Police on the beat are to get their first change of uniform in decades.

The Bermuda Police Service has today unveiled the new working patrol uniforms.

The move will bring officers’ dress code up to date with worldwide best practice.

The new look has been delayed by problems overseas with manufacturing and shipping.

A BPS spokesman said specialist “fatigues” had been issued in recent years to units such as Marine Police and Forensic Support.

Similar to the current uniform, the new patrol uniform will be based on those in use by British officers.

Assistant Police Commissioner Martin Weekes, the BPS lead for uniform policing, said: “When I joined the Bermuda Police Service in the 1980s, I was issued a uniform and the uniform I am wearing today, apart from a few minor alterations, has not changed.

“However, the job of a patrol constable has significantly evolved in that time, including the wearing of the protective stab vest over the uniform and all of the equipment a patrol officer is expected to carry.”

Mr Weekes said a committee had been set up to modernise BPS uniforms to ensure the safety and health of officers.

The new patrol uniform includes dry wicking trousers, shirt and a soft-shell jacket with police markings.

The only difference from the standard British uniform is that the BPS shirt is blue instead of the black favoured in Britain.

The uniform’s dry materials, adapted to the island’s climate, are designed to be worn under the protective police vest.

Uniforms are separately designed to fit both male and female officers.

Mr Weekes said the new gear would remain easily recognisable to the public as police uniform — and will keep the traditional “Bobby” helmet or flat cap.

“Additionally, those officers not assigned to patrol duties will continue to wear the more traditional police uniform, but will gradually move to use some of the components of the new uniform — including the new black trousers and the marked soft shell jacket which will replace the blue Nato wool sweater.”