Meanwhile, the formal police cap can be saved for special ceremonies or events, the force noted on a Facebook post this afternoon.

The force added the adjustment to officers' uniform was introduced to make sure officers can be comfortable while working and to adapt to operation needs. The force noted they will provide the most appropriate uniforms for frontline workers after factoring in practicality and safety.

According to records, a commander Jim Walker from the Happy Valley division sent a letter to the force's OffBeat publication in 1999 and called on scrapping the wearing of formal police cap.

“I strongly recommend the reviewing body scrap the (formal police) cap for everyday use, reserving it only for formal interviews or ceremonial duties. It is useless,” Walker wrote.

Walker added “there is no way I advocate the wearing of American-style baseball caps,” and suggested allowing uniformed force members apart from PTU and Emergency Unit to wear berets.

Then-superintendent Law Cheuk-hung from the Support Wing replied that the cap “forms an integral part of the police image” and “provides various forms of protection to the wearer.”

Earlier, media reported that the force may switch officers shirts with buttons into polo shirts made of well-ventilated and flexible materials.