Operational partnerships - Spit guards SOP (O43n)

1. Summary of changes

1.1 This standard operating procedure (SOP) has been reviewed in February 2024 – no amendments to content have been made.

2. What this procedure is about

2.1. This SOP outlines the procedures for the operational use of spit guards.

2.2. As personal protective equipment (PPE), all operational officers, regular and Special Constabulary will be issued spit guards. Spit guards allow officers to protect themselves in accordance with their training and the principles regarding the use of force from detained persons and others who spit.

Compliance with this SOP and any governing policy is mandatory.

3. Detail the procedure

3.1. Spit guards allow officers to protect themselves in accordance with their training and the principles regarding the use of force from detained persons and others who spit.

3.2. Only Kent Police approved and issued spit guards will be carried and used.

3.3. Officers should ensure that the spit guard is new and undamaged and prepared for use.

3.4. Spit guards should only be used in circumstances where the actions of the subject are such that they represent a risk to the safety of officers or other staff.

3.5. The decision to use a spit guard rests with each individual officer and the use will be recorded in the officers PNB and on the use of force form. Officers should use BWV to support their rationale. The officer must also inform the custody officer if a spit guard has been used.

3.6. Reasonable grounds - in considering what action is necessary and proportionate, an officer should apply the principles of the national decision model to support the justification of using a spit guard, taking into account all the accompanying circumstances at the time. There must always be objective basis for the decision to use the spit guard.

3.7. The use of a spit guard on a vulnerable person experiencing a mental health crisis, acute behavioural disorder, exhibiting learning difficulties or any other psychological impairment will likely create disorientation, stress and anxiety. This is a significant factor to be taken into account by officers when considering the application of a spit guard. The vulnerability of juveniles should also be taken into account when considering applying a spit guard.

3.8. Officers must warn the detained person that a spit guard will be used to protect officers.

3.9. The spit guard needs a minimum of two officers working together to control the subject to correctly apply it. The subject should be handcuffed to the rear before a spit guard is applied.

3.10. Under no circumstances should a subject be left unattended whilst wearing a spit guard. Officers should keep everyone wearing a spit guard under constant supervision due to the slight risk of it inducing an asthma attack and the risk of vomiting, having difficulty breathing, or bleeding profusely from the nose or mouth area. The application of a spit guard may increase the risk of positional asphyxia. Officers should refer to SOP O43j – positional asphyxia for further information.

3.11. If the spit guard is used in custody then the adverse incident form will also be completed by the custody officer. Any involvement of a Force Medical Officer (FMO) will be a matter for the custody officer.

3.12. Where possible, strong consideration should be given to the removal of eye wear from the subject prior to the use, and consideration given to the removal of any jewellery that might become entangled.

3.13. On occasions, an elevated level of distress may be shown by the detained person when the spit guard has been applied. Officers should provide verbal re-assurance and dynamically assess the situation with a view to removal if appropriate. In the event of a medical emergency the spit guard should be removed immediately.

3.14. Once used, the spit guard should be disposed of as per divisional bio-hazard protocols. A replacement spit guard can be obtained from clothing stores.

4. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1. An EIA has been carried out and shows the proposals in this procedure would have high potential or actual differential impact on grounds of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, transgender, disability, age, religion or belief or sexual orientation.

5. Risk assessment

5.1. This SOP has been assessed as medium risk.

6. Consultation

6.1 Consultation has been undertaken with the following:

• Staff Safety Training Unit
• Equipment Review Group
• Human Resources
• Equality and Diversity
• Freedom of Information
• Finance
• Estate
• Legal
• Police Federation
• Staff Association Groups
• PCC Office
• Independent Policy Advisory Group (IPAG)

7. Monitoring and review

7.1. The SOP will be monitored and reviewed by the Staff Safety Training Unit on the behalf of Learning and Development. The accuracy of the SOP will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the most recent College of Policing published information. This SOP will be reviewed every two years with the next review scheduled in February 2026. 

8. Security

8.1. Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.