‘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.
“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.