UNIFORMED police officers will be wearing name badges in the next few years under new Metropolitan Police plans.

The police hope name badges will present the service as an open and transparent organisation and help break down barriers between police and communities.

It will apply to staff who have contact with the public, including uniformed police officers, special constables and specified operational civil staff, such as police community support officers and traffic wardens.

MPA chairman Toby Harris said: "We are very aware, however, the Police Federation and civil staff trade unions still have concerns about members wearing name badges in certain situations and we will continue to consult with these bodies."

The name badges will show the forename and family name, but not rank. They will be phased in through the next two to three years.

January 27, 2003 18:30