Bulletproof turbans for Sikh Police officers

“Sikh officers have been prohibited from becoming firearms officers because our religion does not allow us to remove the turban. Nor can we wear the NATO helmet for public order policing,” stated Inspector Gian Singh Chahal of Kent police and vice-chairman of British Police Sikh Association.

Scientists are working to make turbans from Kevlar-like material for Sikhs who want to join gun or riot squads, said Chahal.

“There has been some research done into producing a ballistic material for turbans and we would like to follow any opportunity where we could manufacture a ballistic product - made out of something like Kevlar - that would ensure a certain degree of protection so Sikh police officers could take part in these roles,” Chahal added.

Earlier, many Sikh officers were not allowed to become firearms simply because they did not want to remove their turbans.

In Sikhism, turban is a symbol of courage and distinct Sikh identity. It is a pride of every Sikh.

Bulletproof turbans hope to provide at least some protection to the Sikh police officers as compared to a traditional turban of15ft strip of cloth.

However, the bullet proof headgear made from Kevlar would need the final acceptance of the Home Office. “We need to approach the Home Office and police forces and to gain their acceptance so that Sikh officers could become firearms and public order officers whilst wearing turbans. There needs to be a recognition from the Home Office that would allow Sikh officers to carry out these roles,” Chahal maintained.