I saw three police officers the other day.

OK, so they were on their coffee break, but nonetheless, I have seen better turned-out garage mechanics. And that means no disrespect to mechanics everywhere, they are wearing clothing suitable for a greasy, messy occupation.

Given that it is nearly winter and they were wearing weatherproof gear, presumably stab vests and festooned with radios, cameras and looking like Christmas trees, it is incredible that with modern technology they could not be kitted out in something a little more stylish. Frankly, a can of lager, a fag drooping from their lips, lounging in the town square, would not have been amiss.

These people are the public face of Law and Order. They represent the sharp edge of the justice system, of the rules of society that allow us to exist together without too much bloodshed.

If they shamble about looking like a bunch of pykies, then, subliminally, our perception of Authority is cheapened and diminished.

It does not matter how much your conscious mind confirms your respect for the system of regulation, that image will speak directly to your subconscious.

I know that the figure of an old-style Bobby in neatly pressed uniform of jacket, trousers, shirt and collar, topped by a pointy helmet is an anachronism that will not work in today. But it did convey authority, dignity and respect.

We need that.

We do not need an image of frontline combat troops, at best, and down-and-out dossers at worst.

I do not wish to detract from the work that hard-pressed officers perform on our behalf.

Rather I expect their senior officers to ensure that their uniforms and clothing are properly styled and co-ordinated to convey an important message about their job and our society.