NINETY percent of gardai said a newly introduced baseball cap was ideal for frontline policing but acknowledged it could command less authority and make them look physically smaller.
In a survey on a pilot project for the new cap – members said it was so comfortable they would sometimes forget to take it off.
Feedback from the public had also been good with 54 percent saying they’d had positive remarks while out on duty.
Nine percent of gardai had however received “negative” comments about how it looked while a third had nothing to report.
The summary report, prepared last year, said: “The positive feedback from the public stated that the baseball caps were a step in the right direction.
“[They] presented a modern addition to the garda uniform similar to styles people have become familiar with in Europe and the U.S.”
Some officers did comment that it “reduced the physical stature” of gardai who wore it and possibly “commanded less authority.”
The pilot saw gardai trial two different caps at three stations across the country, one standard and another “bump” style hat with a small amount of in-built protection.
Two-thirds preferred the standard cap with some members saying the “bump stop” option was uncomfortable and sometimes moved around.
Around half of gardai polled said hi-vis features had an “operational benefit” and made them easier to see when working in darker conditions.
The research said: “Members did however raise concerns that the reflective strips as piloted could get dirty easily, may not provide longevity and would need to be replaced regularly.”
Officers involved in the trial also suggested a one-size-fits-all approach might not work, and other options should be available.
The report said: “Members expressed a desire for multiple sizing options to ensure a proper fit for all head sizes.”
Two-thirds of the respondents said they would like to have the garda crest and emblem included in the final design.
Officers also asked whether it would stand up to rain and other adverse conditions.
The report said: “Members also referenced concerns regarding the ability of the caps to deal with weather extremes.
“[This would include] being exposed to persistent rain over a long period or the thermal properties in the event of a member being in the cold for an extended period.”
Among female members with longer hair, two-thirds said there was enough room for them to tie it up, but the other third said there wasn’t.
DOWN TO THE DETAIL
The report added: “Thematic analysis of the feedback has identified that members would have a preference for the soft-shell cap, a plain navy design with the garda crest and sufficient sizes to allow for all different head sizes.”
Feedback was also sought from garda representative associations who said the new caps had been “positively received”.
However, they felt there were too many hi-vis elements, and it should be of a simpler design and with options for different head sizes.
In a section on future considerations, the research said a balance would need to be found “between comfort and functionality.”
It said: “Thermal properties may reduce comfort during warmer weather periods.”
The new headwear, which replaced the traditional peaked cap that gardai had worn since the foundation of the state, was officially introduced in January.
