Collared: Norfolk Police to swap Swat-style uniforms

Norfolk Police could be about to ditch its US Swat-style unifoms for a traditional collar and tie - because it makes officers look more professional.

The county force moved to the zip-up polo shirts and combat trousers, which were considered more hard-wearing, back in 2008.

But academic research has shown that the public view traditonal collar and tie as more professional and honest than the black t-shirt style uniform.

Next year 47 officers from Norfolk's Wymondham safer neighbourhood team will take part in a trial of specially designed white shirts.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: "This new shirt, which has been successfully adopted by the Metropolitan Police Service, is designed to meet the rigours of modern policing while enabling officers to project an image that is as professional and smart as the service they deliver."

It is not yet clear how much the switch would cost if rolled out to all of Norfolk's 1,500 officers, Mr Gormley said they would try to minimise costs of the transition.

The final decision will be based on feedback from officers and members of the public.