Spit guards to be standard kit for front-line Met officers

FRONT-LINE police officers in London are to be given spit guards as part of their standard equipment, it has been announced.

The masks, which can be fitted over a suspect’s face to prevent them spitting at an officer, had previously only been available to police working in custody suites.

But Cressida Dick, the Met commissioner, announced that the equipment would now be issued as standard to all officers working on the front line.

The Met had previously resisted calls for spit hoods to be issued due to concern from civil liberties campaigners, who argued they were degrading and dangerous.

But front-line officers had overwhelmingly called for access to the kit, arguing that being spat at while doing their job was unacceptable.

Announcing the change, along with an increase in the number of Tasers being issued, Ms Dick said: “My role is to ensure officers have what they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. The announcements I have made to colleagues today are important issues that are intended to support officers and staff in keeping London safe.

“Officers in particular are tasked with responding to often dangerous situations and they need the protection to be able to do so safely, in order to protect the public, victims and suspects.”

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which has campaigned for the new equipment, welcomed the announcement.

He said: “The rolling out of spit guards to all officers in the MPS is great news for colleagues in London – and Metropolitan Police officers will appreciate having access to this vital piece of kit when they carry out their difficult role.

“Being spat at is abhorrent and we know it’s sadly happening too often to our colleagues in London, so the force’s decision over this piece of personal protective equipment is a real positive and we appreciate that they have listened to our compelling argument.”

A recently poll of Met officers suggested that 95 per cent of officers wanted to be able to carry spit hoods while on front line duty.