Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) Practice Exam

What are the color codes for different chemical types used by law enforcement?

1. HC (Yellow), CN (Red), CS (Blue), OC (Orange)

2. HC (Blue), CN (Yellow), CS (Orange), OC (Red)

3. HC (Red), CN (Blue), CS (Yellow), OC (Green)

4. HC (Orange), CN (Green), CS (Red), OC (Blue)

The correct answer is: HC (Yellow), CN (Red), CS (Blue), OC (Orange)

The correct answer is based on the standardized color codes used by law enforcement to categorize chemical agents. In this context, various types of chemical agents have been assigned specific colors to aid officers in quickly identifying their potential uses and effects. The color coding assigns HC (a type of smoke or irritant) as yellow, which is commonly associated with marking chemical agents that create screening or obscuring effects. CN, known as a tear gas, is identified with red, indicating a strong irritant that causes immediate effects on the eyes and respiratory system. CS, another tear gas but generally considered more powerful, is marked blue; this helps distinguish it from CN while indicating that it also functions as a riot control agent. Finally, OC, which is derived from oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray), is indicated by the color orange, signaling its common use in self-defense and police work. The other options provide different configurations that do not align with established protocol and may lead to confusion in practical applications among law enforcement officers operating in situations that require immediate recognition and response to specific chemical agents. Familiarity with these color codes is essential for safety and effective communication in the field.