Police use spit hoods on suspects once an hour
The mesh fabric hoods are placed over a suspect's head to prevent them from spitting or biting when arrested or in custody.
Figures show that they were used 26,4000 times over three years and that their use is increasing each year.
Official data showing the use of spit hoods between 2021 and 2024 has been released by the Home Office, following a House of Lords written question by Lord Palter of Spalding.
In 2021-22, they were used by police 8,281 times, in 2022/23 it was 8,275 and in 2023-24, it was 9,844. On average, that is 8,800 each year, which breaks down to 24 times a day.
The Metropolitan Police had the highest number with 4,503 over the three years, Greater Manchester Police with 1,951 and West Midlands Police using 1,875.
Critics of the tactic have voiced concerns that spit hoods can be dangerous, potentially leading to suffocation or distress, and that they can mirror a waterboarding effect.
Two serving Metropolitan Police officers and a former officer are facing a gross misconduct hearing after a 90-year-old black woman with dementia was 'red-dotted' with a Taser, handcuffed and put in a spit hood.
The woman was targeted with the Taser when she refused to drop kitchen utensils she had been holding after officers were called to an address in Peckham, south London, in May this year over reports of a disturbance.
Officers approached the woman who spat in the direction of some officers.
She was physically detained and placed in handcuffs and then a spit hood was applied, but she was not arrested.
Ambulance staff attended and the woman was taken to hospital still in the handcuffs and spit hood. These were later removed at the hospital.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the police officers' actions.
Steve Noonan, the IOPC director, said: 'We are concerned by some of the actions and decision-making of police officers involved in the detention of this elderly and vulnerable lady, and we recognise this incident has also caused community concern.
'It's important that an independent investigation takes place to establish the full circumstances.'
But officers have defended their use of spit hoods. Peter Bleksley, a retired Metropolitan Police detective, said: 'This is the shocking reality of policing in 2025. If there's a risk of an officer being spat on, I'd say put the hood on.
' Violence against police is out of control. It needs a proper crackdown. The use of these hoods is a clear sign it is not acceptable in any form.'
'Put yourselves in the shoes of the officers'
He added: 'It's a horrific thing to have to go through. Anyone who does not believe me, I'd say put yourselves in the shoes of the officers it is happening to.
'They are there for a reason. Anyone making the human rights argument, what's humane about being spat on? It's a disgraceful act.'
One officer from Kent, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's becoming an increasing problem. There is more reporting of it now.
'No police officer wants to have to use them. But if we're being spat on, we have to. It's also about controlling what could be an unfolding violent situation and not making it worse.'
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