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Beret support
I support Jim Walker's comments regarding the 'cap' (in issue 665) and his letter evoked memories of my own submission along similar lines which was forwarded (and supported) through my Regional Headquarters (RC KE) to Police Headquarters (DD Support) in early 1993.
My submission centred on the suggestion more use be made of the 'beret'during crowd control duties, pre-planned operations or whenever there was the likelihood of police coming into close physical contact with the general public.
Here we are more than six years later and I see Jim Walker received almost the same reply from PHQ that I received.
This was: ". . . the cap design and material are being examined [by the Uniform and Accoutrements Committee] . . . the test will end in August [1993] after which an evaluation will be made".
I maintain there is scope for greater use of the beret by regular Uniform Branch duties, especially when there is a reasonable possibility speedy responses will be required in the interests of safety, or when officers need to have their hands free, not handicapped by carrying the cap.
In operational mode I consider the principal advantages of a beret are its smaller size, it is less likely to be dislodged and it can also be placed easily into a pocket if required.
Ian Marriott
Traffic Kowloon East Headquarters
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