“Liquid Impedance of Spit Restraint Devices: Policy, Training, and Tactical Implications”

A joint effort by The Institute for the Prevention of In Custody Deaths and Americans for Effective Law Enforcement, Inc.

SPIT HAPPENS^™!!!

As the safety and security of police officers continue to be a top priority, law enforcement agencies are constantly exploring new tools and techniques to mitigate risks. One such tool gaining attention is the use of spit hoods. Designed to protect officers from potential harm during confrontations with individuals who may spit or bite, spit hoods have become increasingly prevalent in policing.

Spit hoods, also known as spit guards or spit masks, are mesh-like devices that are placed over an individual’s head to prevent them from spitting, biting, or throwing fluids at officers. These hoods provide a physical barrier, reducing the risk of exposure to bodily fluids and potential transmission of diseases such as hepatitis or HIV, and many law enforcement agencies argue that their use is essential for officer safety. Supporters assert that spit hoods are a necessary tool that can prevent officers from being exposed to harmful substances or contracting potentially life-threatening diseases.

The use of spit hoods is often seen as a last resort in situations where an individual’s behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of officers or others. Law enforcement agencies recognize that the use of spit hoods should be proportionate and reasonable, ensuring that their deployment is justified in each specific circumstance. Proper training and clear guidelines are crucial to ensuring the appropriate and responsible use of spit hoods in policing.

While the primary purpose of spit hoods is to protect officers, it is essential to consider their potential impact on the person being restrained. Critics argue that spit hoods can be dehumanizing and may infringe upon an individual’s rights or dignity. Striking a balance between officer safety and the preservation of human rights is a challenge that law enforcement agencies must navigate when considering the use of spit hoods. Of utmost importance is the use of proper spit protection that allows proper breathing, ventilation and sight while eliminating the need for more restricting and confining measures.

Best practices and guidelines for using spit hoods

Despite their perceived benefits, spit hoods have also faced criticisms and controversies. To address these concerns, law enforcement agencies must establish clear guidelines and training protocols to ensure the responsible and ethical use of spit hoods. Proper training should include recognizing situations where the use of spit hoods is necessary, as well as techniques for applying and monitoring them to minimize any discomfort or distress experienced by the person being restrained.

Transparency and accountability are crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in law enforcement. Agencies should regularly review and evaluate their use of spit hoods, considering feedback from the community and civil rights organizations. This ongoing dialogue can help address concerns, refine protocols, and ensure that the use of spit hoods aligns with ethical standards and respect for human rights.

Alternative strategies for officer safety

To ensure the responsible and effective use of spit hoods, law enforcement agencies should adhere to best practices and guidelines. These guidelines should include the following:

1. Proper Training: Officers should receive comprehensive training on the appropriate use of spit hoods, including recognizing situations where their use is justified and techniques for applying and monitoring them.
2. Proportionality: The use of spit hoods should be proportionate to the threat posed by the individual. Agencies should consider alternative de-escalation techniques before deploying spit hoods.
3. Monitoring and Supervision: Officers should continuously monitor the person wearing the spit hood to ensure their well-being and remove the hood promptly if any signs of distress or breathing difficulties are observed.
4. Regular Evaluation and Review: Law enforcement agencies should regularly evaluate the use of spit hoods, seeking feedback from officers, community members, and civil rights organizations. This feedback can inform the refinement of protocols and ensure the responsible and ethical use of spit hoods.

By adhering to these best practices and guidelines, law enforcement agencies can strike a balance between officer safety and the preservation of human rights, promoting public trust and confidence in their operations.

Spit Mask Training

Excerpt from “The controversial Use of Spit Masks by Law Enforcement-Part ll”
John G. Peters,Jr., CLS,Ph.D. and A. David Berman, CLS, M.S.
Police and Security News Sept/Oct  2021

Spit masks are another defensive tool which can be applied on individuals to help restrain them from spitting while increasing your safety. Regardless of the spit mask brand or design authorized by your agency, you need to be trained in its application, removal and disposal, and then competency-based tested to show you learned the information and demonstrated the necessary skills to apply and remove it. Hands on application will help you to not only develop your application skills, but also show what it is like to wear a spit mask. Spit mask training is considered career and technical education. Competency-based training helps to minimize municipal and officer liability and is a great risk management tool. Like a spit mask being used for prophylactic purposes, preincident training also helps protect the officer and his (or her) employer should an injury or arrest-related or in-custody incident occur which is associated with spit mask application. Remember: It is never a problem until it is a problem and then it is usually too late. Proactively training officers on the appropriate uses of a spit mask will not take a lot of time. If your agency does not have a spit mask training program, consider the ON-DEMAND and tuition-free Spit Restraint™ User-Level program which takes approximately one hour to complete, including assessment (ipicdtc.com). Proof and validation of training are critically important when facing litigation. Spit mask trainers must have a written lesson plan (not a topical outline) which details what is taught and testing rubrics which quantitatively show how learning and physical skills (e.g., application and removal) are demonstrated and measured. Teaching officers that spit mask applications are a use of force is also a good time to discuss a few of the high profile spit-mask associated arrest-related and in-custody deaths. It is also a good time to remind officers that they must explain in detail what induced the need for applying a spit mask.

Conditions for Use:

• Do not use this product unless prisoner is under control and restrained.
• Wearer must be under constant visual supervision and should never be left unattended.
• DO NOT USE on anyone that is vomiting, having difficulty breathing, or is bleeding profusely from the area around the mouth or nose.
• Remove prisoner’s jewelry and eyewear before application.
• If there is difficulty applying due to large size head, discontinue use.

Instructions for Use:

1. Open and remove the Tranzport Hood.
2. Place the Tranzport Hood over the head of the person with the mesh fabric positioned just below the eyes to allow the person to see.
3. For the best fit, place the center elastic under the nose and over the ears. For better protection, the elastic may be placed above the nostrils.
4. Carefully push the Secure-Lock tab down toward the top of the head while holding the top of the mesh fabric. This should take the slack out of the top and help to secure the Tranzport Hood in position. DO NOT push so tightly as to be uncomfortable or impair the vision of the wearer.