This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

A police force has said it may start using spit hoods after its Twitter followers voted overwhelmingly in favour of them.

Durham Constabulary carried out a poll on social media to gauge reaction to the controversial guards, the use of which has been condemned by human rights groups.

Out of more than 1,300 people who voted in the poll, 93% said they supported their use.

Durham Constabulary (@DurhamPolice) We would like your views on ‘Spit Hoods’ and the potential for these to be used within force.



A 'Spit Hood' is a restraint device intended to prevent an arrested individual from spitting or biting.



Do you agree or disagree? Views can be sent to yourviews@durham.pnn.police.uk

Police say that spit hoods, which are stocking-like restraints pulled over the heads of arrestees to obstruct their mouths, are needed to protect officers from being bitten or spat on, possibly exposing them to pathogens such as hepatitis.

But human rights groups such as Amnesty International, Inquest and Liberty have criticised their use, saying they are dehumanising and dangerous because they could restrict breathing.

UK police forces under pressure to stop using spit hoods Read more

Deborah Coles, director of human rights group Inquest, said the Twitter poll was a “rather frivolous way of dealing with a serious issue”.

“If they’re serious about their research, then do a proper review involving detainees,” she said.

Coles said she was against the use of spit hoods as they were “degrading and potentially harmful” and often used alongside other methods of force.



Spit hoods tended not to be used in isolation or in “calm” situations, she said. “Where you give the police new weapons they become the norm rather than the exception.”

Corey Stoughton, advocacy director at Liberty, said Twitter was not “an appropriate platform for a police force to consult on something as extreme, dangerous and divisive as spit hoods”.

She added: “These tightly meshed bags have been linked to deaths in custody. We have seen disturbing cases of their use against children and people with mental health problems.

“We need a real assessment of [spit hoods’] risks, analysis of the alternatives and robust national police guidance covering their use. This is an irresponsible move by Durham police.”

About a third of the 45 forces in England and Wales use spit hoods, as does Police Scotland. Britain’s biggest force, the Metropolitan police, is trialling their use.

Ken Marsh of the Metropolitan Police Federation told a conference in May that 16 officers needed hospital treatment at the Notting Hill carnival in 2016 because they were spat at.

Responding to the Durham police poll, one person replied: “I fully support the use of spit hoods as officers need protecting from this disgusting assault.”

Another said: “People who disagree with using these obviously haven’t been spat in the face by some dirty low-life crook! Spitting is despicable! Hope the force starts using them to protect our officers.”

A Durham police spokeswoman said the poll had been suggested by an inspector, that it was “very much the beginning of a debate on their use” and that they wanted to gauge public opinion.

The spokeswoman added: “As ever, at the heart of what we do is listening to what the people living in the counties we serve want from their police force.

“We value views and feedback – both positive and negative.

“We have a huge social media following and so it seems fitting that we ask for public opinion. A poll provides measurable results which can help to shape decisions.”