The Policing Board has published a report today by its Human Rights Advisor on the PSNI’s use of Spit and Bite Guards.
Policing Board Chair Doug Garrett said:
“This report considers all relevant information and provides a human rights assessment of the application of Spit and Bite Guards. It also reviews all the current evidence, safe-guards and protections and makes a number of recommendations in relation to training and guidance.
The Report was considered by the Board at its meeting on 3 February 2022. The Board now accepts the continued use of Spit and Bite Guards by the PSNI subject to the agreement of a governance framework that it will review on a regular basis. The Board has agreed that in developing such a framework, the Chief Constable should be mindful of key elements within the Advisor’s report including:
- The use on children and other vulnerable people;
- The possibility of greater opportunities for de –escalation;
- The use once a suspect has already been restrained; and
- Officer training and differences in use in relation to community background.”
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For further information please contact the Board’s Communications Office on 028 90408500