Prison guards use OC spray on female inmate who was ‘no threat to others’ (opens original article in a new tab)

A female First Nations inmate at Canberra's jail was sprayed with OC spray by guards during a self-harm incident, leading to a review criticizing the unnecessary use of force and recommending a ban on such actions in similar situations.

• Prison guards used OC spray on a female inmate self-harming with no threat to others.
• The jail's watchdog found the use of OC spray caused unnecessary harm and recommended a ban.
• The detainee had a history of trauma and was denied access to cultural activities, contributing to her distress.