THE IRANIAN
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Policewomen return to Iran for first time since 1979 revolution
TEHRAN, Aug 4 (AFP) - Policewomen officially rejoined Iran's police force on Monday for the first time since the 1979 Islamic revolution, a Tehran daily reported Tuesday.
Policewomen went to work in the Caspian Sea province of Mazandaran on Monday, the Jomhuri-Islami newspaper reported.
Iran's police force inaugurated a training centre for policewomen last month.
Initially the policewomen will work in a special squad charged with combating "vice and social depravity."
They will be responsible in particular for enforcing the Islamic republic's strict dress code for women.
Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, women have been obliged to cover their hair with a headscarf and to wear ankle-length coats.
Women who do not observe the Islamic dress code risk arrest. Before release they recieve "verbal guidance," are required to make a written undertaking to observe the Islamic dress code in future and can also be ordered to pay a fine.
Women served in the police force under the shah but since the Islamic revolution women have been restricted to office duties.
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