ESSEX POLICE Federation has launched a campaign to introduce hoods to protect officers from being spat at or bitten.

Essex Police currently does not use the guards, mesh fabric hoods which are placed over the head of a suspect, but the Essex Police Federation is in favour of their use.

Three years ago, the Force bought a number of spit hoods and had drawn up a training package for their use, but the plug was pulled by chief officers at the last minute.

Mr Smith said: “We have asked the Chief Constable on a number of occasions to offer police officers spit hoods.

“Mr Kavanagh said he doesn’t like them.

“He doesn’t like their appearance and is concerned about the public perception. But we will continue to ask for them as a piece of personal protective equipment.”

Being spat at is not only unpleasant but can also pose a significant health risk, say advocates.

PC Jonathan McDonald, who works as an emergency response officer in Basildon, spoke to the Echo last month after had been allegedly bitten by a woman he was trying to arrest.

He told how bites, spitting and attacks are happening more often than ever before.

He said he has been attacked at least ten times in his decade-long career.

Mr Smith added: “Spit hoods provide an easy way to stop people from spitting in officers’ faces.

“One option it seems is to put something over the officer and the other is to put something on the person who is doing the spitting. If they do not like it on, then they need to stop spitting.

“When it comes to public perception, we need to educate the public as to what they are about.

“If they see them in use, they will understand why we need them. I think members of the public would find it disgusting to be spat at, just as much as any officer.

“It is disgusting and there are all the health issues that come along with it.”