The hijab has become an optional part of the Police Scotland uniform as the force works to encourage Muslim women to join the service.

Previously, officers could wear the religious headscarf with approval but it is now formally part of the force uniform.

Police Scotland said it is working to make the force "representative of the communities we serve."

The formal announcement was welcomed by the Scottish Police Muslim Association (SPMA), an organisation set up in 2010 to build closer ties with Muslim communities.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: "I am delighted to make this announcement and welcome the support from both the Muslim community, and the wider community, as well as police officers and staff.

"Like many other employers, especially in the public sector, we are working towards ensuring our service is representative of the communities we serve.

"I hope that this addition to our uniform options will contribute to making our staff mix more diverse and adds to the life skills, experiences and personal qualities that our officers and staff bring to policing the communities of Scotland."

A report to the Scottish Police Authority earlier this year showed there were 4,809 applications to join Police Scotland in 2015/16, of which 127 (2.6%) were from ethnic backgrounds.

It read: "Based on these figures, it is clear to see that challenge Police Scotland faces. If the black and minority ethnic groups (BME) national average of 4% is to be met within the organisation, an additional 650 BME recruits are required across all areas of the business.

"Considering current application trends, this would appear to be unachievable."

The Metropolitan Police in London approved the hijab as part of its uniform more than a decade ago.

SPMA chair Fahad Bashir said: "This is a positive step in the right direction, and I am delighted that Police Scotland is taking productive steps in order to ensure that our organisation is seen to be inclusive and represents the diverse communities that we serve across Scotland.

"No doubt this will encourage more women from Muslim and minority ethnic backgrounds to join Police Scotland."

Reference: New Telegraph


lalasticlala

When will Nigeria Government tolerate Muslims to freely practice their religion? I use to wonder why Muslims should go to court before their daughters are allowed to use Hijab in public schools despite their high population in Nigeria, O ga o. Still wondering why Muslims are forced to save their beards before they join Nigeria forces. Will this prevent them from shooting?

Some will later come here with their hatred that Nigeria is a secular country. Is UK and other reasonable countries that allow freedom of dressing not secular?

Please let us give Cesar to Cesar. Injustice is very bad, reason why Nigeria is not moving forward!

We will get there one day... Whether they like it or not, we must get our right... Alhamdulilah..

I like the word optional nobody should be deprived of expressing his or belief.

Ma Shaa Allah I wish Nigeria can do same

We will get there only when we all unite upon the Qur'an and the sunnah in the understanding of the pious predecessors!


Assuming all those female head of Courts could appear in their Hijabs in court.....but all we see is compromise. They throw away the Hijab for that wig!

Picture it; a former female CJN putting on Khimar in court. Even Firdaous Amasa's case won't have come up.

Just like some of our sis throw it away for their weddings!

Nay, you prefer the life of this world;

Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.
Qur'an 87:16-17

And that's hijab? Tsw

While Nigeria is still dilly dallying.....The world is embracing hijab.

This is a very clear example of what an enlightened nation does, and we should fight very hard for such acceptance (it is not in any way "tolerance"!), in our nation and amongst us wherever we may be.