UK authorizes use of pepper spray in young offenders institutions

LONDON

The UK government has authorized the use of Pava spray — a powerful synthetic pepper spray — on children as young as 15 in young offender institutions (YOIs), prompting outrage from prison reformers and human rights groups.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed on Thursday that specially trained staff will be permitted to use the spray.

The measure, approved for a 12-month trial period, marks the first time the controversial spray has been sanctioned for use on children in custody.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly,” Mahmood told MPs in a written statement. “But I am clear that this vital measure is needed to urgently prioritize safety.”

Pava spray — short for pelargonic acid vanillylamide — is squirted from a handheld canister and causes intense eye pain and a burning skin sensation, typically lasting about 40 minutes.

It was first rolled out in adult men’s prisons in 2018, and its use has since raised concerns of racial and discriminatory bias.

There have also been claims of disproportionate use of the spray on disabled individuals and those from minority ethnic backgrounds, fueling concern about its rollout in youth facilities.