Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has decided to continue the use of spit hoods only in custody and not on the streets. The decision was revealed in a written answer from the Mayor to London Assembly Members.
Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, said: “This is a major policy decision which should not have been slipped out in this manner.
“The fact that police officers are being spat at during their duties in the first place, is frankly disgusting. This decision is an important one, that the public should be made aware of.
“The Mayor should have announced this decision fully and openly. If a busking competition deserves a public statement, then decisions on sensitive policing issues should also merit the appropriate level of transparency.
“The Committee will question the Commissioner about this when she appears before us next month.”
Notes to editors
- Cressida Dick, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, will answer questions from the Police and Crime Committee on September 5.
- London Assembly Police and Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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