Department updates policy after suit over removal of hijab

DEARBORN HEIGHTS (AP) - A Detroit-area police department has updated its policy on booking and photographing people who wear a religious head covering.

Malak Kazan sued in U.S. District Court in Detroit in January. She said she was forced to remove the traditional Muslim head scarf, known as a hijab, in the presence of men during booking and while in custody after being arrested last year in Dearborn Heights for driving with a suspended license.

Her lawyer Amir Makled tells The Detroit News the change went into effect last week with a U.S. District Court judge's order.

According to the updated policy, a female officer will be present for removal if needed and removal will be done in a private area, if possible. Makled says it "could be the model policy" for other communities.

Published: Mon, Jul 13, 2015