The Leicestershire Police in the United Kingdom has launched a new headwear for hijab-wearing police officers. It took three years to develop but now, a new ‘quick-release’ system has been designed that will help hijab-wearing police officers in their line of duty.
BBC said the new headwear, which takes both modesty and practicality into account, was designed by researchers at De Montfort University (DMU) and is being used by Leicestershire Police. The idea is for the lower section of the hijab to detach quickly if it’s being pulled during a confrontation with a suspect.
Student officer PC SeherNas was quoted by BBC as saying she feels “proud and empowered as a Muslim woman” when wearing the hijab as part of her uniform.
DMU is already seeing interest from sister authorities such as the paramedics and the private sector. Det Sgt Yassin Desai, the founder of Leicestershire Police’s Association of Muslim Police, called the new design ‘Blue Light Hijab,’ adding that it was tested in various conditions before being approved.
“The bottom part was able to detach and the officer was able to keep her dignity,” he said.
“It’s amazing to think after three years of research and development, we have got the design of this right, and we’re taking it forward together.”
Hijabs have been an optional add-on to the police uniform for several years; in 2020, it evolved to a two piece.
“Now… I feel proud and empowered as a Muslim woman,” PC Nas said.