Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a)In general.--The Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall issue, on a routine basis, oleoresin capsicum spray to--
(1) any officer or employee of the Bureau of Prisons who--
(A) is employed in a prison that is not a minimum or low security prison; and
(B) may respond to an emergency situation in such a prison; and
(2) to such additional officers and employees of prisons as the Director determines appropriate, in accordance with this section.
(b)Training requirement.--
(1)In general.--In order for an officer or employee of the Bureau of Prisons, including a correctional officer, to be eligible to receive and carry oleoresin capsicum spray pursuant to this section, the officer or employee shall complete a training course before being issued such spray, and annually thereafter, on the use of oleoresin capsicum spray.
(2)Transferability of training.--An officer or employee of the Bureau of Prisons who completes a training course pursuant to paragraph (1) and subsequently transfers to employment at a different prison, shall not be required to complete an additional training course solely due such transfer.
(3)Training conducted during regular employment.--An officer or employee of the Bureau of Prisons who completes a training course required under paragraph (1) shall do so during the course of that officer or employee's regular employment, and shall be compensated at the same rate that the officer or employee would be compensated for conducting the officer or employee's regular duties.
(c)Use of oleoresin capsicum spray.--Officers and employees of the Bureau of Prisons issued oleoresin capsicum spray pursuant to subsection (a) may use such spray to reduce acts of violence--
(1) committed by prisoners against themselves, other prisoners, prison visitors, and officers and employees of the Bureau of Prisons; and
(2) committed by prison visitors against themselves, prisoners, other visitors, and officers and employees of the Bureau of Prisons.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - 18 U.S.C. § 4049 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 18. Crimes and Criminal Procedure § 4049. Officers and employees of the Bureau of Prisons authorized to carry oleoresin capsicum spray - last updated January 01, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/us/title-18-crimes-and-criminal-procedure/18-usc-sect-4049/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)