Saudi's religious police get new rules....

And, the British are going to provide English-language training....

Saudi Arabia's religious police, also known as the committee for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice, must have long beards, Islamic attire, and a degree in Islamic Sharia law in order to serve in the corps, local media reported.

The new measures apply to new recruits as well as policemen already serving in the forces, said Saudi daily Okaz.

"We will hire only those who have a degree in Sharia law," said an official. "The commission that is selecting the candidates wants the future agents to have a long beard and wear Islamic attire to set a good example for Saudis."

The religious police will also undergo training including English language courses and have signed an agreement with the British consulate in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The accord is the first of its kind.