Northern Territory police to reintroduce spit hoods for children

In the Northern Territory, Australia, the police commissioner announced the reinstatement of spit hoods for use on children in watch-house facilities, following the election of the Country Liberal Party (CLP). These devices were previously banned in youth detention centers after a 2016 royal commission highlighted their controversial nature. The decision comes amid rising concerns over assaults on police officers, with 68 incidents reported in the last three months, including 20 cases of spitting. The CLP government, led by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, is pushing for tougher crime measures, including lowering the age of criminal responsibility. This move has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and the United Nations, which has called for an end to the use of spit hoods across all jurisdictions due to their potential for harm and ineffectiveness in preventing disease transmission. The corrections commissioner indicated that legislative changes to allow spit hoods in youth detention facilities would be introduced soon, despite previous recommendations against their use. The situation reflects a broader debate in Australia regarding youth justice and the treatment of young offenders, with significant implications for human rights and community safety.