“Spit hoods are essential protective equipment for officers”

ESSEX Police Federation will continue to fight to introduce spit hoods at the force despite opposition, Chairman Mark Smith has said.

The force does not currently use the guards – mesh fabric hoods that are placed over the head of a suspect to protect police officers from being spat at or bitten – but Mr Smith said the Federation is in favour of their use.

Three years ago Essex Police purchased a number of spit hoods and had drawn up a training package for their use, but the plug was pulled by chief officers at the last minute.

And the issue has come to the fore again after the Met’s plan to pilot the use of spit hoods was reversed. London’s mayor Sadiq Khan voiced concerns about their use following interjections from human rights groups, saying the hoods belonged in “horror stories”.

Essex Police’s chief constable Stephen Kavanagh is also opposed to the hoods, Mr Smith said, despite the federation’s representations.

Mr Smith (pictured) said: “We have asked the chief constable on a number of occasions to offer police officers spit hoods. Mr Kavanagh said he doesn’t like them. He doesn’t like their appearance and is concerned about the public perception. But we will continue to ask for them as a piece of personal protective equipment.”

Being spat at is not only unpleasant but can also pose a significant health risk, say advocates.

Mr Smith added: “Spit hoods provide an easy way to stop people from spitting in officers’ faces. One option it seems is to put something over the officer and the other is to put something on the person who is doing the spitting. If they do not like it on, then they need to stop spitting.

“When it comes to public perception, we need to educate the public as to what they are about. If they see them in use, they will understand why we need them. I think members of the public would find it disgusting to be spat at, just as much as any officer. It is disgusting and there are all the health issues that come along with it.”