Traditional police hats will make a comeback in Lancashire after baseball caps were scrapped for all officers and PCSOs.
Traditional flat caps are set to be issued to all male officers, with female officers given the option of wearing bowler hats which will include Lancashire Constabulary insignia. Traffic officers will be re-issued with white flat caps ensuring they are clearly visible when dealing with road traffic incidents on public roads and motorways whilst PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) flat caps will be distinguishable by a blue band.
Baseball caps will continue to be used for deployment on public order duties.
The decision was made by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden and Chief Constable Chris Rowley. Baseball caps were introduced in 2016 as part of a new police uniform being issued to all officers (see below). This included new black jackets, black body armour, lightweight high-vis jacket and black shirts, which will remain.
"This change is about reinforcing the figures of authority police officers should be in our communities," said Mr Snowden.
"The uniform and appearance of police officers is an important part of that and I think the baseball caps were a backward step in how modern policing is presented given that now more than ever the values of respect, pride and professionalism are so important. "Police Officers are expected to behave and conduct themselves in a professional way that inspires public confidence, so ensuring the uniforms they wear also uphold those standards is important, which is why we have taken this decision to embrace the long-standing proud heritage of British policing and return to the smarter, traditional headwear – a clear symbol that we expect our county to be policed with pride. "From conversations I have had with people and communities across the Lancashire Constabulary area, I know this will be a warmly welcomed move." Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: "This issue has been raised with me consistently for more than a year by officers who don’t like wearing the baseball caps, and I’ve always felt that traditional headgear is smarter and presents a more professional appearance to the public. "I make it clear to my staff – both new recruits and those officers with more service – that I have high standards. I expect them to be smart when on duty, and I expect them to deliver a high quality of service to our communities.” Many police officers never discarded the traditional hats when the baseball caps were introduced so the public can expect to see some officers wearing the traditional headwear with immediate effect, with the rest of the baseball caps being replaced throughout the year.
New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster
