Posted: 6/30/2007 12:22:53 AM EDT
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This kind of belongs in the "Carry Issues" section, but I'm looking for GA specific info as well, so I'm posting it here. I'll be moving to GA in August, My AK CWP is on the way, I'll have it for reciprocity before I leave, and I plan on getting a GA CWP as well when I arrive (I can remain an AK resident and get a GA one also since I'm in the military) I run every morning, I live in a pretty isolated area and I'm not at all concerned about 2 legged attackers, but there are quite a few dogs where I live, and alot of them run around. I realized my best bet would be to have some type of pepper spray just in case shit. I could clip it on my shorts no problem, and it would be right there. My situation when I move to GA will remain the same (running every morning) Basically, whats the deal with laws concerning pepper spray? Are certain places off limits if you are carrying it or can I carry it to places a gun is banned? Does it have to be open carried or if its on my shorts and my shirt is hanging over it am I OK? Are certain types or sizes banned? Any info is appreciated. |
+1 Although I haven't served for 18 years. |
I've sprayed small dogs and up to Rotts and all of them have took off running and were rolling all over the grass. There's even the Bear Spray stuff that's supposed to be effective against bears (I wouldn't want to find out personally). It's effectiveness goes down when encountered by someone high on drugs and/or drunk. I have personally witnessed a suspect ,that 3 of us had to pepper spray, that was very combative for 8 minutes after being sprayed. After 8 minutes, the effects kicked in and he was screaming like a baby. Don't expect a near instant result. It's usually pretty quick working, and a very small percentage of the population has a very high tolerance to the stuff. There is no law per say against concealed carry of pepper spray that I know of. If you have to go into a courthouse, federal buildings, and law enforcement centers, common sense would say not to be carrying it. |
Were you using Mace or Pepper Spray? Google says... www.pepper-spray-store.com/relatedinfo/mace-vs-pepperspray.shtml en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray Orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile (abbreviated CN) is classified as an irritant and is similar to tear gas. is sold by the brand name Mace. will NOT cause inflammation of the capillaries of the eyes and skin causing temporary blindness, nausea, breathing difficulties and an intense burning sensation. [is] ineffective on those under the influence of alcohol, drugs or psychotics. This would most likely be the majority of individuals that you would be forced to use the product on. Oleoresin Capsicum (abbreviated as OC) is an inflammatory agent, different from an irritant like tear gas. is an inflammatory agent it will IMMEDIATELY: induce coughing, choking, nausea, it will dilates the capillaries of the eyes causing temporary blindness, the mucous membranes will swell to the point of cutting off all but life support breathing, causes intense burning and an assailant to be temporarily incapacitated. ...is used...including defense against dogs... So it seems that OC is the solution. The question still needs to be clarified though - What kind of places are definitely (not probably) off limits to carry it? Is it considered a "weapon"? If so then it would be subject to the same laws as guns, no? Unless it is banned by the same criteria as guns, then it should go everywhere, including courthouses, federal buildings, and law enforcement centers. My Common Sense tells me pepper spray is the perfect alternative, if not better, than carrying a gun. I would think if it is off limits anywhere, that it is specifically stated so somewhere. If stopped by a cop, I know you have to immediately inform them if you are carrying a gun, how about pepper spray? |
Not in Georgia. |
Pepper spray. I wouldn't trust Mace/Tear/CN gas. I've been exposed to the CN gas when in the Army and hit with the pepper spray in the police academy. The CN gas wasn't pleasant, but I could function 1000% better than being sprayed with pepper spray/oc spray. I couldn't do crap after being hit with the OC for like 30 mins. ETA: If you try to get past metal detectors at a courthouse or other govt building, it will most certainly be confiscated (probably returned on your way out). Since pepper spray will incapacitate you, you can use deadly force when a BG aims a can of it at you. And no, you dont have to tell a LEO you are carrying pepper spray. |
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I know OC is a controlled substance, atleast over a certain percentage, is regulated to LEO/Military. And the actual capsules that they break int he gas chamber used in the military, it also a controlled substance. But I have couple questions. Can you buy full strength stuff anywhere? If you could get some and got stopped with it, what would be the consequences and reprocussions of having leo strength OC? Although very few leos would actually take the time to read the bottle, let alone checking the OC content verses the "Controlled" limit. Just if they did catch you with it? I mean is ther stuff class 3 or what? |
There are no criminal statutes concerning OC spray concentration that I've seen. You should be able to get the "good" stuff at any police supply stores. You can get it online too at Galls, lapolicegear, and Quartermasters. I'd go with either Fox Lab or Sabre. And go with the 10% OC, if you can. The 5% OC spray is still better than Mace/CN sprays though. |
Ok I'm going to quote right off the back of the GFL (Georgia Firearms License)
That's just the first sentence off of the back of the license, and it in no way states anything in regards to the use of irritants, mace, blackjacks, sapper gloves, or other blunt object devices. Also, there is no requirement to notify L.E. of the presence of any weapon that might be concealed from view. I still notify L.E. if I'm stopped and carrying, but that is a super rare instance (last time I interacted with L.E. on the side of the road was 2.5 years ago). I would say carry the OC all you want, and make your own decision about dealing with L.E. Just remember a little professional courtesy goes a LONG way. |
I intended to inform a cop if I was stopped and had any on me for exactly the reason you mention above. I was just curious if I HAD to. When I get to GA I will go to the state troopers office or equivalent and get the answer about off limits places right from the horses mouth. |
As far a where you are limited to carrying, again right off the back of the license.
Again this only applies to "explosive compounds, firearms, or knives for the purpose of offense or defense. |
Well then if that's the case, then it is regulated the same way as a gun. And I would be required to inform a cop if stopped. It seems to me like this is not a very clearly clarified subject. Maybe there is an ambitious arfcommer in GA who wants to inquire to their local LE office about this? |
| This link might help you decide what to do. As for stopping by a GSP post, you could ask 5 different troopers and get 5 different answers. Same with municipalities, campus, and county LEOs. |
There is NO law on the books in Georgia that read that you must inform an LEO if you are carrying. Even if you are using a reciprocating license from another state, you must follow the rules of the state that you are in, not where the original license was issued. Saying that, I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advise, blah blah blah. |