A new pepper spray containing six times more capsicum than the currently used spray is being evaluated by police following a trial in the Bay of Plenty.

New Zealand Police is evaluating the potential use of the more concentrated form of OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) pepper spray, with the aim of improving staff and public safety.

Police deployed a new pepper spray more than 100 times in the Bay of Plenty during a seven month trial.

Inspector Jason Ross says the new spray would have a more effective immediate impact and take slightly longer to wear off.

'Since the introduction of OC spray, and as its use has become more common, there has been a corresponding levelling off in its effectiveness over time.

'This is consistent with our own research and what has happened internationally among other police jurisdictions, the vast majority of whom have already moved to the enhanced spray.”

As part of the trial in the Bay of Plenty, police tried different spray configurations, including liquid stream spray and a gel version.

'Feedback from staff to date about the new spray has been very positive, but it was important we trialled different spray configurations in a range of situations and conditions to find out which option was more effective.”

From July 1, 2012, until June 30, 2013, OC spray was used nationally 1505 times, while the new version of the spray was deployed 119 times during a seven month period in the Bay.

Jason says monitoring of current OC spray usage indicated while it was still effective in a number of incidents, there is room for improvement.

He says the purpose of the trial and the formal evaluation is to assess the effectiveness of the new spray as a tactical option that will improve safety and minimise the risk to both police and public. 'While no final decisions have been made, international experience has shown it to be more effective in immediately subduing someone who is being aggressive or violent.

'That means they are far less likely to go on to hurt themselves, police or members of the public.” Jason says while any use of force by police was governed by strict guidelines and closely monitored, the level of force used was ultimately dictated by the actions of whoever officers are confronted with at the time.

'Communication still remains an officer's most powerful tool and is effective in resolving most situations, though there will inevitably be times when the situation necessitates more force being used.

'While we have worked hard to ensure the use of tactical options such as OC spray are made as safe as they reasonably can be, any use of force carries some risk and people may react to the spray in different ways.”

Officers who use OC spray are trained in its use and effects and receive comprehensive first aid training that involves providing aftercare to anyone who has been sprayed.

Jason says because the new spray works in the same way as the current spray, depending on the configuration used, there would be little or no change required to current training and tactics.

'The evaluation was expected to be completed before the end of the year. 'Once the evaluation has been completed, a recommendation will be made to the Police executive for consideration.”