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Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.036120
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Q1 - How many cases involving allegedly discriminatory or offensive whatsapp messages your PSD dealt with in 2021, 2022 and 2023?
Q2 - Can you provide a breakdown of whether these were dealt with by a misconduct meeting or misconduct hearing, and the associated outcomes (e.g. no further action, reflective practice, written warning)?
Please see the report below.
Q3 - Do you have any specific guidance about how Sikh turbans should be treated during
1) a police stop/ search and
2) searches in police custody?
Under PACE powers, a police officer cannot require the removal of a head or face covering in a public place (only outer Coat, Jacket and Gloves).
Where there may be sensitivities (religious or other) about the removal of a head or face covering, the officer should permit the item to be removed out of public view by an officer of the same sex where practicable.
Additionally, under s.60AA Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (s.60AA CJPOA) a police officer can require the removal of a head or face covering in a public place where there is reason to believe that the item is being worn by the individual wholly or mainly for the purpose of disguising identity – but only where a s.60AA authorisation is in place.
Many people customarily cover their heads or faces for religious reasons - for example, Muslim women, Sikh men, Sikh or Hindu women, or Rastafarian men or women.
Where there may be religious sensitivities about requiring (under s.60AA CJPOA) the removal of such an item in public, the officer should permit the item to be removed out of public view. Where practicable, the item should be removed in the presence of an officer of the same sex as the person and out of sight of anyone of the opposite sex.