Sikh police seek bulletproof turbans

May 8th, 2009 by Vikram Dodd Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Sikh police officers want special bulletproof turbans to be developed so they can serve in firearms units, according to the new British Police Sikh Association.

The Sikh religion requires its male followers to wear the turban, but existing police safety helmets do not fit on top of them.

Insp Gian Singh Chahal, vice-chairman of the British Police Sikh Association, said the Home Office needed to make provision for Sikhs and recognise that they had a role to play.

He told Police Review: "Sikh officers have been prohibited from becoming firearms officers because our religion does not allow us to remove the turban.

"There has been some research done into producing a ballistic material [for turbans]. We would like to follow any opportunity where we could manufacture a ballistic product, made out of a synthetic fibre, that would ensure a certain degree of protection, so Sikh police officers could take part in these roles.

"I think there needs to be a recognition from the Home Office that would allow Sikh officers to carry out these roles. I think the will is there from chief constables but perhaps not yet from the Home Office."

The association was launched last month to represent an estimated 2,000 Sikhs who serve in the police.

Sikhs do not have to wear crash helmets under the Motorcycle Crash Helmets (Religious Exemption) Act 1976.

Comments

May 11, 2009 - 8:17am — Steve D (not verified)

The Indian Army use the

The Indian Army use the 'Patka' helmet which goes on over the turban, that should do you. It reportedley gives better ballistic protection than the conventional Kevlar in current use..
May 10, 2009 - 8:43am — Manjit Singh

A Sikh bullet proof turban design

A few years back, I had come up with a turban design that would fit over turbans. It looks exactly like a turban too and would be adjustable to fit probably over most Sikh turbans with exceptions being those big large Nihang dastaars. But I never really pursued it. Unfortunately, it is not made of synthetic fiber but would be more of standard bulletproof material. But I also think a synthetic carbon fiber type material fabric woven into a regular material or by itself would be even better and stronger than steel and could save million of Sikhs from helmet lawsuits, accidents, deaths etc.
May 9, 2009 - 8:53pm — Mohajit

This is how things should

This is how things should be.... rock on khalsa .... down with all those people who claim that Sikhism and its identity stop them from doing anything they desire.... Sikhs are kings and we can do everything if not better then the rest of the world. Beautiful turbaned sikhs bringing pride to our guru's who laid down their life for our religion... Jo Bole So Nihal ... Sat Sri Akal... Mohajit
May 9, 2009 - 12:21pm — gjsingh (not verified)

lesson for Sikhs

GJSingh Congratulation to UK Sikh Police Association for keeping the Sikh values. This news will provide a lesson and guide to other Sikhs who are taking off their turbans.

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.