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Tribune Exclusive
‘Cool hats’ for TN cops
Arup Chanda
Tribune News Service

Chennai, April 1
Cop managers in north India might give some relief to the policemen on duty this summer if they import ‘cool hats’ from Tamil Nadu.

These hats are specially designed to prevent excessive sweating. The policemen perform their duties under the scorching sun, so these would be beneficial for them. The hats are not only cheap but medically tested to prevent headaches and respiratory problems due to excessive sweating.

Traffic constables in Coimbatore, 350 km from here in the western part of the state, have been provided with the heat resistant hats to keep them cool this summer.

The hats have been specially designed with a layer of coir pith with a mesh that acts as a non-conductor of heat and protects the head from direct sunlight.

According to a senior police official, the move is part of an exercise to modernise policing and improve the quality of management.

Being concerned with the welfare of constables, other than these ‘cool hats’ the policemen will also be provided with pollution masks to protect them from constant exposure to smoke emission from vehicles.

The constables manning the automatic traffic signal booth will also enjoy the cool breeze as fans would be fitted inside them.

The khaki woollen cap, which is part of their uniform of white shirt and khaki trousers make the head hot. “They become wet with sweat leading to bad odour and even hair loss. They are extremely inconvenient for the traffic policemen as they stand under the scorching sun for hours together and they cannot take them off while being on duty,” said a police officer.

The newly improvised hats have minute pores that would enable ventilation and prevent sweating. The outer cover would be of khaki colour and it would be worn inclined on the sides to cover the ears. The padding in the hat will give a cushioning effect and would be comfortable for the user.

The price is quite cheap as it ranges from only Rs100 to Rs 200 at the police stores in the open market.