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.
Cafe couple love being back by Morecambe Bay as new sign goes up
Morecambe primary school's pioneering eco-garden set to open
Beyond Radio to broadcast live on Eric Morecambe's centenary
Date announced for spades in ground at Eden Project Morecambe
Morecambe cinema turned DIY store gains listed building status
‘Baby bank’ charity launches to help families in Lancaster and Morecambe
Music festival to raise funds and remember Morecambe's much-loved dancing man
Lancaster part of drink spiking support pilot scheme
New Heysham skatepark plans unveiled
Beyond Radio licence renewed by Ofcom for next five years
Driver taken to hospital after two-car crash in Lancaster
Man jailed after throwing brick in face of Lancaster police officer
Contractor sought for next phase of Lancaster’s Canal Quarter development
Review begins of Council Tax single person discount in Lancaster district
Lancaster quizzer's delight as she wins Grand Final of TV show Mastermind
Forty venues announced for return of Morecambe Music Festival
Plans for 115 new homes in Lancaster given green light again
Ex-pub bowling green could return after Heysham car dealership refused planning permission
Morecambe MP welcomes government funding boost for local organisations
Campaigners form human chain on A6 in support of green belt land
