News / Avon and Somerset Constabulary
‘We did not mean to cause any offence to people living with HIV’
Avon and Somerset police have issued an unreserved apology after being accused of spreading misinformation and stigmatising people with HIV.
The force said it did not mean to cause offence in the justification for the use of spit hoods, which focused on stopping any transmission of blood-borne viruses, sparking a backlash from campaigners and charities.
Bristol-based HIV charity Brigstowe was among those who spoke out to condemn the police, saying their message was not only incorrect, but also reinforces stereotypes and serves to stigmatise people living with HIV and hepatitis C.
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Avon and Somerset have since issued a statement saying: “We would like to reiterate our unreserved apology.
“We did not mean to cause any offence to people living with HIV, or Hepatitis B, or C and we are very sorry if this has been the case. It was never our intention to reinforce stigma for people living with these conditions.
“Every day we work to reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by communities and individuals who are victims of hate crime in all its guises.
“Spit guards are being rolled out next year to our frontline officers to protect them from assault involving spitting and biting. These assaults – which often target an officer’s face – are degrading and can be psychologically damaging.
“Our aim has never been to focus attention on people living with health conditions, but to provide officers with a means of protection from people who use spit as a weapon. Our training will make that clear.”
The mesh spit hoods cover the entire face
Police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens added: “I fully appreciate that the opinion on spit and bite guards is divided and some of our communities have raised concerns about their use. I also recognise that assaults against our police officers are increasing and the constabulary rightly want to protect their officers.
“Spit and bite guards must only be used by trained officers and in conjunction with body worn video. The frequency of their use will be recorded on the police website and local people from my Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel will review their use. I hope that our communities are reassured that the right safeguards are in place for the use of spit and bite guards.
“I am sure the constabulary have learnt from the messaging of this announcement and I hope that we can work together with those who felt stigmatised to ensure nothing like this happens again.”
Main photo: Sue Mountstevens
Read more: Police accused of stigmatising people with HIV
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