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West Yorkshire Police have decided to end the use of the traditional police helmet for normal duties. Is this symbol of British law enforcement really so old-fashioned, asks Justin Parkinson.
Police helmets have been worn for more than 150 years in much of England and Wales, but West Yorkshire says peaked caps are "more appropriate and more in keeping" with many of the situations officers find themselves in the 21st Century. They are less likely to fall off heads, it is argued, and can be worn in a car.
Of course they are impractical in a number of situations, Orgreave being a classic example.
However when they wear them it may give a more reassuring feeling to some that they may be a traditional Bobby and not like some kind of paramilitary that sometimes seems to be more the case these days.
It makes them look taller, perhaps that gives them more of a 'presence'?
Important point.
Police don't wear uniforms because they're practical, they wear uniforms because it identifies them as a person of authority. That presents a deterrence when they are present (and identified), I've seen many a street vendor and busker doing a Del-Boy Trotter from the plod, which would not happen if they were out of uniform. While both are minor crimes, it certainly demonstrates the deterrence effect.
Policing involves two distinct aspects, a crime deterrence effect, and investigation and capture of criminals. One without the other doesn't work so well. Without deterrence investigation and capture becomes overloaded, without investigation and capture deterrence has no effect.
Whether wearing a tall hat increases or decreases the deterrence effect should be the sole consideration. Not being able to wear a police helmet in a police car should not be any consideration, they're pretty high visibility at the best of times (although sadly less so when you're going 20mph over the speed limit).
If you think about the old military army style uniforms with taller hats, it was to put fear into the enemy so Id agree with the style of hats making them appear taller and stronger...now even our police here in Glasgow wear more casual styles of uniform for comfort and being practical.
In London many police, those in cars for sure, do not wear a hat at all. It reduces them and us with the public.
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