No: 802 447 7713
Fax No: 802 442 3823

Reliapon Police Products Inc.
PO Box 14872
Alburquerque,
New Mexico 87111
Tel No: 800 423 0668
Fax No: 505 299 4976

Valor Corporation
5555 N.W. 36th Ave
Miami, Florida FL 33142
USA
Tel No: 305 633 0127
Fax No: 305 634 4536





Appendix B.

Selected Medical References on the affects of Capsaicin


Anon, 1986. 'Metabolisms and toxicity of Capsaicin',  Nutrition Review,
44:20-22.

Bernstein, J.E. 1988. 'Capsiacin in dermatologic disease', Dermatol,7:304-
309.

Bernstein J.E., Swift R.M., Soltani K. et al. 1981. 'Inhibition of axon reflex
vasodilation by topically applied capsiacin', Journal of Investigatory
Dermatology,76:394-395.

Buck, S.H. & Burks, T. 1986. 'The neurophacology of capsiacin: review of
some recent observations'.
Pharmacological Review, 38:179-226.

Burnett J.W. 1989. 'Capsicum pepper derastitus', Cutis,43:634.

Carpenter, S. & Lynn, B. 1981. 'Vascular and sensory responses of human
skin to mild injury after topical treatment with capsiacin'  British Journal
of Pharmacology,73:755-758.

Collier J.G. & Fuller R.W. 1984. 'Capsiacin inhalation in man and the
effects of sodium eromolycate', British Journal of Pharmacology, 81:113-
117.

De A.K. & Gosh J.J. 1990.'Comparitive studies on the involvement of
histamine and substance P in the inflammatory response of capsiacin in rat
paw'. Physiotherapy Research,4:42-44.

Desai, H.G., Venuqopalan, K. & Anita, F.P. 1976. 'The efect of capsaicin
on the DNA content of gastric aspirate.',Indian Journal of Medical
Research,64:163-167.

Desai H.G., Venugopalan K. & Philipose M. 1977.  'Effect of red chili
powder on gastric mucosal barrier and acid secretion.'  Indian Journal of
Medical Research,66:440-448.

Donnerer J. & Leabeck J.T. 1982.'Analysis of the effects of intravenously
injected capsiacin in the rat'. Naunyn-Schmiedberg's Archives of
Pharmacology,320:198.1985 'IDA's Poison treatment drug product for over
the counter human use; tentative final monograph',Federal
Register,50:2244-2262.

Fitzgerald, M. 1983. 'Capsaicin and sensory neurons - a review'.
Pain,15:109-130.

Fuller R.W. 1991.'Pharmacology of inhaled capsaicin in humans'
Respiratory Medicine (Suppl A),85:31-34.

Gamase, R., Lackner, D., Ganse G. et al. 1981. 'Effect of capsaicin
pretreatment on capsaicin-evoked release of immunoreactive somatostatin
and substance P from primary sensory neurons'.  Naunyn-Schmiedberg's
Archival Pharmacology,316:38-41.

Geppitti, P., Fusco, B., Marabini, S. et al. 1988. 'Secretion, pain and
sneezing induced by the application of capsiacin to the nasal mucosa in
man'  British Journal of Pharmacology, 93:509-514.

Graham D.Y., Smith J.L. & Opekum A.R. 1988. 'Spicy food and the
stomach: evaluation by videoendoscopy', JAMA,260:3473-3475.Grant
W.M. 1986. Toxicology of the Eye ,Third Edition, Charles C. Thomas,
Springfield, Illinois.



Helene R.D., Egleros, A., Dandie G.W et al. 1987.  'The efect of substance
P on the regional lymph node antibody response to antigenic stimulation in
capsaicin-pretreated rats'. Journal of Immunology,139:3470-3473.

Holrer, P. 1989 'Capsaicin, and the gastric mucosa', JAMA,261:3244-
3245Ivorra M.D, Paya M. & Villar. 1989. 'A review of natural products
and plants as potential antidiabetic drugs'. Journal
Ethnopharcology,27:243-275.

Jones L.A, Tandberg D. & Troutsan W.G.1987 'Household treatment of
'chille burns' for the hands'. Clinical Toxicology,25:483-491

Kawada, Y., Suzuki, T., Takahashi, M. et al 1984. 'Gastrointestinal
absorption and metabolism of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in rats.'
Toxicol Applied Pharmacology,72:483-491.

Kupar N., Vij J.C., Sarin S.K. et al. 1984. 'Do chilies influence healing of
duodenal ulcer?' British Medical Journal, 288:1883.

