14 September 2016

Crime Commissioner says police burka row 'like bald men arguing over a comb'

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has waded into the row about female police officers wearing burkas, describing it as like “bald men arguing over a comb.”

Chief Constable David Thompson sparked a national debate last week when asked if the force would oppose any requests to wear the Muslim dress.

He said: “Clearly we don’t have any barriers relating to the burka. As it stands we have not had any approaches from potential recruits asking to wear the burka, but if such an approach was made it is something we would have to consider.”

But the comments sparked a public backlash.

David Jamieson said: “This is not even on the radar for consideration.

“This argument is a bit like bald men arguing over a comb. This just has not arisen and is not arising with the Muslim women we are trying to get into the force. [Birmingham Mail] Read more