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  World   Americas  29 Dec 2016  NYPD to allow Sikh officers to wear turbans, beards

NYPD to allow Sikh officers to wear turbans, beards

AP
Published : Dec 29, 2016, 11:37 am IST
Updated : Dec 29, 2016, 11:37 am IST

Before, Sikh officers had to fit their turbans under the police cap. Beards were forbidden because they interfered with wearing gas masks.

There are about 160 Sikhs serving in the police department. (Photo: Representational Image)
 There are about 160 Sikhs serving in the police department. (Photo: Representational Image)

New York: The New York Police Department is now allowing Sikh officers to wear turbans in place of the traditional police cap and grow beards up to a half-inch long for religious reasons.

Police Commissioner James O'Neill announced the new rules that affect all religious members on Wednesday following a graduation ceremony for new police recruits. Officers must first get approval and the turbans must be navy blue and have the NYPD insignia attached.

Male observant Sikhs often cover their heads with turbans, which are considered sacred and refrain from shaving their beards.

Before, Sikh officers had to fit their turbans under their department issued cap. Beards were forbidden because they interfered with wearing gas masks.

O'Neil says there are about 160 Sikhs serving in the police department.

Tags: nypd, sikhs, sikh police officers, new york police
Location: United States, New York, New York