What is an important step to take before using OC spray?

Before using OC spray, ensuring that backup is present and communicating is essential for several reasons. Utilizing OC spray can escalate a situation, and having backup available provides additional support to manage any immediate aftermath or potential escalation. Communication is key to coordinating actions with fellow officers, ensuring that everyone is aware of the situation and any potential risks involved. This collaborative approach helps maintain officer safety and situational control during the use of force.

While the other options may consider safety or environmental factors, they do not address the immediate need for support and coordination that backup provides when employing OC spray. For instance, checking weather conditions may be relevant but does not affect the use of OC spray directly; likewise, ensuring the suspect is restrained or firing a warning shot are not standard practices and could either compromise safety or escalate tension unnecessarily.