Met Police backtracks on 'spit hoods' plan as Sadiq Khan enters row over use at London police stations

Controversial: The use of spit hoods by police has sparked a row with human rights campaigners
Jamie Bullen7 September 2016

Scotland Yard tonight promised to hold further consultations in an apparent backtrack over the controversial use of "spit hoods" after Mayor Sadiq Khan waded into the row ahead of plans to introduce them at London police stations.

Met Police bosses said it will seek wider engagement following concerns over the use of the restraint device which was set to be introduced at more than 30 custody units across the capital from next month in a pilot.

It comes as Sadiq Khan intervened in the furore, arguing the decision over whether to use the tactic “should be informed by public engagement”.

In a statement, the Mayor's office said: "Any attack on officers carrying out their duties is completely unacceptable, and the use of protective equipment is sometimes necessary.

“The decision on whether to use intrusive tactics is a highly emotive one and should be informed by public engagement.

Intervention: London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the public should have their say on the use of spit hoods 
Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images

“We will be discussing the details with the Met and will consult closely with them, and see what further consultation may be appropriate, ahead of any pilot.”

Scotland Yard said a pilot had been “arranged” for next month but that it will consult further in light of concerns.

A statement said: “A pilot within the controlled environment of custody suites had been arranged for October. This was agreed by the Metropolitan Police Service Policy Forum in February, which is made up of officers and staff from across the organisation.

“A consultation process regarding their use has taken place and involved community advisors from Newham's Independent Advisory Group, in addition to local magistrates and judicial staff.

“However with a new administration coming into City Hall since then, the MPS has listened to concerns and will consult further before starting any pilot.”

The Met claimed the controversial restraint devices are necessary to prevent detainees from spitting or biting police officers.

But campaigners denounced the hoods as “primitive, cruel and degrading” and urged the Met to think again before implementing them.

Earlier today, human rights group Liberty slammed the use of spit hoods, which are used by a number of police forces in response to incidents and in custody.

Director Martha Spurrier said: “A spit hood is a primitive, cruel and degrading tool that inspires fear and anguish.

“We have seen many cases where the police use them unnecessarily and without justification, including on children and disabled people.

“Police have the power to use force against citizens when they have to – using handcuffs, arm restraints, leg restraints, pepper spray, batons.”

However, the move was backed by the Police Federation after it argued spitting leaves officers at risk of contracting hepatitis.

The Federation's health and safety lead, Che Donald, told the Guardian: “I’d rather take a punch to the face than be spat at.

"We do not deal with the most savoury people. Hepatitis is prevalent within the the drug abuse community. I don’t see it as a use of force, it is a health and safety issue

“The suggestion that officers need to be able to cover people’s faces and heads is as far-fetched as it is frightening. Spit hoods belong in horror stories, not on the streets of a civilised society – we urge the Met Police to think again.”

An investigation has been launched into recent video footage of a young black man being pinned to the floor and having a spit hood placed over his head at London Bridge station, which sparked criticism of the police.

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