Khaki whistle guards to replace metal chains for Karnataka police

Police constables and head constables in Karnataka will soon replace the traditional metal whistle chains on their uniforms with new khaki-coloured whistle guards, following an order issued by Director-General and Inspector-General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem.

Mr. Saleem, who is also the Head of the Police Force (HoPF), has directed all unit officers to take necessary steps to introduce the new whistle guards for lower-rank police personnel across the State.

The move follows concerns that metal whistle chains fitted to police uniforms tend to rust due to weather conditions. The rust stains uniforms, leaving permanent marks and damaging the fabric. Prolonged contact with rusted metal may also cause skin problems and other health-related issues, according to a representation submitted to the authorities.

Several other States have already replaced metal whistle chains with whistle guards, using khaki- or blue-coloured alternatives. The proposal for Karnataka police personnel was to introduce whistle guards in a colour matching the navy-blue peaked caps issued as part of the uniform, or in another colour selected by the department.

Mohan Kumar Danappa, a member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority, had repeatedly written to the Home Department and the DGP, urging the introduction of whistle guards and matte-finish buttons for police personnel. He had also submitted photographs of police uniforms in other States where these changes had been implemented.

The proposal was announced by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the Police Martyrs’ Day programme in October.