Forage Cap

Request Number: FOI/15036

Category: Policing Themes, Operations and Investigations Policing Other

Subject: Forage Cap

Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.

Request
What are the current (as of 24th June 2025) regulations with regard to uniformed PSNI officers (response and neighbourhood) wearing the forage cap whilst out of a vehicle in public view performing beat patrols, traffic diversions at events/ incidents etc and dealing with members of the public? (My question does not relate to circumstances of an urgent emergency situation that makes the wearing of the forage cap impractical due to the urgency of the situation).

Answer
PSNI's Corporate Appearance and Protective Equipment Standard (CAPES) states the following;

2.17 Caps and Helmets
The PSNI issues many different types of headwear including the forage cap, the patrol cap, the woollen hat and the public order helmet. Headwear must be worn at all times when performing uniform duties in public, unless in a vehicle or otherwise prevented by the urgency or nature of the particular duty. The Forage Cap remains the normal cap for patrol duties unless you are in a specialist unit.

Headwear should be removed if it is appropriate e.g. entering a house, office, church, place of worship or other appropriate place.

Where a disability or evidenced medical requirement requires an adjustment to an individual’s headwear, reasonable adjustments will be made in line with advice from the Health and Safety Unit, with due consideration to any health and safety issues. Further guidance can be sought from the OHW, HR Service Centre or the Equality and Diversity Unit, as appropriate.

For individuals who may wish to wear specific headwear on duty for religious/ cultural purposes, the Service will always aim to support these practices as long as the safety of the individual is not put at risk and that health and safety regulations are not breached. Turban fabric and hijabs are available from stock at Stores Seapark.

Headwear issued for specialist purposes eg; public order helmet should be worn as intended and officers should ensure the helmet is replaced as per usage instructions.

Headwear will also be issued where it is necessary for Health and Safety reasons, eg cycling.