Since 2011 they have been used at least 2,486 times - in 635 cases on people with suspected mental health issues.
Campaign group Liberty said the hoods were cruel and degrading, but the Police Federation said they "should be available as standard".
Four further forces are considering introducing the hoods.
The hoods were used on 91 people aged under 18 in the last five years, with North Wales Police reporting the use of a spit hood on a 12-year-old girl.
What are spit hoods?
Mesh fabric hoods placed over the heads of suspects to prevent spitting or biting.
They can only be used once and are usually used in custody suites or when moving people in custody from one location to another.
Critics say spit hoods are distressing and humiliating, can cause panic in the detained person, and make it harder to notice if a prisoner is having difficulty breathing.
The forces who responded to the BBC said they only used the hoods when "proportionate, appropriate and justifiable" to protect their officers.
Sara Ogilvie, policy officer at Liberty, said the "disturbing figures" showed "cruel, degrading and primitive spit hoods are being widely used".
"There is no place in a civilised society for police forcibly covering children`s faces.
"And their use on those suffering from mental-health problems will have added fear and confusion to an already distressing situation."
The Metropolitan Police Service is consulting on whether to introduce the hoods. A pilot planned for October was cancelled after London Mayor Sadiq Khan voiced concerns.
Lancashire Constabulary, Humberside Police and Durham Constabulary are all also considering introducing them.
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