Moorpark College students who carry pepper spray for self-defense are within their rights under college district policy that bans other weapons on campus, but students must follow district’s rules, said VCCCD Chief of Police Joel Justice.

Justice said that under California Penal Code Section 22810, pepper spray is legal on campus as long as the container is not more than 2.5 oz. in net weight, and it doesn’t “expel gas with anything other than aerosol.” In addition no minor or felon can be in possession of pepper spray nor anyone addicted to any narcotic, he said. Finally, Justice said pepper spray can only be used in self-defense.

“Our police department strictly enforces this law,” said Justice.

It is very difficult to know how many students are currently carrying pepper spray to school because these days pepper spray can come in many different shapes such as one resembling a lighter, said Moorpark College Supervisor Lt. Greg Beckley.

Beckley said in the five years he’s been working on all three campuses and he hasn’t seen a student with pepper spray, which he attributes to the “safe atmosphere” on campus.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if students carried it at night when they are attending night classes,” said Beckley.

Pepper spray became questionable when Associated Students had three female students ask if pepper spray is legal on campus.

Under California Penal Code Section 626.10 it states that any person, except a duty appointed peace officer, who brings or possesses a dirk, dagger, ice pick, or knife having any fixed blade longer than 2 1/2 inches upon the grounds of, or within the California Community College is guilty of a public offense, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or imprisonment in the state prison.

VCCCD’s police don’t search students’ backpacks, so there isn’t a way for the police to know if they are carrying a weapon, said Justice. But Justice said that if someone reports a weapon or a person threatens someone with a weapon, police will take action.

If a student doesn’t want to carry pepper spray, but still wants to feel safe on campus, there is another option.

Leeann M. Mulville, self-defense and criminal justice instructor, has some advice for students.

“The best defense is an offense – be aware of your surroundings, plan your trips to and from areas where one may be vulnerable, walk in groups,” said Mulville.