Police bosses scrap baseball caps in favour of traditional headwear
As you will be aware, officers across Lancashire work tirelessly everyday to provide the best
service for Lancashire and take great pride in their uniform. I’m writing to let you know that
Chief Constable Chris Rowley and I have agreed to scrap the baseball caps for all officers and
PCSOs and move back to traditional headwear to inspire public confidence and uphold
standards.
From conversations I have had with people and communities across the Lancashire
Constabulary area, I know this will be a warmly welcomed move.
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 flat caps will
be distinguishable by a blue band. Baseball caps will continue to be used for deployment on
public order duties.
Baseball caps were introduced in 2016 as part of a new police uniform being issued to all
officers. 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. The uniform and appearance of police officers is an important part of that,
and I think 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.
Andrew Snowden
Lancashire P&CC