Bermuda's traditional bobby look will not disappear from the streets completely, Acting Police Commissioner, Jean-Jacques Lemay, promised yesterday.

For the tunic jackets and London-style helmets will be retained, even though most officers will be kitted-out with sweaters and shorter rain jackets.

Mr. Lemay said: "The tunic will be kept for ceremonial purposes, static guard duty and also for patrols on Front Street.

"If we wear the bobby helmet, which is used for the tourists, then the tunic goes with that.'' Mr. Lemay said the change in style had to be introduced because of the amount of equipment, including the new extendable batons and handcuffs, which have to be carried on belts.

The old wooden truncheons -- carried in pockets in uniform trousers -- were phased out last year and replaced with the belt-carried ASP baton.

Mr. Lemay said: "When we were looking at the operational side of things, people have said it's more comfortable to wear equipment around the waist.

"So, given the kind of weather we have in Bermuda, they wanted to wear sweaters over their shirts.'' The blue Royal Navy-style ribbed jumpers -- known as `wooly pullies' -- will be embroidered with the Bermuda Police crest and the word `Police' so officers are easily identifiable.

Mr. Lemay added: "There is also a need for us to look at changing the type of rain gear to ensure that we have a jacket which has a reflective side.

"When officers are out in the dark and rain they can reverse the jacket so they are highly visible. It will ensure they can been seen clearly.'' Officers are currently equipped with a black jacket which has a small `Police' logo in reflective plastic on the breast and separate green vests made out of reflective material.

The Royal Gazette revealed last month that a uniform review was underway.

And it was feared the traditional bobbies' helmet -- a major hit with tourists -- could be on the way out.

A Police spokeswoman confirmed then a fresh look at kit was going on -- but declined to speculate if the review included the distinctive headgear.

Last month's report added that officers had complained it was difficult to fit the old tunics over the equipment belts.

But Mr. Lemay said: "Officers will be able to wear the tunic with the belt over it, or wear the sweaters. The majority find it more comfortable to wear the sweaters.''