Use of Spit Hoods and Restraint Chairs for Children Must Stop
MEDIA RELEASE
The Law Society Northern Territory (Society) has long advocated against the use of restraints and spit hoods on children and young people by the police in the Northern Territory and has written on multiple occasions to the Northern Territory Government calling for these practices to cease immediately.
The Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory recommended the prohibition of the use of spit hoods and restraint chairs on children and young people in detention centres and police complexes citing their potential to cause significant distress and injuries.
Young people in police custody are already in a vulnerable position and irrespective of their behaviour leading to detention, there is no basis to add to their distress and cause them potential significant injury. Our young people including those in detention should be treated with dignity and respect.
The Society’s President, Peggy Cheong, noted the Society’s deep concern that such practices continue stating that "There is no justification whatsoever for the use of restraints and spit hoods on young Territorians” and that "It is both disappointing and unacceptable that the NorthernTerritory has continued to ignore the recommendations of the Royal Commission and has not addressed this issue.”
END OF RELEASE
Peggy Cheong
President