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Cops steel for change as dept shuns brass buckles

In a circular issued recently, all the 35,000 policemen of the rank of constable, police naik and hawaldars have been asked to return their brass buckles to the local arms department in Naigaon.

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The Mumbai cops’ century-old brass buckle has melted in the financial heat faced by the police department. In a phased manner, the first of which has already begun, they will be replaced by shinier, albeit far less sturdy steel buckles.

In a circular issued recently, all the 35,000 policemen of the rank of constable, police naik and hawaldars have been asked to return their brass buckles to the local arms department in Naigaon. “Steel belts will be issued in exchange of the brass belts,” it states.

The brass buckle has long been an unmistakable identity of a city policeman, and over time, had come to be both revered and feared. For the cops, the buckle was a symbol of pride, and a lucky charm. So much so, that it was not unusual for a policeman to pray to it every morning before leaving for duty. For criminals, it triggered painful memories and ready compliance at the threat of a lashing. Bollywood loved them too.

According to a senior police officer, two types of brass buckles are in use — ones which have Mumbai Police embossed on them, while others have Maharashtra Police.

“The belts which have Mumbai Police embossed on them are made of panch-dhaatu (five metals), while the others are made of brass,” the officer said.

Understandably, the officers are not happy. “The brass buckle is a matter of pride for us. I feel proud when I polish the buckle every day, and wear it,” said a constable attached to the local arms division of the Mumbai police.

“The brass buckle is a tradition, and an important identity of a policeman. It is sad they are being phased out,” said another policeman who had come to the local arms department to return his belt.

Another policeman, who now uses the new steel buckle, said they are not as good. “They are not as sturdy as the brass buckles. They bend easily, and also tend to turn black in the sultry climate of Mumbai. The symbols and lettering on them is shoddy,” the policeman said.

Even though no reason has been given for the change, many policemen feel it is because brass is costlier. The police force also plans to induct another 55,000 men in the next five years, which would make the cost difference substantial.

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