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Vancouver Police to Allow Kippahs for Officers Following B’nai Brith Recommendation

Vancouver police officers (Georgia Straight)

June 1, 2022

VANCOUVER – After a recommendation from B’nai Brith Canada, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has decided to modify its policies to specifically allow Jewish officers to wear a traditional headcovering for Jews.

Responding to B’nai Brith, Drazen Manojlovic, the VPD’s Director – Planning, Research and Audit Section, said the force will modify its equity, diversity, and inclusion policies to incorporate kippahs.

“We do not have policy that specifically permits the Jewish Kippah and your enquiry helps identify this is as a gap in our policy,” Manojlovic said. “To my knowledge, a Jewish member has not brought this to our attention but we are aware of it now. Coincidentally, we are doing a review of our policies (on) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we will make the inclusion of the Kippah in our policy.”

B’nai Brith Canada is delighted with the development.

“The VPD has been a leader in Canada in promoting a diverse work force,” said Michael Mostyn, Chief Executive Officer of B’nai Brith Canada. “Its uniform regulations allow candidates who wear the Sikh turban and the Muslim hijab to be hired as police officers. However, B’nai Brith’s inquiry revealed that there was a gap in the VPD’s policy with no specific mention that wearing a kippah was allowed. This is commendable recognition on the VPD’s part.”

“No one should have to choose between a career in policing and following the precepts of their faith,” added Marvin Rotrand, B’nai Brith’s National Director of its League for Human Rights. “Observant Jews serve with distinction in many police departments in the United States. We appreciate the VPD’s rapid response in correcting this gap in its policy. It sends positive signals to potential Jewish candidates that they are welcome.”