Don’t Spit And There Is No Need For A Spit Guard

THERE is a very clear correlation when it comes to spit guard use – don’t spit at officers and you won’t be put in a guard.

That is the view of Essex Police Federation, after new figures showed use of spit guards has increased in the county.

The protective light mesh hoods are used to prevent officers being bitten or having blood and saliva sprayed on them if suspects spit at them.

The increase in their use has prompted criticism from human rights group Liberty, who said being placed in a guard was traumatic.

Any officer who has been spat at has to be tested for contagious diseases such as Hepatitis C.

“It’s simple,” said Federation Chairman Steve Taylor, “if you don’t want to be put in a spit guard, don’t spit at people.

“If you’re daft enough to start spitting at police officers, if you’re vile enough to start spitting when there’s a police officer present, officers in Essex are going to put you in a spit guard. And if you don’t want that to happen, don’t spit.”

Proactive spitting deterrent messages need to be sent out by the courts, Steve added.

He said: “It needs to come from the judiciary. It needs to come from the court processes. Physically putting people in a spit guard is a temporary, reactive measure.

“Invariably, that fact that you’re going to end up in a spit guard, is that going to stop you spitting at someone? I’d question whether or not it will. But a dim view taken by the bench when you come before them, that’s more of a deterrent.

“After we got this fantastic piece of kit to help prevent those vile individuals continuing to be vile by spitting at people, we need the support [of the courts].

“It’s an assault, at the end of the day. Assaulting an emergency service worker. We asked for it to be considered more strongly in the [Protect the Protectors] legislation, and that wasn’t carried.

“But it does not do away from the fact that spitting at people is an assault, with laws to deal with that and consequences for those that are found guilty of having done those things.

“Do handcuffs deter people? I’d argue they don’t. But they’re a ready part of an officer’s equipment and spit guards should fall into that bracket.”

Proper use and the safety of individuals should they be placed in spit guards is maintained too, Steve said.

He explained: “This isn’t equipment that we deploy and we just leave. We are responsible for those against who we use it.

“Officers monitor people that are in spit guards. If there’s the slightest risk to them or their health then steps can be taken, the guard can be taken off. Everything is risk assessed.”