The AFP, which includes ACT Policing, announced the controversial mesh restraint devices, which cover the face to stop a person spitting and biting, would no longer be used.

This followed an internal review, which set out to establish whether employing the hoods was a reasonable and proportionate response to people who assault officers by spitting saliva or blood.

Australian Federal Police Association President Alex Caruana said the ban meant officers would be without the appropriate equipment to minimise their exposure to bodily fluids, ultimately putting them in an "unacceptable position".

"The AFPA cannot support this ban in the current environment, as there is no legislation to mandate the blood and saliva testing of persons who weaponise bodily fluids against police," Mr Caruana told AAP.

"AFP members are now faced with the reality of working without any personal protection equipment to minimise their exposure.

"Offenders are still able to spit while handcuffed or restrained ... The government must do more to protect police from occupational violence in this respect."

The association urged the government to mandate blood and saliva testing in line with NSW and the Northern Territory.

The AFP said it made the decision to ban spit hoods after its review, which was launched after one was used on a minor, found the risk associated with them outweighed the benefits.

It determined the devices were ineffective in preventing transmissible diseases.

"The AFP has stopped using spit hoods and is providing equipment and implementing procedures to better protect members from spitting and biting," the agency said.

South Australia became the first state to outlaw spit hoods in 2021 after the 2016 death of Wayne Morrison, who was placed facedown in a prison van.

"The assumed need for use of spit hoods is purely based on stigma against some of the most vulnerable people in our communities," his sibling Latoya said on Friday.

Zaki Haidari from Amnesty International described spit hoods as "instruments of torture".

Queensland police also banned their use in watch houses last year but they are still used in the state's prisons.

The Northern Territory fell into line with other jurisdictions in October, banning the hoods on youths in police custody, but they continue to be used on adults in watch houses.

ACT Greens MP Andrew Braddock said spit hoods violated human rights and should not be used as a punishment because they were dangerous and restricted breathing.

He said alternative measures, including minimising face-to-face contact by placing them in a secure area, utilising divisional vans for transport and using eyewear, face shields, mask and gloves were safer and more effective.

Australian Associated Press