IT’S A piece of uniform synonymous with the bobby on the beat, but it is set to be consigned to the history books.

All officers in Oxfordshire were due to swap their traditional ‘custodian’ helmets for flat caps on January 1, as part of a new Thames Valley Police uniform.

But senior officers are being urged to have a change of heart and allow officers to continue wearing their familiar headgear.

Due to delays in delivering the new uniforms, some officers are continuing to wear helmets while pounding their beats.

Chief Supt Brendan O’Dowda, Oxfordshire’s police commander, said the helmets were not practical for modern policing and although there had been a delay in deliveries, the force would not change its mind.

Managers will decide at a meeting of the personal protection and clothing committee on February 10 the date when the helmets will be phased out.

One experienced Oxford officer, who asked not to be named, said colleagues felt proud to wear the traditional headgear.

He added: “I’m hoping they will let us keep them. They’ve been around for decades and it’s a good tradition.

“We’ve been told we can keep wearing them in the city, for now.”

Another officer, who also asked not to be named, said: “Clearly there’s a corporate image which needs to be complied with. If it’s a force requirement, then we’ll wear these caps, but I hope we can find a way to keep the helmets in some places at least.”

John Grant, chairman of the Thames Valley Police Federation, said: “It’s a huge shame the custodian helmets are to be removed and I would welcome a rethink.

“The custodian helmet is unique to a police officer and does differentiate police in the days of high-visibility jackets from other members of the community safety family, such as traffic wardens and police community support officers.”

A force survey last year revealed 75 per cent of officers wanted to get rid of the helmet.

Last April, the force decided to replace the white shirt, black tie, office trousers and helmet with a black shirt, black combat trousers and flat caps for men.

Women officers will continue to wear a hardened bowler-style hat.

The custodian helmet was first worn by the Metropolitan Police in London in the 1860s.

The helmets, with a police crest on the front and a chin strap, are made of cork and felt.

Mr O’Dowda said: “The decision has been taken. We will no longer supply custodian helmets.

“If you get in a fight or chasing someone, the helmet is the first thing that goes and it provides very little protection to your head.”