Police in Milton Keynes to be issued with spit guards

Since April 1 last year, 306 Thames Valley Police officers have reported being assaulted by being spat at.

Of these, 30 officers reported being exposed to blood-borne virus contamination risk as a result of fluid from the subject entering their mouth, nose, eyes or open wound.

The Thames Valley Police health and safety policy in these incidents requires officers to attend A&E, because spitting bodily fluids such as blood and saliva can pose a risk of transmitting a range of infectious diseases.

The use of spit guards will reduce the potential for the transmission of these infectious diseases and are already being used by a number of Forces across the country.

Officers have the right to go about their work without being subjected to assaults including spitting, and this new piece of protective equipment will help to prevent this.

When using a spit guard, officers will be required to monitor the suspect at all times, as well as explaining the reason for its use.

Officers will also need to maintain the dignity of the suspect throughout the process.

Spit guards will only be used on suspects who have already spat at officers, or who are thought to be about to spit, and only when a suspect has already been handcuffed.

David Hardcastle, assistant chief constable said: “Spit guards are being introduced to help protect officers, other emergency services personnel and members of the public from this unacceptable and potentially dangerous behaviour.

“Our officers put themselves at risk every day and we want to ensure that they have the appropriate equipment to deal with the challenges they face.

“Everyone should be able to go to work without the possibility of being assaulted, including being spat at.

“The management team has listened to concerns raised by officers and the Police Federation, as well as taking on board recent recommendations from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and have taken the decision to provide them to all front line officers across the Force.”

The spit guards are made from a light, see-through, breathable material, which goes over the subject’s head and contains a plastic section which prevents a person from spitting.

A spitting incident took place in Milton Keynes earlier this month and the man is now awaiting sentencing for assault.

Sonny Miah, 25, of Rochfords, Coffee Hall, was found guilty of assault charges in his absence at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on January 18 this year and a warrant was issued for his arrest so he could be sentenced.

The case related to an incident in the early hours of November 15, 2015 when Miah assaulted a paramedic by punching her in the leg and spitting on her.

He then bit a police officer’s hand before punching and spitting on another police officer.