A Coatbridge has admitted two counts of assault at Airdrie Sheriff Court.
Lara Smith, of Kilmartin Place in the town, was detained after "acting somewhat aggressively" following a police call out to the street last August.
Fiscal depute Lauren Cole told the court how police arrested the 36-year-old after attending, after which she spat in an officer's face as she was being driven to the police station.
Later, while being restrained, Smith bit another officer's thumb. Fortunately, no injury was sustained.
Defence agent Eddie Kelly admitted the charges were "very serious".
He added: "One might expect serious consideration to be given to a custodial sentence, and my client has a record.
"However, I think there are circumstances that would justify a step back from that.
"She was going through an extremely bad patch, having difficulty coping and resorted to alcohol abuse.
"She has a traumatic background, but a period of supervision has helped her stay offence-free for the last year.
"She recognised she had to get back on an even keel and has rehabilitated herself."
Sheriff Petra Collins placed Smith under supervision for another 12 months and ordered her to do 120 hours of unpaid community work.
The sheriff warned her: "This is a direct alternative to custody.
"If you breach the order you can expect a custodial sentence."