The Interior Ministry has banned Russian policewomen from wearing short skirts on duty and from making unauthorized modifications to their uniforms.

According to reports, the ministry encourages police department heads to inspect uniforms daily to make sure they are appropriate.

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The Moscow Times wrote that the ban was imposed to counter a growing trend among young female police officers who seem to prefer pounding the beat dressed in mini-skirts. In contrast, American policewomen generally wear pants to work.

"When you meet people, the first thing you see is their clothing, and for a police officer fulfilling his duties, it is crucial to have a tidy and neat appearance," said Sergei Gerasimov, deputy interior minister. "From time to time, we have seen instances of officers improperly wearing their uniforms ... Heads (of departments) must pay more attention to the appearance of their subordinates."

The new rules also prohibit officers from wearing wrinkled items and combining their uniforms with civilian clothing.

Mikhail Pashkin, chairman of the coordination council of the police officers' union, told the Moscow Times he saw no reason to complain over the short skirts.

"Perhaps the girls want to get married," he said.

TagsRussian Policewomen, Police Uniforms, Mini-skirts