page_title: Uniforms of the Singapore Police Force
section_title: Uniform reviews from 2000 onwards
hierarchical_section_title: Uniforms of the Singapore Police Force / History / Uniform reviews from 2000 onwards
caption_attribution_description: Description: New uniforms of the Police Coast Guard on display at the Police Carnival 2006. Source: Self-made Location: Old Police Academy, Singapore Date: 10/06/2006 16:49 Photographer/Painter: Huaiwei
context_page_description: The Singapore Police Force has employed several different styles of uniforms throughout its history. Since 1969 it has used dark blue for its uniforms, although the first police uniforms introduced in 1856 were also in the same colour.
context_section_description: A series of reviews and changes to the uniforms took place across the various police units from the 2000s onwards. In 2002, the whistle chain was completely removed from all uniforms (except for some uniforms worn by the Gurkha Contingent) in the police force, the National Police Cadet Corps, as well as amongst CISCO officers. The new all-cotton combat uniform for the Police National Service Key Installation Protection Units was introduced in the same year.
  Amongst land divisions, the No.3 uniform (also known as the working dress) was enhanced with the buttons sewn on (instead of using metal rings previously) in 2004, while the name tag was changed from using a metal pin to Velcro for affixing to the uniform. In 2006, riveted buttons, which were considered to be more secure, were introduced to replace the sewn on buttons. The trousers come with additional side pockets mid-way down the thighs with the main purpose of providing a convenient location for the M-pod, a PDA-sized gadget slated to be launched. Separately, the Police Maternity Dress was also introduced.
  For the specialist divisions, the Police Tactical Unit changed their beret from dark blue to maroon in 2005. The combat uniform was also redesigned to a more loose-fitting attire with utility pockets, and the material changed to a cotton-polyester mix which is more durable and fire resistant. The colour of the uniform is also changed to a darker shade of blue for tactical purposes. High-heel boots with gutters were also introduced. The Police Coast Guard introduced a new set of uniforms composed of a helmet, dark blue polo top and Bermudas for officers performing patrolling duties on Pulau Ubin using bicycles. Also their officers will be changing into a combat uniform which is alike to those issue to the Police Tactical Unit.
  
  From 30 September 2005, new duty belts made of synthetic leather were introduced force-wide, replacing the former practise of securing items individually on the trouser belt. First utilised by officers in Central Police Division on a trial-run basis, the new belt comprises two layers fastened together by velcro strips, allowing for equipment to be removed with ease and a more comfortable and lighter fit for front-line officers. The belt, together with the handcuff pouch, bullet pouch, T-baton and revolver holster are now personally issued to all regular, full-time police national servicemen, and Volunteer Special Constabulary officers. The old leather belts will, however, continue to be in use during non-front line and administrative duties, as well as during appropriate functions.
  In May 2005, the island Patrol Uniform was introduced, consisting of a helmet, dark blue polo top and Bermuda shorts for Police Coast Guard officers performing bicycle patrol duties on Pulau Ubin. These were introduced to project a softer image on the island where recreational activities abound, and to provide greater comfort for the officers in the humid outdoor weather.
  As part of a force-wide review of the police uniforms, the PCG adopted the new combat uniform similar to that worn by the Special Operations Command, albeit with a darker shade of blue. While they were introduced to overcome existing limitations of the current uniform, such as allowing for less-hindrance in body movement due to the more relaxed fit, and its non-flammable properties, they met with opposition from some officers who feel it projects the wrong image to the general public, including its "technician" look. Officers began to don the new combat uniform from 21 August 2006.
  In 2006, the Gurkha Contingent implemented its biggest change to its uniform since the adoption of the present uniform three decades ago, just prior to the commencement of the 61st Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group as part of Singapore 2006. Khaki-coloured berets in place of the dark blue beret. The combat dress (Dress No.4) was changed to a cotton-polyester material to match those adopted by other specialised units of the SPF, such as the Special Op
caption: New uniforms of the Police Coast Guard on display at the Police Carnival 2006.
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