# Karnataka police get new uniform accessories

> Chief Minister announces matte-finish buttons and whistle guards to replace rusting metal parts that damage uniforms and harm officers' skin.
- Title: Karnataka police get new uniform accessories · The Hindu
- Summary: Chief Minister announces matte-finish buttons and whistle guards to replace rusting metal parts that damage uniforms and harm officers' skin. Karnataka will…
- Keywords: karnataka police, d.k. shivakumar, uniform accessories, police personnel, karnataka state police complaints author, news, politics, Karnataka, police, get, uniform, accessories
- Source: The Hindu — https://thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-police-to-get-new-whistle-guards-matte-finish-buttons/article71607932.ece
- Author: The Hindu Bureau
- Published: 2026-10-21T14:47:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: karnataka police, d.k. shivakumar, uniform accessories, police personnel, karnataka state police complaints author, news, politics
## New uniform parts announced
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that Karnataka police will get new whistle guards and matte-finish uniform buttons at the Police Martyrs' Day programme.
## Why the change matters
Metal whistle chains and buttons rust in changing weather, leaving stains on uniforms, damaging fabric and potentially causing skin problems among lower-rank personnel.
## Years of requests ignored
The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority has repeatedly urged the Home Department and the Director General and Inspector General of Police to replace metal accessories.
## Other states already moved
Sikkim, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Keralam, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir have introduced whistle guards and matte-finish buttons.
## Matching new headgear
The accessories will match navy-blue peak caps recently introduced for lower-rank personnel, replacing older British-era headgear that was reportedly uncomfortable during summer duty.
## Key takeaway

Karnataka will replace metal whistle chains and buttons on police uniforms with matte-finish alternatives to prevent rust damage and skin problems among personnel.