Police officer who wore Muslim headscarf ‘acted on her own initiative’

An Amsterdam police woman who went on patrol wearing a headscarf under her cap was acting on her own initiative, city police officials said at the weekend.

The police officer, who was not named and is not Muslim, went out wearing the head-covering together with local labour councillor Sofyan Mbarki on Saturday.

‘We are going to talk to the police officer involved,’ the statement said. ‘Our uniform is lifestyle neutral.’ A second talk is planned for Tuesday, Dutch media said.

Her action came shortly after city police chief Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg said the force was considering allowing women to wear the Muslim head gear in an effort to boost diversity.

Currently police officers in the Netherlands are not allowed to wear any religious symbols while on duty.

Aalbersberg’s comments were heavily criticised by MPs and acting justice minister Stef Blok said he had no plans to change the legislation to allow headscarves.

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