wide-ranging review of uniforms conducted by senior Police officers.

And the London-style helmet -- a major hit with tourists -- could be under threat.

The uniforms committee of the Bermuda Police Service is already planning to introduce a US-style rain jacket or "heavy sweater''.

And the traditional British bobby helmet could be downgraded as a piece of Police kit.

A Police spokeswoman said "various parts of the uniform'' were now under review by a top-level committee.

She would not say if the review included bobbies' helmets -- but she refused to say they would be saved.

The spokeswoman added: "No decision has been made yet. There are various uniform-related issues under consideration.

"There is a uniform committee which looks into these matters and they are discussing a number of options.'' Police sources said the new jackets would keep truncheons hidden from view.

They have also complained that it is difficult to wear the British-style tunics over American-style belts, which carry equipment.

It is understood officers may keep the bobbies' tunics and helmets but they would only be used for ceremonial duties.

The spokeswoman said: "Nothing has been decided. The idea behind the jacket is not to conceal anything.

"Our officers do have to carry bulky items like handcuffs and occasionally they can impede their progress.'' Police to get a new look "They can also make it uncomfortable for the officers so the jacket is one solution.'' It is understood Police chiefs are looking at examples in the US to bring to Bermuda.

But Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen called on the Police to develop a "traditionally Bermudian look''.

"The helmet is more the image of England than Bermuda,'' he said. "It was only introduced in the 1960s so I'm not all that concerned about that. But how our Police dress is important for tourism.

"I would have reservations about just emulating an American look. The important thing is to have a distinctly, uniquely Bermudian image. The more we reflect that Bermudian image, the better.

"One would certainly expect the Bermuda shorts and the knee socks to continue for summer uniforms.

"But we must reflect a home grown Police force rather than an imported Police service -- either from the US or Britain.'' Tourism Minister David Dodwell said he had been told the look being considered by Police chiefs would "not be more American''.

He added: "The heavy sweaters are very much the type that are worn in England and I have been assured from a traditional standpoint that we will not see something non-British and more American.

"I have also been assured the helmets will remain part of the uniform.'' Government announced the Bermuda force was to be beefed up with a grant of $33 million in Wednesday's budget.

The cash will help the Police service put more officers on the beat, with 15 posts being civilianised.

Around $2 million wil be spent in the war on drugs and $1.25 million has been reserved for criminal investigations.

But Police would not reveal how much might be spent on the uniforms review.