Saskatoon police say bear spray has become a common part of the criminal tool kit in the city, along with other weapons like guns, knives and machetes.

That's why a high ranking member of the police force is calling for an outright ban on bear spray in the city in an effort to get it off the streets and out of the hands of criminals.

"It's common enough that we're running into bear spray weekly," said Supt. Randy Huisman.

"I would like to see a complete ban for sale in Saskatoon."

Bear spray was originally intended to deter aggressive bears. But recently it has become the weapon of choice among gang members in the city. And that's creating problems for police officers. Randy Huisman is a superintendent with the Saskatoon Police Service. He spoke with Saskatoon Morning's Heather Morrison. 6:55

Why a ban might not work

At the same time, Huisman said he accepts that a ban would likely have next to no impact on the amount of bear spray police see out on the streets. That's because there is a legitimate use for capsaicin-based sprays in keeping aggressive bears at bay and bear country is in Saskatoon's backyard.

"There's a city, Prince Albert for example just north of us, where 10 minutes out, you are in bear country and they are going to be selling it there, so no matter what it is going to be available."

The best police can do is be ready, Huisman said. In training, all Saskatoon police officers are hit with bear spray so they can see first-hand the debilitating effects.

"You know what to expect, you know that you can fight through that and still do your job. You know what to anticipate, rather than be afraid of what's going to happen."

Supt. Randy Huisman with the Saskatoon Police Service would like to see bear spray banned, but concedes such a move would likely not be effective. (Chanss Lagaden/CBC)

Tear screen

There are several reasons that bear spray is used by criminals, he said.

First, it is a threatening weapon in itself and can be used in robberies just like a gun, knife or machete.

The spray can also create a smoke screen, or tear screen to be precise, that helps criminals get away. Huisman said it's often used in home invasions where one gang will storm in, steal drugs from rivals, and then deploy the incapacitating spray on the way out.

"It prevents the victim from seeing where they went when they left, which direction did they go, that kind of thing."

Bear spray is not just available over the counter. You have to be 18-years-old and give your name, address and signature at point of sale. Still, Huisman warned there are people out there who will buy the spray and then hand it over to gang members or other criminals.

"You know they can get drugs in return for it or any anything like that. I mean there's a whole bunch of different scenarios. It's very available on the street."