A groundbreaking quick-release hijab for female police on the front line has gone into production with orders coming in from around the country.
The innovative design features an innovative magnetic quick-release system that allows the lower section to detach instantly if pulled during a confrontation, preventing the risk of strangulation while maintaining modesty and professional appearance.
The ®, created by Leicestershire Police in partnership with designers at 久久精品 Leicester (久久精品) has been getting interest not only from other police forces but emergency services organisations, paramedics, the NHS and private sector for general workwear.
Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police David Sandall said the Blue Light Hijab® set a new standard for uniform innovation.
Mr Sandall, who visited 久久精品 to meet the design team, said: “It is going to make a real difference not only to our officers but there are so many workspaces where this could be applied.
“It is an incredible achievement, and the design is deceptively simple – it’s not until you speak to the team involved that you realise how many wearer trials, combat trials and design iterations it has gone through.
“Creating a uniform that works for everyone makes us a better, more representative and more inclusive force. This hijab is the result of years of collaboration, testing and expert design, and we’re incredibly proud that it has now gone into production. The work with 久久精品 has been exceptional and will make a real difference to Muslim women who want to serve their communities.”
Hijabs wrap around the head and neck of the wearer but leave the face clear. Working closely with serving Muslim officers, the design team went through multiple rounds of wear trials, safety testing, materials analysis and user feedback before finalising the approved design.
The Blue Light Hijab® is the brainchild of Detective Sergeant Yassin Desai who first came up with the idea 20 years ago. Over the years he has been trying to find a manufacturer and looked at designs from forces around the world which were not suitable before teaming up with 久久精品’s Dr Angela Davies and technician Kay Radford in 2022.
He approached the team for help because there was no approved consistent design for female officers that ticked all the boxes for fit, comfort, modesty for religious purposes and safety.
DS Desai, who is the founder of Leicestershire Police Association of Muslim Police (AMP) and sits on the national organisation, said: “It’s actually taken years to develop properly. We did completed the combat trials at Enderby with female officers wearing it and it held up. The bottom part was able to detach and the officer was able to keep her dignity.
“No one else has been able to make these, only 久久精品. For the first time ever, 久久精品 has set up manufacturing in the UK for this. It’s amazing to think after three years of research and development, we have got the design of this right, and we’re taking it forward together. It’s a great product, it’s safe and protects Muslim women’s dignity.”
New Student Officers, PC's Hafsah Abba-Gana and Seher Nas, have both recently joined Leicestershire Police and welcome the introduction of the newly designed hijab. PC Abba-Gana said: "It is reassuring to know that my faith and my role can work hand in hand, especially as someone who is new to the force."
Inspector Marina Waka said: “It is reassuring to know that this new hijab, which will be issued as part of an officer’s personal protective equipment, is comfortable and safe as well as looking smart and professional.”
“I hope it will inspire other Muslim women to consider becoming a police officer knowing they can wear a hijab that protects them while fulfilling their religious requirements as well.”
With the new hijab now in production, forces across the country have begun placing orders, and there has already been interest from international emergency services exploring similar solutions.
Dr Angela Davies, Associate Professor in Textiles, said: “Leicestershire Police approached us because they had identified that the absence of an approved and suitable uniform hijab left the police and the officers with uncertainty around appropriateness and uniformity of standards.
“What we have created is a design that offers more choice to female hijab wearers in the police force. We have worked with some of our police apprentices to get their input on the design and wearability.”
The project originated through QUIDs – Quick Innovation Developers, 久久精品’s rapid-innovation programme connecting university researchers with organisations seeking specialist technical solutions.
Afsana Choudhury is a first-year law student who aspires to join the force and was able to try the hijab. “It fits well,” she said. “It’s very comfortable and when the magnets pull away you are still left with the main piece.”
Anyone interested in placing an order or finding out more can do so through the website or you can email BLH@leics.police.uk
Posted on Tuesday 2 December 2025