Jewish police officers and staff supported with new guidance

We've created new guidance to encourage police forces to consider workplace adjustments for Jewish police officers and staff. It supports them to tackle crime while respecting Jewish religious traditions and values.

Workplace adjustments for Jewish officers and staff has been developed with the Jewish Police Association (JPA), the Board of Deputies of British Jews and serving Jewish officers and staff. It helps managers in policing to understand the customs of Judaism. It covers Shabbat or Sabbath, festivals, prayer, appearance, food and how best to support Jewish officers who are dealing with bereavement.   

Some of the recommendations for forces include:

• considering flexible working for officers who wish to observe the Sabbath
• adding head coverings into uniform policy where health and safety allows
• accommodating bereavement practices

It’s vitally important that police forces have an inclusive culture where officers can fully be themselves. It’s through this that we will build strong relationships with communities and in turn cut crime. 

This new guidance will support policing to make workplace adjustments so Jewish officers can follow their religious customs and beliefs, fight crime and keep their communities safe.

Fiona Eldridge, Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The guidance is available to all police forces in England and Wales ahead of Rosh Hashana. It also covers how the JPA can assist with recruitment and retention.

I'm delighted to share this guidance, which will help managers support Jewish colleagues in the workplace. I hope it will also show prospective staff that the police service is an inclusive organisation that truly values diversity. 

Detective Inspector Nick Goldwater, Chair of the JPA

• Read the guidance