Ubin's 'Pacific Blue' cops

The Straits Times, 31 May 05

Pulau Ubin police patrolmen are turning head on the island because of their new uniform--blue polo T-shirts, bermuda shorts and black hiking boots. And like their counterparts on the television series Pacific Blue, Sergeant Nicole Tan, 21, Sergeant Kevin Tay, 25, and Corporal Izwan Mohd Yusof, 28, use bicycles on their beats.

Launched yesterday, the uniform is part of an initiative by the Police Coast Guard's new Loyang Regional Base that was officially opened then.

The informal-looking get-up is meant not only to be comfortable, but also to boost rapport with the islanders.

Islander and driver Choo Geok Choon, 60, said: "I like it. It reminds me of the good old days when policemen wore shorts".

Mr Lai Ah Hah, 53, who also lives on Ubin, said with a grin: "It's cooler for them, but they have to watch out for the mosquitoes."