By Corrections1 Staff
In corrections, when things go bad, they go bad fast. There’s no time to second-guess or hope a piece of equipment will work. Tools must be reliable, effective and ready the moment a threat escalates. That’s what the Fox Labs by Byrna Defense Spray delivers.
Unlike traditional OC sprays, Fox Lab’s product is built with the correctional environment in mind. Tight quarters and limited backup demand a response tool that gives correctional officers control — not chaos.
Built for the realities of the job
Correctional facilities aren’t wide-open spaces. They’re filled with cells, narrow walkways and enclosed units. Traditional foggers and mist sprays often create cross-contamination, affecting both staff and other inmates — and potentially escalating the situation further.
Fox uses a stream-style spray, targeting specific threats with precision. The result: correctional officers stay operational and unaffected, while the aggressor is neutralized. The addition of red and UV dye allows for easy identification of sprayed individuals — a critical detail during incident reviews and after-action reports.
Most importantly, the Fox OC formula delivers maximum heat and instantaneous effectiveness — two qualities correctional officers rely on when a physical confrontation is seconds from spiraling. Whether breaking up a fight, stopping a combative inmate, or responding to an emergent threat, Fox Labs by Byrna Defense Spray brings the intensity needed to end the encounter swiftly and safely.
A safe, tactical option when it counts
Every officer understands the risks of going hands-on. Even a routine escort or minor verbal exchange can turn into a violent altercation in seconds. Fox Lab’s Defense Spray offers a rapid, less-lethal solution that stops the threat and buys time to secure the area, issue commands and call for additional support.
Inmate behavior can shift in an instant, especially in housing units and segregation pods. Having a compact, easily deployable tool like Fox Lab’s Defense Spray reduces injury risk for both staff and inmates, keeping incidents from escalating into major events. The Fox OC’s instant response provides confidence — officers don’t have to wait or wonder if it’s working.
Training-ready, ECW-compatible and mission-focused
Proper use-of-force tools are only as good as the training behind them. Fox provides inert training units that allow correctional officers to build muscle memory and situational confidence. That training translates directly into real-world readiness, ensuring officers act decisively under stress.
And when paired with an Electronic Control Weapon (TASER), Fox Lab’s non-flammable formula adds another layer of safety. There’s no need to hesitate over compatibility — the spray is engineered to work cohesively with other modern tools, giving teams more flexibility and tactical control.
A tool correctional officers can trust
The Fox Labs by Byrna Defense Spray isn’t a trend — it’s a practical solution for a dangerous job. Lightweight, discreet and easy to carry, it fits seamlessly into standard duty gear. Available in multiple sizes — from 1.5 oz to 16 oz in stream or cone fog options — Fox gives agencies the flexibility to outfit officers based on their environment and role.
In an environment where staff assaults, medical episodes and unpredictable outbursts can happen daily, having one more way to protect officers and maintain order is not just beneficial — it’s essential.
Fox Labs by Byrna Defense Spray: FAQ for correctional officers
Correctional officers have every right to ask tough questions before adding a new tool to their belt — especially one they’re expected to use under pressure. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Fox Lab’s Defense Spray:
Q: What makes Fox Lab’s Defense Spray different from traditional pepper spray?
A: Unlike foggers or cone sprays, Fox Labs uses a stream-style deployment, minimizing blowback and making it safer to use in enclosed spaces like cells and corridors. It also features Fox OC, known for its extreme heat and instant effectiveness — quickly incapacitating aggressive individuals.
Q: Is it safe to use indoors or in close quarters?
A: Yes. The spray’s focused stream significantly reduces airborne contamination, protecting nearby staff and inmates while still neutralizing the threat. This makes it ideal for corrections environments where open airflow is limited.
Q: How long does the spray take to work?
A: The Fox Labs formula works within seconds, creating a nearly immediate reaction — including temporary blindness, respiratory distress and intense burning — giving officers the time and distance needed to take control of the situation.
Q: What’s the range?
A: Fox lab’s Defense Spray has an effective range from 12 to 24 feet, allowing officers to engage a threat without needing to close distance.
Q: Does the spray leave a residue or marking?
A: Yes. It contains UV dye, which marks the subject for later identification — a valuable feature for reports, follow-ups, or when dealing with multiple aggressors in a group setting.
Q: Can it be used on individuals under the influence of drugs or with mental health issues?
A: Yes. The Fox OC formula causes involuntary physical reactions, not just pain compliance. This makes it highly effective even on individuals with high pain tolerance, altered mental states, or stimulant use.
Q: Is it safe to use with ECWs like TASERs?
A: Absolutely. Fox Labs’ OC spray is non-flammable, meaning it’s safe to use in combination with Electronic Control Weapons.
Q: What sizes and spray patterns are available?
A: The Fox Labs Defense Spray is available in 1.5 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz, 4 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz sizes, in both stream and cone fog options — providing departments with customizable solutions for different environments and roles.
Q: Is training available?
A: Yes. Fox Labs offers inert training canisters identical in size and function, allowing officers to train realistically and build confidence in their deployment skills. Also available is OC certification and recertification classes.
Q: Is this considered less-lethal force?
A: Yes. The Fox Labs Defense Spray falls under the less-lethal use-of-force category, making it suitable for incidents that require intervention without escalating to deadly force or hard impact tools.
Product snapshot: Fox Labs by Byrna Defense Spray
- Formula: Fox OC + UV/Red Dye Fox labs use pepper extract from 5.3 million scoville heat unit (SHU pepper). They have 2 formulas, 1 using 2% OC and the hotter formula, which uses 4% concentration OC. Both include UV Marking Dye.
- Spray types: Stream and Cone
- Sizes available: 1.5oz, 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, 12oz, 16oz
- Range: Stream up to 26 feet, Cone up to 16 feet
- Non-flammable: Yes – ECW (TASER) compatible
- Primary use: Rapid subject incapacitation, fight break-up and cell extraction
- Application: Ideal for corrections, transport, close-quarter control