The NT Government is moving closer to a ban on spit hoods after Queensland announcement

A complete ban on spit hoods in Northern Territory watch houses is under consideration. The move follows a major decision by Queensland Police Service.

A complete ban on spit hoods in Northern Territory watch houses is under “active consideration”.

Queensland Police recently banned the “torture devices” in all operational settings, leaving just the NT and ACT as the only two police jurisdictions where they are still used on children.

Western Australia police also use spit hoods on adults in watch houses.

NT Police Minister Kate Worden said an internal review of the torture devices and alternatives to them were currently before cabinet.

“Obviously Queensland and then possibly ACT making those decisions better informs us as well,” she said.

“It’s in very good practice to look at what others are doing and how successful that they’re doing it. But that decision is different.”

A spit hood is a mesh bag that is placed over the head and neck and used by police to stop those in custody from spitting on or biting.

The United Nations has described spit hoods as a torture devices.

Their use has come under sustained criticism from human rights advocates as well as families of those subject to the practice.

The Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory noted “the risk of inadequate ventilation and even a risk of asphyxiation is increased” when spit hoods are used.

An eight-month investigation by the NT News revealed, despite a ban on the use of spit hoods within NT youth detention facilities, the devices were used 27 times on kids in police watch houses.

Ms Worden noted the government was looking into alternatives to the use of the devices, but reserved a final decision for Territory Cabinet.

“There’s a number of alternative types of spit hoods that have been looked at,” she said.

“I’ve been on the record previously as saying that we are (considering a ban), but it is a decision for cabinet.”

“Spit hoods and restraint chair use is guided by strict policy and procedure and are an essential tool police use to protect themselves and others in the workplace,”

the Northern Territory Police Association said.

A spokesman from NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services said: “NTPFES has provided a range of options to the Minister for consideration.”

The internal review was launched in February following NT News’ exclusive report, and an alternatives paper was provided to the Minister in July.

The NT Ombudsman continues to investigate their sustained use in the Northern Territory, with a report expected to be provided to parliament.