Custodian helmets

Meeting:

MQT on 2015-02-23

Session date:

February 23, 2015

Reference:

2015/0465

Question By:

Roger Evans

Organisation:

GLA Conservatives

Asked Of:

The Mayor

Category:

Policing

Question

A number of police forces across the UK are reviewing the requirement for police officers to wear the custodian helmet while on routine patrols. Have you or the Metropolitan Police Service made any such considerations about the continued use of the custodian helmet on the streets of London?

Answer

Answer for Custodian helmets

Answered By:

The Mayor

Date:

Thursday, 26th February 2015

The custodian or "Beat Duty" helmet remains an integral part of MPS uniform. Uniformed officers performing certain specialist posts are exempted from wearing the helmet for practical reasons but the majority of MPS officers performing foot patrols will continue to do so.

The helmet provides a level of protection as well as being arguably one of the most distinctive items of uniform which separates and readily identifies MPS officers to the public.

Keeping pace with advances in uniform design and quality is important, however at this stage I am pleased to say that the traditional image of the service will continue.