£100,000 police hunt for 'terror' suit to fit over turban
Last updated: 10:38 AM BST 16/06/2008
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 "ridiculous".
Story from Telegraph News:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/2136162/andpound100%%2C000...
http://tinyurl.com/4ryhgj
The junior officer, who has not been named, encountered problems trying to
join West Midlands Police's 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 – 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 "ridiculous" waste of taxpayers' cash.
