PCC accused of spit guard ‘U-turn’

A police and crime commissioner (PCC) has denied making a “dramatic U-turn” on spit guards after announcing there are no plans to introduce the devices.

Gloucestershire Police Federation claims an agreement was in place to begin trialling spit guards in custody suites across the force area before potentially moving to wider deployment.

However, PCC Martin Surl described this conjecture as “premature” and assured the public that no such decision has been reached.

Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed that spit guards are being considered but “further conversations” are needed before any trial could begin.

Sarah Johnson, chair of Gloucestershire Police Federation, accused Mr Surl of intervening in force plans and prompting a “dramatic U-turn”.

She said: “Our members will rightly be asking why he is getting involved in operational policing decisions, which are a matter for the chief constable.

“Police officers will also be left feeling that the police and crime commissioner and the force are basically saying it is ok for people to spit at them.”

Ms Johnson pledged to raise this issue with Mr Surl’s office and Gloucestershire Constabulary’s management team.

Around half of English and Welsh forces currently issue spit guards to their officers.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd expressed her support for the devices at last month’s Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) conference.

The PFEW is campaigning for them to be given to officers in the remaining parts of the country.

However, human rights group Liberty has said spit guards “can only lead to human rights abuses”.

Similar concerns were raised by London mayor Sadiq Khan last year when he stopped a pilot scheme by the Metropolitan Police Service.

According to Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Julian Moss, work is ongoing to offer better protections to officers and staff.

“This includes how we could practically use spit guards, but given the controversial nature of the devices, there are further conversations that need to take place,” he said.

“This includes talking to the people of Gloucestershire to ensure that the most suitable option balances rights fairly and has legitimacy in the eyes of the public.”

Mr Moss added this work must be carried out swiftly to ensure officers and staff are kept safe.

Chief Constable Rod Hansen said officers already have the power to use reasonable force against suspects where appropriate.

He added that “further pause for thought is the right course to take” should a solution be found that works for everyone.

Mr Surl, who served as a police officer for 30 years, said: “I know from personal experience that any attack on officers carrying out their duties is completely unacceptable, and that extra protection is sometimes necessary.

“But the use of spit guards has caused controversy in other parts of the country with claims they breach suspects’ rights and could even be dangerous.

“The chief constable and I are in total agreement that the safety of our staff is paramount, but I am yet to be convinced that spit guards are the answer.

“This is a highly emotive issue that should not be rushed into without public engagement and any other consultation that may be appropriate.”