The distinctive helmet worn by the British "bobby on the beat" could be on the way out because it wobbles and falls off in fights.
Policemen will try out three hats this autumn as possible replacements for the 12-inch-high (30 centimetre) beat helmet, which has topped most officers' heads for the last 150 years, the government said today.
Police Superintendents' Association President Kevin Morris said the old-fashioned helmet - which resembles an upturned flowerpot - does not give cops a head-start catching villains.
"It's no longer up to scratch in terms of health and safety," Mr Morris said. "They're no good in a fight or if you're being assaulted. If you're being hit you want something that stays on your head".
The three hats being tested are a shorter version of the current model, a stronger version of the female officer's bowler hat and a reinforced baseball cap for specialist units. Scottish officers already wear flat caps.
"I wouldn't like to see a baseball cap," Mr Morris said. "It doesn't look smart enough".