A commonsense approach was lost on Queensland’s Police Commissioner when she banned spit hoods, Bill McDonald says.

The thin mesh masks are put over the heads of detainees as a way to prevent them from spitting or biting officers.

The hoods have had a controversial history since their introduction in 2009, often described as a violation of human rights.

They are no longer used in the majority of other policing jurisdictions in Australia after coming to public attention in a 2016 Four Corners report.

“A violation of human rights, hey?” Bill said on 4BC Afternoons. “Give me a spell, I don’t think so.

“In my opinion, if you have that little respect for our police to want to spit and bite, you can cop a hood.

“It might be uncomfortable but guess what, it might make you think twice about acting like a wild animal.”

An announcement made late yesterday afternoon said the QPS has used hoods on just 138 of the 353,500 detainees in the past seven years.

“So why ban it if it’s clearly only used to handle absolutely extreme cases?” Bill asked.

“I’m sure those officers working under her would not be impressed that she’s made a decision that would only make a tough job that little bit tougher.”

Press PLAY below to hear Bill’s comments in full