Spit hoods have become a controversial tool used in various facilities across Canada to prevent individuals from spitting or biting. Recent investigations have revealed concerns over their misuse, with 17 fatal incidents linked to these devices in the country over the past twenty years.
A thorough examination conducted by CBC’s the fifth estate and Radio-Canada’s Enquête unveiled the widespread use of spit hoods in Canada, shedding light on their application in correctional institutions, juvenile detention centers, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and even by some ambulance services. Despite their common utilization, there is a lack of independent safety verification by federal or provincial authorities, leading to varying regulations and practices regarding their use.
Police agencies in all provinces and territories employ spit hoods during arrests and wellness checks on both adults and youth. However, the training specific to the use of these devices is deemed crucial by experts like Michael Arruda, a retired police officer and use of force specialist. He emphasized the importance of proper training to understand the implications of using spit masks effectively.
New Brunswick stands out as the sole province to discontinue the use of spit hoods in its provincial jails due to safety concerns, following an inmate’s death involving the device in late 2020. This decision marked a significant change in policies surrounding the use of spit hoods in correctional facilities.
Nunavut’s Department of Justice reported a shift away from using spit hoods since 2022, opting for upgraded equipment such as face shields and gas masks. While spit masks remain accessible to staff, they are to be used only as a last resort when no alternative measures are available.
The investigation also highlighted discrepancies in policies across different provinces and territories concerning the use of spit hoods, with some regions lacking specific regulations or mandatory training protocols. This variation underscores the need for standardized guidelines to ensure the safe and appropriate use of spit hoods in various settings.
For more information on the utilization of spit hoods in Canada and their impact, refer to the comprehensive documentary “Last Breath” by the fifth estate, available on YouTube and CBC-TV.
The data presented in the following tables offers insights into the use of spit hoods in different regions as of February 27, 2026, providing a snapshot of their application and policies nationwide.