When it comes to personal protection, not everyone wants—or needs—to carry a firearm.
For many responsible Coloradans, pepper spray (OC spray) is the perfect non-lethal self-defense option: affordable, effective, and legal to carry in public.
That’s why we now offer the Civilian OC Spray Certification Course in Colorado, taught by Alicia Garcia, a certified OC instructor and defensive tactics trainer.
This 2-hour class gives you the skills and confidence to use OC spray safely, effectively, and legally—helping you stay protected no matter your comfort level with firearms.
👉 Register Now – OC Spray Certification Class in Thornton, Colorado
Is Pepper Spray Legal in Colorado?
Yes. Pepper spray—technically called Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)—is completely legal to carry and use for lawful self-defense in Colorado.
There are no registration, permit, or age restrictions for civilians, and OC spray is not classified as a firearm.
However, misuse—such as using pepper spray offensively or in anger—can still lead to criminal or civil penalties.
This course teaches you when OC spray use is legally justified under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-1-704, what constitutes “reasonable force,” and how to clearly articulate your actions to law enforcement after an incident.
Training ensures that you understand not just how to spray—but when and why.
Why Take a Pepper Spray Certification Class?
Buying a can of pepper spray doesn’t make you safer—knowing how and when to use it does.
This certification course covers the real-world, practical skills needed to deploy OC spray confidently under stress.
You’ll learn:
- Colorado laws governing self-defense and non-lethal force
- How to properly deploy, aim, and maintain distance
- Situational awareness and avoidance strategies
- Decontamination procedures and after-care
- How to document and report a defensive use
No live exposure is required.
This is a hands-on, judgment-based class designed for real civilians—not security officers—who want to protect themselves responsibly.
Why We Use SABRE OC Spray
We exclusively use and recommend SABRE brand OC spray products for all civilian and professional training.
SABRE is a trusted leader in personal safety and law enforcement-grade OC products. Their sprays are made in the USA, lab-tested for heat and consistency, and trusted by police departments and security professionals worldwide.
We use SABRE because it delivers consistent, professional-grade performance that other brands can’t match.
Here’s why CCCD stands by SABRE:
- Consistent Performance: Every canister is pressure-tested for reliability.
- Superior Range & Accuracy: Most SABRE sprays reach 8–12 feet for safe distance defense.
- High-Quality Formulas: SABRE measures potency using both Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and Major Capsaicinoids (MC)—ensuring maximum stopping power.
- Enhanced Safety Features: Flip-top and twist-lock designs prevent accidental discharge.
- Law Enforcement Grade: The same manufacturer supplies both civilian and police OC products, guaranteeing performance you can trust.
Both Mark Schneider and Alicia Garcia personally use SABRE Red Gel Spray for civilian carry and recommend it for all students.
SABRE’s proven reliability, precision, and quality make it the industry standard in non-lethal personal defense.
Every student in this course receives a small SABRE OC spray can (≈ $15 value) to take home, along with a printed training pamphlet and an official CCCD Certificate of Completion.
Building Confidence — With or Without a Firearm
This class helps build confidence under stress, regardless of what you carry.
Many students take this as their first step into self-defense training, while others—especially concealed carry holders—take it to expand their non-lethal options.
Pepper spray bridges the gap between verbal commands and lethal force.
For concealed carriers, it’s a safe and legally sound intermediate tool for situations that don’t justify drawing a firearm.
For civilians who choose not to carry a gun, OC spray provides a practical, fast, and effective means of defense without the legal and emotional weight of lethal force.
After completing this class, you’ll:
- Recognize pre-attack indicators early
- Control distance and manage personal space
- Deploy OC safely under pressure
- De-escalate and communicate with confidence
This is how responsible citizens protect themselves—calmly, confidently, and within the law.
Course Details
- 📍 Location: 2090 E. 104th Ave, Unit 304, Thornton, CO 80233
- ⏱ Duration: 2 hours (classroom and hands-on practical training)
- 💰 Cost: See Calendar
- 👩🏫 Instructor: Alicia Garcia – Certified OC Instructor, CCCD
- 🎓 Includes:
- Small SABRE OC Spray Can ($15 value)
- Printed Training Pamphlet
- Official CCCD Certificate of Completion
No live OC exposure required. Training focuses on safety, confidence, and responsible civilian use.
👉 Register Now – OC Spray Certification Class in Thornton, Colorado
Group and Corporate OC Spray Training
CCCD offers private OC Spray Certification sessions for businesses, community groups, and organizations across the Denver metro area.
These sessions are ideal for church safety teams, real estate offices, and workplace safety programs that want to empower staff with practical, non-lethal defensive options.
Private classes can be held at your site or at one of our classrooms in Thornton or Denver.
Group training enhances awareness, reduces liability, and prepares teams for real-world safety challenges.
To schedule a private group training, contact CCCD for custom pricing and availability.
Why Every Civilian Should Take an OC Spray Class
Pepper spray is often underestimated, but when used correctly, it’s one of the most effective self-defense tools available.
This training provides more than just a certificate—it gives you real-world confidence and peace of mind.
You’ll walk away understanding:
- When you’re legally justified in using OC spray
- How to avoid dangerous encounters altogether
- How to deploy safely and communicate effectively afterward
Whether you’re a college student, parent, rideshare driver, or business professional, this class equips you with the skills to handle unpredictable situations the right way.
Related Articles & Training
Ready to expand your self-defense knowledge?
Explore more training from CCCD:
- Firearms Safety Courses in Colorado
- Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class
- Self-Defense Insurance Comparison Guide
- Can You Carry a Firearm in a Bar in Colorado?
Each link offers more insight into lawful, responsible personal protection across Colorado.
Serving Students Across the Denver Metro Area
While this class is held at our Thornton classroom, Concealed Carry Classes of Denver (CCCD) proudly serves students from across the Denver metro and Front Range, including:
Thornton, Northglenn, Westminster, Broomfield, Brighton, Commerce City, Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Lakewood, Federal Heights, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Longmont, Henderson, Parker, Centennial, Littleton, Wheat Ridge, Castle Rock, and Loveland.
Whether you live in the north, south, or central Denver area, you’re welcome to attend our Civilian OC Spray Certification Course.
Our goal is to make professional, affordable, and lawful self-defense training accessible to everyone throughout Colorado’s Front Range.
Register Today
Seats are limited for the Civilian OC Spray Certification Course to ensure safe, individualized instruction.
Register today and earn your official CCCD OC Spray Certificate with instructor Alicia Garcia.
👉 Register Now – OC Spray Certification Class in Thornton, Colorado
