COP A LOOK AT NEW KIT.

Byline: GEORGINA BALSTON

SCOTTISH bobbies have turned to US cop shows for inspiration for their new uniforms.

Police officers in Grampian turned heads on the streets when they abandoned their old uniforms in favour for US-style outfits yesterday.

The trendy cargo trousers, protective body armour vests, zip-up fleeces and black shirts are being tried out by officers in Peterhead.

The move is part of a Scotland-wide trial of a variety of uniforms which will run sfor three months.

Grampian Police Superintendent Iain McCombie said that a number of different styles of uniforms are on trial by Scottish forces.

He said: "The whole idea is at the end of the day to come up with a uniform which the whole of Scotland can use."

"This will be a cost-effective way of producing a uniform which people have tried and tested. The view of these officers and others in the force will be researched and it will open up a national consultation and discussion forum.

"But we will be talking to people apart from the officers. The views of the public in Peterhead on the new uniforms will also be researched.

"The timing of the trial could not be better as a number of forces, including Grampian, were due in the near future to negotiate new contract for clothing."

The trial venture is being led by Tayside's Deputy Chief Constable Ian Gordon and results on the uniform scheme are expected by the end of the year.

CAPTION(S):

CAPTION: Miliband; NEW LOOK: Grampian Police