This study focused on the use of oleoresin capsicum (OC) as a means of force and also tested the effectiveness of OC. A medium-size police agency was studied from 1991-2001. The following reports were collected for analysis: excessive force reports, reports of officers injured during arrests, use of hands-on restraint, and use of police baton. This study revealed an increase in reported incidents of excessive force and a reduction in the number of officers injuired making arrests while using various defensive techniques. Implementing OC into the force continuum remains a solid decision in review of this research. This study has shown oleoresin capsicum to be a safe, effective level in the law enforcement force continuum.