Bengaluru: In a significant step toward modernising its appearance, the Karnataka State Police Department has announced that it will officially replace the traditional slouch hats with navy blue peak caps (P-CAP) for all constables and head constables, starting October 28.
The decision marks the end of an era for the slouch hats, which have been part of the police uniform since the British colonial period. The change aims to enhance comfort and update the overall look of the force to reflect a more professional and contemporary image.
Formal launch at Vidhana Soudha
The peak cap distribution programme will be held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru in the presence of chief minister Siddaramaiah and home minister Dr G Parameshwara.
According to a circular issued on Thursday by Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG & IGP) M A Saleem, all police commissionerates and district units have been instructed to nominate one police constable or head constable each to attend the official launch event.
“The navy blue peak caps will modernise our uniform and provide greater comfort for personnel on duty,” the circular stated.
Background and decision process
The state government had initially issued an order on August 6 to phase out the slouch hats. Over the years, many police personnel have expressed dissatisfaction with the bulky and outdated design of the hats, describing them as uncomfortable during long hours of outdoor duty, especially in hot weather conditions.
During the Senior Police Officers’ Annual Conference earlier this year, officials had proposed introducing green berets as an alternative. However, chief minister Siddaramaiah noted that the green berets closely resembled those used by Home Guards and Scouts and Guides, and suggested adopting the navy blue peak caps instead.
Inspired by modern police forces
The design of the new cap is modelled on the Telangana Police cap, and the final version was selected after studying the uniform styles of several states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Goa, and Tamil Nadu.
According to officials, the new cap provides a smart, formal, and cohesive appearance, aligning the Karnataka Police with other modern police forces across India. It is also expected to be more practical for officers performing duties outdoors.
Positive response from officers
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from police personnel, many of whom see the change as a long-overdue modernisation. Officers believe that the navy blue caps not only improve comfort but also contribute to a more disciplined and dignified presentation of the force.
A senior officer commented, “For decades, the slouch hat represented tradition, but times have changed. The new peak cap reflects the confidence and evolving identity of the Karnataka Police.”
A step toward modernisation
The uniform change is part of a broader effort by the state police to upgrade its image and operational efficiency. Other modernisation measures include digital training modules, improved duty gear, and new initiatives for community policing.
Police officials have also hinted at further uniform standardisation efforts in the future to ensure consistency across ranks and regions.
With the introduction of the new caps, Karnataka joins a growing list of Indian states updating their police uniforms to blend tradition with modernity, symbolising progress, discipline, and service readiness.