A spit hood, also known as a spit guard, spit mask, mesh hood, or spit sock, is a restraint device used by police officers, correctional officers, and paramedics to prevent a person from spitting or biting. It is a loose, breathable fabric sack that can be placed over a persons head to prevent them from biting or spitting. The use of spit hoods has been controversial, as they are a potential safety risk and can be inhumane. However, some experts argue that they are an important tool to safeguard officers and those around them, especially in situations where a person is using their mouth and teeth as a weapon. Spit hoods are used by authorities in many European countries to shield themselves from infectious diseases, and many American police departments also employ them as a restraining device. The use of spit hoods has drawn attention during the coronavirus pandemic due to the risk that officers could be infected by a suspects saliva. While some police departments have chosen not to use spit hoods, most police departments in the United States have them on hand.