UK: Leicestershire Police Develops Special Hijab for Female Officers

UK: Leicestershire Police Develops Special Hijab for Female Officers
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Leicestershire Police has introduced a specially designed hijab for female Muslim officers, created in collaboration with De Montfort University (DMU).

According to IQNA, the new hijab incorporates a quick-release system, allowing the lower section to detach if pulled during confrontations, ensuring officers’ safety while maintaining their dignity. The design was developed with input from serving Muslim officers to meet requirements of comfort, modesty, and practicality.

Leicestershire Police noted that the innovative hijab is attracting interest from other emergency services and could potentially be adopted in private-sector roles.

The concept originated more than 20 years ago with Detective Sergeant Yassin Desai. After reviewing international designs, DS Desai partnered with DMU in 2022 to produce a model suitable for frontline duties. “It’s taken years to develop properly. We completed combat trials at Enderby with female officers, and the bottom part detached safely while allowing the officer to maintain dignity,” he said.

DMU now hosts the first UK-based manufacturing of the hijab. DS Desai emphasized: “After three years of research and development, we have perfected the design. It’s safe and protects Muslim women’s dignity.”

New recruits, including PCs Hafsah Abba-Gana and Seher Nas, welcomed the initiative. PC Abba-Gana stated that it demonstrates “my faith and my role can work hand in hand, especially as someone new to the force.” Inspector Marina Waka described the hijab as “comfortable, safe, and professional,” expressing hope that it will encourage more Muslim women to join the police.

It should be noted that Leicestershire is a landlocked ceremonial and non-metropolitan county located in the East Midlands region of England.