EPS Cadet Laila Elbery modeling the EPS’ hijab prototype with her Cadets uniform.
The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) police-issued hijab, a headwear option for Muslim women in the Service, is now available for Muslim youth enrolled in the EPS’ Cadet Corps program.
Unveiled by the Service in 2013, the headscarf was carefully designed by the EPS’ Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Unit, the EPS’ Tactics Training Unit, and community partners from the former Muslim Community Liaison Committee. The prototype was one of the first of it’s kind for law enforcement in Canada and has been adopted by other police services for its use.
“I find it really inclusive of EPS,” said Laila Elbery, 18, who is in her final year of the Cadets program. “I think it’s really innovative to make sure that everyone knows they’re welcome. A lot of times individuals can be rejected from jobs or feel like they can’t participate in activities because of their hijabs.”
Although the hijab is worn by some Muslim girls and women as an expression of religious and cultural identity, it carries many different meanings to those who wear it.
“It’s really important to make sure that everyone has the choice of what they want to wear without having to sacrifice their religious beliefs,” said Laila. “I know I never want to be in a position where I have to choose between my religion and my style.”
Reflecting traditional hijab features, the Service’s design ensures that it covers the head and neck, but not the face. Snaps on the side allow for quick tear-away and are unobtrusive to the wearer.
Despite the simple design, Cadet Corps Program Coordinator Constable Daniel Yaassoub said incorporating the EPS’ hijab is part of a larger conversation.
“Our mission within Cadets is to be accepting to all with no limitation to gender, religion or sexual orientation. I believe this will empower all youth, especially females, from different backgrounds to believe that they too can be a Cadet.”
While Laila does not currently wear the EPS hijab, instead choosing to wear one of her own, she believes the move better reflects the changing diversity in the community, and in turn encourages more Muslim female youth to consider joining the program.
“Cadets really changed me for the better,” said Laila. “I used to be quiet. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t talk, but I never took the chance to speak up. After the first few months I learned that everybody has a voice and when you’re given the opportunity to use it, you should.”
Today, Laila is Quarter Sergeant (SGT) Major, a position she admits she was surprised to have been appointed.
Snaps on the side of the EPS hijab prototype allow for quick tear-away and are unobtrusive to the wearer.
“That means I lead drill,” she said. “If you told me at the start of Cadets that I would have this rank I would laugh at you — you have to be loud. I’m still working on my voice, I’m not the loudest of them all, but I’m definitely comfortable doing it.”
But her progress comes as no surprise to Const. Yaassoub.
“I have had the privilege to see her grow, build self-esteem and work on a commanding and assertive voice. She was appointed our Quarter SGT Major due to her commitment to drill, dress and deportment and her impact on the new cadets, especially our female cadets."
“Laila is reliable, respectful and a motivator in our program who is committed in her schooling, volunteering and family. I believe she would be an amazing Police Officer, but I know she has other aspirations to which she will strive and influence positive change to all the people she meets.”
Laila, who is currently enrolled in a business course, is working towards one day establishing herself as a pivotal designer in hijab fashion.
“I took fashion studies in high school and realized that this is what I want to do,” said Laila. “Growing up, it was really hard to find clothes that not only fit with hijab guidelines but would also look good. First impressions are everything and it was important for me to feel comfortable in what I wear. I never wanted to have to choose between my religion and my style, and I never want anyone else to feel that way either.”
Putting her fashion critique to the test, Laila says that it’s evident a lot of thought went into the design of the EPS’ hijab prototype.
“It’s really cool. It’s softer than I expected,” she said. “I think it would be neat if it had the EPS logo on it, in case a hat was removed.”
Although Cadets is a police program, Const. Yaassoub says that the focus is not to recruit cadets to become Police Officers but about exposing and enhancing opportunities for youth, regardless of their future career interests.
“Regardless of race, culture, religion, or sexual orientation, it is important that any youth that we work with feel welcome and included,” he said. “Whether they are considering applying or are currently enrolled in the program, we want them to know that they can come as they are and feel comfortable to be who they are while having new experiences."
The EPS Cadet Corps is now accepting applications. For more information, visit edmontonpolice.ca/cadets.