LOS ANGELES : Police Panel to Re-Examine Wider Use of Pepper Spray

Police Commission President Gary Greenebaum, citing reports about the possible dangers of pepper spray, said Tuesday that he will ask the commission to re-examine the issue next week.

The appropriate use of pepper spray--a cayenne pepper-based gas that advocates say is an effective way to immobilize suspects without injuring them--is the only issue so far that has divided the recently appointed Police Commission. A three-member majority voted last month to expand use of the spray by LAPD officers. Two panel members, Greenebaum and Commission Vice President Deirdre Hill opposed the change.

Greenebaum said he wants to reconsider the issue in light of new information that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating possible dangers associated with the spray.