Police officers to be given a new look

BOBBIES on the beat in Warrington will soon have a new look.  
Hard caps are being introduced by Cheshire Police following successful trials in Northwich and Chester.
The unisex caps, which will be given to the majority of frontline officers  – including sergeants, constables, Inspectors and chief inspectors –  are replacing the traditional flat caps, with “custodians” now reserved for ceremonial purposes.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “I want Cheshire officers to be equipped with the most appropriate uniform to carry out their jobs safely and effectively. Following internal and external consultations we’re introducing hard caps for most frontline police officers. This is a positive step for the force and great news for those working on the frontline.
“The caps are light but very rugged. Their size means that officers can comfortably get in and out of vehicles without having to remove them, and their modern ventilation and lightness means they’re comfortable to wear all year-round. Feedback from our officers was positive.”
After the trial period in Northwich and Chester, officers were asked to complete a survey on what they thought of the hats in terms of practicality and professional image and whether they think the caps should become a standard part of the uniform.
Almost 65 per cent of officers said that the hard caps were practical, 70 per cent said they had worn the hard cap more than their previous hat and
almost 90 per cent said they should become a standard part of the uniform.
The public was also consulted and 72 per cent agreed the new hard caps would be more practical for police officers with 61 per cent saying they would not interfere with the force’s professional image.
Cheshire is believed to be the only police force in the UK to have now equipped their officers with hard caps.