JOIN USK haki — the very word is sure to bring the set picture of police personnel to mind. But, many do not know that the police wear different set of uniforms according to the dress code, as prescribed in the manual.
The ‘first dress’ assumes significance among the police, depending on the cadre — irrespective of law and order or traffic wings. It is classified under A and B categories — depending on the weather conditions.
Under ‘A’ category, for officers in the rank of DySP (ACP in case of urban parts) and above, full armed shirt and coat, blue tie and cross belt, and decorations (varying stars and medals) is mandatory while calling on senior officers during special occasions. It may be while assuming charge of office, or special occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, Flag Day among others.
For example, if a senior police officer takes charge as the Commissioner of Police, he or she reports to duty in the ‘first dress’. Besides, they also call on their senior — IGP (Southern Range), in case of Mysore City Police Commissioner, as is the practice. Besides the commissioner, the remaining officers introduce themselves to the former in the very dress.
It is also applicable for those in the rank of assistant sub-inspector to inspector, but with a slight difference. They wear a khaki tie, besides full arm shirt, coat and cross belt while reporting to duty.
They appear in front of the commissioner, DCPs, ACPs and inspectors in the same dress.
Under ‘B’ category, police personnel in the aforementioned ranks wear another set of ‘first dress’. Popular as ‘summer wear’, they participate in the ceremonies in working uniform with a cross belt. With soaring mercury during summer, wearing ‘A’ type of dress makes one uncomfortable.
DCP (Crime and Traffic) P Rajendra Prasad told City Herald, the dress code is being followed from time immemorial. It is the gift of the British, the founders of the police system, who were very particular about discipline, he said.