Lippe, Pabst, M.A. & Holzer, P.P. 1989. 'Intragastric capsaicin enhances
rat gastric acid elimination and mucosal blood flow by afferent nerve
stimulation', British Journal of Pharmacology; 96:91-100.

Lundbert J.M., Hartling C.R. & Saria A.1983. 'Substance P and capsaicin-
induced contraction of human bronchi'. Acta Physiol Scand,119:49-53.

Maxwell S.L., Fuller R.W. & Dixon C.M.S. 1987. 'Ventilatory effects of
inhaled capsaicin in man.' British Journal of Pharmacology, 31:715-717.

Morton J. 1971. Plants poisonous to people, Hurricane House Publication,
Miami, Florida.Myers B.M.,
Lacey Smith J. & Graham D.Y. 1987 'Effect of red pepper and black
pepper on the stomach.'    American Journal of Gastroentorology ,82:211-
214.

O'Neill T.P.,1991. 'Mechanism of capsaicin action: recent learnings'
Respiratory Medicine  (Suppl A) 5:35-41.

Robieux I., Eliopoulos C., Hwang P. et al 1992 'Pain perception and
effectiveness of the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics in children
undergoing venipuncture.' Pediatry Research ,32:520.

Robieux I., Hunar R., Rhadakrishnan S. et al    1990. 'The feasibility
of using EMLA cream in pediatiric outpaient clinics.' Canadian
Pharamacology, 43:235.

Rosin P., Ebert L. & Schull J. 1982. 'Some like it hot: a temporal analysis
of hedonic responses to chili pepper' Appetite, 3:13-22.

Shisizu T., Izuai K., Fjuita S. et al 1987. 'Capsaicin-induced corneal
lesions in mice and the effects of chemical sympathectomy' Journal of
Pharmacol Experimental Therapeutics, 243:690-695.

Simone D.A., Bauman T.K., LaMotte R.H.,1989. 'Dose-dependent ain and
mechanical hyperalgesia in humans after intradermal infection of
capsaicin.' Pain,38:99-107.

Smith J.G. Jr, Crounse R.O. & Spence D.,1970. 'The effect of apaicin on
human skin, liver and epidermal lysozymes'. Journal of Investigative
Dermatology 54:170-173.



Toda N., Isui H., Nishno N. et al, 1972. 'Cardiovascular effects of capsicin
on dogs and rabbits.' J Pharmacol Experimental Therapeutics  101:512-521

Tosinack R.L. & Spyker D.A. 1987 'Capsicum and Casaicin- a review:
case report of the use of hot peppers in child abuse.'Clinical Toxicology ,
25:591-601.

Traurig H., Saria A. & Leabeck F., 1984. 'The effects of neonatal capasicin
treatment on growth and subsequent reproductive function in the rat.'
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archival Pharmacology  227:254-259.

Tyler V.E., Brady L.K. & Robbers J.E., 1981. Pharmacology, 2nd ed. Lea
and Febiger, Philadelphia.

Viranuvatti V., Kalayasiri C., Chearani O. et al. 1972. 'Effects of capsicum
solution on human gastric mucosa as observed gastroscopically' Journal of
Gastroenterology 58:225-232.

Virus R.M. & Gebhart, 1979. 'Pharmacologic actions of capsaicin:
apparent involvement of substance P and serotonin.',Life Sciences ,
25:1273-1284.

Vogl, T.P. 1982. 'Treatment of the Human Hand.' New England Journal of
Medicine 306:178.

Waldrep J.C. & Crosson C.E., 1988. 'Induction of keratouveitis by
capsaicin'  Cur Eye Research 7:1173-1182.

Wang, J.P., Hsu M.F., Hsu T.P. et al 1985. 'Antihesostatic and
antithrombotic effects of capsaicin in comparison with aspirin and
indomethacin.' Thrombosis Research 669-679.

Weinberg, R.B., 1981. 'Human Hand', New England Journal of Medicine
,305:1020.Winograp, H.L., 1977. 'Acute croup in an older child: an
unusual toxic origin' Clinical Pediatry 16:884-887.




   About C.A.R.P.E.T. The recent paramilitary baton attacks by the
Victoria police Force Response Unit on peaceful picketers at Richmond
Secondary College late last year, suggest an increasing willingness to use
violence against dissenting voices by senior police. Along with the
introduction of capiscicum gas, police are planning the use of extendable
batons on operational duties. For those people who have felt "the long arm
of the law" wielding a baton - and they are many - we encourage you to
raise your voices at the increasing militarisation of the police. For more
information on these issues contact: Coalition Against Repressive Police
Equipment and Training, P.O. Box 222 Fitzroy, 3065