DG & IGP Alok Mohan seeks a report from ADGP Umesh; Meeting of Top Cops convened on Apr. 4; Proposal for changing slouch designed hat worn by Constables, Head Constables, follows warning of health hazards issued by Union Health Ministry

Mysuru: If all goes well, the archaic Police Hat that has its roots in British rule in the country, will be relegated to the pages of history. The Karnataka Police is mulling over adapting to the new age environs, blending the fabric without compromising on the discipline associated with                                          khaki uniform.

This significant step follows the warning of Union Health Ministry, that has its own apprehensions over the design of slouch hat, currently worn by Police Constables and Head Constables in the lower rung of the Police.

Following this, DG and IG of Police (DG&IGP) Dr. Alok Mohan has directed Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) ADGP Umesh to study the pros and cons over the proposal to change the design of the hat and submit a report. In this backdrop, a meeting of senior Police Officers has been convened on Apr. 4 at the Chief Office on Nrupathunga Road in Bengaluru. The IGP of the chief office, DCPs of all the Divisions in Bengaluru, DCP (CAR), SP of Bengaluru Urban and KSRP Commandant shall be attending the meeting.

The DG and IGP, in his instructions to ADGP Umesh has sought a report on following parameters like; the possible health hazards faced by Head Constables and Constables, wearing the slouch hat. The alternative design suggested to replace the existing design of Police hat; the design of Police hats worn by the counterparts in neighbouring States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Since several years, the Policemen have been persistently demanding for a change in uniform that dates back to British era. At the same time, came the warning of the Union Health Ministry, about the impact on the health of Police personnel due to the design of the slouch shaped hat.

Seven years back, in the year 2018 too, there was a similar demand to change the design of Police hat. But the timing of the proposal turned out be anachronistic, as lakhs of slouch shaped hats were ready for dispatch. Any changes at that juncture, may have caused financial losses. Eventually, the proposal was kept in abeyance.

When the British were at the helm of affairs in the country,  khaki shirt, nicker, headgear and black colour shoes formed the Police Uniform. After the country became independent, there was a change in uniform, with khaki trouser replacing the knickers and a turban with a mix of blue and red colour, worn on the head.

Cap of woes!

The slouch hat worn by the Police now doesn’t fit correctly, proving difficult to handle during field duty like rallies, protests, rioting and lathi charge. There were occasions, when the hat was falling off, inviting the risks during eerie situations. The Police sans hat was considered ‘disrespectful.’ Citing such inconveniences the hat posed, the Policemen were pressing for a change of hat.

While the Policemen at Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are wearing ‘Peak Hats’ that appears smart, the Karnataka Police are exploring the possibilities to make a difference, with a hat with novel design.