Muslims welcome coverings for female police

Avon and Somerset Police force is issuing its female officers with head coverings to be used in places of worship to improve relations with Muslim communities.

The force's women police officers and police community support officers are being given uniform-issue head coverings to be worn when they are on duty and entering places of worship.

There are two versions of the head coverings to match the black of a police officer's uniform and the blue of the police community support officer uniforms.

Both garments are embroidered with Avon and Somerset Constabulary emblem and are suitable to be worn by both uniformed and non-uniformed officers.

The head coverings were produced after the force worked with the Mosque Initiative and the Aklima Initiative.

They have already been issued to eight PCSOs and seven police officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts.

Ms Roberts said: "Producing head coverings for our officers and staff to wear in places of worship is part of our commitment to engage with all our communities. It recognises and respects the cultural and religious practices of our communities. This is a very positive addition to the Avon and Somerset uniform and one which I'm sure will be a welcome item for many of our officers."

Rashad Azami, Imam and director of the Bath Islamic Society, said: "It is highly pleasing to see that the Avon and Somerset Constabulary is introducing specially designed head coverings for female officers as part of their police uniform.

"This will go a long way in encouraging a trustful relationship between the police and the Muslim community."