Shadow home secretary criticises Hampshire police spit hood roll-out
A SENIOR Labour MP has hit out against the decision to roll out spit hoods to all frontline police in Hampshire.
As reported on Wednesday, Hampshire police is now issuing £1.50 spit hoods to officers for use when arresting detainees. They were previously used only in custody.
Taking to Twitter, Diane Abbott, shadow home secretary, said: ‘No evidence that spit hoods are necessary or useful.’
But John Apter, who represents rank-and-file officers as Hampshire Police Federation chairman, replied: ‘Speak with officers who have been spat at, they would disagree.’