'Diabetes and the Police Officer - Report and Guidance' was launched in July 2006 to promote equality in the police force.
Sir Ian Blair, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, joined Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, and John Houghman CBE, Deputy Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), at the launch held at Scotland Yard.
The survey of UK officers and forces highlighted inconsistencies in the way forces accommodated officers with diabetes. The report aimed to see how forces had adapted since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was extended to cover the police service in October 2004.
The project group, led by Diabetes UK in collaboration with the National Police Diabetic Association, National Disabled Police Association and the DRC, developed a guidance document to help eliminate inconsistencies between and within the forces.
Douglas Smallwood said: "Despite some forces meeting the requirements of the DDA, there remain cases where unlawful discrimination still happens."
"People with diabetes are all different and they manage their condition differently. There is no reason why officers with well controlled diabetes should not be able to carry out their duties."
"The launch of this guidance will not only benefit the individuals but will allow forces to make the most of their most important resource: their officers."
Sir Ian Blair said: "We have come a long way towards achieving equality within the police force."
"In May 2006 the first person with insulin-treated diabetes was recruited into the police. We also lifted our restrictions on people with diabetes driving response vehicles. These are important steps for the police service."
Scott Westbrook, Chair of the National Disabled Police Association said, "This has been an extremely important project for us."
"We hope this will set the precedent for the treatment of people with other conditions within the police service and the wider community in the future."
Tim Savage, founder of the National Police Diabetic Association said, "Since the DDA was extended we are starting to see a change in how officers with diabetes are treated. I am hopeful that this report and guidance mean that discrimination against people with diabetes is a thing of the past."
John Hougham CBE said, "Under the DDA it is now unlawful for an employer to operate blanket bans on the recruitment of people with diabetes. Similarly, if an employee develops diabetes while employed, reasonable adjustments must be made to accommodate them."
"This means that police officers with diabetes, especially insulin users, should be individually assessed before any decision is taken regarding their fitness to undertake duties such as carrying firearms or driving rapid response vehicles."