New helmet makes police a 'laughing stock'

A new unisex helmet is provoking anger and ridicule among police officers. They complain that it undermines their credibility and is making them a "laughing stock".

A new unisex helmet is provoking anger and ridicule among police officers. They complain that it undermines their credibility and is making them a "laughing stock".

The squat, toughened version of the 19th century headwear is being piloted in three police forces and will be adopted nationally if the trials prove successful.

Chief constables say the new helmet is better suited to modern policing. But PC Jason Hunt, of the City of London Police, writing in Police Review magazine, said: "Faceless individuals are being allowed to sweep away a piece of national identity with no remit to do so. I take great exception at being made to look a laughing stock by having to wear this ridiculous item." PC Paul Rogers, of Merseyside Police, usually wears a cap or bullet-proof helmet and attacked the new helmet as a "ridiculous-looking contraption". He added: "Although appearance counts for little if a professional service is not delivered to the public, 'looking the part' does help."

The helmet, introduced after research found that one in eight officers suffers head injuries each year, is intended to be stronger and less likely to fall off than the traditional model.