BOP Program Statement 5577.01 § 2

a. MK-4 OC Spray. The Director of the Bureau has authorized staff working at all security

level institutions to carry the MK- 4 OC spray while on duty.

The MK-4 OC aerosol spray must be carried in an approved holder (leather/nylon belt loop

holster specifically designed to hold the MK-4 OC aerosol spray or outer protective vest carrier

pouch designed to carry the MK-4 OC aerosol spray) on a staff member’s person at all times.

Upon reporting for duty, all staff are required to obtain an MK-4 OC aerosol spray from a secure

storage location, normally the Control Center, during their hours of work. At Minimum Security

Level institutions, the message center is an authorized location to maintain and issue MK-4 OC

canisters. For posts which require 24-hour staffing, the outgoing staff member must turn over the

MK-4 OC aerosol spray to the oncoming staff member on post.

In accordance with the Program Statement Use of Force, Application of Restraints, and

Firearms staff must complete the required training prior to carrying an OC aerosol spray. All

secondary law enforcement officers entering an institution will be required to obtain and carry

the MK-4 OC aerosol spray.

b. MK-9 OC Spray. Staff working within the secure confines of the institution or outside

(perimeter) patrol officers at high-rise facilities must carry the MK-9 OC aerosol spray in a drop

leg holster secured to a duty belt, specifically designed for the use of an MK-9. Requests to use

holsters other than a drop-leg style but specifically designed for the use of an MK-9 must be

submitted through the Regional Director to the Assistant Director, Correctional Programs

Division, for consideration. Securing the MK-9 within complex or reservation perimeter patrol

vehicles will be determined locally. The following staff at Low, Medium, High, and

Administrative Security Institutions are authorized by the Director of the Bureau to carry the

MK-9 OC spray:

■ All Correctional Services Supervisors (Lieutenants)

■ Special Housing Unit (SHU) Recreation Officers

■ Special Management Unit (SMU) Recreation Officers

■ Special Confinement Unit (SCU) Recreation Officers

■ Employees assigned to Recreation posts within the Education Department

■ All Compound Officers

■ All Corridor Officers

■ All Internal Movement Officers

■ All Outside Patrol Officers (High Rise Facilities)

5577.01 3/19/2026 PROPERTY OF US GOVERNMENT 3

■ All Complex, Reservation Perimeter Patrols

■ All Protective Custody Unit (PCU) Officers

■ All Recreation Specialists

Upon reporting for duty, all staff assigned to a post authorized to carry an MK-9 OC aerosol

spray are required to obtain an MK-9 OC aerosol spray from a secure storage location, normally

the Control Center, during their hours of work. For posts which require 24-hour staffing, the

outgoing staff member must turn over the MK-9 OC aerosol spray to the oncoming staff member

on post. Staff assigned to a post authorized to carry the MK-9 may do so without additionally

carrying the MK-4. Any OC carrier or holder which does not remain closed by design (snap or

Velcro closure) must be replaced without delay.

c. Exception to carry. For both the MK-4 and MK-9 OC sprays, reasonable accommodation

may be requested for any employee with a qualified temporary disability. Religious

accommodation requests must be submitted through the Regional Director, to the Assistant

Director, Correctional Programs Division, for consideration.

Bureau Staff visiting an institution may elect not to carry OC when entering the institution. If so,

they must be always escorted while in the secure confines of the institution.

Visiting staff who elect to draw and carry OC when entering the institution must have completed

the required OC training. Staff must have completed the initial four-hour in-person training as

well as the yearly Bureau Learning University (BLU) training. When drawing OC for carry in an

institution, a radio must also be drawn to ensure proper notifications and response in an

emergency.