3 February 2022
The NT Police Association supports the use of spit hoods and restraint chairs to prevent members of the NT Police being exposed to communicable diseases which can have a long-lasting impact on a member’s health.
The use of restraint chairs and spit hoods are a last resort and are implemented under strict guidelines for the safety of the person in custody and the member.
NT Police Association Senior Vice-President Lisa Bayliss said the NTPA fully supported the use of spit hoods and restraint chairs as a workplace health and safety precaution.
Police officers are wives, husbands, partners and parents. If they are spat on by an offender they need to have a blood test to establish if a communicable disease has been contracted.
During the wait time for the results the member can’t kiss their own children for fear of passing on a disease, causing significnat stress on their personal lives.
“It is vital that police are protected from saliva and blood which can contain communicable disease,” she said.
“When a police officer is Intentionally spat on, not only is it a serious criminal offence, but the period of waiting just to find out whether you've been impacted by the assault and contracted a communicable disease, is quite distressing.
“If a person is violent or self-harming, police have an obligation by law to keep themselves and others safe.
“Spit hoods and restraint chair use is guided by strict policy and procedure and are an essential tool police use to protect themselves and others in the workplace.
“Restraint chairs are used as an option of last resort, and at times are necessary to ensure the protection of not only police but those in custody.”
ENDS
Please direct all media enquiries to NTPA Communications Officer, Kieran Banks +61 (0) 499 017 654 or media@ntpa.com.au
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is the industrial voice of all members of the Northern Territory Police Force. Read more via www.ntpa.com.au or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTPoliceAssociation
