OMEN
04-04-2009, 03:46 PM
Police officers have been ordered not to finish off the sentences of people with a stutter.
Officers have been given a new "diversity handbook" advising them how to avoid offensive faux pas when dealing with the public.
The 140-page guide also tells them not to move people's walking sticks or lean on people's wheelchairs, reports the Daily Telegraph.
It tells officers that it would be "inappropriate" to handcuff people who can only communicate through sign language.
And it says they should not "chew gum, eat sweets, shout, turn away or cover their mouths" when communicating with the deaf.
The booklet also reminds officers it is legal "to wear clothing and accessories of any gender in public so long as their genitals are covered".
The pocket-sized handbook has been compiled by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and distributed to all Scottish forces at a cost of £4,500.
The ACPOS Diversity Handbook is described as a "quick reference practical guide for staff covering aspects such as age, disability, gender, faith and religion, race and sexual orientation".
Calum Steele, of the Scottish Police Federation, warned: "The guidance is too long and is probably an easy target for the anti- political correctness brigade."
But Ian Latimer, chief executive of Northern Constabulary, insisted: "This is an extremely useful resource for staff. It is important our communities are given the respect and professional service they deserve."
NOVA
Officers have been given a new "diversity handbook" advising them how to avoid offensive faux pas when dealing with the public.
The 140-page guide also tells them not to move people's walking sticks or lean on people's wheelchairs, reports the Daily Telegraph.
It tells officers that it would be "inappropriate" to handcuff people who can only communicate through sign language.
And it says they should not "chew gum, eat sweets, shout, turn away or cover their mouths" when communicating with the deaf.
The booklet also reminds officers it is legal "to wear clothing and accessories of any gender in public so long as their genitals are covered".
The pocket-sized handbook has been compiled by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland and distributed to all Scottish forces at a cost of £4,500.
The ACPOS Diversity Handbook is described as a "quick reference practical guide for staff covering aspects such as age, disability, gender, faith and religion, race and sexual orientation".
Calum Steele, of the Scottish Police Federation, warned: "The guidance is too long and is probably an easy target for the anti- political correctness brigade."
But Ian Latimer, chief executive of Northern Constabulary, insisted: "This is an extremely useful resource for staff. It is important our communities are given the respect and professional service they deserve."
NOVA