Devon and Cornwall Police will introduce spit and bite guards (SBG) to limit the number of assaults on officers, staff and other emergency service workers including paramedics and nurses.
East Cornwall commander, Superintendent Ian Drummond-Smith, said: ’The SBG is being introduced for the safety and support of our officers, staff and those we work alongside. Biting and spitting is an atrocious act and the new SBGs will provide additional protection to help keep everyone safe. Too often, officers, security guards or NHS staff are spat upon, not just with saliva but also with blood and other body fluids.’
Between 2016 and 2017, 216 officers and staff were spat on in Devon and Cornwall alone, accounting for 18 per cent of all assaults against staff.
Devon and Cornwall Police will join 26 other forces nationally who have deployed SBGs in operational and detention settings to protect officers, staff and detainees.
South Western Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Ken Wenman, said: ’Any assault on staff across the emergency services is unacceptable. We therefore support our police colleagues in the safe and appropriate use of these spit and bite guards.’