NY lets Sikh cops wear turbans, grow beards

New York : The New York police department will allow their Sikh officers to wear turbans and maintain beards, relaxing its uniform policy to promote inclusiveness and encourage minority community members to join the force. New York police commissioner James O'Neill announced the measures on Wednesday. Under the revised policy, officers from the Sikh faith will be allowed to have beards that extend up to one-half inch from the face. The officers may also wear blue turbans -- with a hat shield affixed to it -- in place of the traditional police cap. " We're making this change to make sure that we allow everybody in NY who wants to apply and have the opportunity to work in the greatest police department in the nation, to make sure we give them that opportunity," the commissioner said. O' Neill said that there were 160 Sikh officers in the ranks and he was looking to expand those numbers. He said the religious accommodation would give people from the faith the opportunity to join the police department. Sikh Officers Association, a group of Sikh officers, welcomed the move, and posted on Twitter, " Thank you @NYPDONeill for allowing Sikh Officers to wear a turban in the @NYPDnews. This is a proud moment for Sikh Community ". -- PTI ( Times Global, The Times of India, Madurai, Friday, December 30, 2016 ) Courtesy : MPS