'Serious concerns' among police officers on policy plans to ban beards

Widespread concerns have been expressed on plans for a policy to ban police from having beards.

The group representing officers reportedly say they have "serious concerns" over the proposals which are being implemented so that they can wear masks.

Police Scotland says it's needed to "protect those on the frontline" as wearing the FFP3 mask properly requires the face to be clean-shaven.

David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, outlined how they have had various complaints about the issue and initially said no consultation had taken place with officers.

Later today, Police Scotland confirmed a "full consultation" will now be carried out.

"I'd feel aggrieved" - SPF General Secretary David Kennedy

Mr Kennedy, who has a beard, explained how he would feel if he was forced to comply with the policy.

He said: "I’d feel aggrieved because it would flag up any medical conditions which I may have.

"It could flag up religious reasons, it’s not the case for me but you would feel aggrieved.

"We understand the health and safety reasons which may be behind such a policy, but the way the consultation has taken place does cause serious concerns.

"Beards to a lot of men are now an identity.

“I suppose it would be similar if they said there was a health and safety reason why everybody had to shave their head, and if that was being brought in because of a certain type of equipment they would need to wear."

Mr Kennedy also made this plea to Police Scotland.

He added: "We would ask them to really consider what their aim and objective is here and what it is they are trying to achieve.

"They have said it is to make people feel safer, but it is clearly not making them feel safer.

Police Scotland said there will be exemptions to the clean-shaven rule on religious or medical grounds.

The force also say a full consultation will be carried out.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: "The safety of our officers and staff is a priority and the policy around the use of respiratory equipment is being implemented to protect those on the frontline.

“Significant learning from the covid pandemic identified that the FFP3 mask – which is face-fitted and requires users to be clean shaven – offers the most appropriate and effective respiratory protection to officers and staff.

“While the risk from coronavirus has lowered, wider risks remain to those attending calls, such as fires, road accidents and chemical incidents which require PPE to be worn.

“The Respiratory Protective Equipment policy mandates that, where it can be reasonably foreseen that an officer or member of staff will use an FFP3 mask in the course of their duties, they should be clean-shaven.

“The exception to this policy covers officers and staff who cannot shave for religious, cultural, disability or medical reasons. In these circumstances, Police Scotland is seeking to introduce an alternative type of respiratory protection.

“We understand the frustrations among those affected on the frontline, but the use of RPE is absolutely necessary to protect officers and staff from serious health risks.

“We are listening to a wide range of views on this matter and will undertake full consultation with all relevant staff associations ahead of implementation.

“A full human rights impact assessment is also being carried out as part of this process.”

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