SPCA Urges Karnataka Police Chief to Replace Rust-Prone Metal Buttons

Mohan Kumar Danappa, a member of the State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA), has formally written to the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) proposing an upgrade to the Karnataka Police uniforms in Bengaluru. The recommendation urges the department to replace the current metal whistle chains and metal buttons on the uniforms of police constables with rust-resistant whistle guards and matte-finished buttons to improve hygiene and prevent health issues.

The proposed change aims to address long-standing issues faced by constables on duty. The existing metal accessories on the uniforms are highly prone to rusting, which frequently leads to the soiling of their uniforms. Furthermore, the constant contact with rusted metal poses a risk of skin infections and other health complications for the personnel who wear them daily.

In his communication to the state's top police official, Danappa pointed out that other states have already taken steps to phase out these metal components. He noted that after recognizing the ill effects of metal buttons and metal whistle chains, several states introduced blue and khaki-coloured whistle guards for their police constables. Based on these successful models, Danappa suggested that Karnataka should follow suit by providing rust-resistant whistle guards and matte-finished buttons.

The proposal has received strong support from local police constables, who have long struggled with the maintenance of their uniforms. Many constables have welcomed the recommendation, sharing their personal difficulties with the current uniform accessories. One police constable explained that the metal buttons and whistle chains are prone to rust and can cause skin-related issues, adding that they had been facing specific problems because of the shoulder button.

This uniform upgrade push follows another major change implemented last year. In October, the Karnataka Police officially retired their colonial-era slouch hats, replacing them with modern navy blue peaked caps. That transition was widely welcomed by police constables across the state. The current proposal to replace the metal buttons and whistle chains represents the next step in ongoing efforts to modernize the police uniform and improve the daily working conditions of constables.