Police Scotland plan for officer hijab

Police Scotland is set to introduce a hijab as an optional part of its uniform to encourage Muslim women to join the force.

The force is looking at a specific design of headscarf which would cover the head and neck but not the face.

Under existing rules, officers who wish to wear a religious head covering must seek the approval of a senior officer.

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Police Scotland has a policy of encouraging more black and Asian recruits to apply to join the single nationwide service.

Peter Blair, head of resource management at the force, confirmed that including the hijab as an optional part of the uniform was being looked at as part of this policy.    

He said: “Police Scotland is committed to working with communities to encourage under-represented groups to consider policing as a career.

“Part of this involves removing unnecessary barriers, which include considerations about the officers’ uniform.

"As a result, 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.”