Police Scotland officers could be forced to shave off their beards due to a new policy expected to be implemented in a matter of weeks. Officers will be required to be clean-shaven in order to wear protective masks, although some exceptions will be made.
The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said it has now been "inundated with complaints" over the new policy. Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme on Friday, SPF general secretary David Kennedy said the plan has caused "considerable angst" among officers.
Police Scotland said the policy is being brought in to "protect those on the frontline", as wearing the FFP3 mask properly requires the face to be clean-shaven. But Mr Kennedy says he has "never seen so many complaints come in" during his time as a full-time official.
Mr Kennedy said the SPF, which represents rank-and-file officers, does not believe police would have to wear the masks often, which is the "root of the problem" and is "causing the angst for several police officers".
He added: "The health and safety executive guidance is that a policy like this should only be utilised as a last resort and there have been relevant questions raised by officers as to why this policy is now being proposed."
Police Scotland said there will be exemptions to the clean-shaven rule on religious or medical grounds, but Mr Kennedy claimed no equality or human rights assessment has been carried out on the policy. He said: "People would be facing misconduct if they didn't shave. Some officers may have to shave twice a day for these masks to work."
He said there has been no consultation on the policy as yet, and he believes Police Scotland will impose it. Mr Kennedy added he hopes the force will revisit the policy, arguing there are "other health and safety issues" it should be focusing on.
Police Scotland said the policy will come into force in the next few weeks. 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."
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