The Irish Prison Service (IPS) began using spit hoods on prisoners two years ago but does not keep a centralised database of their use. Spit hoods are included in the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by IPS control and restraint teams and local response teams. The IPS said spit hoods are used “very rarely and only when necessary, eg a planned relocation of a prisoner”. Specialist teams have been trained in the use of spit hoods in recent years along with receiving instruction on other PPE. The Irish Penal Reform Trust said it was “very worrying” that statistics on spit hoods were not available.

Source: The Irish Times February 06, 2021 05:14 UTC