POLICE MAY WEAR SHOES

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29246, 2 July 1960, Page 12

POLICE MAY WEAR SHOES

New Ruling On Uniform New Zealand policemen may now wear shoes as part of their official uniform. This ruling by the Police Department was described yesterday by a Christchurch police officer as the most radical step taken in the force since Sir Robert Peel invented the “Bobby” in 1829. Twenty-five years ago, a constable parading in shoes before ah inspector at the Christchurch Central Station before going on beat duty would have been charged under the Police Force regulations with being improperly dressed for duty.

In more recent years, the wearing of boots when in uniform has not been so strictly enforced and the Police Department’s ruling that shoes may be worn is only giving official Recognition to a widespread practice. Policemen’s feet have been the butt of jokes for more than a century, but experienced members of the force are convinced that boots are iriore suitable than shoes for beat and certain other duties.

“Boots are warmer and support the ankle. Frankly, I think a man would be a fool to go on an eight-hour beat duty wearing shoes.” a police officer commented.

Footwear has never been issued to the police in this country Members of the force are paid an annual allowance and can buy boots from. Police Force stores, or from shops. This month shoes were made* available at the Police Force stores for the first time. The shoes are solid and of black leather. ■ No regulations have been made yet about the type of shoe that must be worn, but it is held that platform, “winklepicker’‘ or other types of fancy footwear will definitely be outlawed.