Police chief lifts wristband ban

NORFOLK'S police chief has been forced into an embarrassing climb-down after an officer was banned from wearing a wristband to support soldiers hurt in the line of action.

A senior officer had told the PC he could face disciplinary action if he did not remove the multi-coloured Help for Heroes band as it contravened strict uniform regulations.

The officer highlighted his case, saying: “I've been wearing my wristband for months now and I don't see why I should get rid of

it. It's not a political point, it's a gesture of gratitude and support.”

However, chief constable Ian McPherson yesterday said he was prepared to make a concession and lift the ban as a “one off”.

Mr McPherson also said he was “100pc” behind the charity and that he would push for a special Help for Heroes silver lapel badge

to be produced for all officers to wear.

He said: “Norfolk Constabulary is now contacting police organisations across the country to gain support for the idea and agree a design. Along with many other people in this country, I fully support the aims of Help for Heroes and have ordered my wrist band to show that support.

“We are making an exception to our uniform and dress codes for an exceptional national cause. This is a one-off.

“Here in East Anglia, we have close associations with the armed forces and our thoughts are with those who are daily putting their lives on the line for us in such places as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The charity's success reflects the chord it has struck with the public. My officers will be allowed to wear the band as an interim measure until we can agree a police badge that can be worn not just by Norfolk

officers but by those across the country.”

Help for Heroes was set up by friends and relatives of soldiers wounded while serving their country on the battlefield.

It is backed by chief of the general staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt - who lives in Norfolk - and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds.