Top chain fashions a new look for the boys in blue
The new-look police uniform set to replace the century-old summer green uniform is being designed by fashion chain G2000, it has emerged.
The handing over of the finished product, due this week, has been delayed by last-minute design tweaks requested by the police.
The senior officer overseeing the project has admitted that if a majority of officers reject the new uniform, it will be dumped and the existing summer outfit will remain.
Last week it was revealed that the green uniform dating from the 19th century was on the way out and would be replaced - putting the force in blue all year round.
Led by design director Konstantine Kouros, a team of G2000 staff has worked on the uniform for weeks. The retail chain - which has 75 outlets in Hong Kong, 175 on the mainland and two in Macau - submitted the most attractive bid to the Government Supplies Department.
The contract is thought to be worth $120 million. Neither G2000 nor the force was willing to issue pictures of the new outfit.
A spokesman for the store said: 'There have been a couple of last-minute changes which means it could take a little longer. We can't say more until the police are ready to go public.'
Assistant Commissioner of Police (support) Steve Chandler said people were 'jumping the gun a little'. 'All 28,000 full-time staff and 5,000 auxiliary officers will be consulted once the new uniform is ready,' he said. 'If a majority don't like it, then it won't go ahead. If it's 50-50, the Commissioner will have the casting vote.'
It is understood the new-look summer uniform will resemble the existing winter wear, but be lighter and more 'operationally friendly'. Blue and white shirts will be part of the package and the existing dark-blue jacket worn in winter will be replaced by a waterproof black coat and removeable fleece.
It will be the biggest change of style for the force in more than 20 years. The last radical change was in 1979, when long trousers replaced summer shorts.