Javid backs use of spit hoods despite warnings from Met Chief

Telegraph

The Home Secretary and the UK’s most senior police officer have clashed over the use of spit hoods on suspects by front line police officers.

Commissioner Cressida Dick said the equipment that prevents people from spitting and biting officers should only be used in custody suites and not during arrests, despite support for them from Sajid Javid.  

The decision comes after the Home Secretary said it was ‘ridiculous’ that the mesh hoods had not yet  been adopted by all British forces in a speech at the Police Federation conference in May.

Over 30 of the 43 forces in England and Wales use spit hoods, with many including the British Transport Police, issuing them to frontline officers.

Dick’s announcement follows a lengthy trial of their use in custody during which Scotland Yard has used hoods in all custody suites.

The decision has been met with anger by The Metropolitan Police Federation who have labelled the move “absurd”, insisting the hoods “do not cause any stress whatsoever.”

Ken Marsh, The Federation’s Chairman , said “no member of the public will ever see a spit guard until they have spat at one of my colleagues.”

Since July 2017 Scotland Yard has deployed spit guards 151 times and many officers see them as a protective barrier between themselves and a potentially dangerous suspect.

However, many civil liberty groups have welcomed the move, calling the mesh hoods placed over suspects’ heads “dangerous and degrading” and hailing it as “ a step in the right direction from Cressida Dick”.

Gracie Bradley, Advocacy Manager for Liberty added that the hoods have been linked to a number of deaths in custody and a “robust” case for their use has not yet been made.

Matt Twist, Scotland Yard’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner said: “Over a number of years the Met has been looking at potential ways of minimising the threat this issue poses to officers and staff. One of the options that has been considered is spit and bite guards.

“We continue to monitor the use of spit and bite guards in the Met and are working with the Met Federation about encouraging police officers to report when they are spat at so we ensure we have accurate records of this.”

Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London, has confirmed their use would not be extended to the front line.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/23/javid-backs-use-spit-hoods-despite-warnings-met-chief/