Women Offenders

Re: Chemical Irritant use on pregnant offenders

Eric Knies — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:40:05 GMT

Most responses we've gotten so far are to aviod the use of chemical irritants when dealing with pregnant offenders , as there is so much unkown with pregnancy related issues. We are however trying to find medical statements,studies or facts so we can tie this into an operating guideline. any help with medical sources??

thanks

eknies@ml.doc.state.mn .us

Re: Chemical Irritant use on pregnant offenders

maureenb — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:14:07 GMT

From an on-line conversation with a correctional medical practitioner "Overuse has been known to result in respiratory distress and deaths and

anything that compromises the mother's oxygen supply will also compromise the fetus".

Re: Chemical Irritant use on pregnant offenders

maureenb — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:14:41 GMT

I contacted a few people that have expertise in legal and medical issues and here is one response:

..........I would think though that you have the

responsibility to use the least harmful means possible. For example, you

wouldn't immediately go to pepper spray or to the EMTs. It also depends on

other issues like mental health status as well.

Chemical Irritant use on pregnant offenders

Eric Knies — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:36:15 GMT

I am currently conducting research on what other states current policy or operating guidelines are in using chemical irritants, in Control Tactics or Self-Defense when dealing with pregnant offenders. thank you