Leicestershire’s chief constable and its police and crime commissioner have said they would both consider Muslim officers’ wishes to wear full Islamic dress while on duty.
The controversial topic was brought to public attention last week when West Midlands Police said it would allow female officers to wear a full-face veil, after it launched a recruitment drive to increase diversity.
The news drew criticism from a number of public figures and organisations, including MP David Davies, who worked as a police officer in London for nine years.
He was reportedly “horrified” by the suggestion.
However, the county’s top cop Simon Cole and PCC boss Lord Willy Bach have been more open.
They said if a member of the force asked to incorporate the burka into their uniform their request would be considered.
Mr Cole said: “We have been made aware of discussions in other police forces regarding incorporating burkas into police uniform.
“It is not something that Leicestershire Police has been asked to consider by an officer or a potential recruit.
“If such a request was made, it would be considered in line with the requirements of policing and the need to ensure officers have uniforms that are fit for purpose.”
Lord Bach told the Mercury he would be “sympathetic” to the idea. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police said there had been no requests by staff to add the veil to their uniform.
The Mercury asked to speak to the force’s Association of Muslim Officers, the official body which represents Leicestershire’s Muslim police, but its acting chairman said he was not in a position to comment.
Suleman Nagdi, spokesman for the Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations, said common sense was needed when considering the proposal.
“I’m not convinced whether it would work well with the kind of job we’re talking about,” said Suleman.
“Identification is crucial and this would cause difficulties for members of the public.
“Of course, I welcome the fact it is being considered.
“But I’m also trying to be practical.”
Gush Bhumbra, president of the Leicester Secular Society, was also sceptical.
He said: “As a member of the public I want to see a face to comfort me in a stressful situation if I’ve been the victim of a crime or an accident and an officer behind a mask would not do that for me as much as normal face-to-face contact.
“I have been the victim of a crime and of a car accident and also an investigation by an officer following a false allegation.
“If those officers had been masked I would have been even more upset and stressed.”