British police officers design hijab that could be used nationwide

North Yorkshire Police say it is an ‘important change’ for their uniform

North Yorkshire Police have launched a hijab as part of its police uniform.Show less

Two police officers who designed a hijab to wear as part of their uniform could see it introduced nationally.

The new uniform was launched this week by North Yorkshire Police.

It was designed by PC Uzma Amireddy and PC Arfan Rahouf, who have since been asked to present it at a national forum so it can be considered for part of the country’s uniform.

"We've now been invited to have conversations in a national forum regarding this hijab," PC Rahouf, force operational lead for faith and belief, told the BBC.

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

PC Amireddy became the first officer to wear it this week.

"I was afraid when I started wearing a hijab, fearing that this may hinder me in policing, especially in proactive roles,” she tweeted.

"Now finally it is part of a uniform @NYorksPolice let's hope the future is optimistic inshallah."

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

"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,” she told the BBC.

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

The two-piece design has a section covering the head and another the neck.

"After many months of designing a new hijab, I am happy to say myself and PCUAmireddy have now achieved this," PC Rahouf tweeted.

"PCUAmireddy is wearing the new hijab whilst on shift today, fantastic to hear she feels really comfortable wearing it."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said the officers had worked hard to make the change happen.

"It's really important for North Yorkshire Police to make sure that the uniform for each and every police officer is fit for purpose," a spokesperson told The National.

“Inclusion and diversity is a key agenda for the police service. We need to be more representative of the communities we serve, in order for us to be an inclusive work force and deliver a better service to all of our communities.

“PC Amireddy and PC Rahouf have worked really hard to drive this positive action and collaborated with colleagues across the force to make this important change happen.”

Since 2006, Scotland Yard has offered the option of a uniform hijab and in 2016 Police Scotland also launched its own.

Last week, New Zealand Police made a similar change in an attempt to encourage more Muslim women to become police officers.