One of the largest police force’s in the UK was mocked after saying it would consider letting Muslim officers wear burkas in an attempt to boost diversity.
West Midlands Police said it will discuss allowing the traditional Islamic dress – which covers the entirety of a woman’s face and body – to become part of Muslim female officers’ uniform.
At a recent meeting, Chief Constable David Thompson, said he would consider employing staff who wear a burka as he looks to increase black and minority ethnic (BME) officers in the region to 30 per cent.
But today, even the Muslim Council of Britain said they would be against female officers wearing full-face burkas or niqabs.
The organization said they would find it ‘very surprising’ if the force allowed full-face coverings to be used.
‘It would be very surprising if West Midlands Police were in favor of full-face coverings.
And a source at West Midlands Police even criticized the idea of female officers wearing full-face veils, adding it would be “mad” citing a “health and safety issue.”
“It is frankly a mad idea” stated the source.
West Midlands Police has already approved hijab-wearing officers and currently allows Sikhs to replace their helmet with a turban.
