Bobbies on the beat get a head start in fashion
BOBBIES on the beat are being given a brand new look with American style baseball caps replacing the iconic Police helmet.
Cheshire’s police officers are thought to be the first in the UK to have introduced the hard caps to all front line officers, which are considered to be more comfortable and practical.
The ‘custodion helmet’ - the traditional hard high top usually associated with policemen - was phased out in the 1990s and is now reserved for ceremonial purposes.
But now Cheshire Police have ditched the dated flat peaked cap and bowler cap worn by male and female offices for a unisex hard cap. The new cap - which will be half the cost of the previous - will be worn by all the majority of frontline officers, including sergeants, constables, Inspectors and chief inspectors.
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. 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.”
A proposal for the new head gear was first put forward in 2014 and officers in Northwich and Chester have been testing the new caps to see how they work on the frontline. The new style has had a mixed response from our online readers, who have questioned the need for a new uniform and the
Rebecca Hulme said: “Much more modern and unlikely to blow off in a chase!”