Valley Perspective : Pepper, Not Pistols, for Self-Defense : Carrying a concealed gun, even if legal, means carrying risk. OC spray in an attacker’s face will let you get away.

Perhaps the most basic human right is self-defense. No one can argue that point, yet there is a great debate on just how we can best exercise that right within the law.

The issue of gun control and liberalization of concealed carry permits are two hotly contested facets of that debate. On one hand, you have the argument that any law-abiding citizen should be able to obtain a permit to carry a weapon for self-defense. Others will argue that this road would lead us back to the law of the Old West, where shootouts were a common way to settle conflicts.

Another possible drawback is more subtle than random shootouts between competitors for a parking place. Many of our more violent offenders are sociopaths and never give a second thought to the pain and suffering they cause. The average Joe might have some difficulty with the use of deadly force or when to employ it.

So what methods of self-defense are left for the average person? The traditional advice is the simple use of common sense, that it’s better to avoid trouble than to have to deal with it. Failing that, there are many schools that will train you in the art of urban combat, but this method requires constant practice and cannot compensate if the attacker is much larger than you.

For many years, there has been a chemical agent available called Mace. Most police officers will tell you it leaves much to be desired in terms of effectiveness. In fact, I recall one fellow who, after being sprayed liberally about the face, smacked his lips and said, “Hey, that don’t taste half-bad!”

A few years ago, a product made its way to the market that has finally provided a relatively effective, nonlethal method of self-defense. Oleoresin capsicum solution, or OC spray, has at last provided a reasonable alternative to a deadly weapon.

In simple terms, OC spray is cayenne pepper in a solution that can be sprayed in the face of an attacker. Having been on both ends of the can, I can tell you that it is not a pleasant experience. Although it is not 100% effective, it works in the majority of cases and should provide the opportunity for escape. Remember, this is the purpose of self-defense, to prevent injury and escape harm. As a side benefit, OC spray also works on animals, providing an extra measure of protection.

As of January, OC spray can be purchased over the counter without a permit, and, keeping certain restricted locations in mind, such as courthouses and aircraft, it can be carried wherever you go. This is a significant change in the law. Previously the law required that you obtain a state permit to possess any such chemical agent. But otherwise, the law regarding the use of OC spray has not changed, and if it is used for any purpose other than self-defense, you may be criminally liable.

The fear of crime has become our new national epidemic, fueled by event-driven media and our own perceptions. I applaud this move toward providing a generally available, nonlethal personal protection option.