âMulticulturalismâ at work; US be aware: Ł100,000 police hunt for âterrorâ suit to fit over turban
A police project that involved spending 100,000 helping a Sikh officer find a chemical and biological attack suit to fit over his turban and beard has been described as âridiculousâ.
The junior officer, who has not been named, encountered problems trying to join West Midlands Policeâs counter-terrorist operation support unit because he could not fit protective gear over his religious headwear and beard.
Police chiefs decided to let him spend 18 months trying to find new respirators and helmets suitable for Sikhs.
But after failing to come up with an alternative he was restored to his regular role â only to go on long-term sick leave for stress.
The cost of the 18-month project has been estimated at 100,000 and has been criticised for being a âridiculousâ waste of taxpayersâ cash.
John Mellor, a former West Midlands Police chief superintendent, said: âTaking 18 months out of an officerâs duties and the colossal cost of the project is indefensible.â
The protective suits are essential for protection in the event of a chemical or biological attack.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: âWest Midlands Police is a diverse organisation, which both serves and recruits from a diverse community. No Sikh officer has applied and been âturned downâ from joining the operational support unit because of faith issues.
âHowever, it has been identified that for some members of the Sikh faith, the removal of the turban to wear a helmet and the wearing of a respirator could be problematic.
âAs an employer committed to equality and diversity, we are working to try to find a solution to what is a national issue.â