Spit guards to be trialled by police in Redbridge
Police are trialling spit hoods in north east London. - Credit: Archant
Controversial spit guards are to be used by police in Redbridge custody suites, as part of a three month trial by The Metropolitan Police.
From today mesh fabric hoods will be placed over the heads of suspects, who officers believe could bite or spit on them – to prevent the transfer of bodily fluids.
Campaign group Liberty has described the guards as cruel and degrading, but The Met says it “has a duty of care to its officers and staff”.
A statement released today says: “The issue of spitting and biting is a real problem – a particularly unpleasant form of assault, it rightly generates much concern amongst officers.
“Some of the follow-up treatment required after such an assault can be prolonged and unpleasant.”
You may also want to watch:
Spit guards are already used by 22 forces across the UK, including within London by British Transport Police (BTP).
The pilot scheme has been launched following a consultation in Redbridge, and with The Met’s national partners.
Most Read
- 1 'Uproar' at decision to fell protected oak tree in Hainault
- 2 Former Homebase development plans approved
- 3 Woodford Green and Forest Gate residents criticise councils over flooding
- 4 Water company apologises for phone line waits as flood response branded 'woefully inadequate'
- 5 More than £5m worth of stolen vehicles recovered in first Redbridge Action Week
- 6 Developments approved in Redbridge so far in 2021
- 7 Inquest: Newham driver died of 'misadventure' after Redbridge police chase
- 8 Redbridge clean-up underway after flash floods close A&E and damage homes
- 9 East London travel disruption round-up for the week ahead
- 10 Ricardo Fuller death: Third man charged with murder
The trial will take place in custody suites as they are controlled, supervised environments monitored by CCTV.
Afterwards the effectiveness will be gauged by The Met and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
