Women police officers are being issued with headscarves to wear when they visit a mosque.
They are expected to put the scarfs on shortly before they enter the mosque, in keeping with Islamic custom.
There are two versions - one matches the black of a police officer's uniform, while another goes with the blue uniforms worn by community support officers.
The headscarves are being given out by Avon and Somerset Police, and have the force's emblem sewn on.
They have already been given to seven officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts, and eight community support officers who work with Muslim groups in the area.
Mrs Roberts said: 'It recognises and respects the cultural and religious practices of our communities. This is a very positive addition to the uniform and one which I'm sure will be a welcome item for many of our officers.'
The force said the scarves, which cost £13, can be used in other religious settings as a mark of respect - for instance to cover the shoulders of a non-uniformed officer in a church.
Islamic custom expects women to cover their head inside a place of worship.
During an official visit last year, the Queen wore a headscarf to tour the crypt and caverns of an historic Islamic shrine in Turkey.
Rashad Azami, Imam and director of the Bath Islamic Society, said: 'It is highly pleasing to see that Avon and Somerset Constabulary is introducing specially designed head coverings for female officers.
There are two versions of the head covering - to match the black of a police officer's uniform and the blue of the police community support officer's uniform
'This will go a long way in encouraging a trustful relationship between the police and the Muslim community. The police have been working closely with the Muslim community for the last few years.
'We hope this step will further strengthen the mutual relationship.'
Avon and Somerset Police caused a race row two years ago when it rejected 186 white job applicants at the first stage of selection.
The force received 800 applications for 180 jobs and 'deselected' white males to increase ethnic diversity. Chief Constable Colin Port apologised.
This year, the fire service unveiled full-length skirts, hijab headscarves and long- sleeved shirts for Muslim women recruits to wear in fire stations and for events such as school trips.
Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1202540/Very-PC-police-force-issues-WPCs-Muslim-headscarves-complete-badge.html#ixzz0MV87ghR8
15 comments:
Another camel's nose in the tent.
Do any other religions require this of the police or receive it as a "courtesy"? (This sort of thing must drive the Scientologists absolutely nuts. One small consolation.) Do male officers have to remove their shoes? Grow a beard first? Sign an affadavit they didn't have bacon for lunch?
Um, that is a hell of a big nose.
I would characterize it as at least an entire face and neck.
Ro
I am looking for the post....Are you a socialist or how do you know if you are a socialist.
Any one know where i can find it?
Thanks
Revereridesagain,
You're right this is another piece of the camel in the tent, and if it is allowed to enter, it will kick the previous occupants out.
gelgurl,
You wrote,
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I am looking for the post....Are you a socialist or how do you know if you are a socialist.
Any one know where i can find it?
Thanks
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What? What does that have to do with the article?
She might have just stumbled in from binge searching at google, so cut her some slack. Gelgirl, try googling the words you just wrote, and see if that helps. You might even get sent to the Peoples Cube....which is a totally awesome place, too.
People's Cube, second only to Iowahawk!
Sorry all i thought i found it on this blog last week....but cant find it now.
I thought maybe the blogger could help me.
I have to do a voters registration on Wedesday for all the new teachers in my district...i wanted to print it out for them.
Damien,
It suks how they are forcing Islam on us.
Anyone knows where i can find that post i would appreciate the help.
How to know if you're a socialist sounds like something J.R. would write at Dissecting Leftism.
He also writes for Astute Bloggers and A Western Heart.
No one believes what crap?
"Binge surfing" - Ha - I love that.
Ro
And, gosh, it would be so nice to be able to just ignore all the crap, but at some point ya gotta wonder "do I believe the fascists or my lyin' eyes?" And, sadly, one must believe all that crap.
Because although we keep hoping for a pony, it has not yet materialized out of the crap.
This year, the fire service unveiled full-length skirts, hijab headscarves and long- sleeved shirts for Muslim women recruits to wear in fire stations and for events such as school trips.
I think I'm going to through up!
When I visited the Falls Church Mosque (1999?), I was told that unbelievers weren't required to wear the gizmo on the head.
Just sayin'
A dangerous idea.
That thing makes it much easier to subdue and strangle the officer.
Brilliant!
- pupista! (barking mad on the right)
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