POLICE — SPIT
HOODS
1132. Hon Dr BRIAN WALKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer the minister to the answer I
received to my question without notice 1058, asked on 26 October 2022,
regarding the continued use of spit hoods by the Western Australia Police
Force, and I hope for some clarification.
(1) What
alternatives have been ruled out as replacements for spit hoods in the Perth
watch house, and why were they deemed inappropriate in each case?
(2) Is the
minister aware that other Australian jurisdictions have accepted officer-worn personal
protective equipment, specifically visors, as a practical and viable
alternative; and, have visors been considered here; and, if visors are unviable
here in Perth, what makes the Perth watch house different from watch houses in
Adelaide, Brisbane and Darwin?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question. The following information has been provided to me
by the Minister for Police.
The Western Australia Police Force
advises —
(1) As of 16 November
2022, no PPE alternatives have been ruled out or considered for replacement. At
this time, the spit hood provides the most considered protection to both
custodial officers and detainees, allowing the detainee to see and breathe
freely through the material.
(2) Please refer to answer provided
in (1).