14 September 2016

Now Staffordshire Police may allow officers to wear a burka

The force declared that to date no staff have made a request to wear the Islamic clothing.

But Detective Chief Constable Nick Baker said if any member did ask to where a burka it would have to be considered in line with force policies.

It comes after West Midlands Police’s chief constable David Thompson opened the door to the move.

However, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has suggested it would be impractical for Muslim women police officers to wear a burka on the beat.

David Jamieson said the burka was ‘probably not the best form of uniform’ for bobbies and called for ‘an outbreak of common sense’ over the issue.

It comes after the force’s chief constable David Thompson prompted international debate after he told the Express & Star that West Midlands Police would consider allowing officers to wear full face veils if such a request was made. [The Express & Star] Read more