“If not used properly, [spit hoods] might cause damage or even death.”A ubiquitous yet risky deviceInvented in the late 1990s, the spit mask — or spit hood — is a face covering made of mesh, sometimes combined with a layer of permeable fabric. Spit hoods go by many names: spit masks, spit socks, protective restraint hoods, to list a few. WATCH | Calling for rules around spit hoods: Use of force expert says protocols on spit hood use should be required | Duration 0:38 WARNING: This video contains graphic content and violence. In 2024, Edmonton police used spit hoods 71 times, and Winnipeg police used them 79 times. Our team asked every province and territory that reported using spit hoods how they had confirmed the device is safe.

Source: CBC News February 27, 2026 18:03 UTC