How often should OC spray be replaced?

The correct answer, indicating that OC spray should be replaced after 5 years, is based on established guidelines for maintaining the effectiveness and safety of such equipment. Over time, the propellant and the active ingredients in OC spray can degrade, which diminishes its efficacy when it is needed in critical situations.

The 5-year replacement cycle ensures that the spray remains potent and reliable. Departments often set these timeframes to standardize practices and maintain officers' readiness. Other durations, such as annual or monthly replacements, could be unnecessarily burdensome and lead to waste of resources, while a three-year replacement period may not fully account for the potential degradation that could occur over a longer time frame. Adhering to the five-year guideline helps ensure that law enforcement personnel have access to effective tools without excessive replacement costs.