Proper Use of Capsaicin Projectiles and Pepper Spray in Mexico

In today's public and private security landscape in Mexico, neutralizing threats without resorting to lethal force has become a tactical and legal priority. Less-lethal weapons allow operators to maintain order and protect their own physical safety and that of others, while respecting the protocols for the gradual use of force.

Among the most effective tools for this purpose are .68 caliber projectiles formulated with capsaicin (PAVA). Below, we look at their advantages, operational risks and the ideal scenarios for their use.

What Are Active Capsaicin Projectiles?

They are non-lethal rounds, usually .68 caliber, designed to be fired from specialized launchers. When they hit a target or a hard surface, the projectile breaks apart and releases a cloud of powder or gas containing capsaicin, the active compound in hot chili peppers.

This compound causes an immediate physiological reaction: intense irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing and temporary disorientation, making it possible to stop an attack instantly without causing permanent harm.

Tactical Advantages in Security Operations

These devices offer clear benefits for both police and private security:

• Safe Distance: Unlike handheld sprays, projectiles can neutralize threats from a considerable distance, keeping the operator out of reach of knives or blunt objects.
• Psychological and Physical Effect: The kinetic impact (the hit) combined with the chemical agent creates immediate deterrence.
• Versatility: They can be used for direct impact (on the aggressor) or area saturation (firing at a nearby wall or the ground) to disperse groups.
• Fewer Fatalities: It's the ideal tool to bridge the gap between verbal presence and the use of firearms.

Risks and Precautions: Why the Impact Zone Matters

Although they are classified as “less-lethal,” improper use of these projectiles carries serious risks that every operator must know to avoid legal liability and irreversible harm:

1. Avoid the head and neck: A direct hit from a high-velocity .68 projectile to the eye can cause permanent blindness or loss of the eye.
2. Minimum Distance: Firing at point-blank range can cause severe skin trauma or bone fractures. The minimum safe distance set by the manufacturer must be respected.
3. Confined Spaces: Excessive use in unventilated places can also affect the operator if they don't have proper respiratory protection.

Important note: The goal is to incapacitate, not to injure permanently. Aim should always be directed at center mass (torso) or the lower limbs.

Specialized Training: The Key to Success

In Mexico, owning the equipment isn't enough; ongoing training is required. At RGM Advanced we don't just supply the rounds and launchers; we emphasize the need for comprehensive training that covers:

• Legal Framework: Knowledge of Mexico's National Law on the Use of Force.
• Launcher Handling: Maintenance, loading and clearing jams.
• Stress Scenarios: Simulation of real situations to make decisions under pressure (when to shoot and when not to).
• Decontamination: Protocols to help the affected person once they have been subdued.

Recommended Use Cases

Capsaicin projectiles are highly effective in specific scenarios:

• Crowd and Protest Control: When a protest turns violent, they allow specific agitators to be dispersed without the need for massive physical charges.
• Correctional Facilities: To control fights between inmates from a safe distance, avoiding hand-to-hand contact.
• Private and Asset Security: Protecting industrial or residential facilities from intruders, buying time for authorities to arrive.
• Aggressive Animal Control: A humane, effective option to stop dog attacks without killing the animal.

If you're looking to equip your agency or company with high-quality capsaicin launchers and projectiles, or need advice on implementing these systems, visit our specialized catalog: https://rgmadvanced.com/en/less-lethal-weapons/