Elegant epaulettes: The new badges enhance safety and comfort for officers

Smaller and lighter badges of rank are being worn by Station Sergeants, Sergeants and Senior Police Constables to improve comfort and safety.

From July 8, the officers have been wearing the new badges on their shoulders, pinned to their uniform epaulettes.

Support Wing Superintendent Field Alice Yeung Chui-mei said these miniature badges of rank were commissioned to replace the cumbersome larger and heavier ones previously worn on officers' sleeves.

"The new designs have been introduced by Force Management after consultation with the officers concerned. The previous metal arm badges have caused inconvenience to them and have ceased to be worn," she said. "However, SSGTs will continue to wear lapel badges on the collars of their uniforms."

Wan Chai Division Patrol Sub-unit Team One Station Sergeant Chow Chi-kun and Sergeant Yeung Wing-kuen told OffBeat that they supported such a move.

"Previously, the metal badges worn on our arms could damage the clothes of passers-by. Sometimes we or a member of the public might get hurt if we accidentally bumped into each other," SSGT Chow said.

SGT Yeung added: "With this new move, the safety of officers and the public is better ensured. "

Previously, the badges were tied to uniforms. It is now a lot easier to put on. Public feedback on the badges has also been encouraging.



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