Opinion ID: 778466
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Pepper Spraying Incident

Text: 2 On June 10, 1996, a riot broke out in Housing Unit 3B of the Potosi Correctional Center (PCC). The riot was quelled quickly, and all inmates were returned to their cells. After the unit was secure, a cell-by-cell search for weapons and contraband was ordered. Special units of corrections officers trained to handle riots, known as Emergency Squads (E-Squads), were activated and instructed to impose Temporary Administrative Segregation Confinement (TASC) on the inmates. When a TASC order is given, each inmate is strip-searched, handcuffed, and his cell is searched for weapons and contraband. 3 Approximately five hours after the riot, a search team led by Hays arrived at Lawrence and Kirksey's cell. Hays called out, Niggers get naked. Lawrence responded by asking, What did you say? Hays reacted to this question by calling for a movement team, and E-Squad Officer Carl McCory immediately sprayed Lawrence and Kirksey with pepper spray, using a device known as a MK-46. The Superintendent of PCC at the time of the incident, Michael Bowersox, testified that a MK-46 consists of a twelve to fourteen-inch wand attached to a large cannister, and resembles a fire extinguisher. Lawrence and Kirksey, along with the entire interior of their cell, were soaked with pepper spray from the MK-46. After approximately ten minutes of inhaling the chemical agent, Lawrence and Kirksey were removed from their cell and taken to the showers to clean up. Lawrence testified that the incident resulted in intense burning on his skin for several days after the event.