Bristol policewomen go under cover

Women police officers in Bristol have been given uniform-issue headdresses to wear when entering mosques and other places of worship while on duty.

Avon and Somerset police has made the garments, known as "multi- faith head coverings" for officers identified as key liaisons with a number of community and faith groups.

They have been issued to eight police community support Officers and seven regular officers, including assistant chief constable Jackie Roberts, who has been key in building up a strong relationship with the Muslim community in Bristol.

Ms Roberts said: "Producing head coverings for our officers and staff to wear in places of worship is part of our commitment to engage with all our communities. It recognises and respects the cultural and religious practices of our communities.

"This is a positive addition to the Avon and Somerset uniform and one which I'm sure will be a welcome item for many of our officers."

There are two versions of the head coverings to match the black of a police officers' uniform and the blue of the PCSOs' uniforms. Both are embroidered with "Avon and Somerset Constabulary".

The head coverings have been produced following recent work with the Mosque Initiative and the Aklima Initiative, which works with Muslim women living in the force area.

Imam and director of the Bath Islamic Society Rashad Azami welcomed the move when the headscarves were officially launched at a mosque in the city yesterday.

He said: "It is highly pleasing to see the Avon and Somerset constabulary is introducing specially-designed head coverings for female officers as part of their police uniform. This will go a long way in encouraging a trustful relationship between the police and the Muslim community.

"The Avon and Somerset Constabulary has been working closely with the Muslim community in the area on many levels for the last few years. We have found their co-operation very helpful and hope this step will further strengthen the mutual relationship."

It was the healthy relationship between the police and the Muslim community in Bristol that led to terrorist Isa Ibrahim being foiled in his plot to blow himself up in The Mall shopping centre, Broadmead, last year.