The Delhi Police is considering significant changes to their traditional khaki uniforms for personnel ranging from constables to inspectors.
According to three police officers familiar with the matter, the current terry cotton shirts and trousers might be replaced with customized polo T-shirts and cargo pants. The department is also thinking about updating the caps, berets, and footwear.
The Delhi Police force consists of about 87,000 personnel, including Indian Police Service (IPS) officers and Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS) officers. Despite the uniform changes, the officers mentioned that the new uniforms will retain the formal khaki color. Additionally, changes are planned for the traffic police uniforms, although the new designs are not yet clear.
One officer, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the city police had been planning to update the uniforms for two years. The aim is to better suit the uniforms to the seasonal weather conditions in Delhi and the various duties the personnel perform, such as maintaining law and order, regulating traffic, and managing large crowds.
While the Delhi Police can change the uniforms of constables and inspectors, any changes to the uniforms of IPS and DANICS officers require approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs and other authorities. A committee has been formed by the Delhi Police headquarters to plan and execute these changes. This includes decisions on design, fabric, costs, and vendor selection.
Currently, the plan is in its early stages. Although the committee has proposed designs and approached some vendors for trials, no final decision has been made. The designs may change based on feedback from personnel who will trial the new uniforms. The department is also considering providing separate uniforms for summer and winter, with the winter uniform likely including a warmer that can be worn under the woolen uniform.
Earlier this week, samples of the new uniforms were given to some personnel from different police districts for feedback. Images of these sample uniforms leaked and circulated on social media, leading to rumors that the new uniforms had been finalized. However, an officer from the committee clarified that these were only samples, and no final decision has been made yet.
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