Javid and Met chief clash over spit hoods

THE Home Secretary and the UK’S most senior police officer have clashed over the use of spit hoods on suspects by front-line police officers.

Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, said the equipment that prevents people from spitting and biting officers should only be used in custody suites and not during arrests, despite support for them from Sajid

Javid.

Mr Javid said it was “ridiculous” that the mesh hoods had not yet been adopted by all British forces in a speech at the Police Federation conference in May. More than 30 of the 43 forces in England and Wales use spit hoods.

Ms Dick’s announcement follows a trial of their use during which Scotland Yard used hoods in all custody suites.