What does the agency policy entail for the use of additional equipment like spit masks?

The agency policy regarding the use of additional equipment, such as spit masks, emphasizes the necessity of adhering to established agency guidelines. This means that law enforcement officers must use these tools within the framework of policies that dictate when and how they can be employed. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of both officers and the public, outlining circumstances under which such equipment is appropriate and necessary for controlling an individual who may pose a risk, particularly in terms of health or safety due to spitting or biting.

The focus on following agency guidelines reinforces the importance of consistent training and adherence to best practices in law enforcement, ensuring that additional equipment is used responsibly and judiciously. These guidelines typically include protocols for assessing risks, ensuring the necessity of the equipment, and training on its proper use to mitigate potential misuse or escalation of a situation.

Understanding that optional usage or requiring express permission from a judge would complicate immediate operational needs, and the idea of avoiding such equipment entirely could compromise safety, highlights the rationale for emphasizing adherence to policy as the correct response.