What This Story Is About
- Smyrna police are asking the town council to approve hobbles and spit masks for officers after people spit on them during arrests.
Why It Matters
- The police chief said officers have been assaulted at least 46 times over the past two years.
- The town council is expected to discuss the proposed restraints during October 13 town council meeting.
For Context
- Police said the restraints would only be used when arrests turn violent and were modeled on guidelines from other departments.
Catch Up
- The police chief previously detailed the assault numbers at last month’s council workshop.
SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) – Smyrna police are asking the town council to approve new restraints for officers after reporting incidents of people spitting on them, even after being handcuffed.
The town council is expected to discuss the request during their Oct. 13 meeting at 5 p.m.
Department requests two new tools
The department wants permission to use hobbles to restrict a person’s leg movement and spit masks to prevent spitting.
At last month’s council workshop, Smyrna Police Chief Irvin said officers have been assaulted dozens of times…