Direct from the Police Academy instructors I attended lectures from: Use of Force Continuum. The protestors were at the level of passive resistance, not directly engaging the officers with physical force, but impeding them in clearing the space. The use of soft physical control was equivalent action, which yes, is arresting them one-by-one and hauling them off in links. While it is a myth that officers *must* use lowest force possible before escalating to the next level, they are aware that escalation is on their heads if they cause it. The officer chose a course of action widely seen as overly forceful in achieving the same end, clearing the area. Other police precincts (and retired officers, etc.) are frowning on the action he took as overly excessive and vindictive. As I’ve heard from more than one person, “those kids could’ve fucking rioted after being sprayed. Were they going to riot if they’d been put in restraints while being placed under arrest?”

The basic thinking goes: what purpose does pepper spray serve when used against non-violent protestors? Its being there to punish and antagonize people to make them *more* submissive than they already are?

Pepper spray is for when people are physically resisting and combating you, but not threatening your life with lethal violence (a weapon).