Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP)further reinforced its commitment to law enforcement and security professionals with the launch of the Defender LE series, an advanced line of OC (oleoresin capsicum) aerosol products. These units are available in MK-3, MK-4 and MK-9 canisters, each tailored to meet the rigorous demands of field operations. The canisters feature wide, glove friendly actuators
ASP has also introduced Defender Decon as a complement to the Defender LE series, providing rapid and effective decontamination for officers and others exposed to OC spray during training or field operations.
Dispersal Options for Tactical Flexibility
The Defender LE series is available in three distinct spray patterns:
Stream: Offers focused delivery for precise targeting, suitable for outdoor or long-range use.
Gel: Designed for indoor environments, gel reduces airborne particles and minimizes cross-contamination.
Fog: Covers a wide area, making it applicable for crowd control or situations requiring broad dispersal.
This range allows agencies to select products based on situational needs and deployment environments.
Deployment Technology: Bag-On-Valve System
The stream and gel variants of ASP’s Defender LE Pepper Spray incorporate bag-on-valve (BOV) technology, which enables omnidirectional deployment, allowing the spray to be discharged from any angle, including completely inverted. This feature is particularly advantageous in confined or dynamic scenarios, where officers may not have the luxury of optimal positioning. In such environments, maintaining distance from a subject is often difficult but critical for safety. The BOV system provides a reach of up to 18 feet, giving officers the ability to engage threats while preserving a safe buffer zone. Additionally, the sealed BOV design helps ensure consistent spray performance and extends shelf life by isolating the propellant from the active ingredients.
Chemical Composition and Testing
Major capsaicinoids are the active chemical compounds found in chili peppers that are responsible for their pungency and heat. In law enforcement-grade pepper sprays, such as ASP’s Defender LE series, major capsaicinoids, primarily capsaicin and related analogs—serve as the key irritants that cause temporary incapacitation. These compounds affect the mucous membranes, triggering intense burning sensations in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, leading to involuntary eye closure, coughing, and disorientation.
The concentration of major capsaicinoids is a critical measure of a spray’s potency; ASP’s formulation contains 1.4% major capsaicinoids, which is considered highly effective for duty use. To ensure consistency and reliability, this concentration is verified through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), a precise analytical method that confirms the exact chemical makeup of each batch.
Safety and Identification Features
The Defender LE sprays are formulated to be non-flammable and Conducted Electrical Weapon (CEW) safe, allowing compatibility with electronic control devices. Additionally, the inclusion of UV dye aids in suspect identification after exposure, which may assist in post-incident documentation and evidence collection. ASP offers a tactical flashlight called the Spectrum, which features a UV mode that’s handy for this purpose.
The MK-3 and MK-4 canisters feature flip-top actuators, and the MK-9 has a pistol grip with a thumb actuator. They are designed for ease of use, including operation while wearing gloves. This ergonomic design supports rapid deployment under various conditions.
Inventory and Training Support
ASP has implemented color-coded canisters to differentiate between dispersal patterns, simplifying inventory management and reducing the likelihood of deployment errors. Each unit includes tracking data for logistical oversight.
To support training and preparedness, ASP offers inert training units that simulate the function and handling of live sprays without active ingredients.
Defender Decon
ASP’s new Defender Decon is a game-changing solution designed to dramatically reduce recovery time after exposure to OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray. Traditionally, decontamination involves a slow and uncomfortable process using air, water, and soap—often taking 30 minutes to an hour. Defender Decon, however, uses a proprietary, eco-friendly formula that lifts the oily OC residue from the skin, making it easier to blot and rinse away. Officers and cadets have reported noticeable relief within just 10–15 minutes when using Defender Decon during training, compared to much longer recovery times with conventional methods.
Available in a compact MK-4 sized canister or a 32 oz. sprayer, Defender Decon is designed for portability and rapid deployment. ASP also offers a Patrol Kit that includes two MK-4 canisters, nitrile gloves, soft paper towels, and a laminated procedure card, all housed in a durable zippered case. Whether in police cruisers, fire trucks, EMS vehicles, or training environments, Defender Decon is a must-have for any public safety team dealing with OC exposure.
Free Training for Law Enforcement
ASP provides tuition-free training to qualified law enforcement officers and agencies. The flagship ASP Instructor Certification (AIC) program is a three-day integrated course covering tactical batons, restraints, and flashlights. The company has now added OC Instructor Certification (OCIC) to its training offerings. ASP invests approximately $2 million annually in free training, which has been adopted by agencies in over 100 countries
Manufacturing and Availability
Defender LE pepper spray products are assembled in the United States, aligning with ASP’s production standards and quality control protocols. The products are intended for professional use by law enforcement and security personnel.
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Armaments Systems and Procedures (ASP)