ESSEX Police chiefs have refused to allow front line officers to use \u201cspit hoods\u201d – designed to protect officers and staff from being spat at by detainees.<\/p>\n
The hoods can be placed over the heads of prisoners who are known to have a\u00a0tendency\u00a0to spit and are infected with a disease that can be spread through saliva.<\/p>\n
EssexFedFocus understands that the force had purchased a number of spit hoods and drawn up a training package for their use, but the plug was pulled by chief officers at the last minute.<\/p>\n
Spithoods are included in the ACPO Personal Safety Manual along with batons, CS spray, Taser and firearms but it is up to individual forces to decide whether they are implemented in their area.<\/p>\n
Roy Scanes, secretary of Essex Police Federation, said the decision was \u201cnot good enough\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cChief Officers have decided not to afford front line response officers that extra protection,\u201d he said. \u201cInstead officers can be spat upon by an infected prisoner and have to wait four weeks for the results of a blood test to confirm whether you have been infected. Meanwhile officers and their families go through hell.\u201d<\/p>\n
EssexFedFocus understands spit hoods are used in all other forces in the South East region except Kent Police, where the local federation is also trying to push for them.<\/p>\n
Part of the reason behind Essex Police\u2019s decision was said to be concerns about the visual effect that occurs when the hood is used, how it covers a detainees face and head.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would appear the force is more worried about the corporate image of Essex Police rather than the safety of their officers,\u201d said Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would welcome the force to look again at this issue should they receive more information about the viability of spit hoods.\u201d<\/p>\n
An Essex Police spokeswoman said the decision not to use spit hoods was taken after \u201cextensive research and consideration\u201d by senior managers who were guided by relevant health and safety legislation and staff protection professional guidance.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny assertion that officer safety has not been considered in this process is both unfounded and misplaced. Only a small number of forces nationally have introduced spit hoods and we do not believe that the introduction of this equipment is necessary or appropriate for Essex Police at this time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEssex Police recognises that if a police officer or staff member is spat at, this is highly unpleasant and may, in certain circumstances, present a risk of further medical complications. However, statistically the risk of serious injury is considered low, particularly if the correct aftercare is applied immediately after the incident.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that officer safety was an \u201con-going priority\u201d in the force and it was expanding the availability of other protective equipment, such as safety glasses for officers and staff.<\/p>\n
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