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| Metropolitan Police to use ‘primitive, cruel and degrading’ spit hoods on suspects within weeks | Metropolitan Police to use ‘primitive, cruel and degrading’ spit hoods on suspects within weeks |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Metropolitan Police officers are to start using spit hoods in a pilot scheme next month, despite claims the measure is “primitive, cruel and degrading”. | |
| The restraint device is intended for use on unruly prisoners to prevent them from biting or spitting at officers. | |
| It will be initially used in 32 police station detention areas but not on London streets or in public. | It will be initially used in 32 police station detention areas but not on London streets or in public. |
| The hoods, which are classed as a use of force, hit the headlines when officers from British Transport Police were filmed using one on a man at London Bridge station in July. | The hoods, which are classed as a use of force, hit the headlines when officers from British Transport Police were filmed using one on a man at London Bridge station in July. |
| Martha Spurrier, director of human rights group Liberty said: “A spit hood is a primitive, cruel and degrading tool that inspires fear and anguish. | Martha Spurrier, director of human rights group Liberty said: “A spit hood is a primitive, cruel and degrading tool that inspires fear and anguish. |
| “We have seen many cases where the police use them unnecessarily and without justification, including on children and disabled people. | |
| “Police have the power to use force against citizens when they have to – using handcuffs, arm restraints, leg restraints, pepper spray, batons. | “Police have the power to use force against citizens when they have to – using handcuffs, arm restraints, leg restraints, pepper spray, batons. |
| “The suggestion that officers need to be able to cover people’s faces and heads is as far-fetched as it is frightening. | |
| “Spit hoods belong in horror stories, not on the streets of a civilised society – we urge the Met Police to think again.” | |
| The Met has stated the hood is considered a “use of force” and that officers were being trained to use it only when necessary. | |
| The Police Federation has called for the implementation of the spit hood to help protect its officer members. | The Police Federation has called for the implementation of the spit hood to help protect its officer members. |
| A force spokeswoman said: “A pilot scheme has been approved for the use of spit guards in all Metropolitan Police custody units from October 2016. | |
| “These guards will only be used in a custody situation. They are considered a use of force and so officers are being trained to ensure that their use is proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. | |
| “The use of this protective equipment is necessary to meet the duty of care owed to officers when a detainee spits at or attempts to bite them.” |