British Police Introduce Hijab with Magnetic Release to Protect Officers

JAKARTA - The British police have started providing hijabs for their officers equipped with a magnetic quick release, so that the hijab can be detached if it is pulled in a confrontation.

Leicestershire Police said the design allows the bottom of the hijab to come off, which would prevent the risk of choking, while still maintaining a polite and professional appearance.

Known as the Blue Light Hijab, the hijab has already attracted interest from other emergency services, the National Health Service, and the private sector in the UK.

The hijab was developed by Detective Sergeant Yassin Desai, founder of the Leicestershire Muslim Police Association, who came up with the concept 20 years ago.

For years, DS Desai has been trying to find manufacturers and see police hijab designs from around the world that are not suitable for Muslim officers in the UK.

In 2022, he consulted Dr. Angela Davies, an associate professor of textile and garment technology at De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester, and her colleague, technician Kay Radford.

Working with Muslim officers on duty, the design team conducted several trials of use, safety testing, material analysis, and user feedback before completing the design.

DS Desai said the design was successfully tested in a "combat test".

"It actually took years to develop it properly. It's amazing to think that after three years of research and development, we've got the right design, and we'll continue to develop it together. It's a good product, safe, and protects the dignity of Muslim women," he said, launching The National 24 December.

Leicestershire Police said officers had started wearing the new hijab.

"It is reassuring to know that these hijabs, which will be provided as part of the officers' personal protective equipment, are comfortable and safe and look neat and professional," said Inspector Marina Waka.

"I hope this will inspire Muslim women to consider becoming police officers, as they can wear a hijab that protects them while fulfilling their religious requirements," he added.

Meanwhile, trainee officer Hafsah Abba-Gana said: "It's really reassuring to know that my faith and my role can go hand in hand, especially as someone who has just joined the police."

Separately, Leicestershire Police Chief Constable David Sandall described the hijab as a "remarkable achievement" with a design that was "seemingly simple."

"It's only after you talk to the teams involved that you realize how many wear trials, battle trials, and design iterations have gone through," he said.

"Creating uniforms that work for everyone makes us a better, more representative, and more inclusive police force," he said.