NT Ombudsman launches probe into NT Police use of spit hoods

The Territory’s Ombudsman has launched an inquiry into the use of spit hoods and restraints chairs by NT Police.

THE use of spit hoods and emergency restraint chairs by NT Police has sparked an investigation by the Territory’s Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Peter Shoyer said his office was conducting preliminary inquiries into the use of both devices following reports by the NT News and other media.

“Consideration of information provided by stakeholders and in the media have contributed to the decision,” Mr Shoyer said.

“The report or a summary of the outcome is intended to be included in a report that will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.”

However, Mr Shoyer said preliminary inquiries were still ongoing and he could not provide a date for when the report would be finalised.

The Ombudsman NT resolves and investigates complaints about NT government departments and authorities, including complaints about police conduct.

The investigation comes after the NT News exclusively reported spit hoods were used 27 times on children in the past four years and restraint chairs were used six times.

Last year, the NT Ombudsman annual report also found NT Police had used a spit hood on a person in custody because they had a cut on their head.

The report said the spit hood was used to ensure any bloodborne diseases were not transferred from the person in custody to an officer, despite no spitting occurring.

“Contamination could have been avoided by dressing the injury and the officer who applied the spit hood acknowledged its use in the circumstances was unwarranted,” the report said.

Following the NT News’ investigation in February, the Territory Government asked NT Police to investigate alternatives to spit hoods.

Four months later, new Police Minister Kate Worden declined to answer questions on the progress of the investigation or if any other options had been provided.

“NT Police are currently looking at alternative practices to keep officers as safe as possible, which will then be considered by government,” she said.

She also declined to answer if she knew the NT Ombudsman was conducting their own inquiry.

NT Police confirmed a “comprehensive review” was ongoing and would consider alternate options to spit hoods that “ensured the safety and protection of police officers and persons in custody”.

They declined to comment on the Ombudsman’s investigation.

Originally published as NT Ombudsman launches probe into NT Police use of spit hoods