Humberside Police's request for applicants applying for its post of Deputy Chief Constable to send a "selfie" has come under fire from an employment law specialist.
The advert on the police force's website is seeking someone for the £117,000 role - and asks interested parties to "please send a Selfie photo along with your Name and Force" to request an application pack for the senior policing role.
But, Jessica Corsi, a partner at specialist employment law firm Doyle Clayton, has warned that "unsuccessful candidates might consider they have been discriminated against".
She said: "I strongly advise employers NOT to follow the example of Humberside Police, which is requesting candidates for its post of Deputy Chief Constable provide a 'selfie', without having thought through the potential downside.
"First, there is the chance that unsuccessful candidates might consider that they have been discriminated against if they are not shortlisted for interview based on the photo, for instance if they are from a minority ethnic group.
"Also, there is the question of what the police do with the 'selfies' afterwards – broadly speaking, under data protection laws they'd have to safely dispose of it once it was no longer necessary to them, but they are creating a compliance problem for themselves to ensure this is done correctly, especially where information is shared internally on emails.
"Apparently the police's request is because they are looking for IT-literate candidates. I'd strongly recommend that employers put in place a more appropriate way of testing candidates for basic IT-literacy, such as a short test before a first interview."
Humberside Police yesterday defended the recruitment request. Chief Constable Justine Curran says the unusual idea has come about because it is "vital" candidates show they can operate modern technology.
Ms Curran said: "As a force we have invested heavily in new technology in a bid to modernise the way we work, increase officer time on the beat, be more visible and accessible to the public.
"Our chief officers and senior managers need to lead from the front by embracing this technology and by being a visible presence on social media, giving the public an insight into the world of Humberside Police and how they can play a part.
"We currently have a vacancy for a deputy chief constable which is a key role within the force and as such it is vital that potential candidates understand the importance of embracing new technology within Humberside Police at the point of applying for the role.
"This is why we have created a recruitment advert that reflects our aims and ambitions as a force by encouraging candidates to get involved from the outset."
A spokesperson added: "The request for a photograph plays no part in the rigorous shortlisting and selection process appropriate to this key, demanding, strategic role."
