The Police Department plans to implement a new policy for women with religious scarfs, the Arab American News reports.
The policy fololows of a lawsuit filed earlier this year by a resident who was arrested and forced to remove her hijab during booking, Samer Hijaziwrites. The case was settled out of court and both sides agreed on a new policy.
The first most noteworthy change is that the police department will no longer require a Muslim woman to remove her hijab during the booking process. Second, a search and pat down will be performed by a female officer. If one is not on duty, then the procedure will be performed by a female dispatcher or a woman from another police agency.
A Muslim woman will also be provided with special clothing and alternative head covering that will still allow her to veil her hair while in detention.