HC Deb 14 December 1967 vol 756 cc192-3W
11. Dr. Winstanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the removal of numbers and individual identification marks from police uniforms is in accordance with his policy; and if he will issue a circular to police authorities on the desirability of retaining personal identification marks.

Mr. Callaghan:

I have consulted the Police Advisory Board on a proposal that the display of numbers on police uniforms should be discontinued generally, and have since reflected on the opinions expressed. Those who have proposed this change have been motivated by a desire to improve the status of police officers. But it seems to me that it is in the interests both of the public, and of the police themselves, that the police should continue to wear numbers on their uniforms, and I intend to advise police authorities and chief officers of police in this sense.