‘Spit guards’ used to prevent police and public from being hawked at
‘Spit guards’ are being rolled out to police across Herts in a bid to protect officers from the vile and potentially dangerous act.
The spit guards take the form of light, see-through fabric hoods and are being issued at training sessions to all frontline officers and staff.
The force’s personal safety trainer Adam Hawes said: “Being spat at is one of the most disgusting things that can be experienced by the public, officers and staff and in some cases can be dangerous.
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Hide Ad“These spit guards will only be put on a person who has been spitting at the public or officers or is threatening to spit.”
The spit guards are already in use in many other forces and are a safer alternative than the improvised use of an article of the spitter’s clothing or a custody blanket being placed around the offender’s face.
The guards are breathable, even when wet.