§ Commander Keransasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions the Metropolitan Police have had with private security organisations in London regarding the wearing of police uniforms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WoodhouseThe Commissioner has discussed the design of uniforms 123W with various private security organisations from time to time. On occasion he has asked an organisation to modify the design of its uniforms, where these have so closely resembled police uniforms as to be likely to mislead the public. I share the Commissioner's opinion that it is desirable for the uniforms of members of private security organisations to be clearly distinguishable from police uniforms. An amendment has just been made to the Police Bill in another place, on the initiative of the Government, which provides that any person who, not being a constable, wears any article of police uniform in circumstances where it gives him an appearance so nearly resembling that of a member of a police force as to be calculated to deceive shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £100.