Staffordshire PCC: Prevention better than treatment as all officers given spit guards

All Staffordshire Police officers will soon be equipped with spit guards as the police and crime commissioner (PCC) stressed the importance of protecting them “in the first place”.

Matthew Ellis agreed to fund the equipment as personal issue after being surprised that it was not already happening.

The announcement comes after Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott called the value of spit guards into question, claiming there is no evidence that they work.

Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill has also asked local MPs to lobby for legislative change to introduce stricter sentences for those who spit at officers.

While Mr Ellis recognised the value of increased sentences, he believes the ability to prevent officers being spat at is more effective.

He told Police Professional: “The deterrent through stronger legislation is important, but let’s actually protect the officers in the first place rather than just being relieved that somebody’s got a decent sentence but they’ve still spat at an officer.

“My view is very, very simple. I couldn’t be a cop – these people put up with some pretty awful stuff and I think it’s up to us to make sure they are properly protected.

“The ultimate answer to this is if you’re being detained by a police officer, don’t spit. Then you won’t get dealt with via a spit guard.”

Both the Hampshire and Thames Valley forces also announced earlier this month that they would be equipping all their officers with spit hoods.

Staffordshire Police had previously only deployed the equipment in custody suites and vehicles, and officers used them just 64 times last year.

Despite campaign groups such as Liberty describing spit hoods as “primitive, cruel and degrading,” Mr Ellis claims his announcement has been met with very little negativity.

He believes this is partially because Staffordshire Police’s oversight for the equipment is “the best in the country”.

Officers are required to record all incidents when spit guards are used on body-worn video cameras, and this footage is reviewed by members of the public who sit on neighbourhood panels.

It is also checked by a specialist central Ethics Transparency and Audit Panel, which acts like an expert citizen select committee.

Mr Ellis also highlighted a clear public engagement strategy, which has stressed that some officers would rather be physically assaulted than spat at due to the risk of serious disease transmission.

This message was repeated by Chief Constable Jane Sawyers, who said: “Police officers have told me that they fear more the consequences of being spat at than of being physically assaulted.

“Policing can be a dangerous job and spitting is a real risk, which can have serious outcomes in some circumstances.

“The PCC and I are in agreement that personal issue spit guards is a proportionate response to a real threat faced by officers.”

Keith Jarvis, chair of Staffordshire Police Federation, added: “This goes a long way towards our officers feeling supported by the force in terms of the risks and dangers they face every day.”