Sikh note culture.

I have commented before on people going on the Sikh, sorry sick at the drop of a policemans hat - well it was not designed for followers of the Sikh faith - especially in Merthyr "dolescum" Tydfil, where one in five of the population is on long term Sikh, sorry sick.

Hat tip to MK's Views for this latest bit on people going off on long term Sikh.

Daily Mail - A police force spent £100,000 on a failed attempt to find protective headgear that fits over Sikh officers’ turbans. West Midlands Police started its search after one Sikh constable decided he wanted to join the counter-terrorist Operational Support Unit. The man, thought to be in his mid-20s, was refused a place because he was unable to fit the necessary helmet and respirator over his turban and beard, both of which are requirements for strict adherents to his faith. According to a police source, the unnamed constable claimed he was being discriminated against and was then assigned the task - while on full pay - of sourcing new equipment that would fit.

A helmet and respirator would be needed for certain counter terrorist operations to guard against possible chemical and biological weapons. The officer contacted manufacturers across the world to see if they could adapt their gear but after 18 months his search ended in vain and he was restored to regular duties. A few weeks later he is said to have gone on long-term sick leave suffering from stress. The source, who estimated the total cost of the failed project, including the officer’s wages, at £100,000, said: ‘This was a shocking waste of taxpayers’ cash.’

**Another reason that shows how 11 years of New Labour have turned the police force into a neutered force, more at home with paperwork than catching criminals.

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