Police to include hijab in uniform
POLICE Scotland is set to introduce a hijab as part of its uniform, in an effort to attract more Muslim women to the profession.
Muslim policewomen will no longer have to seek special permission to cover their heads, under new measures that are being considered by the force to break down ‘unnecessary barriers’ preventing minorities from joining up.
a hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest but leaves the face exposed, and is often worn by Muslim women beyond the age of puberty.
Previously, female police officers had to seek the approval of a line manager before they were allowed to wear a religious head covering.
Now female officers will be able to choose to wear the new headscarf without seeking permission first, it is understood.
Police Scotland figures showed that there were 127 applications from black, asian and ethnic minority candidates in 2015-16 – just 2.6 per cent of the total candidates applying to work for the force. to make the figure more reflective of Scottish society, Police Scotland needs to recruit an additional 650 people from black, asian and ethnic minority backgrounds – a goal it claims is currently ‘unachievable’.
the new uniform hijab is now being assessed and presented to a uniform standards working group for consideration, and it is hoped it will encourage diversity in the workforce.
Police Scotland spokesman Peter Blair said that work has been undertaken to source a uniform hijab: ‘Such a hijab is worn by many officers in police forces in England and across the world and Police Scotland is keen to replicate this good practice.’ Speaking at a meeting of the home affairs select committee in Westminster last month, Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley admitted his force faced ‘challenges’ when it came to diversity.
the Metropolitan Police introduced the hijab into its uniform 15 years ago and the uniform turban was introduced in the 1990s, encouraging Sikhs to join the police.
Brian docherty, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said yesterday: ‘anything that can help increase diversity within the service is surely to be welcomed and I don’t see why anyone would have a problem with that.’