DORSET'S Police and Crime Commissioner has described spitting at officers as "horrific" and is calling for legislative change to deal with the offence.

Martyn Underhill spokes out after it was revealed that frontline officers in neighbouring Hampshire are set to be given 'spit guards' to protect them from the public.

He said that he questioned whether spit guards were really the answer to the problem but said the wider issue was definitely something that needed to be addressed.

Mr Underhill said: "Having been a police officer, I understand first-hand how horrific it is to be spat at or bitten. I have experienced both personally.

"Beyond the initial shock, the possibility of contracting HIV and hepatitis cannot be ruled out during the treatment period, which can last months.

"The psychological effect on the officer and their loved ones is huge. In many ways, the aftermath is actually worse than the assault itself.

"The principle that police officers and staff should not be spat at is beyond dispute; but what remains open to question is whether spit guards are the best method through which to ensure that this is effectively and safely achieved."

He added: "Legislative change would appear to be one area where we can make a difference.

"I am currently writing to all Dorset MPs, asking them to lobby for stronger sentencing in order to put a proper deterrent in place to dissuade people from undertaking such vile and disgusting attacks."

Mr Underhill said it was an understandably "emotive issue" but it was important to remember the key issues, which were the welfare of police officers and staff as well as the person doing the spitting.

He said: "Many people who spit or bite are in mental crisis, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or sometimes all three. By their actions, they are clearly experiencing high levels of anxiety at the time of arrest. This makes them vulnerable.

"There does not appear to be any international human rights standards, decisions or judgments specifically assessing the lawfulness of the use of spit guards, but we do know that there are clear risks involved with their use.

"Putting a hood on someone can cause serious injury or worse.

"There is a lack of consistency across the UK as to whether forces should adopt spit guards, and if they do, the circumstances in which they should be deployed."

Mr Underhill says he has written to the Home Secretary formally raising his concerns at the lack of research, policy, governance and public consultation in relation to spit guards.

He said: "I hope that the Home Secretary will commission a review into spit guard practices and alternative solutions as soon as possible."