Spit guards to remain in police custody

The decision was revealed in a written answer from the Mayor to London Assembly Members. Chairman of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee Steve O’Connell AM criticised the Commissioner for not being open about the decision and revealed she will face questions from Assembly Members next month. He said: “This is a major policy decision which should not have been slipped out in this manner.

“The fact that police officers are being spat at during their duties in the first place, is frankly disgusting. This decision is an important one, that the public should be made aware of.

“The Mayor should have announced this decision fully and openly. If a busking competition deserves a public statement, then decisions on sensitive policing issues should also merit the appropriate level of transparency.

“The Committee will question the Commissioner about this when she appears before us next month.”