THE head of a police association has called for Essex officers to carry controversial ‘spit hoods’.

Sgt Steve Taylor, chairman of the Essex Police Federation, said officers who are spat at by people they are trying to arrest is “not acceptable”.

He also said if the spit lands in officers’ eyes, noses or mouths they must be medically monitored for several weeks to make sure no illnesses have been passed over.

Critics say using spit hoods - placed on the suspects - breach human rights and their use is not sanctioned by West Midlands police and Greater Manchester police.

The Metropolitan Police began using the mesh hoods at the beginning of the month.

Sgt Taylor said: “I have had 16 years on the street in uniform and during that time I was spat at during, before and after the arrest of a suspect.

“I don’t think I am alone in saying I would rather take a punch to the face than have someone spit at me.”

He added: “With spitting, there is a high unknown element - we do not know who they are.

“There is a danger of transmission of conditions or diseases that individuals may have themselves.”

Sgt Taylor added in the last 12 months, 30 officers have confirmed to him they had been spat at.

Two officers said the spit had gone into their eyes, mouth and nose and they had to use preventative medication.

He added: “We police by consent in this country.

“One of the main tenets is that the public are the police and the police are the public.

“Is it acceptable for a member of the public to be spat at? Of course not, it is not acceptable at all.

“I believe a spit hood placed over the head of the suspect is the way to go.”

Sgt Taylor said the hood would not be used with any suspect under arrest but would instead form part of officers’ personal protection equipment.

He added: “It would be a reactive piece of equipment.”

Mr Taylor also called for the eventual roll out of body-worn cameras to all Essex Police officers.

The Met is understood to use the hoods in 32 police station detention areas across London as part of a pilot scheme.

Bosses say they will, initially, not be used on the streets but if the pilot is deemed to be a success, it could be expanded.