An investigation has been launched after two officers are said to have hooded a 57-year-old librarian.
Mother-of-two Elaine Perry, from Worthing, was arrested on suspicion of using threatening behaviour and assaulting a police officer – only to be cleared by magistrates last month.
During her arrest she reportedly had a spit hood, which is understood to be used by just one other force in theUKand designed to stop offenders spitting at officers, put over her face.
Chichester Magistrates’ Court heard that the woman was out shopping in Worthing in December when she confronted a father whose children were sounding a car horn.
She fled to a nearby chemist when the youngsters’ mother allegedly started to shout at her.
The court heard she dialled 999 – at which time the mother also flagged down a passing police car to complain about the librarian.
The officers, PC Gemma Bensusan, 33, and Katrina Saunders, 35, proceeded to arrest the 57-year-old.
PC Bensusan told the court, according to the Daily Mail, that they decided to use a spit bag after Miss Perry refused to identify herself and was “tensing” to prevent herself being handcuffed.
She added that spit was landing on her face and fleece.
The mother wept as she told the court howshe was hooded in front of a crowd.
As reported by the Mail, she said: “I was absolutely terrified, totally degraded, humiliated.”
Defence barrister Neil FitzGibbon told the court that police regulations state hoods should be used only if individuals “represent a significant risk to the safety of officers”.
A Sussex Police spokesman said spit hoods had been used since 2009 on 1,291 different occasions.
He added: “We did receive a formal complaint about this incident before the court hearing and now the criminal prosecution has finished we will be in touch with the complainant in order to fully look into the matter. Spit hoods form part of the personal protective equipment available to operational officers.
“Spitting has potentially serious health risks for officers and the public and the hoods provide valuable protection. Officers receive training and guidance in the use of hoods.”
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