Home Secretary supports the use of bite and spit guards for cops on the frontline
Sajid Javid called it 'completely ridiculous' that most police forces do not issue spit and bite protection to officers
HOME Secretary Sajid Javid was applauded by cops yesterday when he demanded that hoods should be used to stop yobs biting and spitting at them.
He said that it was “completely ridiculous” that the overwhelming majority of forces do not issue the spit guards to frontline officers.
He told the Police Federation’s conference in Birmingham: “I support officers who want better protective equipment like spit and bite guards.
"It’s ridiculous that you can’t restrain those who physically abuse you.”
Mesh fabric lightweight spit guards are meant to stop suspects infecting cops by spitting and biting.
They were first authorised in the UK in 2007, but only a handful of forces provide them for officers on the beat.
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The hoods have been called “primitive, cruel and degrading” by human rights group Liberty and campaigners including Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott.
But Mr Javid said: “I don’t understand why a chief constable should put public perception before protecting officers. I think it is completely ridiculous.”
He also backed an increase in the use of stop and search to stem rising violence.
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