The purpose of the spit prevention device is to protect personnel from exposure to body fluids, and to prevent contamination to a person and/or property. The officers determination that protection is necessary must be based on objectively reasonable facts at the time that the subject poses an immediate threat to spit at an officer or another person. Spit prevention devices are generally used during application of a physical restraint, while the subject is restrained, or during or after transport. Except for the department approved device, under no circumstances will any other type of restraint be placed over the mouth or around the subjects neck to control spitting. The current department approved device allows an officer to observe the subjects face, and is a light weight, sheer, transparent, mesh material that allows the subject to easily see and breathe, while preventing most saliva and other bodily fluids from being projected outside of the device.
APPLICATION
When an officer has determined a subject is likely to or has spit, the officer should place the device over the subjects head and face. For officer safety, it is recommended the placement of the device be applied and witnessed by a second officer when possible. The device should be loose-fitting while on the subjects head. The elastic bands sewn into the device shall be the only means of securing it, and they will not be tightened in any manner around the subjects neck. After application, the officer will verify a subjects mouth and/or nose are not obstructed, and officers should ensure that the device allows for adequate ventilation and that the subject can breathe. An officer will maintain constant observation of the subject at all times after application of the device, until removed. Officers should provide assistance during the movement of restrained individuals due to the potential for impaired or distorted vision on the part of the individual.
Any use of the device must be documented in a police report, including the facts leading up to the application.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The device will not be applied to a subject that is vomiting, complaining of or having difficulty breathing, or bleeding profusely from the mouth or facial area. If a subject vomits or develops difficulty breathing while wearing a device, it should be immediately removed and discarded, and appropriate first aid treatment shall be provided if necessary.
The device will not be used on a subject who has been exposed to ASR, and ASR will not be used on a subject who is wearing a device.
Only department issued spit prevention devices will be used, and the device will not be modified or used for any other purpose.
The device shall be used only once and then disposed of in accordance with biohazard procedures.
Issued October 28, 2013