Sussex Police male traffic superintendent or chief superintendent's cap 1974-1995
Name/Title
Sussex Police male traffic superintendent or chief superintendent's cap 1974 - 1995
Entry/Object ID
240
Description
White vinyl plastic topped cap with chequered band and a single "silver" plain band around the peak, with plastic chin strap, and fitted with a star shaped Queen's crown "Sussex Police EIIR " voided senior officer's cap badge, with a blue enamel ring, with mock silver finish. Maker's marks "Grantham". Size "7 3/8".
Use
For use by a male traffic superintendent or chief superintendent in Sussex Police
Context
It has long been practice for senior police officers to have rank insignia on their uniform caps as well as on their uniform tunics. Since the 20th century officers of the rank of inspector and above have had some form of insignia on their caps.
A single silver coloured plain band designates either a superintendent or chief superintendent.
White plastic topped caps are solely used by traffic officers and were introduced in the 1970s to replace earlier cotton covered examples. The plastic is easier to keep clean and more durable in inclement weather if at the scene of a traffic incident.
This particular cap has the Sussex Police enamelled EIIR senior officer's cap badge introduced in 1974 and used until 1995 when an all ranks cap badge was adopted. Prior to the introduction of all ranks badge constables and sergeants had a different cap badge to the ranks of inspector and above. In Sussex Police the badges for superintendents and above often had a finish to imitate silver as here.
Until the late 1960s it was common practice for officers of superintendent rank and above to have solid silver badges, all be it of exactly the same design as those used by Inspectors.
