Federation unhappy over '˜spit hood' girl

THE organisation that represents rank-and-file officers has hit back after police put an 11-year-old girl in a spit hood.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jun 2016, 06:01 BST
Updated 10th Jun 2016, 11:25 BST

Sussex Police Federation’s statement comes after the a watchdog found officers used a mesh spit hood, handcuffs and leg straps on child H but failed to record why they had used force.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission found that 11 officers had a case to answer over their contact with the girl.

Her mother described her treatment as a ‘nightmare’.

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A federation statement said it was ‘disappointed’ with its officers’ portrayal and the girl used a ‘high level’ of violence.

The statement also added: ‘It is interesting to note that her mother is reported to have said “what she needed was patience, respect and the support of her mother”.

‘It is therefore slightly ironic that it was her mother who felt the need to call the police on several occasions.’

It added: ‘Police cells are not the place for people with mental health issues but in reality in a lot of cases, we remain the default position.’