The United Kingdom (UK) police have launched a unique 'blue light hijab' equipped with a magnetic quick-release feature for its women officers.
Detective Sergeant Yassin Desai of Leicestershire Police has developed the unique hijab, which was in the works for over 20 years. It was developed in partnership with De Montfort University (DMU).
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Before being rolled out for use, the hijab was put through testing and combat trials along with feedback from Muslim officers.
How does the blue light hijab work?
The cutting-edge hijab comprises two pieces of cloth, with its outer layer held by the magnetic quick-release clasp that allows women officers to detach it during a confrontation without exposing their hair.
The design of the hijab is such that it not only provides protection to the woman officer but also their modesty.
Ensuring safety
Hailing its design, a woman officer said that they are prone to things like strangulation or people using hijabs as a weapon against them adding that a regular hijab can easily be pulled over the eyes as a means to distract them. This move will encourage more women to join the police force, she said.
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Reason behind the roll-out
Reportedly, there has been an increase in the number of Islamophobia cases towards women in the UK. According to Shereen H. Shaw, a senior lecturer and researcher at Edge Hill University’s Faculty of
Education, female Muslims, particularly those wearing visibly religious attire such as hijabs face higher rates of verbal, physical and online abuse compared to their male counterparts.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), reports a "73% surge in Islamophobic assaults in 2024". 'Tell MAMA, 2023' findings reveal that "male victims represented approximately 35% of reported incidents, compared to 65% for female victims".
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Furthermore, in 2025 alone, female officers were reportedly victimised 41 times based on their race.
The Leicestershire women police officers have already begun using the hijab as a protective equipment and reportedly other police forces throughout the country have also started placing orders for it.
