Dr. Morganasked the Home Secretary on how many occasions has it been reported to him that police constables on duty have worn two different identification numbers on different articles of official uniform; whether this practice of the wearing or borrowing of other constable's clothing whilst on duty is forbidden by police regulations; and what penalties are attached for such behaviour.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI can only recall one such case, which was the subject of a Question by my hon. Friend which I answered on 25th February. There may have been other cases where a police officer has inadvertently put on a coat which did not belong to him, but no record is available, and any suggestion that officers make a practice of wearing or borrowing one another's clothing is quite unfounded. If an officer was found to have done so for an improper purpose he would be liable to penalties under the discipline code, the nature of which would depend on the circumstances.