- PAVA spray
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PAVA spray is dispensed from a hand-held canister in a liquid stream that contains a 0.3% solution of PAVA (pelargonic acid vanillylamide), a synthetic capsaicinoid, in a solvent of aqueous ethanol. The propellant is nitrogen.
This solution has been selected because this is the minimum concentration which will fulfil the purpose of the equipment; namely to minimise a person’s capacity for resistance without unnecessarily prolonging their discomfort. PAVA is significantly more potent than CS.
The liquid stream is a spray pattern and has a maximum effective range of up to 4 metres. Maximum accuracy, however, will be achieved over a distance of 1.25 - 2 metres. The operating distance is the distance between the canister and the subject’s eyes not the distance between the officer and the subject.
Effects of PAVA
PAVA primarily affects the eyes causing closure and severe pain. The pain to the eyes is reported to be greater than that caused by CS. The effectiveness rate is very high once PAVA gets into the eyes. However, there have been occasions where PAVA has failed to work, especially when the subject is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
For PAVA to work effectively it must enter the eyes. The effects of PAVA are usually instantaneous if this happens. Exposure to fresh moving air will normally result in a significant recovery from the effects of PAVA within 15 – 35 minutes.
Pharmacologically, like other capsaicinoids, PAVA works by direct binding to receptors (TRPV1) that normally produce the pain and sensation of heat as if exposed to scalding heat.
British police use
The British police did mainly use CS Gas spray, some forces, such as Hertfordshire Police, Suffolk Police, Wiltshire Police, West Yorkshire Police, Northamptonshire Police, Thames Valley Police, Devon and Cornwall Police and British Transport Police have opted to use PAVA. The PAVA personal irritant incapacitant spray is carried by all police officers while on operational duties, and if they have been trained in its use. As dictated in UK firearms law PAVA along with CS and other incapacitants in spray form are classed as firearms and therefore a prohibited weapon, meaning that it is unlawful for a member of the public to possess such an item. However, as servants of the Crown, police officers are exempt from this restriction.
The solution used by the British police is made up of 0.3% PAVA, and is propelled by nitrogen. The canister will project a stream of liquid where it is pointed and when the button at the top is pressed, and is accurate up to four metres.[1]
References
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