Ordained officer plans dual role

Insp Andrew Earl has been police chaplain for six years

A police inspector has been ordained as an Anglican Deacon in a ceremony which could make him the first officer to wear a dog collar on duty.

Andrew Earl, 43, from South Kirkby, has received West Yorkshire Police's blessing for his dual role.

He was ordained by the Bishop of Wakefield at Wakefield Cathedral on Sunday.

Insp Earl said he would wear his collar at all times because a clergyman, like a policeman, "is never off duty."

Alongside his police duties at South Kirkby police station, Insp Earl will now be assistant curate at St Mary the Virgin Church in South Elmsall.

He has also been the police force's chaplain for the last six years.

Similar roles

He joined the force when he was 16 and in those 25 years he has never seen another ordained officer wear a dog collar on duty.

"I think I am the first. I thought it was better to be honest and be visible," he said.

Insp Earl said the roles were similar in so far as they both involved working with the community.

"You have heard the saying 'a police officer is never off duty', well a clergyman is never off duty either," said Insp Earl.

He admitted though there might be occasions, such as riot situations, when it would be unsafe to wear his collar.

"My colleagues have joked that I should get a flame retardant one," he said.