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North Yorkshire Police: Hijab made part of force uniform

Two police constables who designed a hijab to be part of their uniform have celebrated making it a reality.

North Yorkshire Police called the move an "important change" and highlighted the need to represent the communities they serve.

PC Uzma Amireddy, who designed the headscarf with PC Arfan Rahouf, became the first officer to wear a hijab while on duty with the force in 2019.

She said the move "completes me as a Muslim female and as a police officer".

Those behind the two-piece design, with a section covering the head and another covering the neck, said it would be safe to wear if an officer faced a violent confrontation. 

PC Amireddy said: "I am a British Muslim, I want to serve the British community and I love the job that I do as a police officer, but it shouldn't hinder me in practising my religion. 

"I didn't want to leave half of myself at home when I go in to do the job that I love."

Other forces such as the Metropolitan Police in London and Police Scotland offer the option of a uniform hijab.

PC Rahouf, force operational lead for faith and belief, said he was "immensely proud" of the design.

"We've now been invited to have conversations in a national forum regarding regarding this hijab and whether it becomes part of national uniform," he said.

"It's fit for purpose, sends the right message, professional and it makes the person wearing it feel valued."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "It's really important for North Yorkshire Police to make sure that the uniform for each and every police officer is fit for purpose.

"We need to be more representative of the communities we serve, in order for us to be an inclusive workforce and deliver a better service to all of our communities." 

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York & North Yorkshire